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Pakistan’s Ashab Irfan bags Johns Creek Open title

Released on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 6:52 AM

Pakistan’s squash sensation Ashab Irfan showcased exceptional skills in the Johns Creek Open at the United States as he downed Nathan from Malaysia in the tournament. Irfan displayed top notch performance and defeated Nathan by 3-1 (8-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6) and claimed the title, said a statement. The tournament, which boasted a prize purse of $12,000, saw Irfan deliver a stellar performance.

Skibidi, Delulu, Tradwife: New Words in the Cambridge Dictionary

Released on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 7:12 AM

New terms embraced by Generation Z and Generation Alpha, such as “skibidi,” “delulu,” and “tradwife,” have been added to the online version of the Cambridge Dictionary this past year, according to the publisher, which announced this on Monday.

The Cambridge University Press noted that “tradwife,” a blend of “traditional” and “wife,” represents “an emerging, contentious trend on Instagram and TikTok that promotes conventional gender roles.”

The dictionary also faced the task of explaining “skibidi,” a term that gained popularity through internet memes, describing it as a word with “various interpretations ranging from positive to negative, or sometimes used without clear significance.”

A nonsensical term gained popularity through a YouTube channel named “Skibidi Toilet,” and it is linked to the aimless, “mind-numbing” material seen on social media platforms, which resonates with the predominantly online habits of Generation Alpha.

The dictionary describes “delulu,” which comes from the term “delusional,” as “holding beliefs that are false or untrue, often due to one’s own choice.” For instance, it referenced a 2025 address in parliament where Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “delulu without any solulu.”

“Rarely do we encounter terms such as ‘skibidi’ and ‘delulu’ being added to the Cambridge Dictionary,” remarked Colin McIntosh, who serves as the Lexical Program Manager at the Cambridge Dictionary.

we insert terms only when we believe they will endure. internet trends are influencing the english language, and this development is intriguing to witness and document in the dictionary.

Additional new expressions are “lewk,” which refers to an distinctive style of dress and gained popularity through RuPaul’s Drag Race, along with “inspo,” a contraction of inspiration.

The remote work trend has led to the creation of “mouse jiggers,” which are devices used to simulate activity when one isn’t actually working. Additionally, “forever chemicals” refer to synthetic substances that persist in the environment for extended periods, becoming more widely discussed as worries increase regarding the long-term effects of climate change on human and ecological well-being.

RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane Faces Health Crisis

Nepal, August 18 – Rabi Lamichhane, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is facing medical challenges.

Related story

We have confidence in journalist Rabi Lamichhane, yet we do not trust the Home Minister named Rabi…

RSP spokesperson Manish Jha stated that once Lamichhane exhibited symptoms related to health issues, doctors from the Trauma Center were summoned to the jail for examinations. “He suffers from a dermatological condition. During his time at Bhairahawa Prison, he wasn’t permitted to leave the premises. This could have led to a lack of essential vitamins. The medical team from the Trauma Center has collected his blood samples for analysis, with findings anticipated shortly,” he mentioned.

Produced by HT Digital Content Services with authorization from Republica.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).

White Bikes From Dutch Park Get a New Lease on Life in Morocco

Bikes known as White Bicycles originating from Hoge Veluwe National Park, a natural area located in the Dutch region of Gelderland, are being reused in Morocco. More than 500 of these well-known bicycles, which were once provided at no cost to park guests, have now been gifted to assist school children and triathlon competitions within the nation.

“We previously sent them to Central and Southern Africa, but this time we went with Morocco,” stated Baron Seger van Voorst tot Voorst, the park’s director, in an
interview
in collaboration with the local public broadcasting station. “There are 400,000 people of Moroccan origin residing in the Netherlands, and we aimed to help reinforce these connections.”

The initiative seeks to decrease the extended time kids spend traveling to school, which can enhance their attendance and educational outcomes. The bicycles are light and do not have gears; they are provided for use and completely restored every five years by the park’s specialized maintenance center.

Bicycles are also utilized in triathlons across Morocco, even though the region presents difficulties due to its mountainous landscape. As part of the initiative’s future goals, young locals are receiving training as bike technicians to manage emerging service centers and maintain ongoing operations.

Initially created to encourage sustainable travel, these basic white bicycles are currently supporting neighborhoods well outside of the Netherlands.

Tourism Businesses on Koh Chang Worry Amid Thai-Cambodian Ceasefire

Although a truce has been signed between Thailand and Cambodia, tour companies and hotel owners on Koh Chang still have doubts regarding the current circumstances’ reliability. Several businesses faced a significant drop in visitors as well as a lack of staff.

Saksit Mungkarn, ex-chairman of the Trat Tourism Industry Council and owner of a hotel on Koh Chang, stated that the peace accord has failed to restore trust within the business community because of ongoing political unrest and unpredictability on either side of the border.

Border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have led to an unexpected labor deficit. Cambodian employees, who played a crucial role in the hospitality and building industries, started going back to their country at the end of last month. Currently, only those individuals with family members living permanently on Koh Chang remain, according to Mr. Saksit.

Without Cambodian laborers, local business owners have started relying on Thai employees and student trainees to take up roles in hotels and restaurants, he mentioned. Nevertheless, the construction industry suffered the most, as only a small amount of workers from the northeastern region were available, he added. Similarly affected, Ms. Pornthip Sunthornkit, manager of Chai Chet Resort, stated that the tourist environment on Ko Chang had become very subdued since the border conflicts commenced.

Many visitors have delayed or canceled their reservations, particularly seminar groups, who are our primary clients at this time,” stated Mrs. Pornthip. “Travelers view Trat Province as dangerous, despite our efforts to inform them that visiting Ko Chang is still feasible and the island continues to be safe.

She mentioned that reservations at her resort have dropped by nearly 90%, noting that other businesses on the island were probably experiencing comparable challenges.

Apart from the drop in tourism, certain Cambodian employees asked for short-term time off to go back to their homeland because of worries and anxieties about their own security and belongings, even though bosses tried to offer assistance and comfort, according to Ms. Pornthip.

She urged the government to broaden aid programs for individuals impacted by the border clash, regardless of whether they were situated near the frontlines.

“A lot of us have outstanding loan balances with banks. We wish the government would take into account support measures like lowering interest rates, granting temporary pauses on debts, or extending payment periods, akin to previous actions taken,” she mentioned.

“Even though we aren’t at the front lines, we are experiencing secondary effects. If the circumstances continue through the end-of-year peak season, the financial impact will become much worse,” stated the resort manager.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).

Song Ji-Hyo Laughed at Theft Scandal with Lim Woo-Il β€” “Running Man” Tops 2049 Ratings

SBS’s “Running Man” continued to lead the 20-49 demographics rating with an eventful “Room Tour” competition.

The show Running Man, which premiered on the 10th, topped the entertainment charts simultaneously with a viewership rate of 1.8%, according to Nielsen Korea’s data from urban households. The peak rating per minute reached as high as 4.9%.

On this day, the group made an appearance in a holiday outfit during the ‘2025 Daydokkaebi Room Tour’ challenge, sparking laughs right from the start. Kim Jong-guk caught eyes wearing a sleeveless T-shirt showcasing his biceps, while Song Ji-hyo stood out with a denim style exposing his midsection. Kim Jong-guk remarked, “He probably wasn’t too sure of himself,” adding humor as everyone laughed when he mentioned, “I used a microphone to cover my stomach.”

Prior to the official competition, the production crew advised participants to think about “What you would like to bring from your car during a trip.” Song Ji-hyo pulled out the slippers used as prop items for “Running Man,” and the group set off on a mission called “Attempting to Steal.” Song Ji-hyo mentioned, “I planned to return them today,” but Ha-ha replied, “They got stolen,” which made everyone laugh.

Ji Seok-jin wept and selected a straw hat as an essential item after being exposed as “Travel Item” by his friends, yet surprisingly, he earned the highest amount of R-coins. It was revealed that the lighter the item, the greater the number of coins awarded. From that point onward, the group had to decide between a luxurious journey or a budget-friendly one, with Yoo Jae-seok, Song Ji-hyo, Yang Se-chan, and Ji Ye-eun opting for the economical option.

Comedian Lim Woo-il made an unexpected appearance as a guide during the budget-friendly tour. At first, he raised doubts among the participants by acting like a live game show host alongside the production crew. Yoo Jae-seok asked, “What’s the ranking of comedians?” To which Lim Woo-il replied, “That’s SBS.” Meanwhile, Song Ji-hyo joined in with humor, saying, “I’m an experienced broadcaster” as she entered the ‘Japdori Time’.

At the same time, Kim Jong-guk opted for an upscale vacation alongside Ji Seok-jin, Ha-ha, and Choi Daniel, stating, “I don’t hold back when it comes to traveling.” In a lavish room filled with meals, the group asked, β€œIs this alright?” Although he felt nervous, he ultimately appreciated the opulence.

The turning point during this room tour was “Moon Color.” The Green Moon allowed participants to purchase a token for penalty relief, while the Pink Moon required calculating expenses related to food and drinks. Consequently, Ji Seok-jin and Ha-ha, who opted for the deluxe room, were unable to cover the costs, leading them to perform the punishment titled “Blazing with Flame.”

mj.cho@SANGGRALOKA.COM


  • [Summary] Heo Sung-tae experienced panic attacks because of his fame… 52 fans’ chat room posts (What were you up to when hanging out) [SC Review]

  • Han Sung-joo has temporarily stopped sharing videos related to her personal life with Kim Yu-na and her younger partner, marking the first break in 14 years [SCinStar].

  • Jeong Ae-ri, your time has come. Today marks the 11th anniversary.

  • Kim Min-kyung and Yoo Min-sang saw a motel during an urgent news update.

  • Uh-oh, Uhm Jung-hwa isn’t aware that the apple-themed outfits arrived late for the unveiling ceremony… I apologize.

  • Back alley, I went to the restroom once more. Shinji β™₯ I’ll return shortly to talk about the letter “Happy” (Kkondaehee).

  • Lee Ha-nee declines to reveal her upper body “I removed a lot” β†’ Mrs. Cannabis

Iran Air Launches Direct Quetta-Zahedan-Mashhad Route

August 10, Pakistan β€” Iran Air has started non-stop flights linking Quetta with the Iranian cities of Zahedan and Mashhad, representing the initial consistent commercial aviation connection between these traditionally important locations. The carrier’s first flight safely arrived at Quetta International Airport on Friday, capturing interest from authorities and passengers. This newly established route aims to provide more ease for travelers and enhance the enduring cultural and economic ties between Pakistan and Iran.

During the airport event, Pakistan’s Envoy to Iran, Mohammad Mudassir Tipu, commended the initiation, referring to it as a “long-held wish” from citizens of both nations. He conveyed his belief that these non-stop flights will enhance commerce, tourism, and cultural interactions between the two countries. As per the envoy, the route holds “significant promise” for strengthening connections and promoting interpersonal relationships that extend past commercial and travel purposes.

The newly launched service will start with weekly operations connecting Quetta and Zahedan, offering a vital transportation choice for people from Balochistan and surrounding areas. Authorities anticipate that this frequency could grow over time as more passengers utilize the route. Additionally, the journey provides a practical link for pilgrims traveling to Mashhad, which is among Iran’s key holy sites. It is projected to generate substantial economic advantages via higher expenditures related to tourism and movement.

At the event, representatives emphasized that the launch occurs during a period when regional aviation connections are growing more significant. Due to the proximity of their locations and common cultural background between Pakistan and Iran, enhancing transportation networks has consistently been considered essential. Officials from both nations expressed their readiness to examine new routes in the near future to enhance mutual collaboration.

Nevertheless, the progress follows closely behind an announcement made by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who declared that devotees will not be permitted to journey to Iran or Iraq via land for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage because of safety issues. He mentioned that the choice was reached following thorough talks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan administration, and intelligence organizations. Although overland movement continues to be limited, the introduction of this aerial route presents a secure and effective option for numerous passengers.

This achievement marks an important step for Iran Air’s direct route from Quetta to Zahedan to Mashhad, which will be crucial in connecting populations along the border. Weekly flights are anticipated to support both spiritual and recreational travel, as well as foster commercial relationships, thereby promoting collaboration between the two adjacent nations.

Joan Gamper Trophy: Rashford’s Miss Sparks Fan Reactions


  • Marcus Rashford had a mixed performance in FC Barcelona’s last pre-season match before the 2025/26 season.

  • The Manchester United loan player admitted to making the ‘worst miss of pre-season’ even though the Catalan club won against Como 5-0 in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

  • Supporters who witnessed the surprising error online didn’t hesitate to mock him on various social platforms.

Marcus Rashford’s evening at the Joan Gamper Trophy looked like an ideal beginning in Barcelona attire: a brilliant pass, energetic teamwork, and a strong victory.

However, the game will also be recalled equally for a major error that shocked supporters.

An English striker, currently on loan from Manchester United, received his initial starting opportunity with the team since arriving during the summer, marking Barcelona’s last practice match ahead of the upcoming season.

The opposing team, the Italian club Como, came into the match under the management of former midfielder Cesc FΓ bregas.

Barcelona destroy Fabregas’ Como

They stood firm during the first 20 minutes. Afterward, Barcelona’s momentum began to build.

FermΓ­n LΓ³pez scored the opening goal in the 21st minute, concluding a fluid attack that energized the local supporters.

Fourteen minutes after that, Lopez scored once more, extending the advantage and strengthening Barcelona’s control over the match.

After two minutes, Rashford found his way into the highlights. Using a smart pass that broke through the defense, he created an opportunity for Raphinha, who scored to make it 3-0.

At the 42-minute mark, Lamine Yamal, a contender for the Ballon d’Or, showcased his talent with an elegant strike to score his fourth goal before half-time.

Marcus Rashford’s unbelievable miss

Soon arrived the moment Rashford would prefer to erase from memory. After scoring past Como’s goalkeeper, the 27-year-old was left facing an open goal. For some reason, he managed to shoot the ball off-target.

Raphinha, who was close by, stood frozen with shock before bursting into a grin.

His teammates could clearly see that Rashford’s usual composure had left him at that moment.

Social media acted quickly. Footage of the incident spread rapidly, generating a combination of ridicule and compassion.

@MisterBWO teased:

This marks only the start πŸ˜‚. There’s much more ahead.

@BigYolo_ chimed in:

United has cheated Barcelona πŸ˜‚

@TheMightyRatio added:

You may remove the boy from Manchester United, but you cannot erase Manchester United from within him.

@KennedyDiMera was ruthless:

Rashford hails from Manchester; that’s common there…boys should grant him some time πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

However, @RandomFPL provided a more compassionate perspective:

Wretched shot, Rash, but I truly enjoy what I’m witnessing. This squad perfectly suits his style of play. A 30+ goals and assists season ahead.

Rashford was substituted out at half-time, making way for Ferran Torres.

At the same time, Yamal quickly secured his second goal of the game, resulting in a 5-0 lead only four minutes into the second half.

The result remained unchanged, marking a strong showing before the 2025-26 season.

Although the mistake will remain part of the discussion, Rashford’s pass and general teamwork demonstrated why Barcelona signed him.

The player currently on loan at Manchester United aims to move past the jokes as the Catalan team heads to Mallorca on August 16 for their opening match in La Liga.

A Journey with My Mum Revealed Toronto’s Hidden Side

A Journey with My Mum Revealed Toronto’s Hidden Side

SANGGRALOKA.COM – journalists choose and present the items featured on our website. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a commission –
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The globe has much to gain from
Toronto
Vibrant, lively, and full of an eclectic culinary landscape, it has always been recognized as one of the friendliest cities in the world.

Nearly half of the almost-three-million people living here were born outside the country, and it seems like everyone has connections all over the world. In this place, immigrants aren’t called immigrants – they’re just ‘
newcomers
’.

At one point, many years back, my mother was among them.

Not long after coming into the world
UK
, my grandparents took her to
Canada
In pursuit of a more promising future. My grandfather worked as a steelworker, which led them to move to Hamilton, Ontario, known as the “Steel City,” approximately one hour away from Toronto.

Although my mother’s early life was not filled with only happiness, she recalls their 13 years there with great affection.

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She mentions her childhood in a land filled with immigrants and cheerful people; she would ski to school during winter months and pour maple syrup over snow to create taffy.

She has not come back since they relocated, and I have always desired to enjoy this mixture of cultures, foods, and beliefs alongside her.

Here is everything we experienced and accomplished (along with the total expenses), from both a newcomer’s perspective and someone making a highly anticipated comeback.

Toronto: All You Should Be Aware Of

Toronto is the capital city of Ontario, a central-eastern province in Canada, and the nation’s largest population center. You can fly directly from London β€” we traveled from
Heathrow
with
British Airways
– which lasts approximately eight hours.

Toronto boasts remarkable diversity. Areas such as Little Italy, Little Tibet, Koreatown, and Little Portugal can be found within its borders, with over 160 different languages being spoken across the city.

I was informed that spring is the ideal season to come, with temperatures reaching into the upper teens. However, this did not happen; we faced continuous rainfall from the moment we arrived, which continued for the first two days of our journey.

Nevertheless, unfazed and equipped with waterproof jackets, we set out to explore.

Activities in Toronto

I enjoy being ready, and prior to our trip, I thoroughly explored Google Maps, saving locations we wanted to visit during our six-day stay in ‘The Six’.

This is the moniker popularized by Drakeβ€”it references the city’s initial phone number prefixes (416 and 647) along with the six previous local governments that merged to create modern-day Toronto in 1998.

If we had remained for six weeks, I’m uncertain whether we could have handled it.

Remaining in the city center (which I suggest), at the
Hilton Hotel
we had a strong foundation from which to investigate this mostly pedestrian-friendly city in all directions.

It took us 20 minutes to walk to the CN Tower (a famous symbol of Toronto), and only 15 minutes to reach the Art Gallery of Ontario, where we began our visit. Entry costs around $30 (Β£16 approximately), and it’s definitely worthwhile.

The structure, created by architect Frank Gehry, is magnificent and contains an impressive assortment.

We visited Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room and viewed pieces created by Indigenous artists, as well as gained insight into the Group of Seven, a group of seven painters renowned throughout Canada for their portrayals of natural landscapes and unique artistic approach.



Mom commented on how pleasant it was to avoid seeing numerous artworks depicting kings and aristocrats, and instead witness nature and culture taking center stage.

A different museum that made a strong impact was Little Canada ($36/Β£19.50).

This location functions as a multi-level museum situated within a mall, showcasing Canada through the art of model railways. Though it may not seem appealing at first, I can assure you, it truly is.

It’s inspired by Miniatur Wunderland (my favorite spot to visit)
Hamburg
Germany), along with vibrant lighting, animated figures, and plenty to see, might keep you entertained for hours.

Regarding traditional experiences, I’d recommend reserving a spot on a guided walk.

We went with a local guide named Nick, who skillfully led us around the various neighborhoods, showing us attractions such as the waterfront area, Canada’s Walk of Fame (featuring the tiles of celebrities who have been taken off), and Rogers Centre (familiar to baseball enthusiasts).

Nick also assisted us in navigating Toronto’s PATH system, an extensive 30km subterranean corridor connecting various buildings to help you reach your destination (especially important during severe Canadian winters).

It even boasts a
Banksy
.


What to try in Toronto

Our guided walk concluded at St Lawrence Market, a
food market
featuring more than 120 sellers offering a combination of fresh products and ready-to-go dishes.

Although I’d really like to have tasted the peameal bacon sandwich (a classic dish in Toronto) from
Carousel Bakery
The marketplace was completely crowded, so after a brief glance, we hurried away.

The late
Anthony Bourdain
spoke highly of it, so I’ll have to trust what he says.

However, we were able to try some different Canadian specialties: poutine (a dish of gravy and cheese curds served over fries), a butter tart (think of an extremely sweet pastry with a creamy center), and pancakes drizzled with maple syrup.


My favorite dish was prepared by
The Haam
a dining spot offering an exceptional blend of Japanese-influenced Mexican cuisine.

We combined elote (Mexican grilled corn topped with a creamy, fiery sauce) with chipotle karaage (deep-fried chicken), along with gyoza served alongside avocado rolls.

The dish represented all that I had discovered about Canada, and how remarkably varied the nation is.
.

Our guide Nick shared information about a newly closed eatery named Hungary Thai, offering dishes from both Hungarian and Thai cuisines. This was only possible in Toronto.

It may seem somewhat unusual for British people to go to Canada for an afternoon tea, but one notable experience was provided by The Hilton’s menu at their restaurant,
Frenchy
.

It was the finest one yet; the cucumber fingers and cacio e pepe sandwiches were truly outstanding.

Christine, our charming server, presented a box containing various teas for us to sniff, and being someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, I didn’t feel left out at all with my non-alcoholic beverage, which featured elderflower and lemon ice cream.

Best places to live in Toronto

The downtown area is among the top choices for accommodation during a visit to Toronto, and it’s home to many well-known establishments.

The Hilton met all of our requirements exactly. Our deluxe double queen room (priced from around $412 CAD / Β£224) offered an amazing view, and the hotel featured two swimming pools, a fitness center, and a beautifully designed bar and dining area, which helped us feel better after landing tired and famished.

For individuals with a larger budget, The Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La are located nearby, while those seeking more affordable options will find numerous hostels within close proximity to the downtown area.

We managed to pack many activities into our six-day stay in the city, walking constantly, as well as touring Hamilton and the home where mom was raised.

It still seems as though we have only begun to explore this incredible city that offers an embrace-like greeting.

Currently, more than at any time before: other cultural mixtures, pay attention.

Top day trips from Toronto

In technical terms, this isn’t located in Toronto… but you absolutely have to make the trip to see it.
Niagara Falls
– Through a scheduled tour; via shared transportation; by taxi (each option requires approximately an hour or two).
– Via organized tours; using local transit options; by private car (all taking around an hour or so).
– With a group guide; through city buses or trains; by hired vehicle (each method requiring roughly an hour or more).
– On a structured excursion; utilizing regular transport services; by taxi (all needing about an hour or two).
– Accompanied by a tour leader; using available public vehicles; by a cab (each taking up to a few hours).

Upon arrival, reserve seats on the Hornblower (a Canadian vessel that brings you directly to the Falls) for approximately Β£24 and enjoy the experience. You’ll receive a raincoat, and along with several hundred fellow travelers, you’ll spend an amazing 20 minutes being drenched by the impressive waterfalls, feeling slightly dizzy from their breathtaking beauty.

You can also chuckle as the tour guide highlights the ‘significantly smaller’ American Falls from the U.S. side. We toured during the time when Trump’s “51st state” remarks were recent, and this narration seemed particularly sharp.


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Two Vietnamese Tourists Killed in Greek Wildfires as Ferries Shut Down

Three individuals, among them two visitors from Vietnam, lost their lives in Greece on Friday when strong winds fueled wildfires and caused disruptions to ferry services affecting tens of thousands of vacationers during the summer season.

Over 200 firefighters, supported by 11 aerial water tankers and seven helicopters, were fighting a fire near Keratea, south of Athens, according to Costas Tsigkas, president of the association of Greek firefighting officials.
ERT
state television.

“He mentioned it was a challenging blaze,” he stated, referring to strong winds and noting that multiple areas had been vacated.

Firefighters found the remains of an older individual within their scorched house in Keratea, with strong winds affecting the operation of aerial firefighting units, according to Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, a spokesperson for the fire department, during a media update.

An
AFP
A journalist from the neighboring town of Palaia Fokaia, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Athens, witnessed flames engulfing a home and dense smoke filling the atmosphere.

Emergency responders were running quickly to position hoses and extinguish the fire, as a helicopter flew above to release water.

Previously, another fire on the island of Cephalonia had been contained, according to local authorities, whereas Vathrakogiannis stated that conditions “have improved” on the Peloponnese peninsula located west of Athens.

The Ministry of Civil Protection stated that wind speeds could peak at 88 kilometers per hour, particularly in the southern Aegean region and the Sea of Crete.

The National Weather Service EMY stated that the wind speeds would decrease after midnight, yet the Civil Protection Ministry issued the highest wildfire alerts for multiple regions on Saturday, such as the Attica area, which encompasses Athens.

Earlier, the coast guard reported that a Vietnamese man and woman from a cruise ship tour group had passed away at Sarakiniko Beach on the tourist island of Milos in the Cyclades.

“A man and a woman were discovered lying unconsciously in the water and were transported to the nearby medical facility,” stated a spokesperson from the coast guard.

A woman slipped into the water, and the man seemingly attempted to rescue her.


‘Left stranded’

Strong winds forced numerous ferries to remain in port, disrupting the primary means of transportation that links thousands of islands and supports their vital tourism industry.

The coastguard stated that the majority of ferry services could not leave on time from Piraeus and other Athenian harbors, particularly heading towards the Cyclades or Dodecanese islands. Some trips were cancelled while others were delayed.

In Piraeus, many passengers gathered outside a boat heading towards the Cyclades’ islands of Paros and Naxos, hoping for updates about an upcoming sail.

Close by, travelers who were stuck gathered around backpacks and luggage, forming a long line outside a ticket counter, making urgent phone calls in an attempt to change their plans and salvage their trips.

“there are long queues, lots of chaos, everyone is waiting under the sun and it’s a really difficult situation,” said Philip Elias, an American visitor.

Maritime links with the Saronic islands close to Athens, such as Aegina, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses, along with the Ionian Sea remained undisturbed, according to the coastguard.

Greece typically experiences strong winds during this season, with fire crews having dealt with multiple significant fires this summer, such as those on the islands of Evia and Chios, along with incidents in the western part of the Peloponnese.

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