Wildfires near Athens force evacuation amid intense heat, strong wind
Images | Xinhua/Marios Lolos
Thick plumes of smoke covered a large part of Athens on Sunday as two major wildfires broke out near the Greek capital, forcing the evacuation of two communities. But no injuries have been reported yet, according to local authorities, Xinhua reports.
In Varnavas, located in the northeastern Attica region, near Marathon - the birthplace of the Marathon race, 165 firefighters were battling the flames. They are supported by 12 water-dropping airplanes and helicopters.
In Neo Mazi near Megara town in western Attica, 48 firefighters, along with four water-dropping airplanes and helicopters, had been deployed to combat the fire.
Strong winds, reaching up to seven on the Beaufort scale, were complicating efforts to extinguish the blazes.
Forested zones have been mostly affected, according to the Fire Brigade. Some houses in Neo Mazi were damaged and remain at risk.
Greek authorities had advised everyone to stay alert as fire danger is heightened due to extreme temperatures in several regions.
Over the past few weeks, the Fire Brigade faced dozens of wildfire fronts daily. Greece experiences numerous wildfires each summer due to heatwaves linked to climate change and arson. This year two people have lost their lives in wildfires, while 20 were reported dead last year.
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Kyrgyzstan, China open new checkpoint on border
Images | Kabar
A ceremonial opening of a new Bedel checkpoint took place on the state border between Kyrgyzstan and the People's Republic of China, Kabar reports.
The Cabinet of Ministers reported that the opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers - Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev, as well as Chairman of the People's Government of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) Erkin Tuniyaz, who headed the Chinese delegation.
The ceremony began with video addresses by Chairman of the Cabinet - Head of the Presidential Administration Akylbek Zhaparov and member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Secretary of the Party Committee of the CPC XUAR Ma Xingrui.
In a video address, the head of the Cabinet of Ministers Akylbek Zhaparov noted that the opening of the checkpoint was made possible by the agreements between the heads of the two states - Sadyr Zhaparov and Xi Jinping, which marked a new page in the history of Kyrgyz-Chinese relations.
The Bedel checkpoint will become not only a gateway for further economic cooperation, but also a bridge of friendship and mutual respect between our countries. I am confident that in the near future it will become an important international transport and logistics corridor that will contribute to an increase in trade and passenger traffic between China and the countries of Central Asia," said Akylbek Zhaparov.
Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the CPC Ma Xingrui noted that the opening of the Bedel checkpoint will make a significant contribution to the development of good-neighborly and strategic relations between the two countries. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bakyt Torobaev emphasized that the new transport corridor will become the third major gate and bridge linking Kyrgyzstan and China along with the Irkeshtam and Torugart checkpoints, promoting even closer interaction and expanding existing routes.
This unique project, located on the border between the picturesque Issyk-Kul region and the prosperous Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, strengthens the friendship and cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China. A lot of work has been done in a short time, and there are still many tasks ahead. This is only the beginning of our long journey," Bakyt Torobaev added.
Chairman of the People’s Government of the XUAR Erkin Tuniyaz expressed confidence that the opening of the Bedel checkpoint will open a new stage in Kyrgyz-Chinese relations, creating new projects and opportunities that will contribute to the well-being and prosperity of both peoples.
The Bedel checkpoint was opened under a simplified procedure with the creation of temporary infrastructure. Full-scale construction of the road, as well as the creation of customs and border infrastructure that meets international standards, will be jointly implemented by 2027.
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293 killed, 564 injured in monsoon rain-related accidents in Pakistan
Images | Jan Ali/Xinhua
A total of 293 people have been killed and 564 others injured in monsoon rain-triggered accidents in Pakistan in the past two months as heavy downpours continued to wreak havoc in parts of the country, according to the National Disaster Management Authority, Xinhua reports.
Heavy rains have partially or fully damaged 19,572 houses, 39 bridges and several schools across the country, said the agency, adding that nearly 1,077 livestock have also perished from July 1 to Aug. 31.
Most of the damages and casualties were reported from the eastern Punjab province, where 112 people lost their lives and 302 others sustained injuries due to torrential rains, followed by the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with 88 deaths and 129 injuries.
The agency said a fresh spell of moderate to heavy rainfall was expected in parts of Pakistan in the coming days.
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Uzbekistan and Dubai enhance collaboration in tourism
Images | uza.uz
During a recent roundtable discussion in Tashkent, the tourism opportunities of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism were presented, UzA reports.
Here is what the Regional Head of Proximity Markets of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Bader Ali Habib, said about this: Currently, comprehensive ties between our countries are strengthening. This contributes to increasing the tourism potential of the two countries.
Dubai had a record year in 2023, with 17.15 million foreign tourists visiting the Emirates. This trend will continue in 2024. In January-June this year, Dubai was visited by 9.31 million foreign tourists, 9 percent more than in the same period last year.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism recorded record attendance figures in 2023. In particular, a significant increase in the number of tourists from Uzbekistan was noted. Compared with the summer season of 2022, in 2023, the tourist flow increased by 81 percent. Compared with the summer season of 2019, it increased by 160 percent. In 2024, the tourist flow from Uzbekistan continues to grow. In particular, in the first quarter of the year, visitors increased by 8 percent compared to the same period last year. This is due to the growing popularity of Dubai and the successful development of the country’s tourism sector. Established direct flights between Dubai, Tashkent, and Samarkand strengthen the ties between these cities.
Uzbekistan is becoming an important and promising market for Dubai, and we are pleased with the steady growth in the number of Uzbekistan tourists coming to the Emirates. Thanks to the availability of direct flights and the absence of visa barriers, tourism has become very convenient for citizens of Uzbekistan. Dubai attracts tourists with its unique cultural events, attractions, and excellent service. We strive to provide guests an unforgettable experience and a comfortable and safe holiday.
Dubai’s excellent tourism performance is recognized internationally. Starting in 2024, the city was ranked number one in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for the third time.
With new attractions and events attracting tourists worldwide, Dubai has established itself as a global hub for leisure and entertainment and continues to strengthen its position. One of its most recent achievements was opening the first Real Madrid World theme park at Dubai Parks and Resorts, operated by a renowned football club. This was achieved through a long-term agreement between DET and Real Madrid in October last year. The deal opens new opportunities for the two organizations and supports Dubai’s D33 economic goal.
More than 100 Dubai hotels offer visitors a special Kids Go Free promotion during the summer. As part of the promotion, children under 12 can stay, eat, and visit attractions in the city for free.
The Dubai Summer Surprises shopping festival is also held regularly. From June 28 to September 1, visitors and residents of Dubai are offered incredible discounts, special offers, and cultural events. The shopping festival is held from December 13 to January 19 in the winter.
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