Europe

Belgian virologist Marc Van Ranst highlighted ongoing plague cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, stating the laboratory connection makes the current incident more concerning. He also noted that COVID-19 has returned this winter in a milder form, differing from previous years.

Former German intelligence chief August Hanning is under investigation by Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly obtaining classified information, including state secrets, from a former employee of the Federal Intelligence Service. Accusations involve espionage and the continued receipt of confidential documents after his tenure.

Major wildfires are ravaging parts of Greece, Spain, Italy, and France as temperatures soar due to an intense heatwave. In Greece, nearly 200 firefighters tackled a new blaze near Athens, while Spain evacuated 800 due to ongoing wildfires in Huelva. Italy reported 80,325 hectares scorched this year, and France raised fire risk alerts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is set to deploy additional North Korean troops and has acquired more ballistic missiles from Pyongyang. He urged Japan and South Korea to enhance air defence support amid escalating military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang.

A significant fire near Niebla, west of Sevilla, has forced the evacuation of approximately 400 individuals as it spreads across over 4,000 hectares. Ongoing firefighting efforts involve 150 personnel on the ground, facing complex conditions due to shifting winds and burning embers, according to Andalusia’s Forest Firefighting Service.

A major wildfire erupted in the Tignale mountains of Lake Garda on Friday evening, with authorities coordinating a response led by Mayor Daniele Bonassi. Two Canadair aircraft are assisting ground crews, while 200 people have been evacuated from local holiday homes. No injuries reported.

Italy has placed all 27 monitored cities on red heat alert amid a severe heatwave affecting Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40C. This unprecedented warning has prompted health advisories for millions, while Austria recorded a historic 41.2C, exacerbating droughts and wildfires across the continent.

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