Bushfires: States on fire alert amid extreme heat and gusty winds

A massive wildfire in southern Cyprus has claimed two lives and injured at least ten others, as hundreds of residents were evacuated amidst an intense heatwave with temperatures reaching 44C. The fire, which has destroyed around 100 square kilometers in a wine-producing region near Limassol, has prompted Cyprus to request assistance from the EU, with Spain and Jordan offering support. Want More Context? 🔎

Corals at the Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have experienced mass bleaching due to a "marine heatwave," threatening the biodiversity and coastal protection they provide. BBC's Katy Watson visited the remote Western Australian reef to explore potential solutions for restoring the damaged coral ecosystem. Want More Context? 🔎

Five Australian women who underwent invasive examinations at Doha’s Hamad International Airport after being removed from a Qatar Airways flight have won the right to pursue legal action against the airline. The Federal Court overturned a previous dismissal, allowing claims against Qatar Airways and the airport operator MATAR, while dismissing the appeal against Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority. Want More Context? 🔎

The Australian government has won a significant climate case against Torres Strait Island residents, with a Federal Court ruling that dismissed their claims for government duty of care regarding climate change impacts. Elders Pabai Pabai and Paul Kabai expressed heartbreak over the decision, highlighting the rising sea levels and cultural threats faced by their communities, yet the court deemed climate policy a matter for political, not judicial, resolution. Want More Context? 🔎

Iron ore shipments from Fortescue’s Pilbara mines reached record levels, with 55.2 million tonnes exported in the June quarter, totaling 198.4 million tonnes for the fiscal year. However, the company has scrapped its Arizona hydrogen project and PEM50 Project in Gladstone, leading to a $US150 million write-down as it seeks to repurpose the associated assets. Want More Context? 🔎

Widespread anxiety among Arab-Australian women, stemming from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, has been highlighted in a University of NSW study published in The Lancet, revealing increased panic disorder symptoms and a decline in quality of life. The research, involving 410 women with connections to the region, underscores the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions as they grapple with the emotional toll of family safety concerns amidst the violence. Want More Context? 🔎