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Pakistan upgrades flood warning

Flood affected people are seen in Jamshoro district, Pakistan. (Xinhua/IANS)

District administration have evacuated over 900 villagers who were sheltered in government schools in Sahira and Shekhupura Nau villages. …reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning of medium to high-level flooding in the Sutlej river, directing advisories to provincial officials to ensure protective measures.

According to the NDMA warning, flooding is expected near Ganda Ginghwala, Kasur, during the next 24 to 48 hours as the water level around the area continued to rise. 

“The water level of Ganda Singhwala was about 20.50 feet at 4 p.m. (Wednesday), which rose to 20.90 feet by 7 p.m. in the wake of water relased by India. The severity of a flood is considered if the water level crosses 19.5 feet,” an NDMA official said. 

Earlier, several villages were washed away after flood water breached protective walls of the rivers and entered into the surrounding areas of Mastaykay, Mahiwala, Dhoopsari and Bhikiwind.

Standing crops across hundreds of acres of land were also destroyed and submerged.  

District administration have evacuated over 900 villagers who were sheltered in government schools in Sahira and Shekhupura Nau villages. 

“We have set up more relief camps in the flood hit areas. It is expected that about two dozen villages and hamlets may submerge in the coming 24 to 48 hours if the water level continued to rise at this pace,” a district official said. 

“The administration of the flood-prone areas should continue monitoring the sensitive areas, especially at the river Chenab’s Trimmu and Ravi’s Jassar areas until July 20,” the NDMA said. 

Moreover, the weather advisory has also forecasted scattered thunderstorms and rains of light to moderate intensity in parts of Punjab and the capital Islamabad in the next 48 hours.

This may also contribute to the rising water levels of all major rivers of the Indus River System, causing more intensified flooding. 

The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) also released at least 283,200 cusecs of water from various rim stations with an inflow of at least 325,700 cusecs on Wednesday.  

“The water level in the Indus river at Tarbela Dam was 1,517.31 feet, which was at least 119.31 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam were recorded at 143,200 cusecs and 140,000 cusecs respectively,” it said. 

The water level in the Jhelum at Mangla was recorded at 1,198.60 feet, which was at least 148.60 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet.  

The next 24 to 48 hours remain critical for many areas of the Punjab province as water levels are swelling at fast pace, triggering flood threat alarms and putting thousands of acres of standing crop fields along with surrounding localities, villages, towns and cities at high risk. 

ALSO READ: Parachinar: Pakistan’s new conflict hotspot

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UAE Council reviews COP28 readiness

Almheiri praised the national efforts in climate action across various relevant sectors….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE Council for Climate Action, in its second meeting for 2023, chaired by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, discussed at the SEE Institute Headquarters in Sustainable City Dubai the latest developments in the country’s preparations to host the COP28 conference this year, and the latest efforts to enhance the country’s climate action.

During the meeting, Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri emphasised the importance of continuing efforts and enhancing partnerships that the UAE Council for Climate Action carries out among various governmental and private sectors, which effectively contributes to achieving climate neutrality in the UAE by 2050, aiming to create a more sustainable future for future generations.

Almheiri praised the national efforts in climate action across various relevant sectors.

She said: “The UAE plays a leading global role in climate action by adopting a unique approach aimed at achieving climate neutrality through gradual emissions reduction. This has been highlighted recently through the announcement of the third version of the second National Determined Contributions (NDC) report for the UAE, in which we aim to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030 compared to the business-as-usual scenario.”

She added: “In order to achieve these goals, the UAE seeks to invest in sustainable technologies in all sectors in cooperation with federal and governmental institutions and the private sector, and to enhance clean and renewable energy sources. In addition to playing a major role on the global level. As part of the Year of Sustainability and our preparations to host the COP28 conference in the UAE this year, we seek to highlight our efforts in climate action and shed light on our vision to contribute to global efforts to address the implications of climate change and build a better future for humanity.”

During the meeting, the important updates of the national plan for the country’s preparation to host the Conference of the Parties (COP28) were discussed, along with the latest developments and achievements related to the low-carbon development strategy and the national monitoring, verification, and reporting system. Additionally, transformative projects such as the carbon market, the development program for national adaptation, the national dialogue for climate ambition, and the Climate Ambassadors program were reviewed.

The meeting also reviewed progress made on the Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, and what has been achieved so far. In addition, details of the third update of the country’s second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) report, which was recently adopted by the Cabinet as part of the country’s commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, were discussed. This includes reducing carbon emissions to 182 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.

In relation to transformative projects – Carbon Trading, a digital platform will be developed, and services in this regard will be developed. As for the project of developing the National Adaptation Program, the meeting highlighted meetings with strategic partners.

In this regard, the National Dialogue for Climate Ambition will be held on the National Action Plan, and sessions on the knowledge gap in national work programmes with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be conducted.

The meeting was attended by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Care and Capacity Building Sector – Ministry of Education, Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director General of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Dr. Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, Director General of the Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, and Asilah Abdullah Al Mualla, Director General of the Fujairah Environment Agency. In addition, several representatives from various federal and government entities in the country were present.

ALSO READ: Modi departs for France, UAE

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Al Jaber leverages capital for advancing climate finance

خلال منتدى تحفيز التمويل المناخي المقام في المملكة المتحدة:    - سلطان الجابر ينقل تحيات قيادة الإمارات إلى جو بايدن وتشارلز الثالث، ويلتقي عدداً من وزراء الحكومة البريطانية.  - الجابر: بفضل رؤية القيادة، الإمارات تواجه التحديات العالمية بذهنية إيجابية ووسائل مبتكَرة وتحرص على بناء مستقبل أفضل للجميع.  ‏- COP28 سيستضيف للمرة الأولى منتدىً رفيع المستوى للشركات التجارية والمؤسسات الخيرية .  - يجب الالتزام بتوفير مبلغ الـ 100 مليار دولار من التمويل المناخي السنوي الذي تم التعهد به عام 2009، والمؤشرات الأخيرة مشجعة. ويندسور في 13 يوليو /وام/ أكد معالي الدكتور سلطان أحمد الجابر، وزير الصناعة والتكنولوجيا المتقدمة، الرئيس المعيَّن لمؤتمر الأطراف "COP28"، أن دولة الإمارات تعمل وفق رؤية وتوجيه القيادة، على مواجهة التحديات العالمية بذهنية إيجابية ووسائل مبتكَرة، وتحرص على التعاون مع شركاء يتبنّون نفس الرؤى والأفكار والتوجهات في العمل المناخي لتحقيق التنمية المستدامة وبناء مستقبل أفضل للجميع في كل مكان. جاء ذلك خلال مشاركة معاليه في مناقشات رفيعة المستوى حول التمويل المناخي، مع كلٍ من جلالة الملك تشارلز الثالث، ملك المملكة المتحدة لبريطانيا العظمى وأيرلندا الشمالية، وفخامة جوزيف بايدن، رئيس الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، وعددٍ من كبار المستثمرين وقادة العمل الخيري، وذلك على هامش فعاليات منتدى تحفيز التمويل المناخي المقام في المملكة المتحدة، لبحث سبل تعزيز هذا التمويل بطرق مبتكَرة تسهم في تفعيل العمل وتحقيق انتقال منطقي وعملي وتدريجي وعادل في قطاع الطاقة. ونقل معاليه تحيات القيادة في دولة الإمارات إلى الرئيس الأمريكي جو بايدن، وجلالة الملك تشارلز الثالث، مؤكداً حرص الإمارات على تعزيز الشراكة القائمة مع البلدين الصديقين في المجالات المختلفة.  كما شارك معاليه في منتدى "تحفيز التمويل المناخي" الذي عقده معالي غرانت شابس، وزير أمن الطاقة والحياد المناخي في المملكة المتحدة، وجون كيري المبعوث الرئاسي الأمريكي الخاص للمناخ، بحضور مارك كارني، المبعوث الخاص للأمم المتحدة المعني بالعمل والتمويل المناخي، ومجموعة من قادة الشركات التجارية والمؤسسات الخيرية في مجالات التمويل والاستدامة والعمل المناخي، حيث وجه معاليه دعوة مفتوحة إلى كافة الأطراف لرفع سقف طموحاتهم استعداداً لـ "COP28" والاستمرار في تحفيز المؤسسات التجارية والخيرية في المملكة المتحدة والولايات المتحدة للقيام بذلك. وبهذه المناسبة قال معالي الدكتور سلطان أحمد الجابر إن لقيادتَي الولايات المتحدة والمملكة المتحدة دور حاسم في الوفاء بتعهدات التمويل المناخي وجذب مزيد من رأس المال، مضيفاً أن من الضروري الوفاء بالالتزام بتوفير مبلغ الـ 100 مليار دولار من التمويل المناخي السنوي الذي تم التعهد به في عام 2009، ومنوهاً بأن المؤشرات الأخيرة مشجعة وتدل على أنه سيتم الوفاء بهذا الالتزام. وأكد معاليه على الحاجة الملحّة إلى زيادة التمويل المخصص للمناخ من مليارات إلى تريليونات الدولارات، من أجل تحقيق الأهداف العالمية الخاصة بالمناخ والتنوع البيولوجي والتنمية المستدامة، وقال: "من أجل تحقيق هذه الأهداف يجب جمع وتحفيز رأس المال على جميع المستويات الحكومية والخاصة والخيرية، لأن رأس المال والتمويل من أهم عوامل التمكين الحاسمة في العمل المناخي، وهناك حاجة ملحة لتوفير التمويل بشروط ميسَّرة وبتكلفة معقولة للجميع في أنحاء العالم".  وأضاف أن "تغير المناخ مشكلة عالمية تتطلب استجابة عالمية فعلية، وعلى جميع المؤسسات المالية الفاعلة العمل ضمن إطار جديد من التعاون والتكاتف لتمكين التمويل المناخي بالقدر اللازم والنطاق المنشود وبالسرعة التي يحتاج إليها العالم، لذلك يسعدني الإعلان أن مؤتمر الأطراف "COP28" سيستضيف منتدىً رفيع المستوى لدعم دور الشركات التجارية والمؤسسات الخيرية في العمل المناخي، والتركيز على تذليل الصعوبات التي تعوق تحقيق التقدم المنشود، وعرض النماذج الناجحة وتحديد فرص التعاون والإبداع المشترك وتسريع الإنجاز".   كما جدد معاليه التأكيد على ضرورة إجراء تطوير جذري لمؤسسات التمويل الدولية وبنوك التنمية متعددة الأطراف، وأوضح أنه من أجل استثمار المبالغ المطلوبة، يجب تبني آليات جديدة لتخفيف المخاطر وتحفيز القطاع الخاص للعمل في مجال المناخ على نطاق واسع. وقال: "نحتاج إلى تطبيق نهج شامل ومتكامل مدعوم بأطر تعاونية فعالة، وألّا نكتفي بالإصلاحات التدريجية". وخلال مناقشته البيانات التي قدمتها المؤسسات التي حضرت المنتدى، قال معالي الدكتور سلطان الجابر إن المبادرات مثل "منتدى تحفيز التمويل المناخي" تتيح فرصاً رئيسة لتحقيق التقدم المنشود، فالتمويل الذي أعلنت عنه اليوم بعض الجهات الفاعلة والرائدة في القطاع الخاص والمنظمات الخيرية العالمية هو بالفعل ما نحتاج إلى تحقيقه استعداداً لانطلاق "COP28".  وأشاد معاليه أيضاً بالتقدم الذي حققته مبادرة مختبر استثمارات القطاع الخاص التابعة للبنك الدولي في التوصل إلى حلول لمعالجة الصعوبات التي تعوق تمويل القطاع الخاص للعمل المناخي، وأكد أن دعم وتحفيز استثمارات القطاع الخاص في مقدمة أولويات رئاسة مؤتمر الأطراف "COP28"، معرِباً عن تطلعه إلى ضم توصيات المختبر القابلة للتطبيق إلى أجندة عمل "COP28" حول التمويل المناخي.   وأوضح معاليه أن المملكة المتحدة والولايات المتحدة، تضمان اثنين من أكبر الأسواق المالية في العالم، مؤكداً أن ما تم الإعلان عنه اليوم من جانبهما من إجراءات وتمويل يجب أن يتكرر على نطاق عالمي للحفاظ على إمكانية تحقيق هدف تفادي تجاوز الارتفاع في درجة حرارة الأرض مستوى 1.5 درجة مئوية.

Dr. Al Jaber restated his call for major reform of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, has participated in high-level discussions on climate finance with US President Joe Biden and H.M King Charles III, alongside leading investors and philanthropists, in a visit to the UK to advance innovative climate finance to deliver climate action and a just energy transition.

During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber attended a forum on Climate Finance Mobilisation convened by the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Rt Hon. Grant Shapps MP and the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry.

The forum was attended by UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance, Mark Carney, as well as private sector and philanthropic leaders from finance, sustainability, and climate action. Dr. Al Jaber encouraged all parties to set their ambitions high ahead of COP28 and continue to galvanise UK and US-based businesses and philanthropists to do the same.

Dr. Al Jaber said, “The leadership of the US and UK is crucial to both fulfil climate finance pledges and mobilize further capital. We must deliver on the $100bn of annual climate finance promised in 2009, and I have been encouraged by recent assurances that this pledge will be fulfilled. However, we need to mobilise trillions, not billions, of dollars if we are to reach our climate, biodiversity and SDG targets.

“To achieve this we need to mobilise capital at all levels, public, business and philanthropic. Capital and finance are critical enablers of climate action. But to unleash its power, it must be available, accessible and affordable throughout the world.”

Dr. Al Jaber added, “Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. All financial actors must work within a new framework of solidarity to enable climate finance at the scale, scope and speed that the world needs. As an outcome of today’s meetings, I am pleased to announce that COP28 will host a High-Level Business & Philanthropy Delivery Forum, during the World Climate Action Summit. The forum will focus on removing barriers to progress, showcasing what is working, and identifying opportunities for co-creation, collaboration, and acceleration.”

Dr. Al Jaber restated his call for major reform of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, and added “To invest the amounts required, we must build the right risk mitigation instruments that incentivize private sector action at scale. This is not a time for incremental reform. We need a holistic approach underpinned by collaborative frameworks.”

Discussing the announcements made by organisations in attendance, Dr. Al Jaber continued, “Initiatives like the Climate Finance Mobilisation Forum provide a key avenue for progress. The funding announced today by some of the world’s leading private sector actors and philanthropists is exactly what we need to see ahead of COP28.”

During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber also welcomed progress on the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab which will be charged with developing solutions to address barriers to private sector climate finance. Dr. Al Jaber said, “Capital is a key enabler of climate action, and catalyzing private investments is a key priority for the COP28 Presidency. I look forward to actionable recommendations coming out of the Private Sector Investment Lab that can be integrated into COP28’s climate finance agenda.”

He concluded that “The UK and US are home to two of the largest financial markets in the world. Their action and the funding announced today is vital to keep 1.5C within reach and must be replicated on a global scale.”

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‘Cerberus’ heat wave sweeps across Europe

People walk out of the Louvre Museum aimd a heatwave in Paris, France, July 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Gao Jing/IANS)

In Italy, temperatures could reach as high as 48.8 degrees, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for 27 cities this week…reports Asian Lite News

A blistering and deadly heat wave, which the Italian Meteorological Society has named Cerberus after the three-headed monster that features in Dante’s ‘Inferno’ as a guard to the gates of hell, is sweeping across parts of southern Europe.

“The earth has a high fever and Italy is feeling it firsthand,” Luca Mercalli, head of the Italian Meteorological Society, told CNN on Wednesday.

As a result of the heat wave, temperatures are expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Croatia and Turkey, reports the BBC.

In Italy, temperatures could reach as high as 48.8 degrees, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for 27 cities this week, including Rome, Florence and Bologna.

Very high temperatures in central and southern Italy are predicted for Friday, when the capital Rome could see record-breaking temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius, CNN reported.

On Tuesday, a 44-year-old road construction worker died in hospital after he collapsed by the side of the road in the northern Italian city of Lodi.

“We are facing a wave of abnormal heat at unbearable levels. Perhaps it should be the case that during the hottest hours all useful precautions are taken to avoid tragedies like the one that happened today in Lodi,” CNN quoted politician Nicola Fratoianni, who has petitioned for regulations to protect workers during the ongoing heat wave, as saying in a Twitter post.

In Rome, several tourists collapsed due to heat stroke on Tuesday and Wednesday, including an unnamed British tourist who passed out in front of the Colosseum in Rome.

The UK Met Office said that temperatures will peak on Friday.

Europe’s hottest ever temperature of 48.8 Celsius was recorded near Syracuse on the Italian island of Sicily in August 2021.

The 2022 heat wave killed 61,672 people in Europe, with Italy accounting for the highest fatality rate with around 18,000 deaths.

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Monsoon mayhem continues across North India

The Central government contributes 75 per cent to the SDRF in general States and 90 per cent in northeast and Himalayan states…reports Asian Lite News

Amid destrcution caused due to monsoon in several parts of the country, the Ministry of Finance has released Rs 7,532 crore on Wednesday among 22 state governments for the respective State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF).

The amount has been released as per the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs. In a press release, the finance ministry said the guidelines have been relaxed in the wake of heavy rains across the country, and the funds have been released as immediate assistance to States without waiting for the utilisation certificate of the amount provided to the States in the last financial year.

The Central government contributes 75 per cent to the SDRF in general States and 90 per cent in northeast and Himalayan states.

The annual Central contribution is released in two equal instalments as per the recommendation of the Finance Commission.  As per the guidelines, the funds are released on receipt of Utilisation Certificate of the amount released in the earlier instalment and receipt of a report from the State Government on the activities undertaken from SDRF.

The SDRF is to be used only for meeting the expenditure for providing immediate relief to the victims of notified calamities like cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack and frost and cold wave.

Allocation of SDRF funds to the States is based on multiple factors like past expenditure, area, population, and disaster risk index.  These factors reflect States’ institutional capacity, risk exposure, and hazard and vulnerability.

Based on the 15th Finance Commission recommendations, the Central government has allocated Rs 128,122.40 crore for SDRF for years 2021-22 to 2025-26.  Out of this amount, the Central government’s share is Rs 98,080.80 crore.

With the current release, the total amount of Central share of SDRF released to the State governments so far has gone up to Rs 42,366 crore.

Yamuna water level continuously rising

Delhi Minister Atishi on Wednesday said that government is prepared to deal with any unforeseen situation amid rising levels of the Yamuna River in the national capital.

Atishi said the necessary arrangements have been made for the people being shifted to relief camps. While speaking to ANI, Atishi said, “More than a thousand people have been evacuated and relief camps have been set up for them. We have made all necessary arrangements including fans, bathrooms, medical facilities and others in relief camps. The water level is continuously rising in the Yamuna River and we are prepared to deal with any unforeseen situation.”

She further stated that water from Haryana should be released towards Delhi in a controlled manner.

“Water level has not risen due to monsoon rains. The water is coming from Himachal, Haryana towards Delhi so it should be released in a controlled manner,” she said.

The water level in Yamuna, which is in spate in Delhi, reached its highest-ever level on Wednesday at 207.55 metres, breaching a 44-year record.

The water level was 207.48 metres at 12 noon on Wednesday, Delhi  Flood Control Department officials said.

In this regard, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called an emergency meeting in the wake of the rising level of water in Yamuna.

In a bid to ensure the safety of the public, Delhi Police on Wednesday imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in flood-prone areas of the national capital as preventive measures.

The prohibitory orders have been enforced as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident during the monsoon season.

“Going with the present situation, two police stations located in flood-prone areas in North East Delhi have been ordered to shift to higher floors and other police stations in the vicinity have been instructed to be on alert as Yamuna River has breached the danger level and the water level continues to rise,” an official said.

Delhi government has already evacuated people living in low-lying areas and shifted them to safer places at higher altitudes.

Police personnel and Civil Defence Volunteers are at such locations and advisories are being issued to people to keep away from the river.

Meanwhile, 2500 tents have been set up in 6 districts of the national capital to which people are being shifted. Those living in the affected areas are being shifted to these camps set up at higher places.

“If the water level of Yamuna rises, the Kejriwal government is ready to deal with every situation,” Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had on Tuesday issued an ‘orange’ rainfall alert for Delhi. (ANI)

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UAE accelerates to net zero with nationwide emissions cut

The Third Update of the Second NDC marks a nationwide emissions reduction commitment with clear targets set for all domestic sectors…reports Asian Lite News

Following the UAE Cabinet’s approval of the Third Update of the country’s Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) announced a comprehensive roadmap to achieving 40 percent emission reduction by 2030 compared to business as usual.

The Third Update of the Second NDC marks a nationwide emissions reduction commitment with clear targets set for all domestic sectors. This will bring the entire nation together, including the public and private sector, to accelerate the UAE’s journey to Net Zero emissions by 2050.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, said the Third Update of the Second NDC marks a step-change in the nation’s approach to greenhouse gas emission reduction.

“In the Year of Sustainability, when our nation hosts COP28, this milestone announcement underlines our national commitment to more ambitious climate action. The UAE believes that climate action across every aspect of our economy is vital for creating a prosperous future.”

“The UAE, under the leadership of our President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, views climate action not only as a strategic imperative for the environment and our future generations, but also as an opportunity for sustainable economic growth and socially inclusive prosperity,” Almheiri said.

“We have progressively raised ambition in less than three years, highlighted by the commitment to reduce emissions by 23.5 percent in our Second NDC; decreased this further to 31 percent in our Second Updated NDC; and pushed our efforts even further to reach a reduction of 40 percent in our Third Update of our Second NDC compared to business as usual.”

A bold approach with clear targets

Despite being officially classified as a developing country, the UAE has taken a further step in its commitment and is following the model of developed countries for its Third Update of its Second NDC by using fixed level and base year targets.

Accordingly, net greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced from an expected 208 MtCO2e, as announced in the Updated Second NDC in 2022 to 182 MtCO2e by 2030. This marks an absolute emissions reduction of 19 percent compared to the 2019 base year level.

The UAE’s voluntary and proactive new approach ensures that its emission reduction goals are transparent and easier to track, resulting in beneficial outcomes that align directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

All domestic sectors such as power and water generation, heavy industry, transport, waste, buildings, and agriculture will collectively reduce emissions as per specific sectoral targets. The nation has developed a concrete implementation roadmap, including improved governance structures and new policy initiatives.

The new update also reflects the UAE’s commitment to the outcomes of Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees while pursing all measures to limit it to well below 1.5 degree by end of this century.

A Pro-Climate, Pro-Growth Strategy

The Third Update of the Second NDC builds on the UAE Cabinet’s approval of the recently announced updated UAE National Energy Strategy 2050 and comprehensive National Hydrogen Strategy, which has emerged as one of the most important clean energy sources available today.

The UAE plans to triple its investments in renewable energy in the coming seven years and establish a specialised national research and development centre for the hydrogen sector.

All these reflects the UAE’s ‘pro-climate, pro-growth’ philosophy – the desire to reduce the UAE’s environmental footprint, while driving economic, social, and sustainable opportunities that climate action creates.

Pan-Governmental Action

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment engaged all entities in a nationwide process to update the NDC, with all levels of government (including federal-, emirate-, and city- and municipality-level) working together to develop the roadmap to reach 2030 targets.

The UAE conducted over 100 bilateral meetings with public and private entities, as well as dedicated workshops, creating more than 110 opportunities for stakeholders to contribute to the process, resulting in around 800 feedback submissions. These were closely considered by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment as part of the development of the updated NDC. Throughout the process, the Government considered the needs of vulnerable groups, including youth, women, children, and people of determination.

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Rain, flash floods ravage North India

Patiala, July 11 (ANI): National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel during the rescue operation of people stuck in the flood-affected Rishi Colony area after heavy monsoon rains caused rapid rise in the water level of Badi Nadi river, in Patiala on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

Due to incessant rainfall in the region, many tourists have been stranded in Manali….reports Asian Lite News

Incessant rain, which has led to flash floods and landslides, has caused significant damage in Himachal Pradesh’s Manali.

Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Singh Negi said that the flash floods have damaged the national highway and disrupted water and electricity supply.

“The Manali Vidhansabha constituency has suffered significant damage due to flash floods. Houses, land, and gardens have been destroyed, and the national highway is damaged due to flash floods. The link road adjacent to the bridge is also badly damaged. There is no net connectivity, electricity and water. We have made arrangements to provide food to the stranded tourists,” Negi said.

Due to incessant rainfall in the region, many tourists have been stranded in Manali.

Internet services and electricity supply have been disrupted due to the flood in the area.

Neha, a tourist from, Ludhiana, Punjab said, “We want to go home. We were scheduled to return on Sunday but we are stuck due to flood.”

Another tourist, Sanjeev Arora, said they have been trying to go back for the past two days.

“We are here in Manali since 5th July. The main track is damaged. We have been trying to go back for the past two days. The internet services and electricity supply is disrupted,” he added.

Meanwhile, Himachal Chief Minister’s Office informed that 2000 people stranded in the Kasol area have been evacuated so far.

“So far 2000 people stranded in the Kasol area of Kullu district have been evacuated. On the way at one point named Dunkhara, there is a heavy landslide and one poclain and two machines have been deployed round the clock to clear the Kasol-Bhuntar road. A team of the district administration has reached Kasol. More than 2200 vehicles have passed through Kullu from Manali so far and food is being distributed to them at Ramshilla Chowk. CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is closely monitoring the situation”, the CMO statement said.

Speaking on the relief and rescue operations being conducted in the state amidst heavy rainfall, acting DGP of Himachal Pradesh Satwant Atwal Trivedi said that evacuation procedure is underway with 1000 vehicles already having left from Kullu – Manali and are enroute to Chandigarh.

The Nurpur police on Wednesday informed that water will be released from Pandoh Dam (Mandi) from 6 pm today to 3 pm tomorrow due to incessant rains in the district.

“People are urged not to go near low-lying areas like rivers, drains and dam areas for the next few days”, the Nurpur Police said.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA from Manali Bhuvneshwar Gaur hit out at the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) over the poor construction of the highways which were washed away during the flash floods.

Red alert for Uttarakhand

Amid the heavy rains in Uttarakhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for July 11 and 12.

Earlier today, four persons died and 10 people were injured due to falling debris on Gangotri National Highway near Gangnani in Uttarakhand.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said that the state administration is on full alert mode in view of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) heavy rainfall alert in the region.

Rain fury in Punjab

Swinging into action to take stock of the relief and rescue measures going on at the grassroots, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday conducted a tour of rain-affected areas and interacted with people evacuated from low-lying areas in the aftermath of downpour.

The Chief Minister said the situation was alarming but the government was making efforts to minimise the loss of lives. Mann said teams of the NDRF have been roped in for rescue work but the Indian Army has not been yet pressed in officially for this work.

The Chief Minister said he had a word with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday during which he apprised him about the entire situation. “As of now Central assistance is not required for relief and rescue work as the situation is under control.”

However, Mann said “if need arises, then help will be sought from the Union government to tackle the situation”.

The Chief Minister also said that a special ‘girdwari’ will be conducted to ascertain the loss of crops, houses and others. Detailed instructions will be issued to the Deputy Commissioners to immediately carry out ‘girdwari’ in the areas lashed by rains to ascertain the damage.

Mann assured the people that the government was committed to safeguarding their interests against nature’s fury.

The Chief Minister said an elaborate flood protection mechanism has been put in place to safeguard the life and property of people.

He said that Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs) are expediting the relief work in their respective districts so as to provide succor to the masses. Mann said an alert has already been issued in low-lying areas and help is being provided to the needy people.

Meanwhile, flood control rooms have been set up in all districts of the state and numbers have been made public.

Mann said the officials have been directed to ensure immediate action on any sort of distress call by people in case of emergency.

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Rain fury rocks North India

The weather office has predicted more rain for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Delhi and its adjoining areas…reports Asian Lite News

Heavy rains in several parts of north India has disrupted lives of lakhs of people who live in the region. Several towns and cities remain inundated in waist-deep water as incessant rains lash Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation as landslides and flash floods, and held talks with the chief ministers of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. He has assured help to both the states on behalf of the central government.

“Spoke to senior Ministers and officials, and took stock of the situation in the wake of excessive rainfall in parts of India. Local administrations, NDRF and SDRF teams are working to ensure the well-being of those affected,” PMO said in a tweet.

The weather office has predicted more rain for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Delhi and its adjoining areas.

In worst-hit Himachal Pradesh, a red alert has been sounded and all schools and colleges will remain closed for two days. All major rivers are in spate, bringing normal life to a standstill. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged people to stay home for the next 24 hours and cooperate with authorities.

Frightening images of the chaos unleashed by the rain — cars floating like paper boats on flooded roads, muddy waters gushing into residential areas, temples and other structures submerged on the banks by the swollen rivers — were shared online by people from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi.

In cities and towns across the region, many roads and residential areas were submerged in knee-deep water.

Red alert in Himachal

Himachal Pradesh, the worst hit among all, has recorded a monetary loss of Rs 785.51 crore. In a statement issued by Himachal Pradesh state authorities on Monday, the death toll in the state has been reported at 72, with 8 people missing and 92 injured. 39 landslide incidents have been reported, along with 1 cloud burst and 29 flash floods, the report stated.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for 10 of 12 Himachal districts including Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra and Kullu. All major rivers, including Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Swan and Chenab are in spate.

Solan received 135 mm of rain on Sunday, breaking a 50-year-old record of 105 mm of rain in a day in 1971, while Una received the highest rainfall since 1993.

Officials said rail operations on the Shimla-Kalka route, a UNESCO world heritage site, have been suspended till tomorrow as landslides blocked the track at several places.

“We have rescued 80 people today. The situation is bad as the water level of the river is rising. Our team is on alert and we are reviewing the areas alongside the river Beas,” SSP Mandi, Soumya Sambasivan said.

‘Flood unlikely in Delhi’

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today chaired a high-level meeting to discuss waterlogging caused by rain in the city and Yamuna’s rising water levels. He said flooding was unlikely in the national capital. Kejriwal said, if needed, the administration will shift the people from low-lying areas to safe spots as the water level of the Yamuna River is set to cross the danger mark by tomorrow. A total of 16 control rooms are active in Delhi.

“As per CWC, River Yamuna river flowing at 203.58 metres in Delhi. It is expected to reach 205.5 metres tomorrow morning. Also, according to weather predictions, the water level in Yamuna is not expected to rise too high. If Yamuna crosses the 206 metre mark, then we will start evacuation along the banks of the river,” he detailed.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Uttarakhand, an orange alert was sounded in all districts as water levels rose in all major rivers, including the Ganga. More showers are likely in the next two days.

At least nine people have been killed in rain-related incidents across the state. On Sunday, three pilgrims drowned in the Ganga after their jeep fell into the river amid a landslide near Gular on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway.

Red alert in Ladakh

Two people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir after a landslide hit a passenger bus in Doda district, while in Ladakh’s Kargil district, a man was killed after his vehicle got crushed under a boulder that rolled down a hillock along the Leh-Srinagar national highway.

There were also reports of snowfall from high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh, where a red alert has been issued for heavy rain.

ALSO READ-Heavy rains claims lives in Pakistan

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Pakistan on flood alert

Rescuers evacuate flood-affected people in Jamshoro district, Sindh province, Pakistan, Sept. 15, 2022. (Str/Xinhua/IANS)

Authorities have stared setting up relief camps in low-lying areas of all districts in Punjab province…reports Asian Lite News

After India released about 185,000 cusecs of water, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert and warned of heavy rain in the next 24 to 48 hours.

The NDMA has notified that the release of water from India’s Ujh Barrage would cause the flow in the Ravi river to rise, which will be coupled with expected heavy rain showers in the next 48 hours.

The Austhority has directed relevant government quarters to initiate evacuation drive of locals settled along the river and move locals to safer locations.  

“Last year, India had released 173,000 cusecs of water causing low-level floods at Jassar point in Ravi. Considering the previous record, around 65,000 cusecs of water was expected to reach within the next 20 to 24 hours, and low level floods were expected in the plain areas near Jassar,” the NDMA said. 

The Authority said it would work with the local administration and monitor the situation till July 20 and will relocate families living along the rivers to safer locations. 

“Monitoring is also underway at the Chenab river and Marala Headworks,” it added. 

Authorities have stared setting up relief camps in low-lying areas of all districts in Punjab province, while rescue operation teams are also on red alert with machinery. 

Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also stated that the provincial government was prepared to deal with any untoward situation.  

“We have put the entire administration on alert in view of ongoing rains and possible floods. At 10am when the report that India was releasing water came in, the relevant agencies immediately reached Ravi river. 

“In case of floods, saving human lives was the first priority of the government and that is why the houses close to rive banks were being evacuated,” he added. 

All public and private organisations have also been notified to remain vigilant and ready as heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms were expected in the country in the next 48 hours. 

While floods have wrecked havoc in India, the release of water into Pakistan and the ongoing heavy rainfall in Punjab province, specifically in Lahore, Narowal and Sialkot cities may trigger floods, landslides and devastation. 

Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman has said that the rain would affect at least 900,000 people in the country. 

The continued rain in the country have already caused considerable damages of lives and infrastructure.

So far, 76 people, including 31 children, were killed, 133 others injured and 76 houses damaged in the last two weeks in Pakistan. 

ALSO READ: Heavy rains claims lives in Pakistan

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Heavy rains claims lives in Pakistan

Punjab has the most number of people who died where 48 people were in the heavy rains and 20 lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)…reports Asian Lite News

The cash-strapped country, which is still recovering from the unprecedented floods is again going through the same stage as the heavy rains in the nation have claimed the lives of 76 persons and injured 133 across Pakistan since June, ARY News reported quoting National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

In its report, NDMA stated that nine persons have lost their lives in the heavy rains across the country in the last 24 hours, taking the total count to 76. In the past 24 hours, eight persons were injured, leading the total number of injured people to 133. The total data of 76 death and 133 injured, includes 15 women and 31 children, whereas 78 houses have so far been damaged as torrential rain continued to play havoc across the country.

Punjab has the most number of people who died where 48 people were in the heavy rains and 20 lost their lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), five were killed in Balochistan, the NDMA report read.

On July 6, 18 deaths have been reported in Pakistan’s Punjab as rains continued to lash parts of the province, as per Dawn News.

The death toll in Punjab over the past two days due to a torrential monsoon spell rose to 29.

Rain severity was almost negligible in Lahore in comparison to Wednesday with the majority of the 16 monitoring points of the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) recording single-digit rainfall, Dawn reported. Four more deaths were reported in the provincial capital and the number reached 12 in the past two days.

Earlier, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) finalized its emergency plan ahead of the first spell of monsoon rains predicted from July 3 to 8 across the country, ARY News reported on Monday.

The NDMA spokesperson said that the Met Department predicted the first spell of monsoon rains with thunderstorms from July 3 to 8 in different parts of the country. It added that heavy rains can also occur in landslides in mountainous areas and flooding situations in low-lying areas.

The authority issued instructions to the concerned departments regarding its rain emergency plan citing the expected weather conditions, reported ARY News. (ANI)

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