Latest news with #southerncoast
Bloomberg
21-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Australia Commits Funds to Tackle Southern Algal Crisis
Good morning, it's Carmeli in Sydney here to bring you all the latest headlines. Today's must-reads: • Australia's algal bloom crisis • ABS will publish monthly inflation • Goldman Sachs hires Apollo executive Australia's government has unveiled an assistance package of at least A$14 million to help tackle a growing algal bloom crisis off the southern coast that's killing marine life and damaging regional fisheries. Environment Minister Murray Watt described the unfolding natural disaster as 'a very serious event' and said the federal funding was intended to help clear dead wildlife and provide assistance for tourism and fisheries.
Bloomberg
21-07-2025
- Climate
- Bloomberg
Australia's Growing Algal Crisis in South Devastates Marine Life
Australia's government has unveiled an assistance package of at least A$14 million ($9.1 million) to help tackle a growing algal bloom crisis off the southern coast that's killing marine life and damaging regional fisheries. Environment Minister Murray Watt announced the funding package in the southern city of Adelaide on Monday after inspecting the damage. He described the unfolding natural disaster as 'a very serious event.'
Gizmodo
17-07-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
A Surge of Earthquakes in Alaska Is Raising Red Flags
A powerful offshore earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for communities along a 700-mile (1,100-kilometer) stretch of Alaska's southern coast on Wednesday, July 16. Fortunately, the wave never came, and ground shaking caused minimal damage, but another large quake could strike this area in the near future. Since 2020, five earthquakes ranging from magnitude 7.2 to 8.2 have struck the southern coast of Alaska. It's not unusual for seismic activity to occur in this part of the state, as it runs along an active tectonic plate boundary called the Aleutian subduction zone. Still, seeing five large quakes within close range of each other in just five years has captured the attention of seismologists like Michael West, Alaska's state seismologist and director of the Alaska Earthquake Center. West told Gizmodo that the southern coast appears to be experiencing an earthquake sequence. While it's possible that Wednesday's quake was the last in this sequence, it's also possible that more large earthquakes—or even one huge one—could strike within the next few years, he said. 'Five earthquakes is enough to be statistically significant,' West said. 'This area is clearly undergoing a period of strain release while other areas of this particular boundary are—at the moment—a bit more quiet.' Earthquakes occur when accumulated stress along the border between two converging tectonic plates suddenly releases, causing them to slip past each other. Sometimes, one earthquake is enough to relieve the stress on a particular section, but not always. It can take multiple quakes spanning several years to release a significant buildup of stress, which is probably happening on Alaska's southern coast. Wednesday's quake occurred southeast of Sand Point, a small town in the Aleutian Islands. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it resulted from strike-slip faulting—when two tectonic plates slip horizontally past each other—in the Aleutian subduction zone. Seismologists have been keeping a close eye on this part of the plate boundary since the 1980s, when they identified it as an area of accumulating tectonic stress, West said. It took another 40 years for that built-up stress to finally result in seismic activity. 'Starting in 2020, it was like, 'Okay, now it's time for this particular segment to do its thing,'' West said. It's fortunate—and 'remarkable'—that none of the large quakes that have struck this area since 2020 have produced a tsunami, he added. Seismologists know the Aleutian subduction zone is capable of triggering devastating, Pacific-wide tsunamis. In 1946, for example, an 8.6 magnitude earthquake in this plate boundary caused a tsunami that traveled all the way to the shores of Antarctica and killed more than 150 people in Hawaii. The epicenter of that quake was located just 100 miles away from that of Wednesday's quake, West said. The earthquake sequence currently unfolding in this part of the Aleutian subduction zone could lead to a few different scenarios, he explained. If Wednesday's quake released all the accumulated stress in this segment, seismic activity could stall out and remain quiet for decades. Alternatively, it could take several more magnitude 7 to 8 quakes—or a single magnitude 9—to release all the stress. 'The societal consequences are very, very different for those two different paths,' West said. Unlike the relatively inconsequential quakes Alaska's southern coast has experienced in the last five years, a magnitude 9 would be highly likely to produce a dangerous tsunami and damaging ground shaking. Fortunately, 'there are, and long have been, very strong preparedness efforts underway in these communities,' West said. 'Every community near here has been studied for its tsunami inundation potential.' That said, 'we can always do more education,' he added. 'We've always got training to do to help people understand how to use that information, and how to do it quickly. You don't have much time [during] events like this.'
The National
07-07-2025
- The National
Review: What's new at the refreshed Relais & Chateaux Cape Weligama in Sri Lanka
On Sri Lanka 's southern coastline, Relais & Chateaux Cape Weligama has been welcoming guests for more than a decade and recently completed a refresh to mark its 10th anniversary. New additions include a secluded bay, more interconnecting rooms for families, plus upgraded bars and restaurants. Perched dramatically on a scenic hilltop, the 12-acre resort features 39 suites and villas nestled among swaying palms and emerald-green gardens. Each accommodation sits quietly beneath a terracotta-tiled roof and offers sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. The National checked in to find out what to expect from one of Sri Lanka's most idyllic resorts. The welcome Our journey begins with a punctual pickup from Galle in a luxury air-conditioned van, complete with refreshing cold towels and water. The half-hour coastal drive winds along scenic roads before ascending into the hilltops, where we arrive at the beautifully landscaped property. A charming turquoise retro-style camper van with a surfboard on top greets guests, setting the scene for the laidback luxury, and a fantastic awaits nearby. The staff offer my husband, daughter and I welcome drinks, and we're soon escorted to our spacious villa. The resort's clifftop setting offers lush gardens, winding pathways, panoramic ocean views and the occasional wandering peacock. The recently added private beach is modest in size, but offers convenient shoreline access. Located only half an hour from the historic town of Galle, Relais & Chateaux Cape Weligama strikes a balance between easy access to city sights and a secluded, nature-immersed escape. Guests can explore nearby attractions including Galle's 17th-century Dutch fort, world-class surfing at Weligama Bay and whale watching in Mirissa, about a 20-minute drive away. The room We stay in a Premier Villa named King Vijaya - each villa is named after figures from Sri Lankan history – and it's one of the largest I've ever stayed in. A cot has been thoughtfully placed next to the king-sized bed for our daughter, yet there's still ample space to move around freely. The bathroom is equally spacious, with a walk-in rain shower, steam room and plenty of room for our daughter to play. The outdoor terrace is ideal for lounging or dining, surrounded by nature. It also leads to our 15-metre foliage-fringed infinity pool, which we technically share with one other villa – but we have it entirely to ourselves during our stay. The service The staff are friendly and welcoming, particularly with our young daughter. They're quick to provide baby chairs when needed, and she's even welcome to join our cocktail-making class (with a virgin strawberry mojito, of course). Babysitters are readily available to book on call. The food Dining at Relais & Chateaux Cape Weligama offers plenty of choice, from all‑day casual fare at The Atlas to immersive moments at Tableau, afternoon teas and sunset sips at The Society, plus laid‑back bites at Moon Bar. Our dinner was arranged as a scenic viewpoint experience, and despite a last‑minute venue change due to rain, we still enjoyed clifftop vistas over the Indian Ocean. We began with a beautifully presented crab and coconut sambal that balanced sweet, spicy and nutty flavours perfectly, followed by a creamy white snapper ceviche. The meal culminated in an authentic Sri Lankan curry served with traditional accompaniments, think rice, sambal and sauces, which were beautifully presented and utterly delicious. Hotel facilities There's no lack of swimming pools at this resort with each cluster having its own pool to share, plus the family-friendly Cove Pool, which is great for children thanks to its large central shallow section. Adults will prefer the Moon Pool, which has the best views of the sunset and dramatic cliffside vistas. Down the stone steps is Cove Beach Club with direct access to the ocean. Two children's spaces, including an outdoor nature-based play area and a small space just for babies, will keep little ones happy, while those hoping to keep their fitness on track can work out in the fully equipped gym. Spa The Sanctuary Spa sits quietly at the top of the resort, offering treatments inspired by ancient healing practices with a modern touch. While my husband watches our daughter, I sneak away for a soothing massage using local oils. Family-friendly factor What impressed me most about this resort was its genuinely family-friendly approach, striking a rare balance between sophisticated luxury and thoughtful touches that cater to younger guests. From children's menus at dinner to giant boulders perfect for climbing on and oversized chess games under shady trees, children are warmly welcomed rather than simply accommodated. The standout feature is the Forest School, an open-air playground, where kids can connect with nature through supervised treasure hunts, drawing sessions, tree climbing, and other outdoor adventures. It's designed for children aged two to 15, and led by experienced staff who make sure every activities are both safe and fun. Accessibility and sustainability Relais & Chateaux Cape Weligama is taking steps toward sustainability, including reducing plastic use, sourcing food locally and improving waste and energy management, in line with the environmental commitments of its parent company, Resplendent Ceylon. Some areas of the resort may not be wheelchair accessible due to the terrain and stone steps. Rates from $432 (about 131,000 Sri Lankan rupees) per night, excluding taxes, but including breakfast. Check-in at 2pm, check-out at 11am
CBS News
03-07-2025
- CBS News
Wildfires on Greek island Crete force thousands to evacuate
Greek authorities ordered thousands to evacuate from different parts of the southern island of Crete, one of the country's most popular tourist spots, where wildfires burned uncontrollably on Thursday. Firefighters were struggling to contain the blaze as gale-force winds fueled the flames. Officials said people were evacuated from hotels and residential homes overnight after the fire erupted Wednesday afternoon near Ierapetra, on the island's southern coast, and continued to burn. Giorgos Tzarakis, the head of the hoteliers' association of Ierapetra and southeastern Crete, told local media about 5,000 people in the area had been evacuated, with most of them being tourists who had traveled to the island from abroad. They were sheltering at a sports venue in Ierapetra, CBS News partner BBC News reported Residents of four villages in the area — Ferma, Katharades, Koutsounari and Kakia Skala — were ordered to evacuate. Meanwhile, Greece's fire service said the blaze had split into three active fronts at Achlia, Ferma and Skinokapsala, BBC News reported. BBC News also published video of the fire burning near the beach in Crete, sending a huge smoke plume into the air as beachgoers looked on. All hospitals in Crete were placed on alert as a precaution, according to the outlet. Fire burns in the Ahlia area near the port town of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete island, Greece, late Wednesday, July 2, 2025. InTime News via AP By Thursday morning, 230 firefighters backed by 10 water-dropping helicopters were battling the flames advancing through forest and farmland. Gale force winds in the area, with gusts reaching about 50 miles per hour, "are constantly creating ... new outbreaks, making firefighting work very difficult," said fire department spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary, the coast guard said. Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official at the regional authority, told The Associated Press overnight that tourists who had been evacuated from the area had been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other parts of the island. Several residents were treated for breathing difficulties, officials said, but there were no reports of serious injuries. The Fire Service and a civil protection agency issued mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try to save their property. Firefighter uses a hose as the try to extinguish the blaze near the town of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete island, Greece, Thursday July 3, 2025. InTime News via AP As fires crested ridgelines and edged toward residential areas overnight, the blaze sent clouds of ash into the sky, illuminated by the headlights of emergency vehicles and water trucks that lined the coastal road near the resorts of Ferma and Achlia on the southeast of Crete. Crete is one of Greece's most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists. The risk of wildfires remained very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece Thursday, according to a daily bulletin issued by the Fire Service. Wildfires are frequent in the country during its hot, dry summers, and the fire department has already tackled dozens across Greece so far this year. In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee. More than 100 died, including some who drowned while trying to swim away from the flames.
