Having reached the end of the list of 21 names provided by the National Hurricane Center, the US will turn to using the Greek alphabet to label impending hurricanes.
Should a severe cyclone off the East Coast hit US shores, it will become ‘Wilfred’; The final name prepared by the National Hurricane Center.
“Once we exhaust the last name on the list, which is Wilfred, we then have to switch to the Greek alphabet and you will start to see names such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta etc,” the WMO’s Clare Nullis told reporters.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), this will be the second time in history that the Greek alphabet will be used.
This year’s season is set to be the busiest ever with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasting a record 25 storms which it attributes to warm sea temperatures and low wind-shear.
Occasionally, a storm name is “retired” by the committee if it proves to be very destructive, such as Mitch which struck Honduras in 1998. However, the WMO states that letters of the Greek alphabet that are used for tropical systems cannot be retired.
Hurricane Florence approaching the eastern U.S. on Sept. 12, 2018. (NOAA / GOES-East)
“If a significant storm designated by a letter of the Greek Alphabet, in either the Atlantic or eastern North Pacific Basin, were considered worthy of being ‘retired,’ it would be included in the list of retired names with the year of occurrence and other details, but that particular letter in the Greek Alphabet would continue to be available for use in the future,” the WMO explained.
Nullis said the WMO is then bombarded with replacement requests. “Either people are outraged that a storm has their name or they say: please name it after my husband or wife.”
Following the deadly explosion that struck the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020 and its catastrophic consequences in human losses, the Hellenic Republic responded immediately to supply humanitarian aid.
Greece was one of the first countries to express its active solidarity to the Lebanese people after were injured from the Beirut blast.
Greece sent out an EMAK unit within 24 hours of the Beirut blast, with the purpose of locating any survivors and missing people that had disappeared.
The Greek Navy ship ‘Ikaria’, on its second trip to Beirut after the explosion, will be delivering significant quantities of food, medicine, medical equipment and construction materials, totalling over 145 tons.
“The provisions were a result of collective cooperation between the Hellenic Republic and the private sector in Greece, in solidarity with the Lebanese people,” the Hellenic Republic of Greece in Lebanon said in a statement.
“This unprecedented mobilization proves one more time the strong bonds that tie the two countries and peoples.”
The Greek Lebanese Cultural Union also contributed additional storage and transport of 51 pallets and 41.000 kg of material.
In total, over 180 tons of humanitarian assistance will be delivered at the port of Beirut.
It took less than 24 hours for the Greek government to transfer over 5,000 migrants to the new tent city in Kara Tepe.
A police operation took place on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos on Thursday morning to relocate up to 10,000 homeless refugees.
Thousands of migrants were left on the streets of Lesvos after the Moria migrant camp was destroyed by a fire, an operation orchestrated by migrant residents. Formerly the largest migrant camp in Greece, it was believed that up to 15,000 were housed at the facility before it was burned down.
Seventy female officers who were flown in from Athens on Wednesday were tasked to evacuate women and children to the new tent city in Kara Tepe. The Greek government states that the new temporary facility can house 5,000 people.
Greek Police (ELAS) said in a press release this is an operation “to protect public health with a clear humanitarian element.”
Speaking on the island, migration minister Notis Mitarachi said rapid coronavirus tests found 135 of the former residents of Moria positive for the coronavirus, and these people were being kept “in special areas where they receive the appropriate medical conditions.”
Migrants wait to enter a new temporary refugee camp in Kara Tepe, near Mytilene the capital of the northeastern island of Lesbos, Greece, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
“It is critical that Europe demonstrates tangible solidarity to the pressure that the Greek islands have had over the last few years,” said Mitarachi, the migration minister.
The ELAS are still evacuating roads leading from Moria to the main town of Mytilene, where they are being refused entry into the city.
“As long as it is peaceful, we believe it is a good move,” said Astrid Castelein, head of the U.N. Refugee Agency’s office on Lesbos. “Here on the street it is a risk for security, for public health, and it’s not dignity which we need for everyone.”
Government spokesperson Stelios Petsas says all migrants undergo a rapid coronavirus test in 17 mobile units of EODY and are then registered in the camp.
“We continue implementing the three aims we had set from the beginning: shelter, food [and] protection,” Petsas said.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios attended the NSW Parliament on Thursday, where he was congratulated by NSW government leaders over the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s handling of the coronavirus.
His Eminence was warmly welcomed and hosted by State representatives, including NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, Minister of Multicultural Affairs, Geoff Lee, and Oatley MP, Mark Coure.
During a dinner meeting, the Archbishop raised concern from the Greek diaspora, as well as the general Australian population, over the issues facing society during this period.
More specifically, His Eminence outlined the problems and described the needs of the Greek diaspora to the NSW Premier and State Government representatives.
(LEFT) Oatley MP Mark Coure with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios. (RIGHT) NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios.
At the centre of the discussions were also the developments around the coronavirus pandemic and the implemented policies to limit its spread.
According to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, His Eminence received congratulations for the “responsible attitude” of the religious organisation during the pandemic. The State leaders were also pleased with the strong cooperation of the Greek Orthodox Church with the state authorities of New South Wales.
Concluding his visit to Parliament, the Archbishop offered the State members a commemorative box with the image of Christ.
It was during the penultimate voyage of the Spanish ship Begona, in May 1957, when 17-year-old Voula Dasiakli left her family in Tripoli, a city in in the central Peloponnese, in Greece and embarked on a journey to Australia, following her older sister who had immigrated to Sydney a year earlier.
Three years later, in March 1960, on another side of Peloponnese, in Pylos, not far from Tripoli, 25-year-old Apostolis Rentoulis would also leave his family to immigrate to Adelaide in search for a better future. His brother had already settled in Australia.
Two different people, with different life stories, whose fates and immigration journeys were meant to intertwine thousands of miles away from their home country.
Today, married for 56 years, Voula and Apostolis Rentoulis – or Valerie and Paul as they are known among their Australian friends – open their hearts and retell their life story.
Voula and Apostolis Rentoulis have been married for 56 years. Photo supplied.
Voula Rentoulis: “I like life in Australia despite the difficulties”
I ask Mrs Rentoulis to remember and describe her journey. She pauses. Thinks. Smiles.
From the way she narrates the events, I understand that she never forgot. It is forever engraved in her memory.
“We lived a good life in Tripoli. We went to school; my dad was a judicial secretary but we immigrated to do something better in life. My sister was already in Australia and I wanted to follow her.
“I left Piraeus on May 21, 1957 on board Begona and arrived in Melbourne almost a month later. Then I took the train to Sydney, ” Voula Rentoulis, 80, tells The Greek Herald explaining that the trip was an enjoyable experience for her, unlike many of the other girls who were on board the Begona.
“I became friends with three girls one of whom also had three children. I remember spending a lot of time on deck because we were not feeling sick up there. Unfortunately, many of the girls I travelled with were not happy, because they were coming to marry grooms whom they had only met through photos.
Voula became friends with many of the other girls on board the Spanish ship Begona. Photo supplied.
“Unfortunately, many of them got disappointed when they arrived in Melbourne.”
Despite her limited knowledge of the language upon her arrival she soon started working at her brother in law’s Milk Bar in Sydney. She was focused to learn and succeed.
“I took some English lessons in Greece and they helped. The first year was difficult as I was missing my family but the fact that I had my sister and some relatives in Sydney also helped.
“I enjoyed life in Australia from the very beginning despite the difficulties. A girl I used to work with happened to be married to Apostolis’ cousin. She introduced me to Apostoli and after I met him, my life in Australia got even better,” Mrs Rentoulis says.
“I would have returned to Greece if I hadn’t met Voula”
One and a half years after arriving in Adelaide, Apostolis Rentoulis was thinking of returning to Greece.
“It was impossible for me to find a job in Adelaide. In Greece, I used to work in big international hotels but there were none in South Australia back then. I migrated to Australia for a better future,” Mr Rentoulis explains.
“I knew from my dad who had migrated to the USA and worked in California and Chicago, that the majority of people overseas had progressed, but it wasn’t working for me in Australia.”
Apostolis says he migrated to Australia for a better future. Photo supplied.
Apostolis’ cousin, who lived in Sydney, persuaded him to join him and test his luck. It was in Sydney that he was introduced to Voula whom he got married to within six months.
In 1964, they decided to return to Adelaide, where they created their family and still live today. Mr Rentoulis, a fan of soccer, tells me that he has been reading The Greek Herald ever since!
“We started our married life with just 80 pounds. We had bed sheets on the windows instead of curtains. In 1965 our first child came and the demands of the household increased. Then the second child. We needed beds, a refrigerator.
“But we were happy,” Mr Rentoulis says.
I ask them to give me their advice for the next generation of Greek Australians. They speak with pride about their children, grandchildren and their respective partners who speak or learn Greek and keep the language and tradition alive.
For the friends, the ‘koumbarous’ and acquaintances they have created over the years in the new home country.
Mrs. Voula asks me if I would like a coffee. She also offers me ‘diples’ and home-made ‘koulourakia’. It feels like home.
I am sitting in the same living room where Voula and Apostolis built their dreams. Together. This is probably the advice.
The way all our first migrants fought the odds and made new beginnings. Perseverance, patience, understanding and love.
By Andrew Paschalidis – Heartbeat of Football Founder
Andrew Paschalidis, founder of the ‘Heartbeat of Football’ charity, hosted a charity luncheon on Thursday at the Hellenic restaurant in Mosman with Socceroo legend Craig Johnston. With his charity, Andrew aims to minimise health risks in sports and install defibrillators on all sporting fields around the country.
When Craig Johnston was at the peak of his footballing powers I was just a 21yo cadet journalist at Australian Soccer Weekly in 1983. My opportunity came after an interview with famed Greek journalist Michael Mystakidis.
For those of us of that generation and with football in the bloodstream, Johnston was a pivotal figure who inspired thousands of Australians to chase their football dreams. Some of us were fortunate enough to forge a career in the football media.
It was certainly not an easy ride to the dizzy heights of Liverpool FC and with that English and European glory.
Photo taken from the charity luncheon on Thursday at the Hellenic restaurant in Mosman. Photo: Andy Paschalidis Twitter
Last Friday Craig Johnston once again stepped up to support of Heartbeat of Football – the Charity I founded in 2016 to deal with heart attacks in our great game. The Fundraising lunch for just 12 people at the marvellous Hellenic Restaurant in Mosman sold out within 24hrs. Incredible considering it cost $1,000pp! It was an intimate and compelling gathering – a lunch which ended up finishing at 5.00pm.
“You know in my first trial game in England I was told by Middlesbrough manager Jack Charlton I was the worst player he had ever seen,” Johnston said.
“At halftime I was singled out and told to leave the club. I rang my parents and told them Jack said I was the best player and that Boro wanted to sign me.
Photo taken from the charity luncheon on Thursday at the Hellenic restaurant in Mosman. Photo: Andy Paschalidis Twitter
“My parents were in debt just getting me to England. I was just 15yo but thankfully some of the senior pros gave me money to stay on by washing their cars and cleaning their boots.
“I was allowed to sleep in a small room at the training ground. I would spend 5 to 6 hours a day training in the car park kicking footballs against a wall to improve my touch,” Johnston added.
Improvement is a understatement. Such was Johnston’s rise that at 17yo he became the youngest player to make his debut at Middlesbrough. Charlton was long gone by then.
By far his biggest move was joining Liverpool four years later in 1981. It was a golden seven year run which brought countless moments of joy while playing with arguably the best club team in the world.
Photo taken from the charity luncheon on Thursday at the Hellenic restaurant in Mosman. Photo: Andy Paschalidis Twitter
Johnston was mixing and playing with football royalty. His name appeared on the Liverpool team-sheet 271 times alongside the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen, Ronnie Whelan, Phil Neal and many more big names. He also scored 40 goals.
Johnston, who was born in South Africa, won five English Division One titles; 1 FA Cup in which he scored in a 3-1 win against bitter rivals Everton in 1986; 2 League Cups and a 1984 European Cup triumph against AS Roma.
“I was blessed to play with many great players,” Johnston said.
“I was a 15yo kid who wrote to over 20 English clubs looking for a trial. One responded – Middlesbrough.
“Incredible to think that not long before going to England I’d be playing football in the streets of Newcastle with my Greek and Italian friends. They had such a passion for the game which I thoroughly enjoyed,” Johnston added.
Photo taken from the charity luncheon on Thursday at the Hellenic restaurant in Mosman. Photo: Andy Paschalidis Twitter
Johnston has worn many hats from footballer, musician, photographer, entrepreneur but perhaps his other big legacy is being the creator of the famous Adidas Predator boot. The first prototype was won by David Beckham but only after Sir Alex Ferguson approved.
I will never forget Friday’s Luncheon. Johnston wore his heart on his sleeve. No topic was taboo. Tears were were shed. When he heard Angelo Petratos was visiting he ran straight across introducing himself and telling Angelo that his son Dimi – a Socceroos star – is one of his favourite players. It was a priceless moment to witness.
One of the other highlights for me was watching him engage with young Val Travlos – Theo’s son who plays in the SAP programme at Sydney Olympic FC but has also been identified by Greek heavyweights Olympiacos FC after spending several months with their Academy in 2019.
But that’s Craig Johnston to a tee. He could see an early version of himself in young Val. In effect he was winding back the clock and trying help and advise Val on the right steps to take.
I am forever blessed to call Craig Johnston my friend. I would also like to thank the attendees – particularly prominent Greek-Australians like Harry Michaels OAM, Andrew Lazaris OAM, Jack Zervos, Marcus Pavlakis, Con Micos, Nick Plataniotis and the Travlos family. They always support the Charity.
(Our next exclusive HOF LUNCHEON will feature special guest Socceroos coach Graham Arnold. If your interested feel free to call me on 0412-184048)
Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, had a working meeting on Wednesday in Athens, to discuss relations between both countries and the Prespa Agreement.
According to PM Zaev’s press office, the two leaders discussed the agreement, noting that it has provided a model for successfully resolving open issues between both countries.
Prime Minister Zaev also expressed his belief that Greece will be one of the leading lobbyists and supporters of North Macedonia in their upcoming accession negotiations with the European Union.
Партнерството засновано на доверба и пријателство го трансформиравме во сојузништво со членството на нашата земја во НАТО, а Грција останува силен лобист и поддржувач на нашата земја во претстојниот процес на преговори со Европската Унија. 🇲🇰🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/bEIokDtapE
Earlier that day, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou also met with Zaev where, according to MIA, they agreed the Prespa Agreement had created an alliance and partnership between Greece and North Macedonia.
Sakellaropoulou also congratulated the Prime Minister on his re-election to the post.
The meetings came as the countries are set to sign a final agreement for greater economic cooperation and interconnected natural gas resources.
Christos Lagoumitzis, 45, from La Perouse travelled to Athens, Greece in January to care for his elderly parents and has not been able to get home since.
Mr Lagoumitzis has been trying to secure a flight since March and said the government “should be doing more” to rescue Australians trapped overseas due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“As soon as ScoMo said to come back I booked a flight for July 14, several months ahead,” Mr Lagoumitzis told The Daily Telegraph.
“I was then rescheduled for August 31, before the airline then deleted the flight and rescheduled for October 26.
Thousand of Australians remain stranded overseas due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m lucky because I get to stay with my parents for now, but it feels like my life’s on hold because I imagined I’d be home in days, not months. I can’t work over here, it’s been very stressful.”
There are around 35,000 Australians registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade overseas and more than 26,000 of those have said they want to come home. The government is particularly concerned about 3500 of those who are considered vulnerable.
This week, Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, provided a potential lifeline to all those stranded, saying the Federal Government is looking to raise the cap on returnees from 4000 to 6000 a week.
State and territory leaders have been asked to help, with the announcement set to be voted on by National Cabinet tomorrow.
If you have a similar experience, please reach out to The Greek Herald at info@foreignlanguage.com.au.
As if 2020 couldn’t get any worse, Greece is bracing for a mega-storm this weekend that meteorologists are saying will bring intense rain and wind to much of the country.
Greek scientists have named the storm “Ianos” and predict it will hit Greece around September 17 or 18 at its current speed. Estimates suggest the harsh weather will appear first in the southern Ionian islands on Thursday, September 17.
The storm— called a Mediterranean Cyclone or Medicaine— is a rare occurrence in the Eastern Mediterranean and although never as powerful as even a category one hurricane, the storms pose a huge hazard because of life-threatening torrential rains and flash floods.
Greece’s Deputy Minister for Public Protection, Nikos Hardalias, warned citizens about the danger of the storms, advising them to avoid outdoor and marine activities during the coming days.
Mr Hardalias also asked citizens to secure any objects that could be taken up by winds, and to remain in safe shelter during the severe weather.
A similar storm hit Greece in late September 2018 and caused extensive damage in Athens and elsewhere in the country.
Several flights were canceled at the time and schools were closed. Many islands reported gale-force winds during the storm’s passage.
Turkey has extended a navigational telex (Navtex) reserving an area southwest of Cyprus for drilling activities until October 12.
The move was criticised on Wednesday by Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the European Commission.
In an interview with The Economist, Mitsotakis said he was concerned by Turkey’s move to extend the operation of its Yavuz energy drill ship in disputed Mediterranean waters.
“Turkey has a choice – engage with Europe in a constructive way or continue its unilateral actions and face consequences,” the Prime Minister said.
European Commission spokesman for external affairs, Peter Stano, added that the move “will fuel further tensions and insecurity in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
“This decision comes at a moment when there is an opportunity to pursue immediate de-escalation, and resume dialogue and negotiations, which is the only path towards lasting solutions,” Mr Stano said.
He did welcome however, the withdrawal of the Turkish research vessel Oruc Reis, describing it “an important step paving the way for a meaningful dialogue between Greece and Turkey.”
The EU also calls for a similar decision as concerns Cyprus, he added.
