It's a sigh of relief after almost 100 days as pain's Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma has officially been declared over by the scientists.

La Palma: Spain's Cumbre Vieja volcano eruption officially over

WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis and brings you a quick round-up of all the top headlines and breakings from all across the world.

WION Speed News: Pentagon's rules to tackle extremism | Migrants seek humanitarian visas

Thousands of people dressed as Santa Claus took part in a charity run through Madrid to raise money for victims of the volcanic eruption on the Spanish island of La Palma.

Thousands of Santas run for charity in Madrid for victim of La Palma eruption

Dozens of cats were abandoned by their owners when a volcano erupted on the Spanish island of La Palma. Now the police are taking care of them.

Police feed cats in 'exclusion zone' around La Palma volcano

The volcanic eruption on the Spanish island of La Palma has shown its first sign it might be coming to an end after nearly three months. Members of Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) measured toxic gases near homes, clearing the way for more residents to return. Scientists are collecting samples to study. But will there be a new flare-up in seismic activity?

La Palma is quiet: Memories covered in ash

Vaccine mandate and strict COVID-19 guidelines spark several mass protests across Europe. Vaccine passports have been made mandatory in several countries to access public and leisure places.

Several mass protests erupt across Europe against vaccine mandate amid Omicron scare

A charity run through Spanish capital Madrid saw thousands of people taking part dressed as Santa Claus. The run was organised to raise money for people on Spanish island La Palma which is affected by three-month volcanic eruption.

The runners were decked out in classic red and white outfits. They set off in a flurry of fake snow along the Paseo de la Castellana, a major boulevard through the city centre.

Some runners swapped Santa's traditional red trousers for more sporty shorts, while many wore face masks as a coronavirus precaution.

<img alt="Charity run" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd3bac78-1970-4391-9ed0-1b2eb1f86098" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-12-19T131107Z_1_LYNXMPEHBI05L_RTROPTP_4_CHRISTMAS-SEASON-FATHER-CHRISTMAS-RUN.JPG" />

"You have to try to be careful, especially close to Christmas," said Teresa, taking part with her colleagues, who were all wearing face masks. She was quoted by news agency Reuters.

"Everything that we do for that place (La Palma) is not enough," said 40-years-old military emergency unit (UME) member Abel San Perez. He was quoted by news agency Reuters.

Thousands of people have been evacuated, at least 2,910 buildings have been destroyed and banana plantations have been devastated on La Palma, an island in the Canaries. The Cumbre Vieja volcano began spewing streams of molten lava in September, but scientists said last week the eruption could be coming to an end.

(With inputs from agencies)

A charity run through Spanish capital Madrid saw thousands of people taking part dressed as Santa Claus. The run was organised to raise money for people on Spanish island La Palma which is affected by three-month volcanic eruption.

A charity run through Spanish capital Madrid saw thousands of people taking part dressed as Santa Claus. The run was organised to raise money for people on Spanish island La Palma which is affected by three-month volcanic eruption. The runners were decked out in classic red and white outfits. They set off in a flurry of fake snow along the Paseo de la Castellana, a major boulevard through the city centre. Some runners swapped Santa's traditional red trousers for more sporty shorts, while many wore face masks as a coronavirus precaution. "You have to try to be careful, especially close to Christmas," said Teresa, taking part with her colleagues, who were all wearing face masks. She was quoted by news agency Reuters. "Everything that we do for that place (La Palma) is not enough," said 40-years-old military emergency unit (UME) member Abel San Perez. He was quoted by news agency Reuters. Thousands of people have been evacuated, at least 2,910 buildings have been destroyed and banana plantations have been devastated on La Palma, an island in the Canaries. The Cumbre Vieja volcano began spewing streams of molten lava in September, but scientists said last week the eruption could be coming to an end. (With inputs from agencies)

Madrid: Thousands dressed as Santa take part in charity run for volcano-hit La Palma

Governments have imposed vaccines mandates to fight the new Omicron variant surge, resulting in massive protests across the Europe. Here's a quick round-up.

Covid-19 Pandemic| Anti-vaccine protests in Spain, Germany protesters clash with police

After several months, La Palma Volcano has stopped erupting. However, Scientists warn 'cannot be sure eruption is over' and has taken samples from the Volcano.

La Palma Volcano stops erupting: Scientists warn 'cannot be sure eruption is over'

A volcanic eruption in Spain's Canary Islands shows no sign of ending after 85 days, becoming the island of La Palma's longest eruption on record.

Spain volcano shows no sign of ending after 85 days

Spain's youngest bishop, Xavier Novell Goma, has been stripped of his church powers after he married a woman who has authored satanic erotica. Novell has been prohibited "from exercising all the rights and responsibilities inherent in the episcopal function", said the country's Episcopal Conference.&nbsp;

It all started in autumn when the bishop's relationship with Silvia Caballol, became known publicly. Some of her works include "The Hell of Gabriel's Lust."&nbsp;

She is described as "a dynamic and transgressive author who made her mark in the challenging world of literature upsetting our moral and ethical mores".

Issuing an official statement, the conference said, "As is publicly known, Bishop Xavier Novell Goma, Bishop Emeritus of Solsona, has contracted a civil marriage with Ms Silvia Caballol, on November 22, 2021, in the town of Suria, in the province of Barcelona."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/collapse-at-amazon-warehouse-sparks-debate-on-phone-ban-employees-say-they-will-quit-436198">Also read |&nbsp;Collapse at Amazon warehouse sparks debate on phone ban; employees say they will quit</a>

The statement further highlighted that the churchman will retain his title as a bishop. However, he will not be permitted to carry out any roles associated with the post including "the administration of the sacraments".

"Any teaching activity, both in public and private, is prohibited," it added.

This is not the first time that he has attracted controversy. Earlier, he garnered lots of attention for endorsing gay conversion therapy and supporting Catalan independence.

He stepped down in August this year citing personal reasons. However, it was much later when people came to know about the reason.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain's youngest bishop, Xavier Novell Goma, has been stripped of his church powers after he married a woman who has authored satanic erotica. Novell has been prohibited "from exercising all the rights and responsibilities inherent in the episcopal function", said the country's Episcopal Conference.

Spain's youngest bishop, Xavier Novell Goma, has been stripped of his church powers after he married a woman who has authored satanic erotica. Novell has been prohibited "from exercising all the rights and responsibilities inherent in the episcopal function", said the country's Episcopal Conference. It all started in autumn when the bishop's relationship with Silvia Caballol, became known publicly. Some of her works include "The Hell of Gabriel's Lust." She is described as "a dynamic and transgressive author who made her mark in the challenging world of literature upsetting our moral and ethical mores". Issuing an official statement, the conference said, "As is publicly known, Bishop Xavier Novell Goma, Bishop Emeritus of Solsona, has contracted a civil marriage with Ms Silvia Caballol, on November 22, 2021, in the town of Suria, in the province of Barcelona." Also read | Collapse at Amazon warehouse sparks debate on phone ban; employees say they will quit The statement further highlighted that the churchman will retain his title as a bishop. However, he will not be permitted to carry out any roles associated with the post including "the administration of the sacraments". "Any teaching activity, both in public and private, is prohibited," it added. This is not the first time that he has attracted controversy. Earlier, he garnered lots of attention for endorsing gay conversion therapy and supporting Catalan independence. He stepped down in August this year citing personal reasons. However, it was much later when people came to know about the reason. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain's youngest bishop, Xavier Novell Goma, stripped of powers for marrying erotica author

European countries are witnessing a flood nightmare. Storm Barra has disrupted northern Spain. River Arga overflowed resulting in the flooding of streets.

Overflowing of river Arga causes flooding in Spain

Over Twenty Spanish provinces remain on high alert as storm Barra makes its way into Northern Spain. Storm Barra has already Battered UK and Ireland on its way.

Over Twenty Provinces on High Alert as Storm Barra hits Northern Spain | Weather emergency

Stunning images of hot air balloons taking over the sky in Antequera, Spain, during King's cup

While one part of Spain battles a volcanic eruption, another is being battered by floods. Heavy rains have triggered floods in the Basque region. A high alert has been also issued in the region.

Spain: Heavy rain and flooding batter Basque region, dozens evacuated

A volcano in La Palma has been erupting since three months. As a new lava flow has begun from the active volcano, scientists and members of the military emergency unit are monitoring the situation.

La Palma volcano: New lava flow threatens village; Military scientists monitor eruption

Classic car enthusiasts from different parts of Europe descended onto the La Palma island to witness one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions of the decade.

Classic car enthusiasts drive close to the La Palma Volcano

Spanish police are now investigating an incident in which twelve passengers ran away from a Turkey bound plane after it made an emergency landing in Mallorca.&nbsp;

An investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was staged.&nbsp;It is possible that migrants plotted the whole scheme as a means of entering Spain illegally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/12-illegal-immigrants-arrested-for-fleeing-plane-that-made-emergency-landing-in-spain-airport-427396">12 ‘illegal immigrants’ arrested for fleeing plane that made emergency landing in Spain airport</a>

Police in the country is investigating the potential migration law violation after 23 passengers tried to escape an Air Arabia flight, which on Friday had to make an emergency landing in Mallorca en route from Morocco to Turkey.

The plane was forced to land after a passenger onboard "fell into" a diabetic coma and requested medical attention.

As he was taken to the hospital, the man suddenly turned out to be in good health.&nbsp;The man, who faked his illness, was discharged from the hospital and detained on suspicion of encouraging immigration and violating Spanish immigration laws.

Other passengers apparently took advantage of the situation and fled from the plane.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/579-percent-vote-yes-twitter-wants-elon-musk-to-sell-10-percent-of-his-tesla-stock-427552" hreflang="en">57.9 percent vote 'yes'; Twitter wants Elon Musk to sell 10 percent of his Tesla stock</a>

Initially, the police believed that the whole incident was a result of "improvisation and opportunity" until they found a Facebook post from July, offering people the to participate in a plan that closely resembled what happened on Friday.

The author of the post, which has since been deleted, looked for 40 people for a "plan" that involved faking an illness to land an emergency aircraft in Spain. As part of the plan, one person was responsible for handling the GPS so that timing was accurate. Other people would actively demand that the "sick" person get help if a captain refused to land on an emergency basis.

El Pais, a Spanish daily&nbsp;reported that the Arabic-language ad was viewed more than 6,500 times before it was deleted.

<img alt="The facebook post" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4e563566-2dbd-4263-aaac-b153a58496f8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-11-08%20at%201.54.15%20PM.jpeg" />:

The Arabic-language Facebook post that allegedly offers this plan. WION is unable to independently verify the authenticity of this.&nbsp;

Spanish authorities now suspect that they might have been the victims of a clever ruse plotted by a group of would-be migrants, looking for a way into the country.&nbsp;

Authorities are continuing to question the detained passengers, although no "obvious and identifiable" relationship between the detainees has yet been established.

In a video that has been circulating on social media, several people can be seen running across the tarmac and through the cabin of a plane. The video&nbsp;has since been verified by the police as authentic.

Watch it here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Police investigate suspicious Facebook ad after 12 passengers vanish from plane during emergency landing. 
 
The Spanish authorities suspect they might have fallen victim to a clever ruse devised by a group of migrants seeking to make their way into <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spain</a>. <a href="https://t.co/rdVB9dXj3X">pic.twitter.com/rdVB9dXj3X</a>
— Venkatesh Ragupathi (@venkatesh_Ragu) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkatesh_Ragu/status/1457586487214710788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The police have detained eleven of the would-be escapee passengers. Twelve more, including a person with the man who was pretending to be sick, disappeared without a trace.&nbsp;

Those arrested will appear in court on Monday and face deportation back to their home countries. Searches continue by the Civil Guard and the national police for the remaining twelve passengers, who are still on the run.

Spanish police are now investigating an incident in which twelve passengers ran away from a Turkey bound plane after it made an emergency landing in Mallorca. An investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was staged.

Spanish police are now investigating an incident in which twelve passengers ran away from a Turkey bound plane after it made an emergency landing in Mallorca. An investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was staged. It is possible that migrants plotted the whole scheme as a means of entering Spain illegally. Also read | 12 ‘illegal immigrants’ arrested for fleeing plane that made emergency landing in Spain airport Police in the country is investigating the potential migration law violation after 23 passengers tried to escape an Air Arabia flight, which on Friday had to make an emergency landing in Mallorca en route from Morocco to Turkey. The plane was forced to land after a passenger onboard "fell into" a diabetic coma and requested medical attention. As he was taken to the hospital, the man suddenly turned out to be in good health. The man, who faked his illness, was discharged from the hospital and detained on suspicion of encouraging immigration and violating Spanish immigration laws. Other passengers apparently took advantage of the situation and fled from the plane. Also read | 57.9 percent vote 'yes'; Twitter wants Elon Musk to sell 10 percent of his Tesla stock Initially, the police believed that the whole incident was a result of "improvisation and opportunity" until they found a Facebook post from July, offering people the to participate in a plan that closely resembled what happened on Friday. The author of the post, which has since been deleted, looked for 40 people for a "plan" that involved faking an illness to land an emergency aircraft in Spain. As part of the plan, one person was responsible for handling the GPS so that timing was accurate. Other people would actively demand that the "sick" person get help if a captain refused to land on an emergency basis. El Pais, a Spanish daily reported that the Arabic-language ad was viewed more than 6,500 times before it was deleted. : The Arabic-language Facebook post that allegedly offers this plan. WION is unable to independently verify the authenticity of this. Spanish authorities now suspect that they might have been the victims of a clever ruse plotted by a group of would-be migrants, looking for a way into the country. Authorities are continuing to question the detained passengers, although no "obvious and identifiable" relationship between the detainees has yet been established. In a video that has been circulating on social media, several people can be seen running across the tarmac and through the cabin of a plane. The video has since been verified by the police as authentic. Watch it here: Police investigate suspicious Facebook ad after 12 passengers vanish from plane during emergency landing. The Spanish authorities suspect they might have fallen victim to a clever ruse devised by a group of migrants seeking to make their way into #Spain. pic.twitter.com/rdVB9dXj3X — Venkatesh Ragupathi (@venkatesh_Ragu) November 8, 2021 × The police have detained eleven of the would-be escapee passengers. Twelve more, including a person with the man who was pretending to be sick, disappeared without a trace. Those arrested will appear in court on Monday and face deportation back to their home countries. Searches continue by the Civil Guard and the national police for the remaining twelve passengers, who are still on the run.

Great escape: Spanish authorities investigate suspicious Facebook ad after 12 vanish during emergency landing

Not every house built on a cliff has stayed on a cliff. So how do homeowners and architects take on this challenge — one that is rewarded with glorious, unobstructed ocean vistas, but also full of potential problems — and still sleep well?

Building a home attached to a sheer wall of rock means balancing aesthetic temptations with the realities of exposure, accessibility, zoning issues and design. Jaime Bartolomé Yllera, co-founder of GilBartolome Architects, says that the danger is part of the draw.

“It’s in some sense dangerous, but you can safely experience it,” he said. “Engineering goes a long way.”

His firm won the bid to build the House on the Cliff in Salobreña, on Spain’s Costa Tropical, with a design that Bartolomé calls a “cave model,” cut like a triangular bite into the side of an incline, in this case at a 42-degree grade.

Bartolomé fabricated micropiles that dig 60 feet deep into the ground and drilled anchors horizontally 60 feet into the rock.

“For that house to fall into the sea, the whole mountain would have to go into the sea,” he said.

The construction crew started by excavating earth to make a vertical retaining wall. Whereas houses on level land are built from the foundation up, houses in the cave model are built from the retaining wall downward: Other floors are added below it, like building a set of stairs from the second floor down.

Though houses built this way can incur additional construction costs, Bartolomé said they were able to build the 2,400-square-foot House on the Cliff for about $200 per square foot, including the retaining wall and the bespoke furniture, for a total construction cost around $480,000.

To take on this challenge as a homeowner, Bartolomé said, “you have to have energy. You get all sorts of challenges, so to be worth it for the client, someone really has to have the vision.”

The owners of the home, Sandra and Jaime Vecino, had a vision from the first time they saw the property, riding past it on his father’s boat. They were living in Madrid, but Vecino had always summered with his family in the area, hoping he’d find a place there to build a house of his own.

While her husband pointed toward the property, Sandra Vecino asked, “How would you build a house there?” — a question that was echoed by the rest of the family. They found out the answer after they purchased the land, considered four designs and chose the most unusual one, from GilBartolome Architects.

“I wasn’t sure, of course. When we saw that house I said, ‘My God, this is not going to fall, really?’ ” she said. “I was scared.”

They began to build in 2012, before they had children, and for four years spent summers and offseason weekends there. Their full-time house is just five minutes from the beach, but she says it’s not the same as life on the cliff.

“It’s as if you’re far away from everything, in a bubble, in your own world,” she said. “It’s magic. It’s like the sea is just for you because it’s not just a bit of it, it’s an immensity. The sky as well. It’s everything.”

They enjoyed the isolation when they wanted to have loud parties. After having three young children, though, the family decided to use the very non-childproof house just for weekends and rent it as a vacation home for about $600 a night in the summer and about $350 in winter, so others can experience it.

The House on the Cliff is striking, but it has competition. Laertis-Antonios Ando Vassiliou, principal architect and director of LAAV Architects, who grew up with a view of the sea in Greece, creates designs for even more daring projects to fit the kind of clientele who might like to live on the edge.

“I think you need to be a little bit of a daredevil,” he said.

Potential buyers have tracked him down for his designs, such as the Casa Brutale concept, renderings of which went viral in 2015 — and for good reason: it’s a home that doesn’t sit on a cliff but&nbsp;in it, like a drawer in a dresser, with a pool for a ceiling and glass windows flush with the rock face.

Alex Demirdjian, CEO of Demco Properties in Lebanon, wanted to make the house a reality in Beirut. When Vassiliou partnered with Arup Group to lead the engineering, he found himself in a meeting with structural and mechanical engineers, where he asked, “Is this possible? Is it feasible?”

“Well, what’s the budget?” asked one of the engineers. “If there is a budget, everything is possible.”

The budget in 2016 was equivalent to about $3.25 million today. Cliff homes present obvious challenges that can be costly to overcome. “They have erosion, they have landslides, so they are tricky,” said Vassiliou. “But of course, from the standpoint of science and engineering, there are many solutions.”

Even someone with the budget for it has to find the perfect location, a quest that has taken Vassiliou around the world. Geotechnical tests, which extract a core sample from the rock, have shown several spots to be untenable.

“The best rocks are the ones that are pure stone,” said Vassiliou, adding that the most stable is igneous rock, such as granite or basalt.

And it matters just as much what’s above the location as it does what’s below it. In Lebanon, Vassiliou initially found what seemed like a great cliff, but more cliffs rose above it, presenting the risk of tumbling stones.

Because of these difficulties, broader sociopolitical issues and the pandemic, the project remains to be realized.

Cliff houses don’t always have to be such grand affairs. Marialena Hatzigeorgiou and her husband, Daniel Braig, who live in Virginia, just finished their first summer in their new cliff house, one of two simple houses they planned for the future of their two sons, each about 800 square feet and costing about $200 to $300 per square foot to build. They built on the Greek island of Skopelos, on property that had been in her family for decades, but used to be home only to grapes, olive trees and hens.

“They’re not really big houses, but they’re just perfect,” Hatzigeorgiou said. “The view is just breathtaking. It would make you stop doing whatever you’re doing to just sit there and look at the water.”

They still met challenges. To get permission to pave an access road, they had to go to court and show World War II-era photos of a mule path that proved the area had been used for entrance even back then. When they built the house in 2018, they chose to forgo testing the cliff, because the family had owned the property for so long and not seen any shifting, even after pouring a foundation and basement back in 2012.

“There is a house just a couple of corners around us, and we feel that if it’s doing well, we are doing OK,” Hatzigeorgiou said, adding that they routed rainwater with erosion in mind, would insure the house soon and will get it tested if they see any changes.

“For the time being, I’m not really worried about it.”

Not every house built on a cliff has stayed on a cliff. So how do homeowners and architects take on this challenge — one that is rewarded with glorious, unobstructed ocean vistas, but also full of potential problems — and still sleep well?

Not every house built on a cliff has stayed on a cliff. So how do homeowners and architects take on this challenge — one that is rewarded with glorious, unobstructed ocean vistas, but also full of potential problems — and still sleep well? Building a home attached to a sheer wall of rock means balancing aesthetic temptations with the realities of exposure, accessibility, zoning issues and design. Jaime Bartolomé Yllera, co-founder of GilBartolome Architects, says that the danger is part of the draw. “It’s in some sense dangerous, but you can safely experience it,” he said. “Engineering goes a long way.” His firm won the bid to build the House on the Cliff in Salobreña, on Spain’s Costa Tropical, with a design that Bartolomé calls a “cave model,” cut like a triangular bite into the side of an incline, in this case at a 42-degree grade. Bartolomé fabricated micropiles that dig 60 feet deep into the ground and drilled anchors horizontally 60 feet into the rock. “For that house to fall into the sea, the whole mountain would have to go into the sea,” he said. The construction crew started by excavating earth to make a vertical retaining wall. Whereas houses on level land are built from the foundation up, houses in the cave model are built from the retaining wall downward: Other floors are added below it, like building a set of stairs from the second floor down. Though houses built this way can incur additional construction costs, Bartolomé said they were able to build the 2,400-square-foot House on the Cliff for about $200 per square foot, including the retaining wall and the bespoke furniture, for a total construction cost around $480,000. To take on this challenge as a homeowner, Bartolomé said, “you have to have energy. You get all sorts of challenges, so to be worth it for the client, someone really has to have the vision.” The owners of the home, Sandra and Jaime Vecino, had a vision from the first time they saw the property, riding past it on his father’s boat. They were living in Madrid, but Vecino had always summered with his family in the area, hoping he’d find a place there to build a house of his own. While her husband pointed toward the property, Sandra Vecino asked, “How would you build a house there?” — a question that was echoed by the rest of the family. They found out the answer after they purchased the land, considered four designs and chose the most unusual one, from GilBartolome Architects. “I wasn’t sure, of course. When we saw that house I said, ‘My God, this is not going to fall, really?’ ” she said. “I was scared.” They began to build in 2012, before they had children, and for four years spent summers and offseason weekends there. Their full-time house is just five minutes from the beach, but she says it’s not the same as life on the cliff. “It’s as if you’re far away from everything, in a bubble, in your own world,” she said. “It’s magic. It’s like the sea is just for you because it’s not just a bit of it, it’s an immensity. The sky as well. It’s everything.” They enjoyed the isolation when they wanted to have loud parties. After having three young children, though, the family decided to use the very non-childproof house just for weekends and rent it as a vacation home for about $600 a night in the summer and about $350 in winter, so others can experience it. The House on the Cliff is striking, but it has competition. Laertis-Antonios Ando Vassiliou, principal architect and director of LAAV Architects, who grew up with a view of the sea in Greece, creates designs for even more daring projects to fit the kind of clientele who might like to live on the edge. “I think you need to be a little bit of a daredevil,” he said. Potential buyers have tracked him down for his designs, such as the Casa Brutale concept, renderings of which went viral in 2015 — and for good reason: it’s a home that doesn’t sit on a cliff but in it, like a drawer in a dresser, with a pool for a ceiling and glass windows flush with the rock face. Alex Demirdjian, CEO of Demco Properties in Lebanon, wanted to make the house a reality in Beirut. When Vassiliou partnered with Arup Group to lead the engineering, he found himself in a meeting with structural and mechanical engineers, where he asked, “Is this possible? Is it feasible?” “Well, what’s the budget?” asked one of the engineers. “If there is a budget, everything is possible.” The budget in 2016 was equivalent to about $3.25 million today. Cliff homes present obvious challenges that can be costly to overcome. “They have erosion, they have landslides, so they are tricky,” said Vassiliou. “But of course, from the standpoint of science and engineering, there are many solutions.” Even someone with the budget for it has to find the perfect location, a quest that has taken Vassiliou around the world. Geotechnical tests, which extract a core sample from the rock, have shown several spots to be untenable. “The best rocks are the ones that are pure stone,” said Vassiliou, adding that the most stable is igneous rock, such as granite or basalt. And it matters just as much what’s above the location as it does what’s below it. In Lebanon, Vassiliou initially found what seemed like a great cliff, but more cliffs rose above it, presenting the risk of tumbling stones. Because of these difficulties, broader sociopolitical issues and the pandemic, the project remains to be realized. Cliff houses don’t always have to be such grand affairs. Marialena Hatzigeorgiou and her husband, Daniel Braig, who live in Virginia, just finished their first summer in their new cliff house, one of two simple houses they planned for the future of their two sons, each about 800 square feet and costing about $200 to $300 per square foot to build. They built on the Greek island of Skopelos, on property that had been in her family for decades, but used to be home only to grapes, olive trees and hens. “They’re not really big houses, but they’re just perfect,” Hatzigeorgiou said. “The view is just breathtaking. It would make you stop doing whatever you’re doing to just sit there and look at the water.” They still met challenges. To get permission to pave an access road, they had to go to court and show World War II-era photos of a mule path that proved the area had been used for entrance even back then. When they built the house in 2018, they chose to forgo testing the cliff, because the family had owned the property for so long and not seen any shifting, even after pouring a foundation and basement back in 2012. “There is a house just a couple of corners around us, and we feel that if it’s doing well, we are doing OK,” Hatzigeorgiou said, adding that they routed rainwater with erosion in mind, would insure the house soon and will get it tested if they see any changes. “For the time being, I’m not really worried about it.”

Living on the edge, literally: Homes perched on cliffs

One of the busiest and major airports in Spain was shut down for nearly four hours after 21 passengers fled&nbsp;a plane that had made an emergency landing due to a medical emergency.

A plane flying from Casablanca in Morocco to Istanbul, Turkey, was diverted to Palma de Mallorca on Friday.

According to local media, the Air Arabia Maroc plane made an emergency landing after a Moroccan man was said to have fallen into a diabetic coma.

When the doors of the Airbus A320 opened, a group of 21 passengers ran from the plane, reportedly escaping over the perimeter fence.

As of Saturday, 12 people have been arrested and questioned by Spain’s national police.

According to police, the Moroccan man who claimed to be ill was also arrested after a health check at a hospital found him to be fit and well.

However, a fellow passenger accompanying him to the hospital reportedly disappeared.

According to police, they are investigating whether the passengers’ escape from the plane was spontaneous or was it an attempt to immigrate illegally.

The top Spanish government official for the Balearic Islands, Aina Calvo, said the event was unprecedented for a Spanish airport.

Most of the escapees who were arrested were found by the Guardia Civil,&nbsp;the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports, noting that “one was caught walking along the road to Manacor”.

Around 60 national and international flights were diverted or delayed as a result of the incident.

The Air Arabia Maroc plane later continued to Turkey with its remaining passengers.

(With inputs from agencies)

One of the busiest and major airports in Spain was shut down for nearly four hours after 21 passengers fled a plane that had made an emergency landing due to a medical emergency.

One of the busiest and major airports in Spain was shut down for nearly four hours after 21 passengers fled a plane that had made an emergency landing due to a medical emergency. A plane flying from Casablanca in Morocco to Istanbul, Turkey, was diverted to Palma de Mallorca on Friday. According to local media, the Air Arabia Maroc plane made an emergency landing after a Moroccan man was said to have fallen into a diabetic coma. When the doors of the Airbus A320 opened, a group of 21 passengers ran from the plane, reportedly escaping over the perimeter fence. As of Saturday, 12 people have been arrested and questioned by Spain’s national police. According to police, the Moroccan man who claimed to be ill was also arrested after a health check at a hospital found him to be fit and well. However, a fellow passenger accompanying him to the hospital reportedly disappeared. According to police, they are investigating whether the passengers’ escape from the plane was spontaneous or was it an attempt to immigrate illegally. The top Spanish government official for the Balearic Islands, Aina Calvo, said the event was unprecedented for a Spanish airport. Most of the escapees who were arrested were found by the Guardia Civil, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reports, noting that “one was caught walking along the road to Manacor”. Around 60 national and international flights were diverted or delayed as a result of the incident. The Air Arabia Maroc plane later continued to Turkey with its remaining passengers. (With inputs from agencies)

12 ‘illegal immigrants’ arrested for fleeing plane that made emergency landing in Spain airport

On Wednesday, Spain's Geological and Mining Institute (IGME) released drone footage that shows rivers of red hot lava flowing from Spain's La Palma's Cumbre Vieja volcano.

The footage shows volcanic tubes and torrents of molten rocks flowing fast through the various lava streams. The Spanish military emergency unit (UME) used a drone to assess the eruption's progress, showing thermal images of lava streams.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lockdown-ends-for-3000-la-palma-residents-as-volcano-cloud-passes-420154">Lockdown ends for 3,000 La Palma residents as volcano cloud passes</a>

Watch the video here:

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🔴<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Erupci%C3%B3nLaPalma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ErupciónLaPalma</a> 
 
📹Imágenes tomadas hoy por los drones del <a href="https://twitter.com/IGME1849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IGME1849</a> y <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GES?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GES</a> del relleno de sumideros de tubos lávicos que provocan su desbordamiento cubriendo una extensa zona en la parte baja del cono. <a href="https://t.co/G3feZ2DiP4">pic.twitter.com/G3feZ2DiP4</a>
— 1-1-2 Canarias (@112canarias) <a href="https://twitter.com/112canarias/status/1455558206990786567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Cumbre Vieja, an active volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma, began erupting nearly a month ago, forcing thousands of people to evacuate as lava swept through towns, and towards the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp;

This volcano has been described as the "most damaging volcano in Europe in the last 100 years." by the government of the Canary Islands.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lava-blocks-the-size-of-buildings-falling-from-la-palma-volcano-419644">Lava blocks the size of buildings falling from La Palma volcano</a>

&nbsp;

Volcanic lava has covered nearly 900 hectares (2,200 acres) of land since the eruption began on Sept. 19, more than 2,500 buildings have been destroyed.

As a result of the eruption, agriculture on the island, a major source of income, has taken a serious hit. In the aftermath of this eruption, hundreds of hectares of crops have been destroyed.

Watch |&nbsp;La Palma volcano enters explosive phase

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/la-palma-volcano-enters-explosive-phase-416123/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the government, a number of crops were affected, including banana plants, vineyards and avocadoes.&nbsp;

The eruption has forced more than 7,000 people to evacuate their homes, but no lives have been lost.

&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Spain's Geological and Mining Institute (IGME) released drone footage that shows rivers of red hot lava flowing from Spain's La Palma's Cumbre Vieja volcano.

On Wednesday, Spain's Geological and Mining Institute (IGME) released drone footage that shows rivers of red hot lava flowing from Spain's La Palma's Cumbre Vieja volcano. The footage shows volcanic tubes and torrents of molten rocks flowing fast through the various lava streams. The Spanish military emergency unit (UME) used a drone to assess the eruption's progress, showing thermal images of lava streams. Also read | Lockdown ends for 3,000 La Palma residents as volcano cloud passes Watch the video here: 🔴#ErupciónLaPalma 📹Imágenes tomadas hoy por los drones del @IGME1849 y #GES del relleno de sumideros de tubos lávicos que provocan su desbordamiento cubriendo una extensa zona en la parte baja del cono. pic.twitter.com/G3feZ2DiP4 — 1-1-2 Canarias (@112canarias) November 2, 2021 × Cumbre Vieja, an active volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma, began erupting nearly a month ago, forcing thousands of people to evacuate as lava swept through towns, and towards the Atlantic Ocean. This volcano has been described as the "most damaging volcano in Europe in the last 100 years." by the government of the Canary Islands. Also read | Lava blocks the size of buildings falling from La Palma volcano Volcanic lava has covered nearly 900 hectares (2,200 acres) of land since the eruption began on Sept. 19, more than 2,500 buildings have been destroyed. As a result of the eruption, agriculture on the island, a major source of income, has taken a serious hit. In the aftermath of this eruption, hundreds of hectares of crops have been destroyed. Watch | La Palma volcano enters explosive phase According to the government, a number of crops were affected, including banana plants, vineyards and avocadoes. The eruption has forced more than 7,000 people to evacuate their homes, but no lives have been lost.

Watch | 'Rivers of lava': Drone footage shows lava flowing from Spain's Cumbre Vieja volcano

In the fight against desertification, scientists in Southern Spain are employing some high-flying technology to help. The new drone tree planting project is hoping to slow advancing deserts and restore biodiversity in the region.

High-flying tree-planting project in Southern Spain to fight desertification

A man bled to death from his injuries after he was gored at a bull-running festival in eastern Spain, authorities said.

It was the first such fatality in the country since such events resumed after COVID-19 curbs were relaxed during the summer.

The 55-year-old man, who has not been named, was repeatedly attacked by the bull at the festival in Onda, the town's council said on Saturday.

Other participants tried to entice the animal away but their efforts failed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/harmful-spain-to-ban-advertisement-of-sweets-to-tackle-obesity-in-children-424824">'Harmful': Spain to ban advertisement of sweets to tackle obesity in children</a>

The man died later on Saturday in hospital in the nearby town of Villareal after haemorrhaging blood from a wound in his left thigh that perforated his artery, emergency services said. He also suffered a head wound. 
Onda Council cancelled the rest of Saturday's events following the attack.

A public debate over whether bull-running festivals should be abolished has become more heated in recent years, and only a small number have taken place since Spain's COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

The animals let loose for the runs are generally used in bullfights later on the same day. A 2020 survey by Electomania, a polling company, found 46.7 per cent&nbsp;of Spaniards were in favour of banning bullfighting, 34.7 per cent&nbsp;were not in favour but did not back a legal ban and 18.6 per cent&nbsp;believed it should be preserved.

A man bled to death from his injuries after he was gored at a bull-running festival in eastern Spain, authorities said. It was the first such fatality in the country since such events resumed after COVID-19 curbs were relaxed during the summer.

A man bled to death from his injuries after he was gored at a bull-running festival in eastern Spain, authorities said. It was the first such fatality in the country since such events resumed after COVID-19 curbs were relaxed during the summer. The 55-year-old man, who has not been named, was repeatedly attacked by the bull at the festival in Onda, the town's council said on Saturday. Other participants tried to entice the animal away but their efforts failed. Also Read | 'Harmful': Spain to ban advertisement of sweets to tackle obesity in children The man died later on Saturday in hospital in the nearby town of Villareal after haemorrhaging blood from a wound in his left thigh that perforated his artery, emergency services said. He also suffered a head wound. Onda Council cancelled the rest of Saturday's events following the attack. A public debate over whether bull-running festivals should be abolished has become more heated in recent years, and only a small number have taken place since Spain's COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The animals let loose for the runs are generally used in bullfights later on the same day. A 2020 survey by Electomania, a polling company, found 46.7 per cent of Spaniards were in favour of banning bullfighting, 34.7 per cent were not in favour but did not back a legal ban and 18.6 per cent believed it should be preserved.

Man dies after being gored at Spanish bull-running festival

The pressure is mounting on the Spanish government to speed up aid delivery at the La Palma island where volcano has been erupting for over a month now. Thousands of building have been destroyed and more residents continue to flee.

La Palma: Volcano eruption forces evacuation of over 8,000; Spanish PM vows to speed up aid

Spain’s former king Juan Carlos was allegedly “injected with female hormones by Spanish secret service to control his rampant sex drive”, an ex-police chief has sensationally claimed.

Jose Manuel Villarejo, an ex-police commissioner currently on trial over blackmail allegations, told a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday that Spain’s National Intelligence Centre (CNI) had to administer the 83-year-old exiled monarch “female hormones and testosterone inhibitors to lower his libido.”

Giving reasons for the extreme action, Villarejo said Carlos’ sex drive was considered as “a problem for the state” because he was such an “ardently passionate person,” Spanish media reported.

During the hearing, the former police chief said he had been tasked to recover medical reports relating to scans that Juan Carlos had while he was undergoing treatment for a benign tumour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-has-been-in-uae-since-august-3-321297">Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country</a>

He said, “There were traces not of bromide (a sedative) but of testosterone inhibitors.”

The revelations come after a Spanish author and military historian Amadeo Martinez Ingles wrote a book entitled ‘Juan Carlos: The King Of 5,000 Lovers’, detailing evidence of his sexual history and describing the king as a "rampant sex addict".

It has been speculated that the former king has had intimate relations with over 5,000 women, including Danish-German philanthropist Corinna Larsen, Spanish singer Sara Montiel, Belgian governess Liliane Sartiau and Italian princess Maria Gabriela de Saboya, besides his wife, Queen Sofia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-flees-the-country-318186">Spain's former king Juan Carlos has been in UAE since August 3</a>

Villarejo’s trial opened this month, in which he is accused of having covertly recorded conversations with the elite for the purposes of blackmailing or ruining their reputation on behalf of other powerful clients.

He denied having any involvement in the effort to bring Juan Carlos’ notorious sex drive under control and said he found out about it from Corinna Larsen, a former lover of the ex-monarch now living in London.

The former king reigned from 1975 to 2014, but abdicated his throne for of his son. He fled Spain for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, last year amid a multi-million dollar corruption scandal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain’s former king Juan Carlos was allegedly “injected with female hormones by Spanish secret service to control his rampant sex drive”, an ex-police chief has sensationally claimed.

Spain’s former king Juan Carlos was allegedly “injected with female hormones by Spanish secret service to control his rampant sex drive”, an ex-police chief has sensationally claimed. Jose Manuel Villarejo, an ex-police commissioner currently on trial over blackmail allegations, told a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday that Spain’s National Intelligence Centre (CNI) had to administer the 83-year-old exiled monarch “female hormones and testosterone inhibitors to lower his libido.” Giving reasons for the extreme action, Villarejo said Carlos’ sex drive was considered as “a problem for the state” because he was such an “ardently passionate person,” Spanish media reported. During the hearing, the former police chief said he had been tasked to recover medical reports relating to scans that Juan Carlos had while he was undergoing treatment for a benign tumour. Also read | Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country He said, “There were traces not of bromide (a sedative) but of testosterone inhibitors.” The revelations come after a Spanish author and military historian Amadeo Martinez Ingles wrote a book entitled ‘Juan Carlos: The King Of 5,000 Lovers’, detailing evidence of his sexual history and describing the king as a "rampant sex addict". It has been speculated that the former king has had intimate relations with over 5,000 women, including Danish-German philanthropist Corinna Larsen, Spanish singer Sara Montiel, Belgian governess Liliane Sartiau and Italian princess Maria Gabriela de Saboya, besides his wife, Queen Sofia. Also read | Spain's former king Juan Carlos has been in UAE since August 3 Villarejo’s trial opened this month, in which he is accused of having covertly recorded conversations with the elite for the purposes of blackmailing or ruining their reputation on behalf of other powerful clients. He denied having any involvement in the effort to bring Juan Carlos’ notorious sex drive under control and said he found out about it from Corinna Larsen, a former lover of the ex-monarch now living in London. The former king reigned from 1975 to 2014, but abdicated his throne for of his son. He fled Spain for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, last year amid a multi-million dollar corruption scandal. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain’s former king Juan Carlos ‘injected with female hormones’ to control his sex drive: Ex-cop

A group of thrill seekers who are blind or visually impaired took to the air to try their hands at indoor skydiving in a Barcelona wind tunnel. Participants were overjoyed by the experience and the sense of freedom they felt as they flew in the wind tunnel alongside an instructor.

Spain's indoor skydiving thrills visually impaired adventurists

Alibaba shares surged by more than six per cent as reports suggested that billionaire Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba was seen in Europe. This was taken to be an indication that worst of China's regulatory crackdown for the tech-giant may be over.

Jack Ma has been keeping a low profile even since Chinese officials scuttled Ant Group's record-breaking IPO worth USD 37 billion last November. The crackdown from the Chinese state came after Jack Ma's speech last year criticising Chinese regulators.

Ma's presence in Spain -- for a "study tour of the agricultural industry and technology related to the environment" -- was reported by the South China Morning Post, which is owned by Alibaba.

The paper said the 57-year-old, who retired from the role of Alibaba's chairman in 2019, was attending a series of business meetings in Europe.

It said he had also stayed in Hong Kong for "private time" with his family before his trip abroad, citing an anonymous source familiar with Ma's itinerary.

However, Alibaba spokesperson declined to comment as per Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-business-tycoon-jack-ma-reappears-in-hong-kong-420381">Chinese business tycoon Jack Ma reappears in Hong Kong</a>

But the news sent Alibaba's shares soaring, closing 6.67 percent higher in Hong Kong on Wednesday. So far this month, the firm's share price has surged 23 percent as hopes rise the company is now out of the dog house with authorities in Beijing.

That sentiment has also helped buoy Hong Kong's stock exchange, which has been hammered by China's regulatory crackdown in recent months.

The Hang Seng Index, one of the worst performers this year, is now up 10 percent since closing at a five-year low on October 6.&nbsp;

"It's getting clearer and clearer that the worst of Beijing's crackdowns are behind us, in particular in the technology sector as they were the first to suffer," Jackson Wong, asset management director at Amber Hill Capital, told Bloomberg News.&nbsp;

After Jack Ma's speech last year, Chinese authorities pulled Ant's IPO and followed up with an antitrust probe of Alibaba, eventually fining the company $2.75 billion.

Chinese authorities have also ordered Ant to undergo restructuring as a condition for reviving its IPO.

Ma disappeared towards the end of the last year but briefly resurfaced in January after a video clip showed him giving a speech to rural teachers as part of an event organised by his charity.

His trip to Spain is believed to be the first time he has travelled overseas since regulators went for Alibaba.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Alibaba shares surged by more than six per cent as reports suggested that billionaire Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba was seen in Europe. This was taken to be an indication that worst of China's regulatory crackdown for the tech-giant may be over.

Alibaba shares surged by more than six per cent as reports suggested that billionaire Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba was seen in Europe. This was taken to be an indication that worst of China's regulatory crackdown for the tech-giant may be over. Jack Ma has been keeping a low profile even since Chinese officials scuttled Ant Group's record-breaking IPO worth USD 37 billion last November. The crackdown from the Chinese state came after Jack Ma's speech last year criticising Chinese regulators. Ma's presence in Spain -- for a "study tour of the agricultural industry and technology related to the environment" -- was reported by the South China Morning Post, which is owned by Alibaba. The paper said the 57-year-old, who retired from the role of Alibaba's chairman in 2019, was attending a series of business meetings in Europe. It said he had also stayed in Hong Kong for "private time" with his family before his trip abroad, citing an anonymous source familiar with Ma's itinerary. However, Alibaba spokesperson declined to comment as per Reuters. Also Read | Chinese business tycoon Jack Ma reappears in Hong Kong But the news sent Alibaba's shares soaring, closing 6.67 percent higher in Hong Kong on Wednesday. So far this month, the firm's share price has surged 23 percent as hopes rise the company is now out of the dog house with authorities in Beijing. That sentiment has also helped buoy Hong Kong's stock exchange, which has been hammered by China's regulatory crackdown in recent months. The Hang Seng Index, one of the worst performers this year, is now up 10 percent since closing at a five-year low on October 6. "It's getting clearer and clearer that the worst of Beijing's crackdowns are behind us, in particular in the technology sector as they were the first to suffer," Jackson Wong, asset management director at Amber Hill Capital, told Bloomberg News. After Jack Ma's speech last year, Chinese authorities pulled Ant's IPO and followed up with an antitrust probe of Alibaba, eventually fining the company $2.75 billion. Chinese authorities have also ordered Ant to undergo restructuring as a condition for reviving its IPO. Ma disappeared towards the end of the last year but briefly resurfaced in January after a video clip showed him giving a speech to rural teachers as part of an event organised by his charity. His trip to Spain is believed to be the first time he has travelled overseas since regulators went for Alibaba. (With inputs from agencies)

Jack Ma's reported Europe trip boosts Alibaba shares

"Enter and cry," reads one sign. "I too have anxiety," glows another notice in pink. One corner has phones with the names of psychologists and other people you can call when you're feeling down.

This is the Crying Room, or La Lloreria, a place where you can freely express your sorrow. Located in central Madrid, the project seeks to eliminate social stigmas associated with mental health, crying, and seeking help. Anyone can drop in.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-is-still-a-crime-in-at-least-20-countries-worldwide-research-411901">Suicide is still a crime in at least 20 countries worldwide: Research</a>

Jon Nelssom, a Swedish student based in Madrid, says that he thinks it's a great idea to visualize mental health issues.&nbsp;

As he noted, the name 'The Crying Room' is a brilliant idea since, in Spain, there's a saying that goes "if you want to cry, go to the crying room". Therefore, people are kind of stigmatized to cry as in many other countries.

Martyna Dluzniewska, Head of marketing at therapy chat, explained that the idea of 'La Lloreria' did come&nbsp;from the Spanish phrase that is said when people don't want to worry about other people's problems.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pandemic-took-hold-suicide-rose-among-japanese-women-365653">As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women</a>

"They say "a llorar a la lloreria" (go and cry in the crying room), you take your feelings to your corner and don't talk about them. This is exactly what we want to destigmatize, that yes, you can talk about your feelings, that if you are not well you can be so, if you need to stop, stop and if you need to put yourself first do so. And of course, if you need help, ask for it."

A week ago, Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, also announced a 100-million-euro or $116 million, mental health care program, which will include services like a 24-hour suicide helpline.

"It is not a taboo, it is a public health problem that we must talk about, make visible and act accordingly," he said about mental illness as he launched the plan on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/teen-girls-complain-of-tics-experts-link-it-to-depression-tiktok-videos-421497">Teen girls complain of tics; experts link it to depression &amp; TikTok videos</a>

Spain's 2021-2024 Mental Health and COVID-19 Action Plan, which will have 100 million euros allocated from the Government of Spain, is, according to a press release being implemented "in response to the emergency caused by the impact of the COVID pandemic on Mental Health and in response to the Opinion of the Reconstruction Commission".&nbsp;

In 2019, 3,671 people in Spain committed suicide, the second most frequent cause of death after natural causes. According to government data, one in ten adolescents has a mental health condition, while 5.8 per cent of the overall population suffers from anxiety.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a&nbsp;professional.&nbsp;Aasra&nbsp;(Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726,&nbsp;Sneha&nbsp;(Chennai) 044-24640050,&nbsp;Sumaitri&nbsp;(Delhi) 011-23389090,&nbsp;Cooj&nbsp;(Goa) 0832- 2252525,&nbsp;Jeevan&nbsp;(Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830,&nbsp;Maithri&nbsp;(Kochi) 0484-2540530,&nbsp;Roshni&nbsp;(Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata),&nbsp;Parivarthan&nbsp;(Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

 
WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

"Enter and cry," reads one sign. "I too have anxiety," glows another notice in pink. One corner has phones with the names of psychologists and other people you can call when you're feeling down.

"Enter and cry," reads one sign. "I too have anxiety," glows another notice in pink. One corner has phones with the names of psychologists and other people you can call when you're feeling down. This is the Crying Room, or La Lloreria, a place where you can freely express your sorrow. Located in central Madrid, the project seeks to eliminate social stigmas associated with mental health, crying, and seeking help. Anyone can drop in. Also read | Suicide is still a crime in at least 20 countries worldwide: Research Jon Nelssom, a Swedish student based in Madrid, says that he thinks it's a great idea to visualize mental health issues. As he noted, the name 'The Crying Room' is a brilliant idea since, in Spain, there's a saying that goes "if you want to cry, go to the crying room". Therefore, people are kind of stigmatized to cry as in many other countries. Martyna Dluzniewska, Head of marketing at therapy chat, explained that the idea of 'La Lloreria' did come from the Spanish phrase that is said when people don't want to worry about other people's problems. Also read | As pandemic took hold, suicide rose among Japanese women "They say "a llorar a la lloreria" (go and cry in the crying room), you take your feelings to your corner and don't talk about them. This is exactly what we want to destigmatize, that yes, you can talk about your feelings, that if you are not well you can be so, if you need to stop, stop and if you need to put yourself first do so. And of course, if you need help, ask for it." A week ago, Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, also announced a 100-million-euro or $116 million, mental health care program, which will include services like a 24-hour suicide helpline. "It is not a taboo, it is a public health problem that we must talk about, make visible and act accordingly," he said about mental illness as he launched the plan on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day. Also read | Teen girls complain of tics; experts link it to depression & TikTok videos Spain's 2021-2024 Mental Health and COVID-19 Action Plan, which will have 100 million euros allocated from the Government of Spain, is, according to a press release being implemented "in response to the emergency caused by the impact of the COVID pandemic on Mental Health and in response to the Opinion of the Reconstruction Commission". In 2019, 3,671 people in Spain committed suicide, the second most frequent cause of death after natural causes. According to government data, one in ten adolescents has a mental health condition, while 5.8 per cent of the overall population suffers from anxiety. (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

'Enter and cry': Spain's crying room aims to break stigma attached to crying and mental health problems

When it was announced that the winner of the 2021 Premio Planeta literary prize —worth one million euros — was the renowned female Spanish crime author, Cameron Mola, the audience, and the spectators worldwide had a shock of their life.

Three middle-aged men rose to the podium to collect the coveted award on Friday for the currently unreleased work “The Beast”.

Jorge Díaz, Agustín Martínez, and Antonio Mercero were the writers who penned numerous best-selling crime thriller books under the pseudonym ‘Cameron Mola’.

They decided to write under the pseudonym for no “particular reason” and without “consideration of the name’s gender”.

“Carmen Mola is not, like all the lies we've been telling, a university professor,” Díaz said shortly after accepting the Planeta prize, according to the Financial Times.

Also see&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-grand-mosque-in-mecca-drops-social-distancing-first-time-since-covid-outbreak-421696">In pics:&nbsp;Grand Mosque in Mecca drops social distancing, first time since Covid outbreak</a>

“We are three friends who one day four years ago decided to combine our talent to tell a story.”

Mola, which the trio showcased as a university professor and mother of three who wrote gritty crime drama on her off-time, has been praised for “her” depiction of strong female protagonists, with her latest award-winning work focusing on the investigation of child murders in nineteenth-century Spain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bakery-in-uk-stops-producing-its-bestselling-biscuit-heres-why-421501">Bakery in UK stops producing its bestselling biscuit, here’s why</a>

Mola’s other works have also garnered acclaim, like "La Novia Gitana," which has been translated into 11 languages and will be developed into a television series.

&nbsp;Castille-La Mancha, a branch of Spain's Women's Institute, included her book “La Nena” in a list of 50 feminist titles that help readers “understand the reality and experiences of women.”

“I don’t know if a female pseudonym would sell more than a male one, I don't have the faintest idea, but I doubt it,” Mercero told Spain's El País newspaper. “We didn't hide behind a woman, we hid behind a name.”

Notably, there have been past instances where women have gone to publish works under male pseudonyms to protect their identity and dodge social biases.

(With inputs from agencies)

When it was announced that the winner of the 2021 Premio Planeta literary prize —worth one million euros — was the renowned female Spanish crime author, Cameron Mola, the audience, and the spectators worldwide had a shock of their life.

When it was announced that the winner of the 2021 Premio Planeta literary prize —worth one million euros — was the renowned female Spanish crime author, Cameron Mola, the audience, and the spectators worldwide had a shock of their life. Three middle-aged men rose to the podium to collect the coveted award on Friday for the currently unreleased work “The Beast”. Jorge Díaz, Agustín Martínez, and Antonio Mercero were the writers who penned numerous best-selling crime thriller books under the pseudonym ‘Cameron Mola’. They decided to write under the pseudonym for no “particular reason” and without “consideration of the name’s gender”. “Carmen Mola is not, like all the lies we've been telling, a university professor,” Díaz said shortly after accepting the Planeta prize, according to the Financial Times. Also see | In pics: Grand Mosque in Mecca drops social distancing, first time since Covid outbreak “We are three friends who one day four years ago decided to combine our talent to tell a story.” Mola, which the trio showcased as a university professor and mother of three who wrote gritty crime drama on her off-time, has been praised for “her” depiction of strong female protagonists, with her latest award-winning work focusing on the investigation of child murders in nineteenth-century Spain. Also read | Bakery in UK stops producing its bestselling biscuit, here’s why Mola’s other works have also garnered acclaim, like "La Novia Gitana," which has been translated into 11 languages and will be developed into a television series. Castille-La Mancha, a branch of Spain's Women's Institute, included her book “La Nena” in a list of 50 feminist titles that help readers “understand the reality and experiences of women.” “I don’t know if a female pseudonym would sell more than a male one, I don't have the faintest idea, but I doubt it,” Mercero told Spain's El País newspaper. “We didn't hide behind a woman, we hid behind a name.” Notably, there have been past instances where women have gone to publish works under male pseudonyms to protect their identity and dodge social biases. (With inputs from agencies)

Renowned Spanish female crime author turns out be three middle-aged men

Pedro Sanchez, Spain's leftist prime minister, promised to eradicate prostitution in the country, saying the practice enslaves women.

Speaking on the final day of a three-day congress of his socialist party, Sanchez discussed his government's policies that he said helped "advance" Spain, such as tougher laws against domestic violence and an increase in the minimum wage.

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"And out of this congress emerges a commitment I will implement. We will advance by abolishing prostitution, which enslaves women," he told the gathering in the eastern city of Valencia without providing further details.

After his Socialist party came first in the two inconclusive national elections that took place in 2019, Sanchez became Prime Minister in January 2020 at the helm of a minority coalition government.

Ahead of the general election held in April 2019, in an effort to attract female voters, the party published, a woman-focused manifesto, proposing to outlaw prostitution.

The manifesto called prostitution "one of the cruellest aspects of the feminisation of poverty and one of the worst forms of violence against women".

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Although sexual exploitation and pimping are illegal in Spain, prostitution so far is unregulated.

In Spain, those who offer paid sexual services of their own free will are not punished as long as the services are not in public. Instead, the laws focus on combating human trafficking.

There are a considerable number of brothels in the country, even though prostitution isn't recognized as a regular employment option. A lot of the brothels operate as hotels or other lodging establishments.

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According to a 2009 survey by the country's state-owned Social Investigations Centre (CIS), one in three men in Spain had paid for sex at some point during their lives.

There is an argument that demand for trafficked women is fueled by legal limbo around prostitution.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pedro Sanchez, Spain's leftist prime minister, promised to eradicate prostitution in the country, saying the practice enslaves women. Speaking on the final day of a three-day congress of his socialist party, Sanchez discussed his government's policies that he said helped "advance" Spain, such as tougher laws against domestic violence and an increase in the minimum wage.

Pedro Sanchez, Spain's leftist prime minister, promised to eradicate prostitution in the country, saying the practice enslaves women. Speaking on the final day of a three-day congress of his socialist party, Sanchez discussed his government's policies that he said helped "advance" Spain, such as tougher laws against domestic violence and an increase in the minimum wage. Also read | Sex workers fighting for human rights are world’s most ‘at risk activists’ "And out of this congress emerges a commitment I will implement. We will advance by abolishing prostitution, which enslaves women," he told the gathering in the eastern city of Valencia without providing further details. After his Socialist party came first in the two inconclusive national elections that took place in 2019, Sanchez became Prime Minister in January 2020 at the helm of a minority coalition government. Ahead of the general election held in April 2019, in an effort to attract female voters, the party published, a woman-focused manifesto, proposing to outlaw prostitution. The manifesto called prostitution "one of the cruellest aspects of the feminisation of poverty and one of the worst forms of violence against women". Also read | In a first, sex worker group gets unionised in Canada Although sexual exploitation and pimping are illegal in Spain, prostitution so far is unregulated. In Spain, those who offer paid sexual services of their own free will are not punished as long as the services are not in public. Instead, the laws focus on combating human trafficking. There are a considerable number of brothels in the country, even though prostitution isn't recognized as a regular employment option. A lot of the brothels operate as hotels or other lodging establishments. Also read | R Kelly convicted of luring women, underage girls for sex According to a 2009 survey by the country's state-owned Social Investigations Centre (CIS), one in three men in Spain had paid for sex at some point during their lives. There is an argument that demand for trafficked women is fueled by legal limbo around prostitution. (With inputs from agencies)

Spanish PM Sanchez vows to 'abolish' prostitution, says the practice 'enslaves' women

The city of Cordoba in southern Spain is renowned for its historic sites. But each year around this season, it also hosts a flower show where the best floral designers from around the world, battle it out for the ultimate prize for floral designs. Our next report with more details.

Spain hosts flower show in Cordoba

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