The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] High Cost of Living Causes Concern

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

The heating oil allowance during winter and the Social Cohesion Fund will be the measures the government will take to the benefit of low-income earners, following the European Commissions proposals to combat the high cost of living.

The "27" block agreed that short term and targeted measures should be taken on a national basis.

Targeted Measures

The Economy ministry is expected to take measures to the benefit of low-income earners. As per information, the heating oil allowance issue will be finalized mid August. The allowance will be given to the unemployed, OGA (Agricultural Insurance Organisation) pensioners, EKAS (Pensioners Social Solidarity Allowance), one-parent families and the disabled, while other factors to be taken under consideration will be the area people in and their income.

Until today, 70% of enterprises have followed the Development ministrys advice to freeze prices in an attempt to clamp down the high cost of living.

In the coming months, it will be decided how the 500 million euros of the Social Cohesion Fund will be distributed.

Head of the ND (Conservatives) Euro Deputies Ioannis Varvitsiotis told NET 105.8 that the Summit Meeting proved that the EU leaders had been late in taking measures against the high cost of living.

Meanwhile, the KKE (Communist Party of Greece) Secretary General Aleka Papariga has told Agelioforos newspaper that the government should take measures to combat the high cost of living, criticizing in parallel the Trade Unions leaders.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Tragic Shipwreck

By

Sources: AFP, ΑNA-ΜPA

A passenger ship with about 750 passengers capsized in the open of central Philippines amid strong winds and rough sea caused by Fengshen typhoon. As per original information, four people have lost their life, while the number of the victims is expected to rise as gusts of up to 195km per hour are blowing in the area. Thus, the coast guard has difficulty in approaching other vessels to offer its help. Typhoon Fengshen had already killed 69 people prior to the shipwreck, leaving thousands of Filippinos homeless.

Poor Weather Conditions

The 23,824-tonne ferry, the Princess of the Stars, has a passenger capacity of 1,992. The vessel was en route to Cebu from Manila when it capsized eyewitnesses said.

Until now only four bodies have been recovered, while no survivor from the 626 passengers and 121 crew members has been found.

Meanwhile, a local official said that the bodies of two women had been discovered on the coast, adding that more bodies were discovered on seaside villages. However, due to the adverse weather conditions, no access is possible so that the evidence is verified.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Philippines ferry hit by typhoon

[03] High Risk for Fires

The General Secretariat of Political Protection issued a map forecasting high risk for fires in the following areas: Athens, Eastern and Western Attica, Piraeus, Kythira, Boeotia, Evia, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, the Cyclades, Rethymno, Chania, Heraklion, Lasithi, Corinthia, Argolida and Laconia.

The Secretariat has also briefed the self governments to be on alert in case fires break out.

In parallel, people are advised to be especially careful when doing outdoor works and avoid burning dried grass or use machinery that produce sparks. They should also not throw lit cigarettes.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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