The world is facing extreme weather events this summer, as heat waves, wildfires, and floods affect millions of people across different regions.
In Greece, thousands of people have been evacuated from the island of Rhodes, where a wildfire has been raging for days.
In the southern United States, record-breaking temperatures have caused health risks and power outages.
These events are linked to climate change, which is making heat waves more frequent and intense, and creating favorable conditions for fires and storms.
The Greek island of Rhodes engulfed by flames
DIMITRIS KAPANTAIS/SOOC/AFP via Getty Images
The Greek island of Rhodes, a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean, has been hit by a devastating wildfire that has burned thousands of hectares of land and forced the evacuation of around 30,000 people, as per Phys.org.
The fire started on Tuesday and has been fueled by strong winds and high temperatures, which have reached 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some areas.
The fire has affected the eastern part of the island, where many hotels, resorts, and villages are located.
The authorities have mobilized boats, buses, and helicopters to transport people to safety, either to other parts of the island or to nearby islands.
Some people had to walk or swim to escape the flames, while others were trapped on beaches waiting for rescue.
The fire has also damaged homes, businesses, farms, and infrastructure, as well as natural habitats and wildlife, while smoke from the fire has reduced visibility and air quality, posing health risks for residents and visitors.
The fire service has deployed hundreds of firefighters, volunteers, and soldiers to battle the blaze, with the help of water-dropping planes and helicopters from Greece and other European countries.
As of writing, the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but some officials have suggested that it may have been started deliberately or negligently by humans.
Greece has a history of arson attacks during the summer months, often motivated by land disputes or financial interests.
The government has announced that it will provide financial aid and compensation to the victims of the fire, as well as measures to restore the environment and the economy of the island.
The southern United States is experiencing a severe heat wave that has broken temperature records and caused health problems and power outages for millions of people, as per Cairns Post.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for several states, including Arizona, Nevada, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
The heat wave is caused by a high-pressure system that traps hot air over the region and prevents cooler air from moving in, and also blocks moisture from reaching the area, creating dry conditions that increase the risk of wildfires.
Some of the hottest places in the country are Phoenix, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; Death Valley National Park; Dallas-Fort Worth; Houston; New Orleans; Atlanta; Miami; and Charleston.
The high temperatures have strained the power grid and caused blackouts and brownouts in some areas.
The power companies have urged customers to conserve energy by reducing their use of air conditioners and appliances during peak hours. The heat wave has also affected water supplies and agriculture, as reservoirs dry up and crops wilt.
It also poses serious health risks for people who are exposed to the sun or lack adequate cooling.
Heat-related illnesses include dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sunburns, and heat rashes. The elderly, children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, outdoor workers, homeless people, and pets are especially vulnerable to heat stress.
Authorities have advised people to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of fluids, wear light clothing and sunscreen, avoid strenuous activities, check on their neighbors and relatives, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
The heat wave is expected to last until early next week in some areas before gradually easing off. However, experts warn that such extreme heat events will become more common and intense in the future due to climate change.
They urge governments and individuals to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.
