Labour Day Strikes in Greece: Expect Travel Disruptions and Demonstrations on May 1st

On May 1st, Labour Day strikes organized by major labour unions in Greece, including the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation, Civil Servants’ Confederation, and Greek General Confederation of Labor, are anticipated to significantly disrupt travel and public transportation services, particularly in major cities like Athens. The strikes aim to protest the government’s decision to move the Labour Day holiday to May 7th. Anticipated demonstrations and rallies are expected throughout the country, with increased security measures implemented near protest sites. Travellers are advised to confirm their travel arrangements in advance and be prepared for potential delays and disruptions. As a safety precaution, it is recommended to avoid protest areas and follow any instructions provided by law enforcement officials.

Sahara Dust Envelops Athens and Other Greek Cities in Thick Haze

A severe dust storm originating from the Sahara desert has blanketed Athens and various other Greek cities, marking one of the worst such incidents since 2018. The yellow-orange haze has significantly reduced visibility and prompted health warnings due to potential respiratory issues. Authorities anticipate the skies to clear on Wednesday as winds change direction and move the dust away, bringing a drop in temperatures.

Dust Storm Engulfs Athens, Greece

Clouds of dust from the Sahara Desert have blanketed Athens and other Greek cities, turning the sky an eerie orange. The dust, carried by strong northwesterly winds, has triggered health warnings due to the presence of fine dust particles. The event is expected to subside on Wednesday as winds shift eastward.

Far-Right Greek MP Arrested After Punch-Up in Parliament

A far-right Greek MP, Konstantinos Floros, was arrested after allegedly punching and headlocking another MP, Vassilis Grammenos, during a parliamentary debate. Floros, who is now an independent, was ordered to be handed over to the police by Parliament Speaker Constantinos Tasoulas and faces criminal charges. The incident occurred during a debate on the immunity of Kyriakos Velopoulos, the president of the nationalist Greek Solution Party, who is being sued for defamation. Floros allegedly shouted “shut up, you trash!” to Grammenos after he was not allowed to speak, leading to the physical altercation. Grammenos was taken to the parliament’s medical clinic, and Floros was expelled from parliament for 15 days.

Sahara Dust and Wildfires Blanket Greece

On Tuesday, skies over southern Greece, including Athens, turned orange due to dust clouds from the Sahara Desert. Strong winds carried the dust, giving the atmosphere a Martian-like appearance and engulfing the Acropolis. This is one of the most severe episodes of dust from the Sahara since 2018, according to Kostas Lagouvardos of the Athens Observatory. As the winds shift, the skies are expected to clear on Wednesday. However, wildfires, fueled by strong southerly winds, have broken out across the country. Three people were arrested in Paros for accidentally starting a fire. While another blaze near a naval base in Crete was contained. Greece has faced Sahara dust clouds before in March and April, and officials warn of increased pollution particles that could impact those with health issues. The country also suffers from regular wildfires, with fears of a challenging season due to drought and high temperatures.

Saharan Dust Blankets Athens, Creating an Eerie Orange Glow and Health Concerns

A large mass of Saharan dust has swept across the Mediterranean Sea and enveloped Athens, turning the skies a striking orange and prompting health warnings due to the poor air quality. The dust, which has also reached as far north as Thessaloniki, has created a surreal Martian-like landscape, blanketing the Acropolis and other iconic landmarks. Health officials have urged individuals with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activities, avoid exercise, and wear protective face masks as the dust can aggravate respiratory problems.

Orange Skies Blanket Athens as Dust Storm Sweeps Greece

Athens and southern Greece experienced an unusual sight on Tuesday as strong winds carried sand and dust from northern Africa, transforming the skies into an eerie orange hue. The meteorological phenomenon, fueled by the strength of the winds, resulted in an influx of dust and sand particles, creating a surreal and dramatic spectacle.

Dust Storm From Sahara Turns Athens Skies Orange, Sparking Concerns

On Tuesday, orange-hued dust clouds originating from North Africa engulfed Athens, Greece, creating a surreal spectacle. The dust, carried by strong southerly winds, transformed the atmosphere of Athens, giving it a Martian-like appearance. Despite the stunning visual, the dust storm also brought concerns, as it triggered unseasonal wildfires. The dust storm is predicted to clear on Wednesday, but strong winds and high temperatures have heightened fears of a challenging wildfire season in Greece.

Sahara Dust Engulfs Athens, Turning Skies Orange

A large dust cloud from the Sahara Desert swept across Athens and the southern region of Greece on Tuesday evening, casting an eerie orange and red hue over the area. Carried by strong winds, the dust traveled hundreds of miles from Africa, creating a thick haze that obscured visibility and raised concerns about wildfires. As winds are expected to ease on Wednesday, the dust is anticipated to clear, according to local media reports.

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