The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-11

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] In a Fuel Depot in Hertfordshire Blasts near London

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

As per initial estimations of the British police, the blasts that took place on Sunday morning in a fuel depot in Hertfordshire, 40km north of London, are due to an accident. As per the police, 36 persons have been injured, four of which seriously. Eyewitnesses reported that the first blast took place at 6:03am GMT and followed by two more strong blasts, resulting into a big fire breaking out. Several houses situated near the depot were damaged from the blasts, while both of the traffic lanes of the M1 motorway, located near the scene, closed down. The Authorities first estimations spoke of 20 depots in flames, but access to the scene is extremely difficult, as thick toxic smoke has covered the area. The accident took place in the Buncefield depot, owned by Total and Texaco, where oil, petrol and kerosene are stored, and supply Luton Airport, located 16km from the scene.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Villages Cut Off in Karditsa, Trikala and Kalabaka Snow and Low Temperatures

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

After the extended and unusual good conditions taking place, the weather decided to take a wintry turn. As of yesterday, Saturday, snow has been falling in the north and centre of Greece, while 40 villages have been cut off in Karditsa, Trikala and Kalabaka. Snow chains are necessary for traffic in many parts of the mountainous, mainly the provincial, road network. Temperatures are quite low, in example, it dropped two degrees below zero in Katara and the highest temperature forecast for today in Kastoria is 2&#186;C. As per meteorologists, the weather will not change until Monday afternoon, where a small improvement will be recorded.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Telethon on December 12 by ET1 Let Us Remember the Children

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

One day is not enough to remember the millions of children in thousands of areas of the word, daily affected by hunger, poverty, war and natural disasters. Today is Universal Childrens Day, and figures continue shocking everyone, since the tough trials children are going through seem unending. On Monday, December 12, ET1 calls us to actively participate in the Unicef Telethon for the victims of the deadly earthquake on October 8, in Pakistan, which left behind it thousands of dead and millions of homeless.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] At Magoula, Attica Fire in Petroleum Factory

Sources: NET

A large fire broke out shortly before midnight on Saturday, in a petroleum and and deionised water factory at Magoula, Attica. Regardless of the Fire Services immediate intervention, which rushed at the scene with 36 men and 12 fire engines, the 500sqm factory was completely destroyed, however, the fire did not spread to neighbouring buildings. The work of the Fire Service was obstructed due to the fact that part of the buildings roof collapsed, as well as the flammable materials in it. After three hours, the fire was set under control, while an investigation is taking place over the causes of the fire.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] 129 PCs Given to Exceptional Students "Familiarisation with New Technologies"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

On Saturday, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis referred to the importance of the youths familiarisation with new technologies, at an event in the Benaki Museum. PCs were given out to 129 exceptional students. Mr Karamanlis described the awarding of the students as a first step towards "winning over the new era," and noted the importance of investment in knowledge and tools, in order for the youth to pioneer in the new era dawning. Minister of Education Marietta Giannakou also spoke at the event, and said that students learn basic skills in school, while PCs facilitate their further education.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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