
Explainer-The health risks of extreme heat
By Jennifer Rigby and Kate Turton LONDON The world is baking under extreme heat - with Asia, Europe
2023-07-18 19:19

Guadeloupe media guide
An overview of the media in Guadeloupe, including links to broadcasters and newspapers.
2023-07-18 18:58

Ukraine says situation 'complicated' in east, Russia reports advancing
KYIV (Reuters) -Kyiv reported a "complicated" situation in fighting in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, and Moscow said its troops had
2023-07-18 18:56

Guadeloupe profile
Provides an overview of Guadeloupe, including key facts about this French Caribbean territory.
2023-07-18 18:54

U.S. national in North Korea custody after crossing inter-Korean border
SEOUL (Reuters) -A U.S. national is likely to be in North Korean custody after crossing the inter-Korean border during a
2023-07-18 18:20

WMO warns of risk of heart attacks, deaths as heatwave intensifies
GENEVA The heatwave engulfing the northern hemisphere is set to intensify this week, causing overnight temperatures to surge
2023-07-18 17:54

How is the UK stopping Channel crossings and what are the legal routes to the UK?
The government's Illegal Migration Bill has passed through Parliament.
2023-07-18 17:27

Brits travelling to Greece given updated travel advice during extreme heat
Britons travelling to Greece have been told to sign up for emergency alerts as the country is gripped by “extreme heat” and wildfires. The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for the popular tourist destination, with Britons warned of travel disruption as temperatures soar. It comes after thousands were evacuated from at least six seaside communities near Athens after their homes were threatened by wildfires. Much of Greece has been baking in near 40C conditions as a heatwave grips the continent, with temperatures in the southeast European country forecast to climb further later this week and into the weekend. “Extreme temperatures are currently affecting many areas of Greece,” the guidance says. “You can register on the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service to receive emergency alerts.” Travellers are also advised to monitor local and international weather updates from the Greek Meteorological Service or European Meteorological Services, check conditions with their travel provider and follow the advice of local authorities at all times. There is also a chance that the extreme weather conditions could disrupt travel, the Foreign Office added. Officials in Greece issued the six evacuation orders on Monday morning as strong gusts of up to 70kph (45mph) whipped the wildfire closer to resort towns. The army, police special forces and volunteer rescuers freed retirees from their homes, rescued horses from a stable, and helped monks flee a monastery threatened by the flames. Last night water-dropping planes and helicopters tackled the flames near Lagonisi, some 40 km (25 miles) southeast of the capital. The second large wildfire broke out in a wooded area near the resort town of Loutraki, some 90km (55 miles) west of Athens, where a children’s summer camp and rehabilitation center for seniors were evacuated, local officials said. Fire Service spokesman Yiannis Artopios said the strong and changeable winds and mountainous terrain in which both fires broke out were slowing the firefighting effort. "The conditions are changing constantly and this has to be matched by our response. We have ordered multiple evacuations," he said. The evacuees gathered along the coastline or were put up in schools and hotels, while coast guard vessels were dispatched to smoke-heavy beachfronts to assist if needed. On a visit to Brusssels, Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the risk posed by wildfires this month as "extremely difficult" to deal with. "We have always had wildfires and we always will have them. But with the effects of the climate crisis, we are experiencing fires with increasing intensity," Mr Mitsotakis said, speaking on the margins of talks between leaders from the European Union and Latin American and Carribean countries. Greater Athens and much of southern Greece were on the second highest level of alert for wildfires Monday and Tuesday following a four-day heat wave that eased over the weekend. More heatwave temperatures are expected later in the week. Residents and visitors in areas affected by the two fires received cell phone alerts from the Civil Protection Ministry. Loutraki Mayor Giorgos Gionis said municipal workers were also assisting seniors in the evacuations, adding that the operation had been impeded by cell phone reception outages. Local officials confirmed that homes had been destroyed and badly damaged in both fires. Southern and parts of eastern Europe are currently in the grip of a sweltering heatwave that meteorologists forecast will continue well into this week. Other popular holiday destinations including Italy, Spain and Turkey are also experiencing intense heat. Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes in the La Palma area of the Spanish Canary Islands over the weekend as a wildfire tore through 4,500 hectares of land as firefighters struggled to tackle the blaze. Forecasters in Italy say that Sardinia looks set to become the “epicentre” of the heatwave this week and could see temperatures of 48C (118.4F), just shy of the record 48.8C (119.8F) recorded in Sicily in August 2021. This week’s heatwave has been named Charon after the ferryman who delivered souls into the underworld in Greek mythology. Last week’s was named Cerberus - the name of a mythical creature in ancient Greek folklore. Cerberus, a three-headed dog, was believed to guard the gates to the underworld. Scientists say climate change is making extreme weather events like the current heatwaves in Europe more common. Read More Which holiday destinations will be hottest this week and how can you stay safe as temperatures soar? Europe heatwave: Is it safe to travel to Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia? Extreme 40C heatwaves will frequently occur in UK without emissions cut, Met Office says Independent Traveller guide to best hotels and short breaks Best hotels in New York: Where to stay in Manhattan, Brooklyn and more Cheap hotels in Paris 2022: Where to stay for value for money
2023-07-18 16:56

BlackRock Names CEO of World’s Biggest Oil Producer to Its Board
BlackRock Inc. has named Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser to its board, underscoring the asset manager’s
2023-07-18 16:29

Thai PM hopeful, willing to slow pace of party's reform agenda
By Panu Wongcha-um and Chayut Setboonsarng BANGKOK Thai prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat on Tuesday said he was
2023-07-18 14:59

Lindsay Lohan gives birth to her first child
Lindsay Lohan has given birth to her first child, a son named Luai. On Monday 17 July, Page Six first reported that a representative for Lohan, 37, had confirmed the Freaky Friday star and her husband Bader Shammas had welcomed their first child together. In a statement to The Independent, a representative for Lohan said: “Lindsay Lohan and her financier husband, Bader Shammas, welcomed a beautiful, healthy son named Luai. The family is over the moon in love.” According to Page Six, Lohan and Shammas’ son was born in Dubai, where the couple lives. The exact date of the baby’s birth is currently unknown. As for the name the couple chose for their son, the baby’s name, which is a popular Arabic name for boys, means strong and steady, or shield or protector. The baby news comes after Lohan celebrated her son’s impending arrival with a recent look at the infant’s beach-themed nursery. In photos shared this week, the actress showed off the nursery, which included a wall painted with a beach mural and a nautical-themed crib. Lohan first announced that she was expecting her first child in March, when she shared a photo of a “coming soon” onesie. “We are blessed and excited,” she wrote in the caption. In April, Lohan shared photos from her baby shower, which was attended by friends and family. “Good times. So grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life,” she captioned the photos. Lohan opened up about becoming a mother during an interview with Allure in June, where she revealed that she couldn’t wait to become a parent. “I can’t wait to see what the feeling is and what it’s like to just be a mom,” Lohan said. “Happy tears. That’s just who I am. Though now, it’s probably baby emotion. It’s overwhelming in a good way.” The actress announced her engagement to financier Shammas in November 2021. In June 2022, Lohan revealed that she and Shammas had exchanged vows when she referred to her partner as her “husband” on Instagram. Read More Pregnant Lindsay Lohan reveals she turned to Jamie Lee Curtis for parenting advice Jamie Lee Curtis shares sweet tribute to pregnant ‘film daughter’ Lindsay Lohan Lindsay Lohan gives birth to her first child Today show star Jill Martin diagnosed with breast cancer Melanie Skyes reveals she has been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome
2023-07-18 14:47

Gold Climbs as Traders Mull Sluggish China Growth, Fed Rate Path
Gold edged higher as Treasury yields fell, with investors weighing the impact of a sluggish Chinese recovery on
2023-07-18 14:23