Varnávas (Greece) (AFP) – Greek police officers help evacuate elderly people from their homes as wildfires blaze in Varnavas, some 40km north of Athens. Thousands of people living around the Greek capital have fled their homes as a huge wildfire front creeps closer, despite “superhuman” efforts to contain the blaze, officials say.
Moscow (AFP) – Russia orders more evacuations in a region bordering Ukraine as it battles to contain an unprecedented push onto its territory by Kyiv forces. The shock offensive is the most serious attack by a foreign army on Russian territory since the Second World War.
Varnávas (Greece) (AFP) – Greece orders the evacuation of hospitals and homes near Athens as wildfires spread despite “superhuman” efforts to combat the flames, the fire brigade said.
Khan Yunis (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Palestinians flee southern Gaza’s main city as Israel warns of a new military operation, a day after one of the deadliest reported strikes in more than 10 months of war.
Lahore (AFP) – Fans welcome Pakistan javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem as he lands in Lahore after spearing a gold medal in the Paris games and setting a new Olympic record. Despite practising with rickety equipment and with little access to the gyms and training grounds his international competitors have, Nadeem gave Pakistan its first Olympic gold medal in 40 years. “What Arshad Nadeem has done was an unachievable thing,” says one fan. “We never thought that we would see this in our life.”
Belfast (AFP) – Migrants in Belfast are in shock over racist attacks on foreign-owned shops and businesses on August 3, with several shops torched and windows smashed. Local people have rallied in support with thousands taking part in an anti-racism march and demonstration in Belfast city centre. “Belfast is a welcoming city,” says Fiona Doran, Head of United Against Racism. “It’s a city that says no to racism.”
Paris (AFP) – Paris 2024 chief organiser Tony Estanguet promises a “special” end to the Olympics. Speaking the day before the closing ceremony, Estanguet is careful not to spoil any surprises. He reveals, however, that 1,000 more athletes than expected will attend. “We’re delighted to be able to welcome them tomorrow evening and thank them because, frankly, they’ve made these Games great for us,” he tells AFP.
Tokio (AFP) – People in Japan are urged to avoid panic-buying after the country’s weather agency issued warnings over a potential large earthquake. This comes after a magnitude 7.1 jolt impacted the south on Thursday, leaving 14 people injured. “I’ve been trying to figure out how best to evacuate,” one Tokyo resident tells AFP.
Paris (AFP) – “This might be my favourite medal that I have so far,” says 100m Olympic champion Noah Lyles about his 200m bronze medal. Lyles, who was hoping to achieve a 100m-200m double in Paris, was taken off the track in a wheelchair following the 200m final. He revealed later he had tested positive for COVID.
London (AFP) – One goat, two elephants, three monkeys — Banksy’s latest artworks, emerging across London these past six days, have prompted a range of interpretations, from commentary on Gaza, or the recent UK riots, even the Olympics. One of the pieces, a howling wolf painted on a satellite dish, is believed to have been stolen within hours. “The symbolism of it is really powerful,” says Jason Tomkins, one Banksy fan.
Vlora (AFP) – Once a Cold War military base, Albania’s Sazan island is anticipating a makeover after Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US president Donald Trump, unveiled plans alongside his wife Ivanka Trump to revamp it with a touch of luxury. Excitement is palpable in some quarters: “Kushner’s project will revive the island of Sazan. It will protect it and develop it,” says sailor Baci Dyrmishaj.
Shanghai (AFP) – Work stress, property crises, memories of the pandemic — these all help explain the recent boom in China’s wellness sector, particularly among young people. Many associate the rising popularity of herbal teas, supplements and lifestyle classes with the traditional Chinese concept of “yangsheng” — meaning “cultivating one’s life force” — but the importance of social media is hard to ignore here too. “I think because social media is now flooded with wellness bloggers, so it has become a trend,” says Zhang Shiyu, after attending a Chinese medicine class.
