New Zealand floods turn deadly as state of emergency declared
New Zealand declared a state of emergency in Otorohanga on Saturday (14 February) after torrential rain caused severe flooding, power outages and evac...
The European Commission has called for enhanced preparedness across Europe, urging improved stockpiling of critical supplies and encouraging citizens to maintain emergency provisions for at least 72 hours.
The European Commission has called for enhanced preparedness across Europe in response to various potential crises, including natural disasters, cyberattacks, and geopolitical threats, such as armed aggression against EU member states. In its newly released EU Preparedness Union Strategy, the Commission emphasized the importance of improving the stockpiling of critical supplies and encouraging citizens to maintain emergency provisions for at least 72 hours.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of proactive preparation, particularly for families living in flood-prone areas and those in regions susceptible to wildfires. "Families living in flood zones should know what to do when the waters rise. Early warning systems can prevent regions hit by wildfires from losing precious time," von der Leyen stated.
The strategy outlines several key measures to ensure the EU is better equipped to handle emergencies. One of the primary focuses is on bolstering early warning systems, which would allow for quicker responses to crises and give communities more time to prepare and evacuate if necessary. The strategy also prioritizes the continuity of essential services such as healthcare, drinking water, and energy, which are critical in maintaining public safety and well-being during emergencies.
In addition to governmental measures, the Commission is urging citizens to take responsibility for their own preparedness. The strategy stresses the need for individuals and families to have emergency kits and supplies ready in case of disruptions to normal services.
The EU’s new strategy comes as part of an ongoing effort to improve the resilience of the bloc in the face of increasing global instability and unpredictable threats. By focusing on readiness and response, the European Commission aims to ensure that both governments and citizens are equipped to handle a wide range of potential emergencies, from climate-related disasters to cyberattacks and military conflicts.
Europe heads into the Munich Security Conference, on Friday (13 February), amid deepening unease over U.S. policy, as President Donald Trump’s hard-line stance on defence, trade and territory fuels doubts about Washington’s long-term commitment to transatlantic security.
Türkiye and Greece signalled renewed political will to ease long-standing tensions during high-level talks in Ankara on Wednesday (11 February). Maritime borders, migration and trade topped the agenda as both leaders struck a cautiously optimistic tone.
Stalled U.S.–Iran talks and mounting regional tensions are exposing a growing strategic rift between Washington and Tel Aviv over how to confront Tehran, political analyst James M. Dorsey says, exposing stark differences in approach at a critical moment.
“Respected and feared globally,” U.S. President Donald Trump told troops at Fort Bragg on Friday, framing America’s renewed strength as a backdrop to mounting pressure on Iran amid stalled nuclear talks.
Dubai-based global ports operator DP World said on Friday that its long-serving chairman and chief executive, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, has stepped down following mounting pressure linked to alleged ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
New Zealand declared a state of emergency in Otorohanga on Saturday (14 February) after torrential rain caused severe flooding, power outages and evacuations.
American figure skating star Ilia Malinin endured a dramatic collapse in the men’s free skate on Friday night, falling twice and tumbling out of medal contention at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics as Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov surged to a surprise gold medal.
Thousands of fans packed River Plate’s Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Friday for the first of three sold-out concerts by Puerto Rican reggaeton star Bad Bunny, as part of his “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” World Tour.
As Cuba’s government prepares for American aggression, residents say economic hardship worries them more than the threat of war. Tensions between Cuba and the U.S. have escalated sharply this year, as Washington steps up sanctions and threatens regime change.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych the Medal of Freedom. The athlete was disqualified from the Winter Olympics over his “helmet of remembrance” honouring Ukrainian sportsmen killed since Russia’s invasion.
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