25.07.2026 08:51

Mulhouse Turns to Smart Irrigation for Its Urban Trees

When the thermometer climbs above 35 degrees for days on end, it is not only people who start to sweat. Trees in cities are also fighting for survival. Young trees in particular suffer during prolonged dry spells because their roots have not yet grown deep enough to reach sufficient water. The Alsatian city of Mulhouse is responding to this challenge with an idea that is as simple as it is effective: special watering bags are intended to make irrigation more efficient and help trees cope better with hot summers. The principle behind it seems remarkably straightforward. Grounds maintenance staff attach a sturdy watering bag around the trunk of a young tree. Once filled, it does not release the water all at once, but slowly and evenly over several hours. This allows moisture to penetrate deep into the soil instead of evaporating at the surface or running off over pavements and streets. It ultimately reaches exactly where the young roots need water. Every litre counts, especially in cities. The slow release means significantly less water is lost. At the same time, the trees receive a more sustainable supply that strengthens their resilience during long periods of heat. It sounds simple - and that is precisely the appeal of this method. Young urban trees already grow under difficult conditions. Between asphalt, paving stones and underground utility lines, there is often little room for their roots. Compacted soils further hinder the absorption of...

Artikel des Tages Read 25.07.2026 08:43

Controlled Rockfall in Étretat: When Humans Get Ahead of Nature

It looks like a scene from an adventure film. Three men hang from ropes above an almost vertical chalk cliff, with Étretat's famous pebble beach below them. Every movement is precise, every glance focused on the fragile rock. Their goal initially sounds contradictory: they want to trigger a rockfall in order to prevent exactly that. Crazy? Only at first glance. At the Falaise d'Aval, one of France's best-known cliff coasts, specialists deliberately dislodged a rock block weighing around 400 kilograms from the cliff face. The rock fell onto the beach, which had been closed off beforehand, and broke into numerous pieces. The actual work took...

Artikel des Tages Read 25.07.2026 08:15

Wildfires in Gironde: Bordeaux sets up emergency shelter for evacuees

Bordeaux - 25.07.2026: The Parc des Expositions de Bordeaux-Lac is serving on Saturday as the central emergency shelter for people who have had to leave their homes because of the wildfires in Gironde. Bordeaux Metropole confirmed that Hall 3 is open and is exclusively receiving evacuees. The situation remains tense due to the ongoing fires and smoke pollution.According to the metropolitan authority, the site can accommodate up to 10,000 people. Camp beds, rest areas, drinking water, hot drinks and meals are being provided. The municipal civic reserve, the Red Cross and municipalities within the metropolitan area are helping with assistance. The neighboring Colette-Besson sports center...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 08:13

Macron Mobilizes the Army Against the Fires

The wildfires in southwestern France are reaching a new dimension. President Emmanuel Macron is responding with an extraordinary measure, deploying an additional 500 soldiers to the particularly hard-hit departments of Gironde and Landes. This brings the number of military personnel deployed to around 1,000. Their mission: to relieve civil protection services, assist with evacuations, organize transport and secure endangered areas. The images from the region now resemble a natural disaster of historic proportions rather than an ordinary summer with an elevated risk of wildfires. Within just a few days, the flames destroyed around 22,000 hectares of forest and vegetation. More than 140,000 people had to leave their homes, holiday accommodation or campsites. In Gironde alone, around 110,000 residents and holidaymakers left their accommodation, with a further 31,000 in Landes. Who would have thought that the fire would spread so rapidly? The situation is particularly tense west of Bordeaux. The major fire near Saumos has already consumed around 19,000 hectares and destroyed at least 100 buildings. The flames are moving step...

Artikel des Tages Read 25.07.2026 08:00

Wildfires in Gironde: Nursing Home in Ares Evacuated as a Precaution

Ares - 25 July 2026: Due to the continuing tense wildfire situation in Gironde, a nursing home in Ares has been evacuated as a precaution. According to Franceinfo, residents were taken to a more northerly part of the department. The measure is intended to protect elderly people and those in need of care from a possible approach of the flames and from smoke exposure.Ares is located on the northeastern shore of Arcachon Bay and is among the locations for which evacuation measures have been ordered due to the spread of the fire. The relocation from the home was carried out under special safety precautions. In operations of this kind, medical care, medication, mobility aids and accommodation for residents must be ensured at all times.The major fire in Gironde had spread since Wednesday, 22 July 2026, in a densely forested region north of Arcachon Bay. According to authorities and the AFP news agency, numerous people in the department were moved to safety as a precaution. Evacuations were also being prepared or...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 07:45

Wildfires in Gironde: Precautionary Evacuations Near Bordeaux Expanded

Bordeaux - 25 July 2026: Due to the ongoing wildfires in Gironde, precautionary evacuations around Bordeaux were expanded overnight into Saturday. According to consistent current reports, the new measures affect Saint-Medard-en-Jalles, Le Haillan, Saint-Jean-d'Illac, Martignas-sur-Jalle and Saint-Aubin-de-Medoc. The decisions are being taken as a precaution because the situation and the direction in which the fires spread can change rapidly.The affected municipalities are located west and northwest of central Bordeaux, in some cases directly on the edge of wooded areas. Different orders apply to individual zones. Authorities are urging residents to follow official alert messages on their mobile phones and use the designated evacuation routes. Anyone...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 07:33

Fire at Puy de Dome: 3,000 visitors to evening event evacuated

Orcines - 25 July 2026: A vegetation fire on the southern slope of Puy de Dome led to the precautionary evacuation of around 3,000 visitors attending an evening event on the summit on Thursday evening, 23 July 2026. The fire broke out at around 10:30 p.m. outside the event area. Emergency services brought the blaze under control overnight, according to the relevant authorities.The opening event of the summer Nocturnes du Puy de Dome was affected. On several Thursday evenings, the programme combines cultural offerings, music and other performances on the 1,465-metre volcano west of Clermont-Ferrand. Due to the fire's proximity, operator Panoramique des Domes decided...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 07:16

Why forests in southwestern France burn so easily

Bordeaux - 25.07.2026: Between the straight trunks of pine trees and the dry undergrowth, it is often decided within minutes in southwestern France whether a spark will become a major wildfire. The recent very high wildfire warning in Gironde has revived the question of why the region around Bordeaux, the Arcachon Bay and the Landes is considered particularly vulnerable.The answer does not lie in a single trigger. The forest of the Massif des Landes is largely dominated by maritime pines. These stands are economically important and shape the landscape, but large, uniform areas can provide a fire with continuous fuel. Resin-rich needles, dry grass, ferns...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 07:04

The War Over Sea Lanes Expands

Dubai - 25 July 2026: The conflict between the United States and Iran took on a new, particularly consequential dimension overnight: Not only the Strait of Hormuz, but also access to the Red Sea is becoming the scene of an escalating power struggle. This places two of the most important maritime chokepoints for energy and global trade under pressure at the same time. The consequences extend far beyond the Middle East.According to the US military, the tanker M/T Lavine was rendered unable to maneuver in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel reportedly made repeated attempts to break through the American blockade of Iranian ports....

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 07:04

Europe’s Wildfires Are Becoming a Continental Crisis

Madrid - 25.07.2026: In Spain and southern France, a summer hazard situation has turned into a European civil protection crisis within just a few days. Around Madrid, wildfires forced about 10,000 people to evacuate, according to authorities; the capital region declared a national emergency. In southern France, around 63,000 people had to leave their homes. Several fires there have already damaged around 80 homes. The images from both countries are similar: smoke over suburbs, blocked transport routes, overwhelmed municipalities and emergency crews that must now contain not a single fire, but an entire chain of fire fronts.What is new is not only the intensity of the fires, but their interconnectedness. The World Health Organization for Europe reported on Friday that 2.2 million hectares of land were destroyed by wildfires in its European Region in 2025. In 2022, the figure was 1.4 million hectares. This represents an increase of 57 percent within four years. In Spain and Portugal, the number of wildfires more than doubled compared with the previous year, according...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 05:00

Pet Tarot Becomes a New Niche Service in Seoul

Seoul - 25 July 2026: An unusual service is gaining attention in South Korea's capital, Seoul: pet owners are booking tarot sessions to gain insights into the condition of their animals. Dogs or other pets select cards, for example by touching them with a paw or sniffing them. Card readers then interpret the images as possible indications of the animal's stress, fears or needs.In the upscale Gangnam district, card reader Hwang Soo-kyung offers such sessions at her Ace Sophia shop. According to the Reuters news agency, she has developed a card deck specifically for pets. The service is aimed not only at dogs and cats...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 04:46

Drought Tightens Water Restrictions in France’s Overseas Territories

Saint-Denis - 25.07.2026: Water shortages in several French overseas territories have worsened further. On La Réunion, the prefecture introduced new or stricter restrictions on water use in seven municipalities on July 21. The state cites a still critical hydrological situation and unfavorable weather forecasts as the reasons. Priority is being given to drinking water supply and the protection of water bodies and ecosystems.In Bras-Panon, Saint-André, Saint-Benoît and Saint-Joseph, the highest currently ordered alert level below a crisis situation has been tightened. Salazie, Sainte-Marie and Entre-Deux are now subject to a lower restriction level. Depending on the municipality, the measures affect watering, cleaning vehicles and surfaces,...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 04:31

Wildfire in Gironde: Cap-Ferret Fully Evacuated

Lège-Cap-Ferret - 25 July 2026: A large-scale wildfire in Gironde has triggered the full evacuation of the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula. According to the latest official situation report and consistent media accounts, the fire stretches from its point of origin near Saumos toward Cap-Ferret. More than 10,000 hectares of forest and vegetation have been engulfed by the flames. Around 40,000 residents, holidaymakers and other people present were brought to safety or instructed to leave the affected areas.The Gironde prefecture activated a prepared evacuation plan on Friday, 24 July 2026. The peninsula was cleared both by road and by water. The only road connection, departmental road D106 toward Bordeaux, was secured for the evacuation. Passenger vessels were also deployed to take people out of the danger zone across the Arcachon Bay.The orders were implemented gradually by district in order to prevent traffic jams on the narrow peninsula. Mobile phones in the affected zones received warning messages instructing people to leave their respective sectors immediately. Especially during the summer, the high number of holiday visitors presents emergency services with major logistical challenges. Authorities set up assembly and support centers in several municipalities across the region.According to the latest reports, the fire was not yet under control. Firefighters continue to battle the spread of the flames, which is being fueled by unfavorable weather conditions and dry vegetation. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the fire in Gironde as the largest wildfire of the current season...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 04:17

Russian Missile Strike Near Kyiv: Ten Dead at Defense Industry Gathering

Kyiv - 24 July 2026: A Russian missile strike on a venue in the Kyiv region has claimed the lives of ten people, according to Ukrainian authorities. Around 100 others were injured, some of them seriously. According to government and industry sources, the strike hit a site where defense industry specialists had gathered for an exhibition and working meeting.The attack occurred on Friday in daylight. According to initial findings, a ballistic missile struck near the venue. Rescue workers, paramedics and investigators were subsequently deployed. The exact composition of the victims was initially not comprehensively released. For relatives, another night began between hospitals, phone calls and...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 04:01

Trump Threatens EU with New Tariffs After Google Fine

Washington - 25 July 2026: US President Donald Trump has escalated the conflict with the European Union over its digital regulations. One day after the European Commission decided to impose fines totaling 890 million euros on Google, Trump announced a formal investigation into the EU's trade practices on Friday. At the same time, he raised the prospect of additional tariffs against the bloc, without specifying their scale, timing, or the goods concerned.The trigger is two Commission decisions dated 23 July. Google must pay 460 million euros for favoring the display of its own services in its search engine. A further 430 million euros concerns rules...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 03:45

Wildfire in Gironde: Emergency crews battle exhaustion in Lège-Cap-Ferret

Lège-Cap-Ferret - 25 July 2026: Firefighters continued battling the wildfire in Gironde overnight into Saturday, focusing in particular on protecting the Lège district. The flames had previously advanced from Saumos via Le Porge toward the Cap-Ferret peninsula. According to the municipality, emergency crews worked throughout the night to defend populated areas against the fire, house by house.The blaze had spread through a pine forest north of the Bassin d'Arcachon since Wednesday, 22 July. Media reports on Friday put the burned area at more than 10,000 hectares. Emergency crews had therefore been under intense pressure for several days. Observers described reinforcement teams arriving as well as firefighters returning exhausted from operational sectors after long shifts.In Lège-Cap-Ferret, protecting the population remained the central task. The municipality announced on Friday that the town hall, the tourist information point and other municipal offices were open to provide information and coordinate assistance. Residents and holidaymakers remained subject to official safety instructions. The situation could change quickly because of wind, dense vegetation and shifting fire fronts.The...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 03:31

Firefighters Defend Lège-Cap-Ferret House by House Against Wildfire

Lège-Cap-Ferret - 25.07.2026: During the wildfire that broke out in Saumos on July 22 and spread toward the northern part of the Bassin d'Arcachon, firefighters defended the center of Lège house by house overnight into July 24. According to the municipality, crews also widened a forest track to slow the advance of the flames toward Claouey and the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula.The situation led to the full evacuation of the peninsula on Friday, July 24. According to the municipality, more than 1,000 people left the area by boat, while around 12,000 others were brought to safety by road. Authorities said that returning to residential areas was initially not possible. Reception centers were set up for those affected in Audenge, Andernos-les-Bains, Lanton and Biganos, among other locations.The evacuation took place in stages across several areas of the peninsula. Various residential districts of Lège were affected first, followed by Claouey, Petit Piquey, Grand Piquey, Le Canon, L'Herbe, La Vigne and Cap Ferret. Departmental road D106 served as the main route toward the northern part...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 03:15

Cotignac: Residents Gradually Return After Forest Fire

Cotignac - 25 July 2026: After four days of a major forest fire in the Gros Bessillon massif, residents of Cotignac in the Var department are gradually returning to their homes. The fire is considered contained, but emergency services remain on high alert. According to Franceinfo, around 800 firefighters were still on site on Friday to prevent the blaze from reigniting.The fire broke out on Tuesday, 21 July, near Ponteves and rapidly spread across the wooded, dry terrain towards Cotignac. At times, several hundred people had to leave their homes. According to the latest local information, the fire affected more than 2,700 hectares in the...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 01:46

Strong public support assists firefighters during forest fire near Biscarrosse

Biscarrosse - 24 July 2026: Firefighters battling the ongoing forest fire in the north of the Landes department are receiving broad support from the public and businesses. According to reports from the scene, farmers are providing water tanks, among other resources. Private individuals are also offering assistance. The municipality of Biscarrosse intends to coordinate these offers so that they genuinely support the ongoing operation and do not place an additional burden on rescue efforts.The fire broke out near Biscarrosse on Thursday, 23 July. The Landes Prefecture initially reported the deployment of 150 firefighters, 20 forest-fire units and several aircraft. By Friday evening, nearly 500 emergency...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 01:31

24-year-old school supervisor in Pas-de-Calais charged over alleged rape of a minor

France - 24 July 2026: A 24-year-old school supervision employee at a lower secondary school in the Pas-de-Calais department has been formally charged on suspicion of raping a minor. According to the information disclosed so far, the allegations relate to the school year that has just ended, meaning the period between September 2025 and June 2026.The formal charge, known in France as a Mise en examen, means that an investigating judge has become involved. This step does not mean that the suspect's guilt has been established. However, it requires the justice system to examine incriminating evidence and continue the proceedings within a formal framework. Nothing...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 01:15

Wildfire near Biscarrosse: Thousands evacuated, more than 100 buildings destroyed

Biscarrosse - 24 July 2026: A large-scale wildfire severely hit the municipality of Biscarrosse in the French department of Landes on Friday. Authorities evacuated most of the town for safety reasons. According to the prefecture, more than 23,000 people from Biscarrosse and neighbouring Parentis-en-Born had been brought to safety by morning. The fire had broken out the previous day and remained active into the evening.The fire spread rapidly under difficult weather conditions. The prefect of Landes, Gilles Clavreul, said on Friday evening that the fire front stretched for about 13 kilometres in length and five kilometres in width. Renewed winds and the heat of the...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 01:00

Forest Fire Near Biscarrosse: More Than 23,000 People Brought to Safety

Biscarrosse - 24 July 2026: Smoke hangs over roads, campsites and pine forests along the Atlantic coast: a major forest fire near Biscarrosse in the north of the Landes department triggered an evacuation on an unprecedented scale within just a few hours. According to the prefecture, the fire broke out at around 3:45 p.m. on Thursday near departmental road D652. By Friday morning, it was still not under control.According to the latest official situation report, more than 2,500 hectares have been engulfed by the flames. Wind aided the spread, and the situation remained fluid. The affected area lies between Biscarrosse and Parentis-en-Born, where residential neighborhoods, holiday complexes and extensive woodland are in close proximity. Authorities have warned people not to approach the operational area or travel there.More than 23,000 people had to leave their accommodations: around 18,000 in Biscarrosse and another 5,000 in Parentis-en-Born. The measures affect homes as well as campsites, a nursing home and a holiday group. Biscarrosse town center was also cleared after evacuations in the eastern...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 00:45

ICC Member States Remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from Office

New York - 24 July 2026: In the United Nations hall on Friday, a decision was made that strikes the International Criminal Court at an already tense time. The assembly of the 125 states parties to the Rome Statute removed Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from office by a clear majority. The session had been convened specifically to decide the future of the British lawyer.According to the assembly leadership, the states found that Khan had committed a serious breach of his official duties as well as serious misconduct. This was preceded by disciplinary proceedings dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct in the professional environment. Khan had...

Aktuell Read 25.07.2026 00:31

Wildfire at the Bassin d’Arcachon: 12,500 hectares devastated, Cap-Ferret evacuated

Lège-Cap-Ferret - 24 July 2026: Smoke hangs over the Bassin d'Arcachon as the wildfire from the Saumos area continues to tear through the pine forests of Gironde. According to the situation report published on Friday evening, around 12,500 hectares have been engulfed by the flames. The fire remains out of control. For many residents and holidaymakers on the Cap-Ferret peninsula, this meant packing bags, leaving their homes and following the instructions of the emergency services.The prefecture ordered the evacuation of the entire peninsula. People were brought to safety by land and, in some cases, by water. At reception sites, families arrived with only a few...

Aktuell Read