The fire erupted a day after a massive blaze was brought under control in two separate locations in the Margalla Hills…reports Asian Lite News
The authorities in Pakistan are finding it tough to control the forest fire as a severe heatwave has gripped the nation. Authorities on Sunday doused another forest fire that erupted on Margalla Hills part located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to Geo News.
The fire erupted a day after a massive blaze was brought under control in two separate locations in the Margalla Hills.
Quoting Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Memon, Geo News reported that Capital Development Authority (CDA) teams were present on the incident site to bring the fire under control.
He added that 36 firefighters participated in the firefighting operation as well.
Bushfires have occurred in the Margalla range regularly during the summer. Recently, a fire broke out occasionally in the Islamabad hills. Officials have yet to ascertain whether the fires are caused by high heat or arson.
However, three people were arrested on suspicion of igniting the forest fires, according to the capital’s administration on Friday.
Separately, a fire broke out in the forest, area of Rawalpindi’s Baghar Sharif, spreading over an area of 15 to 20 acres, according to Geo News.
The rescue officials stated that the risk of fire spreading was growing due to the rough and steep terrain and that they were fighting the fire wherever it was accessible.
The district administration immediately launched an emergency operation and called for more personnel and machinery to contain the blaze.
As of now, several parts of Pakistan have recorded temperatures as high as 52.2 degrees Celsius (126 degrees Fahrenheit) in the previous week, with South Asia experiencing a hotter summer this year, which scientists say has been exacerbated by human-caused climate change. (ANI)
The IMD also said that the conditions continue to become favourable for the onset of the monsoon in Kerala during the next 24 hours…reports Asian Lite News
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast that the prevailing heatwave conditions mainly in north and central India are likely to reduce gradually from Thursday (May 30).
The IMD’s prediction came on a day when Delhi recorded the season’s highest-ever temperature at 52.3 degrees Celsius. The national capital and its peripherals, however, received drizzle in the evening, bringing respite from the sweltering temperatures.
Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions prevailed in most parts of Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab; many parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The highest maximum temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius was recorded in Delhi’s Mungeshpur locality on Wednesday.
The IMD also said that the conditions continue to become favourable for the onset of the monsoon in Kerala during the next 24 hours and the advance of the monsoon in some parts of the northeastern states during the same period.
It has also forecast widespread rain in the southern, eastern and northeastern states.
The IMD forecast widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, as well as in Karnataka during the next 7 days and coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema during June 1-4.
It has also forecast widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, West Bengal and Sikkim during the next 7 days.
According to the forecast, there will be scattered light/moderate rainfall in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha during the next five days.
The weather station recorded the temperature at Mungeshpur in north-west Delhi at 52.3 degrees Celsius….reports Asian Lite News
The national capital on Wednesday recorded its highest-ever temperature of the season as the mercury soared to 52.3 degrees Celsius, the weather office said.
The weather station recorded the temperature at Mungeshpur in north-west Delhi at 52.3 degrees Celsius.
Besides Mungeshpur, other locations in Delhi which recorded the season’s hottest day included Najafgarh (48.6 degrees Celsius), Narela (47.9 degrees Celsius), Pitampura (48.3 degrees Celsius).
Notably, a severe heatwave has been prevailing in most parts of north India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and many parts of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh for quite some days.
Rajasthan has also recorded extremely high temperatures over the past few days, with the mercury shooting beyond 50 degrees Celsius in regions like Phalodi.
Sirsa in Haryana also sizzled at over 50 degrees.
Delhi along with adjoining regions have been reeling under a severe heatwave for almost a week now.
However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted some respite from searing heat from tomorrow.
“Prevailing heatwave conditions over Northwest and Central India are likely to reduce gradually from Thursday (May 30),” the IMD said in a statement.
The IMD also said that the conditions continue to become favourable with the onset of monsoon during the next 24 hours and the advance of monsoon over some parts of northeastern states during the same period.
Sizzling Rajasthan
Pilani in Rajasthan on Tuesday recorded the highest ever maximum temperature at 49-degree Celsius, while Churu sizzled at 50.5-degree Celsius to become the hottest place in the state on Tuesday.
The previous highest maximum temperature recorded in Pilani was 48.6-degree Celsius on May 2, 1999. Churu’s all-time highest maximum temperature recorded so far is 50.8-degree Celsius on June 1, 2019.
Many cities in the state recorded a maximum temperature of over 45-degree Celsius. In Ganganagar, the mercury soared to 49.4-degree Celsius, followed by Phalodi (49), Bikaner (48.3), Kota (48.2), Jaisalmer (48), Jaipur (46.6), and Barmer (46).
Meanwhile, Met department officials said that the maximum temperature is likely to drop by 2 to 4-degree Celsius in most parts of the state in the next 48 hours. There is a strong possibility of relief from the ongoing severe heat wave in the state from May 31 onwards.
The carbon-zero turf being used in Paris is made from 80% sugarcane and manufactured using green electricity…reports Asian Lite News
The hockey competition at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games will have something unique about it — the matches will be played on the world’s first carbon-zero hockey turf which is setting new standards for sustainability in sports surfaces.
The carbon-zero turf being used in Paris is made from 80% sugarcane and manufactured using green electricity, thus having a lesser impact on the environment. It also requires less water to irrigate it before every match.
Besides being a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and athleticism, with the best teams from around the globe competing at the highest level, the hockey competition at the XXXIII Olympiad aims to leave a lasting legacy not just in sporting achievements but also in advancing environmental consciousness within the realm of global sporting events.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has made a strict commitment to make hockey a globally sustainable sport and Paris 2024 will represent another step taken towards achieving that goal. The initial steps were taken with a steady reduction in water usage, showcased by the turf used at the Olympic Games in Tokyo requiring 39% less water for optimal performance than the turf used in Rio only four years earlier.
At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the boundaries will be pushed further, as hockey will be played on the innovative ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ hockey turf, which is setting new standards for sustainability in sports surfaces.
Developed by Sport Group and installed in Paris by Polytan, this advanced turf is the world’s first carbon-zero hockey turf, aligning with the Paris 2024 Games’ commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, the FIH informed in a release on Wednesday.
Carbon-zero Poligras Paris GT zero is made from 80% sugarcane and manufactured using green electricity. The production process emphasizes low emissions and energy efficiency, ensuring that the turf’s lifecycle—from creation to disposal—adheres to the highest environmental standards, the FIH release said.
This eco-friendly turf doesn’t compromise on performance. Athletes can expect the same high-quality playability, ball speed, and consistency that Poligras surfaces are known for, which have been trusted at 8 Olympic Games and many World Cups. The Paris 2024 Olympics Hockey will aim to showcase that sustainability and top-tier athletic performance can go hand-in-hand.
Moreover, ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ is designed to conserve water. It requires significantly less irrigation than traditional synthetic turfs, aligning with global efforts to preserve water resources, particularly relevant as the world grapples with water scarcity issues.
The introduction of Polytan’s ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 marks a significant advancement in sustainable hockey technology. By utilising renewable resources and focusing on environmental impact, this new turf not only supports elite athletic performance but also sets a precedent for future hockey events to prioritise sustainability, which has long been an aim for the FIH.
The IMD has predicted thunderstorms with lightning and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places of Papum Pare and West Kameng districts…reports Asian Lite News
With the IMD issuing a red alert for Arunachal Pradesh with a forecast of extremely heavy rainfall, Chief Minister Pema Khandu today requested the people of the state to take all precautionary measures and avoid vulnerable and isolated locations.
The IMD has predicted thunderstorms with lightning and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated places of Papum Pare and West Kameng districts, and thunderstorms with lightning and very heavy rainfall in isolated places in East Kameng and Pakke-Kessang districts on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.
It has also predicted thunderstorms with lightning and very heavy rainfall in isolated places in Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Shi-Yomi, West Siang, Lohit, Changlang, Tirap and Longding districts during the period.
Thunderstorms with lightning and very heavy rainfall are also likely to occur in Pakke-Kessang, Papum Pare, Siang, Lohit, East Kameng, West Kameng, Kurung Kumey, West Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts on May 29 and 30, the IMD said.
“@Indiametdept has issued a red alert for the next three days with a prediction of thunderstorms with lightning and extremely heavy rainfall in Papumpare, West Kameng, East Kameng, and Pakke-Kessang districts. I request everyone to take all precautionary measures and avoid vulnerable and isolated locations,” Khandu posted on X.
Heavy rainfall may trigger landslides, leading to temporary road blockages, and flashfloods that may cause damage to kutcha roads and vulnerable infrastructures, the IMD has cautioned and advised people to avoid going to landslide-prone areas.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) took to its official X handle and posted, “Heatwave is likely at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh and West Rajasthan on May 31, 2024.”….reports Asian Lite News
The scorching heat continues in Rajasthan, with temperatures ranging between 45 and 49 degrees Celsius in most districts. Amidst the heat, people are coming out only when necessary, trying to protect themselves from the heat.
The biggest problem is faced by employees engaged in delivery work. They are forced to go out in the scorching heat. People venturing out in the afternoon can be seen covering their bodies to protect themselves from the sun.
Pokhar Lal, who works as a delivery boy said, “I am facing a lot of trouble. The temperatures have reached 48 degrees Celsius and I try to find shade when I am working outside. I continuously drink water to protect myself from the heat.”
Mohammad Ashraf, an e-rickshaw driver also asserted that temperature in Rajasthan is reaching 48 degrees Celsius and said, “It is difficult to leave home but still, for work, we have to.”
Another commuter, Ashok asserted that the government should take measures to provide relief from the scorching heat. He said, “The condition of people in Jaipur is very bad. The government should do something. They should sprinkle water on the road… Even in these adverse weather conditions, we have to go outside for work. The students have to go outside for their studies.”
Another commuter, Ram Singh Shekhawat, said that the students can fall sick amidst the weather and coaching institutes should declare holidays for some time. He said, “The way holidays have been declared for schools, the same way holidays should be declared for coaching institutes for some time or their timings should be changed. The students have to go outside in such bad weather and there are risks that they might fall sick.”
As per the Met Centre Jaipur, in the last 24 hours, Phalodi recorded 49.8 degrees Celsius, Barmer 49 degrees Celcius, Jaisalmer 48.5 degrees Celsius, Churu 47.6 degrees Celsius, Pilani 47.4 degrees Celsius, and Jaipur 45.6 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department (IMD) took to its official X handle and posted, “Heatwave is likely at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Uttar Pradesh and West Rajasthan on May 31, 2024.”
In another post, IMD said, “Heatwave is likely at some places over West Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh, while at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, East Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on May 30, 2024.” (ANI)
Heatwave conditions to prevail in Himachal
India Metrological Department has said that heatwave conditions will continue during the next 48 hours in the hill state.
“After 2014 Shimla recorded the highest temperature at 30.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday. In May 2010, it was 32.4 degrees. The heat wave conditions prevailed in most places of the state. Three districts of Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Mandi recorded temperatures 6 degrees above the normal, the heatwave conditions will continue in the state during the next 48 hours,” Surender Paul, Head of IMD, Himachal Pradesh, said.
According to the IMD scientist, Shimla recorded its highest temperature of 30.6 degrees in the last ten years.
“On 29th and 30th a western disturbance is approaching and that will help to provide relief from the heat wave, the temperatures will drop and the chances of rain and thunderstorms will increase. The temperature in Una was recorded at 44.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the highest of the season,” he said.
The IMD has issued an orange alert in most districts of the State.
“We have issued an orange alert in most of the districts of the state. The heatwave will continue in districts of Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur and chance of severe heat in some districts. We are in coordination with the state goverment, updating on heatwave conditions and in touch with the disaster management Authority. There are chances of increasing forest fire and also the damage to crops. This will be reduced after 48 hours,” Paul further added.
As per the IMD, the mercury reached to 42.2 degrees in Bilaspur. While Hamipur recorded a maximum temperature of 41. 8 degrees against 42. 1 degrees on Sunday.
In Kangra, the maximum temperature was recorded at 39. 2 degrees against 40.2 degrees on Sunday. While Dharamshala witnessed a maximum temperature of 35. 7 degrees on Monday against 35. 3 degrees a day ago. (ANI)
Over 120 million people are at risk of severe weather on Monday, concentrated over the East Coast, south of New England, where there is a level 2 out of 5 threat…reports Asian Lite News
Deadly tornadoes in the central United States claimed 18 lives, including four children, while millions more face continued severe weather threats, reported CNN.
Just under 109 million people across broad swaths of the US were under threat of large hail, damaging winds, and a fierce twister Sunday, mainly throughout the mid-Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee River valleys. As the storms moved east, the Storm Prediction Centre warned of “violent tornadoes, extreme hail and corridors of widespread wind damage.” The watch covers parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee–including in St. Louis and Jefferson City, Missouri; Paducah, Kentucky; and Carbondale, Illinois–and impacts 4.7 million people, reported CNN. On Sunday, at least 11 tornado reports were recorded and more severe weather is expected on Memorial Day.
Over 120 million people are at risk of severe weather on Monday, concentrated over the East Coast, south of New England, where there is a level 2 out of 5 threat. Moreover, storms that swept through Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky on Sunday continue to move east and pose ongoing threats. According to the reports, storms projected through Monday are capable of producing severe tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds, as reported by CNN. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people across 13 states are left without power due to deadly storms and tornadoes that hit late Sunday night. There are currently more than 642,000 people in the dark, according to poweroutage.us, as reported by CNN. The bulk of the power outages are in Kentucky, where there are nearly 135,000 customers without power. According to the National Weather Service, this is a special kind of tornado watch issued only when there’s unusually high confidence in the potential of multiple at least EF2-strength and long-lived tornadoes in the area. “Intense supercell thunderstorms will continue to develop across the watch area through this evening. Several tornadoes are likely, some of which are expected to be intense. Very large hail is also likely, along with the risk for potentially significant damaging wind gusts,” the Storm Prediction Centre said. The Storm Prediction Centre warned of several possible tornadoes, with hail larger than baseballs and widespread wind gusts up to 85 mph likely, CNN reported. (ANI)
The landfall process began at 8:30 pm on Sunday over the adjacent coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara, near the southwest of Mongla…reports Asian Lite News
As heavy rain and gusty winds continue in Kolkata following the landfall of severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’, the Kolkata Municipality team and Kolkata Police Disaster Management team are engaged in clearing uprooted trees in the Alipore area of the city.
Late-night visuals showed workers trying to clear roads as rains continues to lash.
Priyabrata Roy, DC South Kolkata, said, “We are getting the information that in some places, trees have been uprooted, in those areas, Kolkata Municipality team, Kolkata Police Disaster Management team, have reached and work is underway. The uprooted trees will be cut and cleared soon so that the roads can be opened. By morning, situation will be okay…Police’s special unified control room is monitoring the situation throughout the night, in the wake of the cyclone. Municipality Control Room is also opened…”
The landfall process began at 8:30 pm on Sunday over the adjacent coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara, near the southwest of Mongla in the neighbouring country.
‘Remal’ flattened fragile dwellings, uprooted trees and knocked down electric poles. The wind intensity of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph. Visuals from outside the Raj Bhavan showed heavy rains and gusty winds lashing the capital city.
Talking about the landfall of the cyclonic storm Somnath Dutta, Eastern Region Head, IMD Kolkata said, “The landfall process started at 8:30 pm…over the Bangladesh and West Bengal coast. As per the observation at 10:30 pm, it shows that the landfall process is continuing…by 12:30 am the landfall process will be complete”.
Ahead of the impending landfall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review the preparedness for cyclone “Remal” over the North Bay of Bengal at his residence.
Prime Minister was briefed that the National Crisis Management Committee is in regular touch with the Government of West Bengal. All fishermen have been advised not to venture into the South Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
After making landfall over coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh, severe Cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ would continue to move nearly northwards for some more time and then north-northeastwards and weaken gradually into a Cyclonic Storm, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday.
The cyclone moved northwards and crossed the Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal Coasts between Sagar Islands and Khepupara close to southwest of Mongla, said IMD.
“The Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Remal’ over the North Bay of Bengal moved nearly northwards, with a speed of 13 kmph during past 06 hours, crossed Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal Coasts between Sagar Islands and Khepupara close to southwest of Mongla near Latitude 21.75°N and Longitude 89.2°E between 22:30 hrs IST of 26th May to 00:30 hrs IST of 27th May 2024 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speed of 110 to 120 Kmph gusting to 135 Kmph,” said IMD in a post on X.
“It lay centered at 01:30 hrs IST of today, the 27th May, 2024 over Coastal Bangladesh and adjoining Coastal West Bengal, near latitude 21.9°N and longitude 89,2°E about 115 km east of Sagar Islands (West Bengal), 105 km west-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh), 70 km southeast of Canning (West Bengal) and SO km south-southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh), The system would continue to move nearly northwards for some more time and then north-northeastwards and weaken gradually into a Cyclonic Storm by morning of 27,” added the post.
The Kolkata Municipality and Kolkata Police Disaster Management teams are engaged in clearing uprooted trees in the city.
Moring visuals show heavy rains and gusty winds lashed the South 24 Parganas district and Kolkata. (ANI)
IICJ response team, ships, hovercraft on standby
As the severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ makes landfall between Bangladesh and the adjoining West Bengal coast, the Indian Coast Guard said on Monday that it is closely monitoring the landfall of the cyclone with a disaster response team, ships, and hovercraft on standby at short notice to respond to post-impact challenges.
The ICG further asked the people to follow official advisories, stay informed, and stay safe.
“Update cyclone #Remal@IndiaCoastGuard is closely monitoring the landfall of cyclone #Remal with the disaster response team, Ships, and Hovercraft standby at short notice to respond to post-impact challenges. Follow official advisories, Stay informed, and stay safe,” the ICG posted on X.
Following the landfall of cyclonic storm ‘Remal’, waterlogging has been witnessed in parts of Kolkata with heavy rain.
The visuals from the Race Course Area showed people and vehicles moving on the water-logged roads.
Several trees were also uprooted in Kolkata’s Alipore area as heavy rain and gusty winds lashed several parts of West Bengal.
Thousands of homes, hundreds of shops and thousands of acres of farmland have been destroyed in these floods and thousands of livestock have perished.
Nearly 70 people have been killed in recent floods in Ghor and Faryab provinces of Afghanistan, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported. Local officials in Ghor province have reported that 10 people are still missing, and the death toll from the floods that occurred on Friday might rise.
Thousands of homes, hundreds of shops and thousands of acres of farmland have been destroyed in these floods and thousands of livestock have perished.
Nearly 80 per cent of the city of Ferozkoh has been devastated in the floods that occurred in Ghor. Furthermore, the heavy rainfall has submerged the surroundings of the Minaret of Jam in Ghor, sparking concerns about the potential destruction of 800-year-old monument.
Taliban-appointed Ghor province’s spokesperson Abdul Wahid Hamas has said that 50 people, including women and children have died and several are missing in recent floods.
Speaking to TOLO News, Abdul Wahid Hamas said, “In these floods, fifty people, including women and children, have died, and several are missing. Two thousand houses have been completely destroyed, and more than four thousand houses have been partially damaged. Furthermore, two thousand five hundred shops in the city of Ferozkoh and the districts of this province have been destroyed.”
The districts of Shahrak, Dolina, and Tiura alongside the city of Ferozkoh have been impacted by the floods in Ghor. The main Herat-Ghor highway and roads connecting the districts to Ferozkoh have been destroyed and blocked. Homeless people have been facing difficult conditions.
Speaking to TOLO News, Nazar Mohammad, a resident of Ferozkoh city, said, “These floods have left us without clothes or a morsel of bread. I am in dire need of ten afghani. Two families lived here, and the flood destroyed both homes.”
Another resident of Ferozkoh Abdul Hai said that his orchard, home and livelihood “are all gone and nothing is left intact.” He further said, “Nothing is left intact, and even our food has been taken by the flood. The floods have destroyed the wells, and we have no drinking water.”
As many as 18 people have died in the deadly floods in Faryab province and caused financial losses to residents of Faryab and Sar-e Pol provinces, according to TOLO News report.
Taliban-appointed Faryab governor’s spokesperson Esamatullah Moradi said, “The severe flood that hit Faryab province mainly affected the districts of Belcheragh, Pashtun Kot, Khwaja Sabz Posh, Qaisar, and Almar, causing significant financial losses to the local residents. Eighteen people have been martyred, and two have been injured in these floods.”
Taliban-appointed Sar-e Pol Governor’s spokesperson Habibullah Masroor said, “In the villages of Khawal and Qala Shahr in the Kohistanat district, more than 60 residential houses have been either destroyed or partially damaged. Dozens of shops and hundreds of acres of agricultural land have been destroyed,” the report said.
Recent floods in many parts of Afghanistan, particularly Ghor, have been unprecedented. On Saturday, Taliban-led Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced that the provinces of Panjshir, Nuristan, Kunar, Kapisa, Parwan, Bamiyan, Faryab, Jawzjan, Herat, Farah, Ghor, Badghis, Badakhshan, Takhar, Baghlan and Samangan will experience heavy rainfall and potential flooding on Sunday. (ANI)
473 Dead, 410,350 Displaced in East Africa by May 17…reports Asian Lite News
Heavy rains and flash floods have affected an estimated 1.6 million people in eastern Africa, the United Nations relief agency said.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday that as of May 17, 473 people in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania have lost their lives, and nearly 410,350 people have been displaced, Xinhua news agency reported.
— CERF – The UN's emergency fund (@UNCERF) May 22, 2024
Humanitarian agencies across the region continue to support governments in search and rescue operations, conducting needs assessments, pre-positioning available stocks, and providing urgent assistance, OCHA added.
“Additional funding to scale up response as heavy rains and floods spread is needed,” it said in a Floods Update released in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
