Landslide Warning Issued in Rangamati as Rainfall Continues

<p> Rangamati, May 31 — Following persistent light to moderate rain caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal starting Thursday, officials in Rangamati have warned about the possible danger of landslides throughout the hilly region. </p> <p> In response to the growing concerns, the district and upazila administrations have imposed restrictions on boat movement in the Kaptai Lake and other internal waterways as a precautionary measure to avoid possible disasters. </p> <p> Rangamati Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Habib Ullah said that lessons have been learned from the devastating 2017 landslides, and the administration has taken comprehensive preparation to tackle any possible disaster. </p> <p> "A total of 31 vulnerable sites have been identified in the district, where around 5,000 families and about 20,000 individuals are currently living at risk of landslides." </p> <p> The alert has been issued in all 10 upazilas of the district-Rangamati Sadar, Kaptai, Kawkhali, Naniarchar, Baghaichhari, Jurachhari, Barkal, Bilaichhari, Rajsthali, and Longadu, based on past experiences and casualties from previous landslides. </p> <p> Besides, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended all types of vessel operations in the district's waterways until further notice to ensure public safety. </p> <p> Moin Uddin Selim, president of the Rangamati Launch Owners' Association, said that boat movement, including launches, connecting Rangamati with Baghaichhari, Longadu, Barkal, Jurachhari, Bilaichhari, and Naniarchar has been halted following the district administration's directives due to rough conditions on Kaptai Lake and cautionary signals at the river port. </p> <p> "Vessel operations will resume once weather conditions improve and fresh instructions are issued by the authorities," he added. </p> <p> Earlier on Thursday Rangamati DC Md Habib Ullah visited several vulnerable areas, including Vedvedi, Shimultali, Lokath Mandir, and the BADC area. During his visit, he urged residents living at the base of hills to relocate to safer locations. </p> <p> He added that temporary shelters have been prepared in each area, and local public representatives and volunteers have been instructed to assist people in relocating if necessary. </p> <p> "Although shelters are ready, many at-risk residents are still reluctant to move," the DC noted. </p>

Landslide Warning Issued in Rangamati as Rainfall Continues

Rangamati, May 31 — Following persistent light to moderate rain caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal starting Thursday, ...

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Inside Ireland's Dark Days: Simulating Total Blackouts in Emergency Drills

<p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Czcz1" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Czcz1.jpg"/> </p> <p> <p> Interdepartmental drills have been conducted to assess Ireland’s reaction to natural gas shortages and online service disruptions, aiming to enhance the nation’s robustness. The evaluation of the simulated situation involving a nationwide web outage, known as Operation Puca, will be submitted to the authorities for review. </p> <p> Game planning forms part of Ireland’s initiatives to boost its resilience along with enhanced collaboration among government departments, state bodies, and utility providers. Since early 2022, around the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, public officials have conducted an annual simulation focused on potential disruptions to energy supplies in Ireland. </p> <p> In December, an imaginary situation was simulated wherein there was significant interference with natural gas supplies. This scenario affected both gas pipelines connecting Ireland to the United Kingdom, these connections being responsible for providing 80% of Ireland’s total gas consumption. </p> <p> <b> READ MORE: </b> Casualties increase following nightclub ceiling collapse; renowned vocalist amongst the unaccounted for. </p> <p> <b> READ MORE: </b> The Met Éireann assessment of the 'Beast from the East' hitting Ireland as the specific date for the weather shift was confirmed. </p> <p> Over 80 individuals from various departments and state bodies gathered at the National Emergency Coordination Centre located on Kildare Street in Dublin city to simulate the scenario. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Czcz7" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Czcz7.jpg"/> <p> The topics covered included hospitals and airports, the significance of information, converting gas-powered stations to use oil instead, and determining priorities should energy supply be restricted. </p> <p> John Burke from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications stated that Ireland is considered susceptible to significant gas disruptions due to the absence of a gas storage facility. In response, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a floating LNG reserve. </p> <p> In February, Exercise Puca took place, focusing on potential disruptions to internet access both within and outside the Irish mainland. The drill explored a "hybrid" scenario involving two issues: disruption of submarine communications along the western seaboard coupled with a cyber assault targeting cables situated on the eastern side. </p> <p> The assessment of the proposed "combined" scenario will be submitted to the government. Following the events of September 11th in 2001, Ireland established an interdepartmental committee aimed at examining how international terrorism affects the country. </p> <p> Following those initial developments, it evolved into an official entity known as the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning. This team has since analyzed various events such as the effects of climate change and floods, the eruption of the Icelandic volcano in 2010, Storm Emma in 2018, and the evacuation of Irish nationals from Kabul in 2021. </p> <p> The chairperson is the Minister for Defence, and attendees include representatives from entities with decision-making authority such as Met Éireann, An Garda Síochána, and the Irish Coast Guard. </p> <p> The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG), serving as the active stage of the government’s task force, is led by the primary department responsible for managing the emergency. </p> <p> The Office of Emergency Planning, which falls under the Department of Defence as a civilian-military division, focuses on coordinating matters related to strategic emergency management. </p> <p> "It does not have the role of formulating the response procedures during crises. This duty falls under the jurisdiction of the primary governmental department," stated Kealan McMoreland, who heads the Office of Emergency Planning. </p> <p> Keith Leonard, who serves as the national director for fire and emergency management, stated that the majority of emergencies are managed at a level "under NECG". </p> <p> Generally, the kinds of situations (that the NECG responds to) include intense storms, extensive flooding, and extreme cold weather; we've likely experienced all three during the past winter. </p> <p> He stated: "It is crucial that when we enter the National Emergency Coordination arena, every relevant government department and critical agency must be present, as this participation is required whenever such an emergency coordination meeting takes place." </p> <p> Although a significant portion occurs within the digital realm, during rapid and intense meteorological events, we'll need various departments and agencies to be physically present, especially in the initial stages of the response. </p> <p> <b> Sign up for our newsletter to get the most recent updates from the Irish Mirror delivered straight to your mailbox: </b> <b> Sign up here. </b> </p> </p>

Inside Ireland's Dark Days: Simulating Total Blackouts in Emergency Drills

Interdepartmental drills have been conducted to assess Ireland’s reaction to natural gas shortages and online service disruptions, ...

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UN Calls for Urgent Aid as Earthquake Death Toll Climbs in Myanmar

<p> State-run media reported that the number of fatalities resulting from last week's major earthquake in Myanmar has increased to 3,455. Meanwhile, UN organizations along with international aid providers have stepped up their emergency response initiatives. </p> <p> A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck a broad region of the nation, resulting in considerable destruction across six areas and states, encompassing the capital city Naypyitaw. </p> <p> The quake resulted in numerous regions being cut off from power, telecommunication services, and mobile connectivity, alongside damaging roads and bridges, which made it challenging to gauge the full scale of destruction. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ClFKL" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ClFKL.jpg"/> <p> This exacerbated an already severe humanitarian crisis caused by the nation's civil conflict, which has led to over three million internal displacements and pushed almost 20 million people towards desperate need, as reported by the United Nations. </p> <p> The head of the military regime, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that the recent earthquake ranks as the second strongest in the nation's documented history following an 8-magnitude tremor near Mandalay in May 1912. </p> <p> General Min Aung Hlaing informed the Cabinet ministers on Saturday that the earthquake's casualty count had risen to 3,455 deceased, 4,840 wounded, and 214 people unaccounted for, as reported by the official state broadcaster MRTV. </p> <p> He mentioned that the quake affected 5,223 structures, including 1,824 educational institutions, 2,752 monk residences within monasteries, 4,817 religious sites such as pagodas and shrines, along with 167 healthcare facilities, 169 bridges, 198 water control barriers, and impacted 184 segments of the nation's principal roadway. </p> <p> In 2021, Myanmar's military took control by overthrowing the democratically elected administration led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which ignited an armed rebellion. Analysts suggest this insurgency now holds sway over more areas than the military does. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ClPbY" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ClPbY.jpg"/> <p> The members of the UN Security Council acknowledged "the necessity to bolster search, aid, and rebuilding initiatives and to significantly increase prompt humanitarian support in reaction to calls for assisting the citizens of Myanmar," stated Jerome Bonnafont, the council’s president, in a release on Friday. </p> <p> The statement indicated what seemed to be a response to the conflict in Myanmar and worries about potential obstructions or delays from its military administration in providing aid to regions held by opposition groups. It mentioned that the council’s members emphasized "the significance of a secure and favorable setting to facilitate the prompt and efficient provision of essential lifesaving humanitarian support to everyone requiring it, free from interruptions or bias." </p> <p> On Saturday, Major General Zaw Min Tun, who serves as the spokesperson for the military administration, stated that Prime Ministers and representatives from neighboring nations such as India and Thailand have committed to offering support for both immediate aid and long-term recovery initiatives in regions affected by the earthquake. </p> <p> “He stated that everybody assisted Myanmar, which had been struck by an earthquake. Everybody felt sympathy. Everybody showed understanding. Everybody expressed willingness to offer aid. It was evident that everyone was collaborating effectively.” </p> <p> He mentioned that aid was being provided by 18 nations to the impacted regions, with over 60 planes having been deployed to ferry both rescue teams and emergency provisions. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ClPcc" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ClPcc.jpg"/> <p> The UK announced an additional allocation of £10 million for the humanitarian effort, as stated by its embassy in Yangon on Saturday. This brings their overall contribution to £25 million. </p> <p> While accounts of diplomatic actions emphasize aid for earthquake victims, it is recognized that the situation in Myanmar will not be resolved until the conflict ceases. The neighboring countries have taken the lead in attempting to forge a peaceful solution; however, despite these efforts, both the military and their adversaries have yet to demonstrate genuine willingness to engage in talks. </p> <p> Nevertheless, both the military and various crucial armed resistance factions announced temporary truces on Wednesday following the earthquake to ease the passage of humanitarian assistance. </p> <p> On Friday, the United Nations Human Rights Office charged the military with persisting in their assaults, stating that over 60 had occurred following the earthquake, with 16 taking place since the truce was declared. </p> <p> The opposition’s shadow National Unity Government, which leads resistance to army rule, on Saturday accused the military of carrying out 63 air strikes and artillery attacks since the earthquake, resulting in the deaths of 68 civilians, including one child and 15 women. </p>

UN Calls for Urgent Aid as Earthquake Death Toll Climbs in Myanmar

State-run media reported that the number of fatalities resulting from last week's major earthquake in Myanmar has increased to 3,455. ...

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UN Calls for Urgent Aid as Earthquake Death Toll Climbs in Myanmar

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Cmv4K" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Cmv4K.jpg"/> <p class=""> State media reported that the number of fatalities resulting from last week's major earthquake in Myanmar has increased to 3,455. Meanwhile, UN organizations along with international aid providers have been increasing their emergency assistance efforts. </p> <p class=""> A tremor measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck an extensive part of the nation, resulting in considerable destruction across six regions and states, encompassing the capital city, Naypyitaw. </p> <p class=""> The quake resulted in numerous regions being cut off from power, phone, and mobile services, alongside damaging roads and bridges, which made it difficult to determine the full scale of destruction. </p> <p class=""> This exacerbated an already severe humanitarian crisis caused by the nation's civil conflict, which has led to internal displacement of over three million individuals and pushed almost 20 million into desperate need, as reported by the United Nations. </p> <p class=""> The head of the military regime, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, stated that the recent earthquake ranks as the second strongest in the nation's documented history following an 8-magnitude tremor near Mandalay in May 1912. </p> <p class=""> General Min Aung Hlaing informed the Cabinet ministers on Saturday that the earthquake's casualty count had risen to 3,455 deceased, 4,840 wounded, and 214 people unaccounted for, as reported by the official state broadcaster MRTV. </p> <p class=""> He mentioned that the quake affected 5,223 structures, including 1,824 educational institutions, 2,752 monk residences within monasteries, 4,817 places of worship such as pagodas and temples, along with 167 healthcare facilities, 169 bridges, 198 dams, and impacted 184 segments of the nation's principal roadway. </p> <p class=""> In 2021, Myanmar's military took control by overthrowing the democratically elected administration led by Aung San Suu Kyi, which triggered an armed rebellion. Analysts suggest this insurgency now holds sway over more areas than the military does. </p> <p class=""> The members of the UN Security Council acknowledged "the necessity to enhance search, aid, and rebuilding initiatives and to amplify prompt and swift humanitarian support in line with appeals to assist the citizens of Myanmar," stated Jerome Bonnafont, the council’s president, in a press release on Friday. </p> <p class=""> The statement appeared to address the conflict in Myanmar and worries about potential obstructions from its military administration, which might hinder relief efforts in regions controlled by opposition groups. The council’s members emphasized "the significance of a secure and impartial setting to facilitate the prompt and efficient provision of essential lifesaving aid to everyone requiring assistance, free from interference or bias." </p> <p class=""> Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the military administration, stated on Saturday that Prime Ministers and representatives from neighboring nations such as India and Thailand have committed to offering support for both immediate aid and recovery operations in regions affected by the earthquake. </p> <p class=""> “He stated, ‘Everybody assisted Myanmar which had been struck by the earthquake. Everybody expressed their sympathy. Everybody showed understanding. Everybody was ready to lend a hand. It’s clear that everybody collaborated effectively.’” </p> <p class=""> He mentioned that aid was being provided by 18 nations to the impacted regions, with over 60 planes having been deployed to ferry both rescue teams and emergency provisions. </p> <p class=""> The UK announced an additional allocation of £10 million for the humanitarian effort, as stated by its embassy in Yangon on Saturday, bringing their overall contribution up to £25 million. </p> <p class=""> Even though accounts of diplomatic actions emphasize aid for earthquake victims, there is recognition that the situation in Myanmar will not be resolved until the conflict ceases. Neighboring countries have taken the lead in attempting to broker a peaceful solution; however, both the military forces and their adversaries have yet to demonstrate genuine willingness to engage in negotiations. </p> <p class=""> Nevertheless, both the military and various crucial armed resistance factions announced truces temporarily on Wednesday following the earthquake to ease the distribution of humanitarian assistance. </p> <p class=""> On Friday, the United Nations Human Rights Office alleged that the military was still carrying out assaults, stating that over 60 had occurred following the earthquake, with 16 taking place since the truce began. </p> <p class=""> On Saturday, the opposition's shadow National Unity Government, which spearheads the opposition against military control, charged that the armed forces had conducted 63 airstrikes and artillery assaults following the earthquake. This resulted in the death of 68 people, among whom were one child and 15 women. </p> <p> Do you want a midday roundup of key stories from the Irish Examiner online site? It will be sent directly to your email every day at 1 PM. </p>

UN Calls for Urgent Aid as Earthquake Death Toll Climbs in Myanmar

State media reported that the number of fatalities resulting from last week's major earthquake in Myanmar has increased to 3,455. Mea...

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Gempa Kuat Bergetar di Bima NTB Hari Ini, Cek Lokasi dan Kekuatannya Sekarang dari BMKG

<p> <strong> DIWIDA </strong> - Data tentang guncangan bumi yang dikonfirmasikan oleh Badan Meterologi Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) pada hari ini mencatatkan kejadian di daerah Bima, Nusa Tenggara Barat, pada tanggal 3 April 2025, Kamis. </p> <p> Menurut laporan dari akun @infoBMKG, gempa bumi terbaru 2 menit yang lalu berlokasi di daerah Bima, NTB. </p> <p> Berdasarkan laporan dari BMKG, episenter guncangan gempa letaknya sejauh 36 km ke bawah dan peristiwa ini tercatat pada pukul 06:19:02 WIB. </p> <p> Daya hebat gempa tersebut mencapai skala kekuatan 2,5 dan titik pusatnya terletak sejauh 70 kilometer arah tenggara kota Bima, NTB. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/BB1qS1Rd" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1qS1Rd.jpg"/> <p> Posisi koordinat dari pusat guncangan gempa terletak pada 7.84 LS, 118.93 BT, di daerah Bima, Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat. </p> <p> Info pusat guncangan terbaru 2 menit yang lalu di Bima NTB dengan skala kekuatan 2.5 telah diperoleh melalui akun resmi X @infoBMKG. </p> <p> #Gempa Magnitude:2.5, 03-Apri-2025 06:19:02 WIB, Loc:Lokasi:7.84 LS, 118.93 BT (70 km Tenggara Laut Bima - NTB), kedalaman:36 Km #BMKG </p> <p> <strong> Disclaimer: </strong> Informasi ini lebih menekankan pada kecepatan, oleh karena itu hasil pemrosesan datanya masih belum tetap dan dapat berbeda sejalan dengan peningkatan ketersediaan data. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CbyBW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CbyBW.jpg"/> <p> <strong> Apakah ada tindakan khusus yang perlu diambil sebelum gempa, ketika sedang berlangsung, serta setelah gempa terjadi? </strong> </p> <p> <strong> Sebelum terjadi gempa bumi </strong> </p> <p> A. Kunci Utama adalah </p> <p> Memahami apa itu gempabumi; </p> <p> Verifikasi apakah desain dan posisi rumah Anda bisa menghindari risiko akibat guncangan gempa seperti longsor, likuefaksi, dan sebagainya; </p> <p> Menilai kembali dan memperbaharui struktur gedung Anda untuk mencegah kerusakan akibat guncangan gempa bumi. </p> <p> B. Pahami Seputar Lingkungan Kerja Anda </p> <p> Periksa posisi pintu, elevator, dan anak tangga evakuasi, sehingga jika suatu saat terjadi guncangan gempa bumi, Anda telah mengenal area yang paling tepat untuk mencari perlindungan; </p> <p> Belajar melakukan P3K; </p> <p> Mempelajari cara penggunaan alat pemadam kebakaran; </p> <p> Tuliskan nomor kontak darurat yang bisa dihubungi ketika ada guncangan gempabumi. </p> <p> C. Rencana Reguler di Tempat Kerja dan Rumah Anda </p> <p> Perlengkapan furnitur seperti lemari dan cabinet harus dipasang menyatu dengan dinding melalui pemasangan paku atau ikatan lainnya agar tidak tumbah, bergerak, atau jatuh ketika terjadi guncangan dari gempa bumi. </p> <p> Simpan bahan yang mudah terbakar di lokasi yang tahan api untuk mencegah insiden kebakaran. </p> <p> Pastikan untuk selalu menonaktifkan air, gas, dan listrik ketika tidak dalam penggunaan. </p> <p> D. Faktor penyebab kecelakaan terbesar ketika guncangan gempa bumi adalah jatohnya material. </p> <p> Susun barang dengan berat sebisa mungkin ditempatkan di bagian bawah. </p> <p> Periksa kestabilan objek yang menggantung yang bisa jatuh ketika gempa berlangsung (seperti lampu dan sebagainya). </p> <p> E. Perlengkapan yang wajib tersedia di tiap lokasi </p> <p> Kotak P3K; </p> <p> Senter/lampu baterai; </p> <p> Radio; </p> <p> Makanan suplemen dan air.. </p> <p> <strong> Saat terjadi gempa bumi </strong> </p> <p> A. Apabila Anda sedang di dalam gedung </p> <p> Rutangkan tubuh dan kepalamu dari sisa-sisa bangunan yang runtuh dengan berlindung di bawah meja atau tempat lainnya; </p> <p> Temukan lokasi teraman dari sisa-sisa runtuhan dan guncangan; </p> <p> Berlarian keluar bila masih memungkinkan </p> <p> B. Apabila sedang di luar gedung atau area terbuka </p> <p> Berjauhanlah dari struktur dan objek di sekeliling Anda seperti gedung, tiang listrik, pohon, dsb. </p> <p> Amati lokasi di mana Anda berdiri, jauhi jika ada retakan pada tanah. </p> <p> C. Apabila Anda tengah mengemudikan mobil </p> <p> Keluarlah, turunkan diri Anda, dan jangan mendekati kendaraan apabila ada potensi geseran atau kebakaran. </p> <p> Lakukan point B. </p> <p> D. Apabila Anda menetap atau sedang berada di tepi pantai </p> <p> Pergi menjauh dari tepian laut agar terhindar dari ancaman tsunami. </p> <p> E. Apabila Anda berdomisili di kawasan perbukitan </p> <p> Jika terdapat guncangan gempa, hindarilah area yang berpotensi mengalami tanah longsor. </p> <p> <strong> Setelah terjadi gempa bumi </strong> </p> <p> A. Apabila Anda sedang di dalam gedung </p> <p> Keluar dari gedung itu secara teratur; </p> <p> Hindari penggunaan eskalator atau elevator, pakai anak tangga saja; </p> <p> Periksalah apakah ada cedera, lalu lakukan Pertolongan Pertama Prakarsa (P3K). </p> <p> Hubungi telepon darurat atau minta bantuan jika ada cedera serius yang menimpa Anda atau orang di sekitar Anda. </p> <p> B. Teliti Lingkungan di Sekitar Anda </p> <p> Periksa apabila terjadi kebakaran. </p> <p> Periksa jika ada kebocoran gas. </p> <p> Periksalah jika ada hubungan arus singkat pada sistem listrik. </p> <p> Cek arah dan saluran air. </p> <p> Pastikan untuk memeriksa jika terdapat hal-hal berbahaya (matikan arus listrik, hindari pencahayaan dengan api, dan sebagainya). </p> <p> C. Hindari masuk ke gedung yang telah diguncang gempa </p> <p> Oleh karena itu, mungkin ada sisa-sisa reruntuhan yang belum ditemukan. </p> <p> D. Hindari area yang terdampak gempa </p> <p> Ancaman tambahan masih bisa saja muncul. </p> <p> E. Mendengarkan informasi. </p> <p> Perhatikan berita tentang guncangan susulan dari radio jika ada gempa lanjutan. </p> <p> Jangan dengan cepat terpengaruh oleh rumor atau informasi yang asal-usulnya belum tentu dapat dipercaya. </p> <p> F. Melengkapi kuesioner yang disediakan oleh pihak berwenang guna mengukur tingkat kerugian yang dialami </p> <p> G. Jangan khawatir dan jangan lupakan untuk terus meminta pertolongan kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa guna menjaga keamanan serta keselamatan kita semua. </p> <p> <strong> (*) </strong> </p> <p> <strong> Periksa Kabar Terbaru Tribun Kaltara di Google News </strong> </p>

Gempa Kuat Bergetar di Bima NTB Hari Ini, Cek Lokasi dan Kekuatannya Sekarang dari BMKG

DIWIDA - Data tentang guncangan bumi yang dikonfirmasikan oleh Badan Meterologi Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) pada hari ini menca...

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Water Crisis Intensifies Along Sindh Coastline

<p> <p> The coastal regions of District Sujawal and Thatta have faced severe water shortages over the last several months, offering little relief as yet. "Water is essential for life, and we've been denied this basic right," states Sattar Machi, a local from Union Council Karmalak within Tehsil Jati, underscoring the crisis impacting these seaside communities. </p> <p> Based on details shared by officials from the Sujawal district irrigation department, the primary water sources feeding the coastal regions—such as Jati, Ladiyo, Chuhar Jamali, and Shahbunder—are experiencing severe shortages because of reduced water levels below Kotri. Given that Sindh faces a total shortfall of 47%, these coastal zones in the province may soon encounter drought conditions. </p> <p> Allah Bux Temro, a local farmer, noted that standing crops like cotton and tomatoes were wilting. The circumstances in these regions have become critical, with both men and women having to cover great distances to collect water for drinking and everyday needs. </p> <p> A local inhabitant named Ali Akbar Thaheem revealed that the groundwater along the shoreline has become saline, forcing the community to use water that could lead to various health problems. </p> <p> In these regions, women obtain water from nearby vendors who transport it using donkeys and mules to reach the town centers within the district. Rasool Bux Bario, one such vendor, mentioned that he charges 150 rupees for a canister of water. However, individuals in distant locations often struggle to make payments promptly because they face financial hardships and lack sufficient economic prospects. </p> <p> The ongoing water scarcity has not only caused misery for locals but has also endangered the ecological integrity of the area. Once teeming with life, the riverbed of the Indus is now buried under layers of sand. The degradation of the Indus Delta continues due to insufficient water released after passing through the Kotri Barrage. </p> <p> According to water specialist Naseer Memon, extracting additional water from the Indus River could exacerbate the challenges faced by the coastal area of Sindh. He also asserted that the current water shortage has surpassed levels seen over the past 25 years in the tail-end regions of Sindh, specifically affecting Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tando Muhammad Khan. </p> <p> Supporting this claim, Obhayo Khan Khushik, an agronomist and ex-Chief Engineer of the Irrigation Department of Sindh, called upon the federal government to assess conditions in the downstream regions of Sindh prior to building new canals along the Indus River. He cautioned that insufficient water supply could exacerbate seawater intrusion into the area, potentially leading to the demise of the Indus Delta. </p> </p> Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Water Crisis Intensifies Along Sindh Coastline

The coastal regions of District Sujawal and Thatta have faced severe water shortages over the last several months, offering little reli...

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Hong Kong Landslides: Poor Maintenance Blamed for Up to 60% on Private Slopes

Authorities warn higher drainage capacity for slopes needed, with more extreme weather expected in the future <p> Up to 60 per cent of the landslides that occur on Hong Kong's private slopes every year are related to poor maintenance, authorities have found, urging owners to take action amid the impact of climate change. </p> <p> Government experts said slopes would be vulnerable to more intense weather. </p> <p> "With more extreme weather expected in the future, there might be more concentrated rainfall during rainy seasons, which will require higher drainage capacity for slopes," said Lawrence Shum Ka-wah, deputy head of the Geotechnical Engineering Office on Hong Kong Island. </p> <p> Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here. SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team. </p> <p> He mentioned that drainage systems can handle obstructions caused by leaves or twigs, however, severe weather conditions may exceed their capacity. </p> <p> On average, about 10 to 20 landslides took place annually on privately owned slopes over the last ten years, according to Shum, referencing a departmental assessment. </p> <p> Typically, around 30 to 60 percent of these issues stemmed from inadequate maintenance by property owners. </p> <p> He stated that the areas affected by landslides were influenced by the pattern of rainfall, noting that no particular district needed extra focus. However, he emphasized that upkeep would be the primary issue to address. </p> <p> Shum stated that authorities reported over 50 landslides on private slopes in 2023, during the year when a "once-in-500-years storm" hit the city. Of these landslides, 30 percent resulted from inadequate maintenance. </p> <div class="image-inline-container"> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BXpWQ" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BXpWQ.jpg"/> </div> <p> The severe weather condition activated the city’s most extended black rainstorm alert, lasting over 16 hours. This transformed roads into waterways and left motorists trapped in their cars, along with inundating malls and train terminals. Over 100 individuals required medical attention at hospitals. </p> <p> Shum additionally pointed out to the owners that they could be responsible for maintaining adjacent land areas, even though these may not be mentioned in their land lease agreements. </p> <p> At present, roughly 2,500 artificial slopes situated on government-owned property are being cared for by the private owners of neighboring plots. </p> <p> Each year, the department chooses 100 individual ski slopes for safety inspections conducted by them. </p> <p> When individuals are classified as hazardous, the authorities issue a Dangerous Slope Order (DSO) to property owners with problematic slopes. This mandates that they conduct investigations and undertake required preventative measures using certified specialists. </p> <p> By 2023, 271 DHOs remained unimplemented by private property owners, as stated by Robert Cheng, who serves as the chief building surveyor at the Buildings Department. </p> <p> He urged the owners to keep their slopes maintained in order to avoid the risk of landslides. </p> <p> Cheng also mentioned that routine inspections of both the slopes and underground water pipelines were essential. </p> <p> The administration likewise provides assistance to proprietors encountering monetary challenges, including grants and financing options. </p> <p> More Articles from SCMP </p> <p> Hong Kong coaches lay out year’s plans after teams clinch Melrose Claymores double </p> <p> Hong Kong rescue team set to begin work in quake-hit Myanmar </p> <p> Small individuals encounter obstacles yet strive for recognition and social transformation. </p> <p> Hong Kong Sevens: New Zealand women achieve 'three-peat' with victory over Australia in the finals </p> <p> The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia. </p> <p> Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. </p>

Hong Kong Landslides: Poor Maintenance Blamed for Up to 60% on Private Slopes

Authorities warn higher drainage capacity for slopes needed, with more extreme weather expected in the future Up to 60 per cent of the lan...

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