Greece suffers a second week of devastating wildfires[InTime News]
Welcome to the round-up of news by Kathimerini English Edition. For a second straight week, high temperatures fuelled dozens of wildfires across Greece. While the threat has been receding at the tail-end of the week, the fires killed five people and left behind scarred earth as they destroyed homes, businesses, and forests. Additionally, on Thursday, an unchecked fire in central Greece triggered massive explosions at a Hellenic Air Force munitions dump near the Air Force base at Nea Anchialos, close to the city of Volos, forcing the evacuation of almost 2,000 people from the surrounding area. The shockwaves from the blast were felt for miles, with glass panes shattering in nearby buildings. According to information available to Kathimerini, the depot contained both 1,000- and 2,000-pound bombs carried by the approximately 70 F-16 fighter jets of the 111th Combat Wing operating out of the Nea Anchialos air base, while also housing air-to-surface missiles. In fact, the depot was reportedly so fully packed that the installed firefighting systems failed. The explosions and the fires also prompted the relocation of several F-16s stationed at the airbase. Naturally, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias urgently called for a full investigation into the safety lapses that allowed the situation to escalate this rapidly, particularly as Nea Anchialos is one of the largest HAF facilities. As Kathimerini’s defense correspondent Vassilis Nedos points out, almost half of Greece’s F-16s operate from the base, which translates to an extended ecosystem of facilities in the vicinity. He also raised important points, primarily questioning the firefighting protocols in effect at the time, and the extent to which they were followed. He also asked whether the Hellenic Fire Service was fully aware and trained to face the dangers of a fire in the area. Finally the issue of whether the blast impedes the operational capacity of the HAF is raised. Spotlight
|
MUST READS
|
OPINION
An in-depth investigation into how Greece’s military bases are safeguarded – or left unprotected – is warranted after the mass explosions of precious ordnance, including heavy bombs, at an ammunition depot at the Nea Achialos air force base. The question becomes an existential one as the incident that triggered the investigation occurred in the airbase hosting the bulk of the nation’s air defenses, a larger number of F-16 fighter jets, many of which had to be relocated. At a time when billions of euros are being spent on the most advanced aircraft, it is unacceptable that the latter would be exposed to the possibility of being burned on the ground. The commander of the base in question has been relieved of his duties while more officers are expected to be sanctioned. At the same time, with the country’s firefighters, police officers and members of the fire service battling the wildfires, the minister responsible for the country’s public protection services, Minister of Citizen Protection Notis Mitarakis, was caught vacationing on a yacht in a popular island and was rightly forced to resign. A thorough inquiry is demanded by the opposition too. The issue is not ideological, but rather a matter of the necessary planning and competence in a sensitive sector, and that is a national need that transcends political parties. It is in this context that the investigation should take place, and the relevant officials in the government and military hierarchy be held responsible. And more importantly, the shortcomings that might be revealed, must be corrected. |
|
ECONOMY IN A NUTSHELL |
“Traders appeared to cash-in on the recent hot streak of the Athens Exchange (ATHEX) with the general index closing at 1,333.86 points on Friday, down 0.40% from the week before.” |
“Despite a sharp decline in the demand for mortgages due to rising interest rates, the volume and value of real estate transactions in Greece continue to move upward. While the flow of financing in housing credit decreased by almost 650 million euros in the first six months of the year, the share of cash sales has been increasing.” |
“The Independent Authority for Public Revenues will begin its efforts to reduce tax evasion in Greece by scrutinizing taxi operators, plumbers, and electricians as sources within the Finance Ministry share investigations will begin with job sectors and self-employed individuals who declare an annual income of less than 10,000 euros.” |
WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA |
|
Editor's PickThe center-right government, which was elected to a second term in office in June by an overwhelming majority, does not appear willing to keep the required distance from the ChurchMaria KatsounakiRead the article |
PODCAST |
We’d like to hear from youShare your feedback at newsletters@ekathimerini.com |
Did you receive this email from a friend?Subscribe to our newsletters here |
Kathimerini English Edition is published as a single paper with the International Edition of NYTimes |
No comments:
Post a Comment