More than a dozen earthquakes, with the strongest being 5.7 magnitude, hit Taiwan’s east coast on Monday. The quakes caused brief shaking in Taipei but no damage was reported. Taiwan has experienced numerous aftershocks since a deadly 7.2 magnitude earthquake earlier in the month. Taiwan is located near tectonic plates and is susceptible to earthquakes, with past quakes causing significant loss of life.
Fact: Dust in the atmosphere is expected to increase by Tuesday amid rising temperatures.
Cyprus cannot accept any more Syrian refugees.
Fact: A 30-year-old hotel employee has been arrested on suspicion of stealing from hotel rooms and attacking police officers who tried to arrest him.
Increased cloud coverage is expected today with isolated showers in the afternoon and dust in the atmosphere. Winds will initially blow from the south, reaching Force 4 on the Beaufort scale and gradually increasing to Force 5. The sea will be slight to moderate. Temperatures will be around 26 C inland, 24 C on the coast, and about 19 C in the mountains.
The government of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended the processing of asylum applications from people of Syrian origin, citing an “emergency situation due to sudden influxes” from Syria. This decision, made under the Christodoulides Government, includes the use of the National Guard in anti-refugee operations and the suspension of asylum applications for 21 months for Syrians. The government’s measures have been criticized for violating international obligations under the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for contributing to anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments. Additionally, the government’s actions have been deemed illegal and disproportionate, with concerns raised about military-style pushbacks conducted with the navy and police.
Increased levels of dust are expected to remain in the atmosphere through Friday.
Cyprus denied allegations of pushing back and threatening migrants during an operation off the coast of Lebanon. The individuals were provided with food and blankets before being sent back, and Cyprus did not push back any of the boats. The UNHCR and EU define pushback as forcibly returning migrants without access to international protection or asylum procedures. The Republic of Cyprus stated that it respects international conventions and acts within the framework of legality. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou emphasized that their actions regarding migration flows comply with international regulations.
A group of volunteers on the Greek island of Lesbos transformed an abandoned burial ground into a proper cemetery for asylum-seekers who died trying to reach Europe. They uncovered and counted graves, replacing the old mounds with cement graves topped with white pebbles. The project was led by Fabiola Velasquez, who wanted to create a place where those who lost their lives seeking refuge in Europe could be remembered. Lesbos was a key location during Europe’s refugee crisis in 2015, with many people drowning in the perilous sea crossing from Turkey. The team identified 197 graves, but the number is expected to increase as many of the dead have never been identified.
Cypriot authorities are monitoring five boats carrying around 500 migrants heading towards the island’s shores from Lebanon. Two boats were intercepted in international waters, negotiations are ongoing with Lebanon, and the fate of the remaining three boats is unknown. The operation involves Cypriot Marine Police and the National Guard, and the government has suspended the processing of asylum applications amid a sharp increase in the number of Syrians arriving from Lebanon.