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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Helene update #8 from Congressman Edwards

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11)

    Dear Friend,

    We are turning a corner. Resources are here, the community is coming together, and it has been made very clear that victims are not in this recovery effort alone. Let me repeat that: You are not alone, and you will not have to recover from this hurricane alone.

    I want to start today’s update by applauding every single person who has reached out to offer aid, traveled to Western North Carolina to help, donated their time, money, or supplies, or prayed for the people of these mountains.

    For every new community I have visited over the past week, I have seen dozens of new volunteers serving North Carolinians in need, and this help isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Volunteers, you depict hope, which is something that has been desperately needed in NC-11 over the past week. Thank you.

    Today’s update is jam packed. New information or resources have been added in just about every category and I’ve added a few completely new categories as well. These include resources for farmers, prescription access for veterans and the uninsured, new federal nutrition program flexibilities, and arguably most in-demand – resources for how to vote in a post-Hurricane Helene environment.

    Today is update number eight and I will, of course, be continuing to provide you with more information over the coming days and weeks. As always, please make sure to read everything and share it with your friends and family.

    • Supplying drinkable water remains a top priority for emergency crews.
      • 96 water systems are on a boil advisory.
      • 37 treatment plants have reported having no power and 41 systems are out of water.
        • Water restoration trends continue to move in a positive direction.
    • The state of North Carolina is continuing to provide a minimum of 40 trailer loads of water and 20 trailer loads of food daily through at least October 6, per their promise to the people of Western North Carolina.
    • The Federal Emergency Management Agency has promised 120 truckloads a day of food and water with no specified end date.
      • To date, FEMA has delivered 5.4 million meals and 6.3 million liters of water utilizing the $20 billion in funds that I helped to draft and pass for disaster relief just two days before Hurricane Helene hit.
    • Walmart will also be hosting activities at the following locations:
      • Hendersonville, NC Store 1242
        • 250 Highlands Square Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28792
          • Portable restrooms
          • Serving hot meals at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily
      • Arden, NC Store 1179
        • 60 Airport Rd., Arden, NC 28704
          • Portable restrooms
          • Laundry
          • Showers
          • Wi-fi hotspot and charging stations
      • Resource pick-up locations are listed below by county. As I learn more, I will keep you posted:
        • Buncombe County
          • Buncombe County has begun water distribution at multiple sites. Each will be available daily from 1:00 -7:00 p.m.:
            • Pack Square Park – you MUST bring your own container for this site
              • 80 Court Plz., Asheville, NC 28801
            • William W. Estes Elementary School
              • 275 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
            • Sand Hill-Venable Elementary
              • 154 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville, NC 28806
            • North Windy Ridge Intermediate School
              • 20 Doan Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787
            • Fairview Elementary
              • 1355 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730
          • The following major feeding site is available in Buncombe County, where citizens can access food, water and other basic necessities:
            • Biltmore Baptist Church
              • 35 Clayton Rd., Arden, NC 28704
                • Distribution and bulk pickup for volunteers looking to take bulk loads of supplies to in-need community members
                  • Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
                • Community drive-thru for anyone in the community needing supplies
                  • Saturday hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m.
        • Haywood County
          • The following locations are providing community members with essential resources such as but not limited to, food, water, cleaning products, baby formula, and pet food, Monday through Fridays:
            • Pigeon Community Center
              • 450 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Also offering hot meals every day at 2:00 p.m.
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
            • Cruso Community Center
              • 13186 Cruso Rd., Canton, NC 28716
                • Daily Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
            • First United Methodist Church
              • 566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Includes shower access.
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
            • Maggie Valley Pavilion
              • 3935 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
                • Daily Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
            • Woodland Baptist Church
              • 545 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
            • Bethel Elementary School
              • 4700 Old River Rd., Canton, NC 28716
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
            • Jonathan Valley Elementary School
              • 410 Hall Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786
                • Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
                • Monday through Friday
          • The following location offers hot meals daily:
            • Maggie Valley Fire Department
              • 2901 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
          • The following location offers showers daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:
            • Calvary Baptist Church
              • 2701 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
        • Henderson County
          • Henderson County has stood up Resource Hub locations for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.
          • Distribution takes place daily, starting at 9:00 a.m., at the following locations:
            • Etowah Elementary: 320 Etowah School Rd., Etowah, NC 28729
            • Rugby Middle School: 3345 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791
            • East Henderson High School: 150 Eagle Pride Dr., East Flat Rock, NC 28726
            • North Henderson High School: 35 Fruitland Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
            • Mills River Town Hall: 124 Town Center Dr., Mills River, NC 28759
            • Fletcher Town Hall: 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
          • Each family unit will be provided supplies for one day’s meal and water as available.
          • Individuals are asked to enter the drive-through and remain in your car unless otherwise instructed by volunteers to ensure an efficient process.
        • Madison County
          • The following locations are offering food and water distribution in Madison County:
            • 5580 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753
            • 225 Carl Eller Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754
            • 63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs, NC 28743
        • McDowell County
          • McDowell County has established multiple points of distribution that are open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 4:00-6:00 p.m., depending on supply levels.
          • Distribution takes place daily at the following locations:
            • Hicks Chapel Church
              • 6008 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752
            • Former TJ’s Discounts
              • 8153 US 221 N., Marion, NC 28752
            • Old Fort Town Hall
              • 38 Catawba Ave., Old Fort, NC 28762
            • New Manna Baptist Church
              • 225 E. Court St., Marion, NC 28752
            • Solid Rock Free Will Baptist Church
              • 7860 NC 226 S., Nebo, NC 28761
          • Hot meals are also being provided at the following location:
            • Grace Community Church
              • 5182 US 70 W., Marion, NC 28752
                • Lunch is served every day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
                • Dinner is available from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
        • Polk County
          • The following locations are offering food and water distribution for residents in need:
            • Mill Spring/Green Creek Community
              • 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
            • Columbus Community
              • 95 Walker St., Columbus, NC 28722
            • Saluda Community Bus Parking Lot
              • 214 E. Main St., Saluda, NC 28773
            • Tryon Community
              • 301 N. Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782
            • Sunny View
              • 86 Sunny View School Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756
            • The Roseland Center
              • 56 Peake St., Tryon, NC 28782
        • Rutherford County
          • The following locations are open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. for citizens to get food and emergency supplies:
            • Thomas Jefferson High School
              • 2527 US-221A Hwy., Mooresboro, NC 28114
            • Florence Baptist Church
              • 201 S. Broadway St., Forest City, NC 28043
            • Rutherford County Health Department
              • 221 Callahan Koon Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
            • Gilkey Church of God
              • 255 Oak Springs Rd., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
            • Parks, Recreation, & Lake Office
              • 658 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Lake Lure Baptist Church – also has bathroom and shower stations
              • 6837 US-74 ALT, Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Ingles at Lake Lure – meals only
              • 276 NC-9, Lake Lure, NC 28746
                • Offers hot meals at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
            • Father’s Vineyard – also has shower and charging stations
              • 724 Oakland Rd., Spindale, NC 28160
            • Spencer Baptist Church – water distribution only
              • 187 N Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160
            • United Way of Rutherford County – water distribution and charging stations only
              • 668 Withrow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043

    • Additionally, the following counties have resources for where to take debris waste.
      • Haywood
        • Household waste will be accepted at the Materials Recovery Facility at 247 Recycle Rd., Clyde and at Convenience Centers at Jonathan Creek, Beaverdam, Bethel, Hazelwood, Mauney Cove, Jones Cove and Highway 110.
        • White Oak Landfill has reopened, as of noon on Tuesday, October 1
      • Henderson
        • Henderson County Transfer Station is open and accepting storm debris with normal fees.
        • Henderson County has begun curbside storm debris removal to county residents as a free service.
          • The county will pick up storm debris for free if it is pushed to the right of way of a property.
        • Storm debris includes tree branches, leaves, logs, building materials, furniture, paint etc.
          • Please be patient.
          • The county will pick up storm debris for free as quickly as possible.

    • The North Carolina State Board of Elections has provided pertinent information and recommendations for voters in the Helene disaster area during the 2024 general election.
      • To review information on voting in the 2024 general election after Hurricane Helene, you can follow this link.
        • The site provides information on absentee voting, how to change your polling location, county board of elections, office closures and more.
        • For any additional questions on voting post-hurricane, please contact your county Board of Elections.
          • Please note: Your county Board of Elections is the best place to get any questions answered.
            • I have been permitted to share the above, nonpartisan information but am prohibited from answering any questions related to the 2024 general election.

    • USPS anticipates continued improvement of mail delivery operations with local recovery efforts, to include power, connectivity, and roads.
    • There are some facilities unable to provide full retail and mail delivery due to road closures and current conditions.
      • No drop shipments will be accepted at any of the locations listed below.
        • The following sites are closed:
          • Barnardsville – 28709
          • Cedar Mountain – 28718
          • Hot Springs – 28743
          • Rosman – 28772
          • Swannanoa – 28778
        • The following sites are closed with alternative facilities listed:
          • Alexander – 28701
          • Alternative location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
            • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Bat Cave – 28710
            • Alternative location: 1800 Four Season Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739
              • Daily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Chimney Rock – 28720
            • Alternative location: 2432 Memorial Hwy., Lake Lure, NC 28746
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00-1:00 p.m.
          • Edneyville – 28727
            • Alternative location: 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Ste. 11, Hendersonville, NC 28739
              • Daily hours M-F: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Gerton – 28735
            • Alternative location: 1352 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview, NC 28730
              • Daily Hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Green Mountain – 28740
            • Alternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
            • Daily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
            • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Marshall – 28753
            • Alternative Location: 270 N. Main St., Weaverville, NC 28787
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Micaville – 28755
            • Alternative location: 670 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
          • Montreat – 28757
            • Alternative location: 2 Tucker Rd., Ridgecrest, NC 28770
              • Daily hours M-F: 12:30-4:30 p.m.
          • Penland – 28765
            • Alternative location: 899 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC 28777
              • Daily hours M-F: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
              • Open Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
        • The following sites are attempting delivery where safe to do so:
          • Arden – 28704
          • Asheville London Rd. – 28803
          • Asheville S&DC – 28810
          • Black Mountain – 28711
          • Brevard – 28712
          • Burnsville – 28714
          • Candler – 28715
          • Clyde – 28721
          • Columbus – 28722
          • East Flat Rock – 28726
          • Etowah – 28729
          • Fairview – 2873
          • Fletcher – 28732
          • Hendersonville Annex – 28792
          • Horse Shoe – 28742
          • Lake Toxaway (cash only/PO box) – 28747
          • Marion – 28752
          • Mars Hill – 28754
          • Old Fort – 28762
          • Rutherfordton – 28139
          • Saluda – 28773
          • Sapphire – 28774
          • Spruce Pine – 28777
          • Tryon – 28782
          • Weaverville – 28787
        • Due to internet outages and connectivity issues, the following sites are providing retail services with cash only, PO Box only:
          • Dana – 28724
          • Enka – 28728
          • Flat Rock – 28731
          • Hendersonville MPO – 28739
          • Lake Lure (OIC) – 28746
          • Little Switzerland – 28749
          • Mountain Home – 28758
          • Naples – 28760
          • Pisgah Forest – 28768
          • Ridgecrest – 28770
          • Skyland – 28776
          • Zirconia – 28790
          • Bostic – 28018
      • Multiple United Parcel Service (UPS) sites continue to be affected by power, flooding, and downed trees/power and lines/storm related obstacles.
        • The Hendersonville and Asheville UPS buildings in North Carolina are currently operational and are being powered by portable generators.
        • Delivery of packages in these areas is increasing as road conditions improve daily.

    • The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for North Carolinians as of Friday, October 4.
      • The EPAP program helps uninsured residents replace prescription medication or certain medical equipment lost or damaged during Hurricane Helene.
      • Through the program, uninsured residents can:
        • Request a free 30-day supply of certain prescription medications at any EPAP-participating pharmacy which can be renewed every 30 days while the EPAP is active.
        • Replace certain medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar meters and blood sugar test strips for diabetics.
          • Uninsured North Carolina residents affected by the recent hurricane can call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470, or visit the EPAP website to check their eligibility, determine if their medications or medical equipment are covered, or locate a participating pharmacy.
    • For individuals able to safely travel to fill a prescription, CVS at the following locations are actively open as of October 2:
      • 324 Long Shoals Rd., Arden, NC 28704
      • 505 Smokey Park Hwy., Asheville, NC 28806
      • 371 Asheville Hwy., Brevard, NC 28712
      • 3450 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
      • 1605 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 2001 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 111 S Main St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
      • 773 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC 28786
    • You can also use this link to locate non-CVS pharmacy locations open to the public by county.
    • How to Acquire a Prescription:
      • If a store is closed, you can still call the number and the pharmacy’s phone lines have been rerouted to a nearby CVS Pharmacy that is open to help patients access their prescriptions.
      • Patients can visit any CVS Pharmacy for assistance with immediate prescription needs.

    • The following urgent cares are open and accessible for community members with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries:
      • Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Weaverville
          • 61 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC 28787
        • Mercy Urgent Care West Asheville
          • 1201 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
        • Mercy Urgent Care Waynesville
          • 120 Frazier St., Ste. 6, Waynesville, NC 28786
      • Locations open between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Brevard
          • 22 Trust Ln., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Locations open between 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
        • Mercy Urgent Care Columbus
          • 140 West Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722

    • Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion members and Legion Posts that have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during Hurricane Helene may be eligible for financial assistance through the American Legion.
      • Legionnaires and Sons of the American Legion members may be eligible for up to $3,000.
      • Legion Posts may be eligible for up to $10,000.
        • To learn more or to request assistance, please use this link.
        • Applications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster: Dec. 26, 2024.
    • The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic in Forest City are open for essential and emergency services.
      • Veterans can:
        • Visit the Asheville VA Hospital pharmacy for medication refills or:
        • Call the Regional Clinical Contact Center at (855) 679-0074 and press 1 for pharmacy representatives.
      • Local pharmacies in the VA’s community care network will also fill written prescriptions, or prescriptions as they appear on an active VA prescription bottle that is not older than six months and has available refills, to provide a 30-day supply.
    • Hickory and Franklin outpatient VA clinics are now operating regularly.
      • Due to the damage and personal losses caused by Hurricane Helene to the staff of the VA, it will take some time to bring staffing to full capacity.
      • Please be patient as the VA works to rebuild their workforce.

    • The United States Department of Agriculture is beginning to put together a list of resources for farmers and other agricultural industry members.
      • If your agricultural operation has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can review this link, farmers.gov, for emergency and disaster assistance programs.
    • On Monday, October 7, at 11:00 a.m., USDA is hosting a virtual briefing to share information on disaster assistance programs.
      • You can join the event on Microsoft Teams using this link.
      • Add the event to your calendar: Google, iCal, or Outlook.

    • 174,000 customers remain without power in Western North Carolina.
      • Duke Energy is on track to restore an additional 27,000 customers by Sunday evening, October 6.
        • The remaining outages are in the hardest-hit areas of Western North Carolina.
      • In the areas where catastrophic damage exists, 105,000 customers are without power.
        • Duke Energy is working closely with the state on plans to address these areas as quickly as possible.
      • The number of customers seeing their power turn back on each day is slowing, but that is only because Duke Energy has been conducting significant work to repair and bring back online the 360 substations that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene.
        • The substations are the backbone of our energy grid.
        • Once restored, service for private homeowners and businesses will rapidly begin to come back online.
      • So far, 95 percent of substations have been restored and significant substation work is continuing today.
      • Power for the Greenwood Rock Quarry has been restored.
        • Restoration of the quarry’s power will help NCDOT to address gravel needs for road repairs.
      • For more information on Duke Energy’s power restoration efforts, you can review the following links:

    • A “DO NOT DRIVE” message remains in place from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for most of Western North Carolina.
      • Unless it is an emergency, please do not travel to the hardest hit communities.
      • Cherokee, Graham, Clay and Swain counties ARE FULLY OPEN to people who can access them through safe routes.
        • Please DO NOT try to visit or travel through the areas hardest hit by the storm such as Henderson and Buncombe counties.
    • NCDOT continues to make steady progress reopening roads in response to Hurricane Helene.
      • New road reopenings include:
        • U.S. 19 – Partially open with two-lane two-way traffic into Tennessee
        • U.S. 321 – Cleared to the Tennessee line with a few one-lane stretches.
        • Bee Tree Road
          • Clearing of this road has restored critical access to the reservoir in Buncombe County.
    • NCDOT is partnering with Duke Energy to reopen roads leading to their substations to restore power.
    • In addition to repair and debris removal efforts, NCDOT has provided support and helped coordinate relief efforts for many agencies near or in storm-impacted areas.
      • As of Friday, October 4, there has successfully been:
        • 472 evacuation trips
        • 2,003 people transported to safety
        • 523 trips to shelters
        • 2,076 people transported to the shelters
    • Air traffic has increased 300% in Western North Carolina since Helene recovery began.
      • NCDOT’s aviation division is working to make sure flight operations are safe coming into and out of airports, including by:
        • Scheduling landing/unloading times and aircraft parking so aircraft are spaced out and to reduce the risk of incidents.
        • Establishing a first of its kind “corridors in the sky” to separate civilian and military aircraft in the air.
        • Having search and rescue partners use short, time and location specific restrictions on air operations to enhance safety when multiple helicopters are engaged in search and rescue efforts.
      • The state of North Carolina is NOT turning away civil aviation support so long as it has been coordinated through the proper channels with NC Emergency Management.Air traffic has increased 300 percent in Western North Carolina since Helene recovery began.
        • If you or someone you know is interested in providing civil aviation support and don’t know where to coordinate your efforts, please call my office and we will help you get in touch with the right folks.
    • The United States Forest Service is now and has been active in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests for the last few days.
      • USFS’ primary mission is gaining access to remote communities through the forest.
        • This access is being used to:
          • Supplement normal transportation routes
          • Help isolated communities get their water systems back online
    • NCDOT has launched a detour map to show motorists how to get around closures on I-26 and I-40 at the Tennessee border.
      • You can access the map here.

    • Internet providers are diligently working with local energy and cell providers to restore service for customers across Western North Carolina.
    • To mitigate the lack of service, Optimum, formerly Altice USA, has set up an Optimum Wi-Fi Trailer that is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:
      • 717 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • 1800 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792

    • Even though you may have service again, you may notice it is different from your pre-storm service.
      • The temporary connection links put in place as a temporary fix while the fiber is being repaired can accommodate smaller amounts of traffic.
        • Network capacity on temporary connection links may be maxed out more frequently, so service providers are encouraging customers to use the network sparingly to maintain room for first responders and community members who still need to reach help or critical resources.
        • Support and recovery personnel are also encouraged to minimize cell usage.
      • Service providers are working to add additional capacity to cell sites and move mobile assets where needed to accommodate data increases, so I am requesting a little more patience on their behalf as providers work to fully restore our community’s network.
    • Cell service providers have implemented disaster roaming for any phone located in Western North Carolina to maximize phone service for all users.
      • Disaster roaming allows users to connect to any mobile network during a disaster when other networks are down.
        • This allows users to access emergency services, such as 911, even when their own network is out.
      • If you have service one moment, but experience a reduction in service the next, try restarting your phone to jumpstart disaster roaming again.
    • AT&T has deployed its Mobile Connectivity Center to the following location:
      • Sam’s Club: 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806
        • The Mobile Connectivity Center is an air-conditioned mobile unit open to the public, equipped with laptops, charging stations and wi-fi.
        • The public can use the center for various needs including contacting your insurance company, filling out paperwork or connecting with loved ones.
    • Verizon has deployed Wireless Emergency Communication Centers to help hurricane survivors stay connected to their friends, family and other important contacts.
      • Wireless Emergency Communication Centers are generator-powered mobile units that have device charging and computer workstations, along with wireless phones, tablets, and other devices available for use.
      • Verizon’s Wireless Emergency Communication Centers have been set up at the following locations:
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Asheville YMCA
          • 30 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801
      • Verizon also has charging stations at the following locations:
        • YMCA of Western North Carolina
          • 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752
            • Two charging stations at this location
        • WNC Agricultural Center
          • 761 Boylston Hwy., Fletcher, NC 28732
            • Three charging stations at this location
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
          • One charging station at this location
    • T-Mobile has set up satellite cellular on light trucks (SatCOLTs) in Asheville, providing cellular voice and data along with wi-fi and charging stations at the following locations:
      • Asheville Middle School
        • 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
      • Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
        • 285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801
    • Additional T-Mobile satellite cell on trucks are located in Hendersonville and at a Tractor Supply Co. in Asheville, with others planned for Mission Hospital in Asheville, Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center in Murphy, and in Cherokee.

    • More than 1,475 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been deployed to provide support to Western North Carolina so far.
      • The total number of deployed guardsmen will continue to increase over the coming days.
    • Further, more than 525 vehicles, including 90 high-water vehicles, and 50 rotary wing assets have been deployed to Western NC.
      • Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Ft. Liberty have all sent helicopters to assist with aerial initiatives in NC-11.
    • As of the afternoon of October 3, the National Guard has:
      • Rescued more than 1,000 Western North Carolinians, including almost 200 by hoist, and 150 animals.
      • Delivered nearly 2 million lbs. of resources to impacted communities by air.
    • The National Guard is continuing C-17 transport of supplies to Asheville.
    • Although airspace is limited due to ongoing missions by the National Guard and Department of Defense, a process has been established for private pilots seeking to fly in humanitarian relief to coordinate with local authorities.
      • If you are looking to fly in resources and don’t know where to turn, call my office and we will get you in contact with the right coordinators.
    • On October 2, the Secretary of Defense authorized the movement of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers, including soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg).
      • Many of these soldiers have arrived in Western North Carolina and are supporting the delivery of food, water and other critical aid to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
        • 400 soldiers have already been stationed in Western North Carolina, with hundreds of others being positioned nearby to await directives while logistics are being finalized.
      • The Department of Defense has also committed 22 helicopters to assist with search and rescue operations.
        • Seven CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Ft. Liberty have already been flying resupply missions for the past two days.
    • Here are a few key phone numbers from the NCNG:
      • HOTLINE: 888-892-1162
      • Emergency management watch: 919-733-3300
      • Donated goods: 919-825-2474
        • These lines have very high call volumes. If you do not get through the first try, keep calling.

    • Asheville Regional Airport closed mid-day on Friday, September 27, due to risk of flooding.
    • Commercial flights at Asheville Regional Airport have resumed.
    • If you parked your car in an Asheville Regional Airport lot and could not retrieve the vehicle due to the storm, great news – none of the airport’s lots flooded and all cars are fine.
      • Stay safe and pick up your car when you are able.
    • PLEASE NOTE:
      • No general aviation pilots are allowed to land at Asheville Regional Airport without prior clearance from FEMA to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel.
        • Supply deliveries by civilian pilots ARE permitted to land at Asheville Regional Airport so long as they have prior clearance from FEMA.
        • FEMA is not turning away any pilot that has gone through the proper channels to coordinate delivery and ensure the safety of his fellow aircraft and personnel.

    Federal Nutrition Programs

      • SNAP
        • North Carolina was granted a waiver for the 10-day reporting requirement for the replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost because of the hurricane.
        • This waiver provides additional time beyond the standard 10-day time frame for households to report food losses and receive replacement benefits for food that was destroyed and previously purchased with SNAP benefits.
      • Child Nutrition
        • The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was approved for a waiver pertaining to the child nutrition programs.
          • Under the waiver approval, NCDPI’s local program operators may:
            • Serve meals in a non-congregate setting
            • Adjust the time of meal service
            • Allow parent pick-up
            • Allow service of meals at school sites
      • Food and Nutrition Services Program
        • People and families in North Carolina who are enrolled in the Food and Nutrition Services program can now use their EBT card to purchase hot food.
          • This flexibility will remain in effect until November 3.
      • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
        • Families participating in WIC who may have relocated to a new area can go to any NC WIC agency to:
          • Have a new eWIC card issued
          • Request replacement breastfeeding supplies or breast pumps
          • Request replacement food that was purchased with current WIC benefits and lost due to Hurricane Helene

    • If you own a medical practice in NC-11 and are experiencing financial hardship due to Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Medical Society will be reactivating its Financial Recovery Program (FRP) to help you recover and open your doors again.
      • The FRP will be back online to provide much needed assistance soon.
      • More information to follow.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available:
      • Accelerated payments to Medicare Part A providers affected by Hurricane Helene
      • Advance payments to Medicare Part B suppliers affected by Hurricane Helene

    • For county leaders: This is a reminder to make sure your Emergency Operation Center has submitted the request for gasoline, food, water, cell service deployables, etc. with North Carolina Emergency Management to have your request processed and resources delivered.
      • My office stands ready to assist with checking the status of your request if the county or municipality has not heard back from NC Emergency Management within 24 hours.

    North Carolina received a Major Disaster Declaration for the following counties: Buncombe, Clay, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in one of the above-listed counties should apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.

    • Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    Individual Assistance provides financial aid and services to eligible individuals and households that have been affected by a disaster to assist with the recovery process. Individuals can officially begin applying for Individual Assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST.

    • To date, FEMA has paid out more than $17 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 19,000 North Carolina households.

    • Residents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state) to report missing loved ones or request a welfare check.
    • People in the impacted areas can indicate that they are safe by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
      • Please only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.
    • If you are still trying to locate a friend or family member, please complete this form to notify local officials of their missing status.
      • The form was created by Buncombe County but information is being shared amongst all counties.
      • Regardless of which county your loved one was last known to be in, you can still submit the form.
        • Buncombe County will share the information with the appropriate officials to initiate search and rescue efforts.

    For information on the status of utilities, debris sites, etc., we want to share the following resources. As communications are restored and more information becomes available, these sites will continue to be updated.

      • Filing FEMA claims and appeals (a process which can be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and burdensome)
      • Replacement of lost or destroyed legal and government documents, including driver’s licenses and identification cards
      • Medical and insurance claims
      • Home repair contracts
      • Utility disputes related to restoration of services
      • Consumer protection issues like construction fraud, price-gouging on repairs and identity theft
      • Housing issues such as unlawful eviction and foreclosures
      • Bankruptcy
      • Probate and clearing title for survivors living in generational homes without a clear title
      • Family law cases and children in need of services (unfortunately, domestic violence tends to rise following a natural disaster)
    • If you need civil legal assistance, please contact Legal Aid of North Carolina via the following toll-free hotline:
      • (866) 219-LANC or (866) 219-5262
        • The hotline is available from:
          • 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursdays.
        • Constituents can also apply online at legalaidnc.org/get-help/ between 1:00-4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

      • IRS has extended various filing deadlines for taxpayers in impacted areas, including 2024 individual/business returns, certain quarterly estimated income tax payments, and certain payroll/excise taxes.
      • Tax relief for qualified payments, disaster-related losses:
        • IRS released provided guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their 2024 tax return, as well as providing guidance on how qualified disaster relief payments – like government assistance payments – are generally excluded from gross income.

    • For those unable to evacuate to a safe location or in need of a place to go, the following shelters are currently open and available as of October 5:
      • Buncombe
        • A-B Technical Community College
          • 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC 28801
        • Gold’s Gym
          • 801 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
        • WNC Agricultural Center
          • 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher, NC 28732
      • Haywood
        • Haywood County Government Armory
          • 285 Armory Dr., Clyde, NC 28781
      • Henderson
        • Edneyville Elementary School
          • 2875 Pace Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792
        • Henderson County Recreation Center
          • 708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville, NC 28792
      • Madison
        • Madison Early College High School
          • 5374 US Hwy 25-70, Marshall, NC 28755
      •  McDowell
        • Glenwood Baptist Church
          • 1550 Glenwood Baptist Church Rd., Marion, NC 29640
        • YMCA of Western North Carolina
          • 348 Grace Corpening Dr., Marion, NC 28752
      • Polk
        • Polk County High School
          • 1681 NC 108 Hwy. E., Columbus, NC 28722
      • Rutherford
        • Rutherfordton/Spindale Central High School
          • 641 US 221 Hwy. N., Rutherfordton, NC 28139
      • Transylvania
        • Transylvania Parks & Rec
          • 1078 Ecusta Rd., Brevard, NC 28712
      • Yancey
        • Cane River Middle School
          • 1128 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714

    With my warmest regards,

    Chuck Edwards
    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two Additional North Carolina Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Two Additional North Carolina Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    Two Additional North Carolina Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

    ATLANTA –Homeowners and renters in Mecklenburg and Swain counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Tropical Storm Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

    FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Previously, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians were authorized for assistance to households.

    The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube. 

    What You’ll Need When You Apply

    • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
    • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
    • Your Social Security number.
    • A general list of damage and losses.
    • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
    • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

    If you have homeowners, renters’ or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

    For the latest information about North Carolina’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4827. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    For North Carolinians seeking general information, please visit ncdps.gov/helene.

    erika.suzuki

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rotorua assault victim dies

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A woman critically injured in an assault at her Western Heights, Rotorua home in September has died.

    The woman and her husband were seriously assaulted on 23 September and have been in hospital since then.

    Tragically the woman passed away on the evening of 5 October.

    A 52-year-old man who was arrested and charged with murder in relation to a linked incident at an Utuhina property will now be facing a second murder charge.

    The man is remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in Rotorua High Court on 18 October.

    ENDS
     

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 19th Francophonie Summit: first day in Villers-Cotterêts.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Majesty, Monsignor, Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of State and Government, Madam Secretary General, dear Louise, Ladies and Gentlemen Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen Heads of Delegation, Ladies and Gentlemen Parliamentarians, Ladies and Gentlemen Ambassadors, Mr. Prefect, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen in your ranks and capacities.

    Protocol places me here, at this lectern, to welcome you and wish you a warm welcome. It is an honour for me. And as you have understood, no one had anticipated, in the middle of October, that the sun, with the castle of Villers-Cotterêts, would welcome you. But the truth is that you are at home here. Yes, in a place where reigns greater than us, a very old lady of more than five centuries, ancestral and yet eternally young, our language. Welcome to her home. Welcome to this summit which celebrates her and which celebrates all of you, speakers of French from the 5 continents.

    This castle of Villers-Cotterêts, as you have just recalled, is the one where in August 1539, a royal decree marked the first official milestone in the expansion of our language. It was here that François I began to build the unity of the French Nation through its language, an instrument of unity, of power, decisive for our country. If you had come just 5 years ago, you would have seen here only a castle on the verge of ruin, a piece of petrified archive whose plaster was falling off, whose doors were barricaded. Today, it has become this living place, an exhibition and reception center, dedicated to the history and teaching of our language to all. I would like to thank all those who have worked during these years to rebuild, restore, but also to think about and invent this place which is not, as you have seen, simply a museum, but a city. A place of welcome, research, exploration. We are all citizens of this place, because we are all citizens of the French language.

    Yes, we have much in common, more than phonemes, morphemes, lexemes. More than shared tergiversations on the use of the pluperfect subjunctive and the same despair when it comes to agreeing past participles after pronominal verbs. We possess a Rabelaisian heritage in perpetual innovation, combining scholarly culture and its creative verve with that indefinable grain of salt of humor that spans the ages. Our language, from Quebec, Acadia, Louisiana and Haiti, from the heart of the African continent, from Morocco and Tunisia, to the Congo River basin, from Madagascar and Reunion, to Vietnam or Cambodia, from our Oceania, from French Polynesia to Vanuatu, on this language, the sun never sets. There are more than 300 million women and men who speak the French language on 5 continents. More than 300 million women and men who are constantly perfecting it, modernizing it, and enriching it.

    On the vault of the great courtyard, you saw earlier, in huge steel letters, the French words forged by all parts of the world, “zibulateur”, “camberé”, “techniquer”, as they say in Rwanda, dear Paul. This Francophonie that unites us was thought of and desired, I always repeat, by others than France itself. It was first desired by our writers, then our journalists and our radios. It was then promoted and institutionalized in 1970, in Niamey, by Presidents Senghor, Bourguiba, and by Prince Sihanouk.

    Today, 88 States are part of it. I congratulate in advance those who will join us tomorrow, Madam Secretary-General. From the beginning, it has been a decentralized organization that, as a child of decolonization, wanted to claim a language that we share. This is why the French language continues to constitute itself in the Francophonie as well, by equipping itself with its own tools, by structuring itself, by building its own influence. Our language is a space that is being built. So, of course, there is our Académie française and I salute the immortals here present, which is the institution, but there is also the Dictionnaire des francophones et de la francophonie, which we built, not as a competition, but as a tool that made it possible to bring together all the words that are invented. Our language is also a space for learning, understanding the world.

    Since yesterday, we have had the joy of welcoming another face to our family photo, since the presidency of TV Monde, our French-speaking television channel, is now held by Mrs. Kim YOUNES. I would like to thank Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Canada, Quebec and Wallonia, as well as Brussels, for their contribution to this magnificent project of informing the world and sharing our common understanding. We also want to allow new partners, particularly from the entire African continent who pay the same attention to supporting free and independent journalism, to join us. This is a discussion that we have been conducting with President OUATTARA for several years and which is, I believe, a great project.

    Our language is also a space to create. The Francophonie is the treasure of our literature, of our authors that we share, whether at the foot of the cedar or at the top of our mountains. Because beyond language, our authors have built worlds, imaginations, which are those that structure the Francophonie. Sharing them beyond our borders is a duty. In this respect, I am delighted with the development, supported by our partners, of a collection of literary works of reference of the Francophonie that will be made available in several languages, the “Fenêtres” collection. To begin with, it will contain French-language works translated into Arabic, distributed in paper format, at $2, and via press channels, in order to allow everyone to access the ideas, imaginations and values conveyed by French-language works. This is, I believe, an equally important step forward, in the same way that in 2018, at the Académie française, we launched this support program for our interpreters and translators.

    This language, our language, is more than a tool, it is a universe. It is a space of opportunity to create, offered to those who write it, sing it, plough it as a field of artistic expression. I know your attachment, Madam Secretary-General, to cultural and creative industries, and we will have the opportunity to hear it throughout the day. In a moment, Guillaume GALLIENNE will read us some magnificent texts, and the Comédie Française will be there, in Villers-Cotterêts, to share these texts with us, and throughout the day we will have French-speaking artists who will be with us to carry this creativity.

    Our language is also a language for doing business, for trading. First, because it is a great conduit. Take the African continent, take Oceania. French is the language of passage par excellence. It is the one that allows you to switch between all the regional or local languages, the one that sometimes allows you to unify the commercial universe of a country or an entire sub-region. In this respect, it is a great lever of opportunity, and I say this for all our young people, all those who are moving towards trade. Don’t just think English. Think French to trade and reunify it across the Indian Ocean. And from Madagascar to Mauritius, via Reunion or Mayotte and the Comoros, it is a language that unifies this regional space in the same way for Oceania, in the same way for all of West Africa.

    So yes, if the 330 million people we have today in our space will double in the coming decades, it is because this will make French a deeply attractive language in terms of commercial and economic power. Attractiveness is a French word. Entrepreneur is a French word, despite what our English-speaking friends think. And that is why I salute with great respect all the entrepreneurs and innovators who have joined us for this Summit. And I really want to salute the extraordinary energy of our partners at the FrancoTech Show. Thank you, dear Geoffroy ROUX DE BÉZIEUX. Thank you to the summit teams, whom I congratulate, and to its Secretary General, to the Business France teams. You have demonstrated that it has the capacity to innovate in all areas of technology, innovation and sustainable development. That it allowed the entire French-speaking area to move forward and create opportunities. Bravo to you! Yes, innovation is a French word. Invention too. This is why we have worked hard in recent months with our partners, and in particular the World Intellectual Property Organization, dear Daren TANG, to facilitate the launch of a French-speaking intellectual property alliance.

    Our language is also a space for transmission. And I want to pay tribute here to the professors, to the teachers who, in the four corners of the world, teach the language of French speakers.

    Whether French is our mother tongue or whether we have learned it, it has become a piece of our intimate life. It carries our thoughts, our hopes, our ambitions, our revolts, our emotions. The words we speak condition the ideas we deploy, which themselves condition the freedom we have. This is why we must support its teaching more than ever, quality teaching, in order to allow each and every French speaker to build their academic and professional paths. And we will continue to support the educational systems of French-speaking countries on other continents through the OIF, our bilateral actions, as we have also done through the reform of the AEFE. These are shared objectives within our organization. I am of course thinking of the actions of the regional education and training centers with which, at a national level, our cultural network cooperates. I am thinking of the actions of TV5Monde, the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie, and Senghor University, in the beautiful city of Alexandria. And allow me in this regard to address the delegation of Egypt to welcome the support of your authorities for the upcoming installation of Senghor University in this brand new campus of Borg el Arab.

    But also right here, in this Cité internationale de la langue française, in Villers-Cotterêts. You will not only have a wonderful heritage site that we have renovated. You will not only have a wonderful place of culture, of permanent creation. And I congratulate the teams, dear Paul, and all the artists who, all year round, bring this place to life. You will have artist residencies, training places. And we will create, on the occasion of this summit, the Collège international de Villers-Cotterêts. Next year, the Cité internationale de la langue française will itself become a laboratory of excellence for training teachers of and in French, future French-speaking education executives, translators, interpreters, while welcoming researchers and experts in didactics in residence. It will be a place of innovation, of transmission, which will allow to irrigate everything that is done in our capitals, but also in our regions, to allow to boost teaching in French and the teaching of French. Because teaching and translating French are the vectors of our language. And I want to thank Kamel DAOUD in particular for his inspiration, his vision on the importance of translation to give everyone access to our wealth and diversity. Because yes, if there is one thing that also characterizes the Francophonie, it is both its hospitality, we welcome in our language, and it is that it thinks and has always thought in multilingualism, in translation. And as important as teaching French everywhere in the world, it is our ability to teach in our regions, in our countries, English, Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish.

    Because it is this ability to think about language and its passages. A language is not thought of as isolated, closed. Our language is open and opens a space to communicate, share, be a hyphen. Yes, the Francophonie, everywhere, is in some way a trick, it is this language that allows us to build the mesh, the network of friendship, a human understanding, a diplomacy of action, of analysis. It is also, and we always see it, I was in Canada a few days ago, and it is always fascinating to see the love of French that is carried in this wonderful country. And it is carried in Montreal as in Ottawa in different ways. But I was able to measure it. Because it is a language of resistance, of combat, sometimes of contraband, always of invention and reinvention. Yes. This is why the Francophonie and this brotherhood are without exclusivity that only aspires to share its values. It is this utopia that opens its place today among us. It is this great current of air across the world that is constantly in crossbreeding, in creolization, in reinvention. And it is this wonderful place that allows writers like François CHENG, who learned our language at the age of 20, to become the dean of our academy, which allows a young Lebanese to write in our language and to become, like Mr. Amin MAALOUF, the perpetual secretary of our academy, which allows a young Russian, like Andreï MAKINE, to discover the French language in the middle of Siberia and to devote his life to it. And which allows a young Haitian writer to become one of the favorite authors of Canadians and to be adopted by the Académie française to become immortal there like Dany LAFERRIÈRE. Which allows Karim KATTAN, born in Jerusalem, to write his first novel in French, whose plot is both Palestinian and Proustian. Which allows Liliana LAZARE, Romanian, born in Moldova, to unravel the mysteries and poetic torments of a country by using the French language, which is not the language of her characters, but to which nothing human is foreign. A sign, if one were still needed, that French is this bridge between centuries, peoples and individuals.

    Yes, the Francophonie is what allows us, in doing so, to build a shared and reinvented universal. A decentralized, plural, respectful universal, based on the recognition of cultures and peoples. The same one that Souleymane BACHIR DIAGNE admirably describes in his latest book. This is also why, I am convinced, the Francophonie is a space of diplomatic influence that allows us to embrace the challenges of the century. It is together, as Francophones, that we must try to understand technological transformations. It is together, as Francophones, that we must encourage innovation and multiply our capacities for creation and exchange, but also build a digital order that protects citizens. It is together, as Francophones, that we must better fight against disinformation, the spread of hatred online, fight against hate speech, racist speech, anti-Semitic speech. And this is why, and Bruno PATINO, in a moment, will demonstrate it with the debate that animates it and by explaining its content. This is also why today, with the Villers-Cotterêts appeal, we are launching an extremely clear call to the major players in the digital world to build a safer and more diverse space, to have a requirement for moderation in the French language and to fight against all this hate speech. And the International Organization of La Francophonie, Dear Louise, in this regard, will have a very special role as guarantor. It is also in French-speaking terms that we must think about innovations in artificial intelligence, pursue major innovations, make the French-speaking world a space for open-source innovation and promote our major players. And this is also why next year, we will have the Action Summit on Artificial Intelligence in France in February, where the French-speaking world will be a central player to allow us to have a dialogue on innovation and regulation, and where, I know, the G7 that Prime Minister TRUDEAU will have organized will also bring together the convictions that we share together.

    I deeply believe that the Francophonie, yes, is a place where we can together carry out a diplomacy that defends sovereignty, territorial integrity throughout the planet, that carries the same discourse alongside Ukraine, attacked today, threatened in its borders and in its territorial integrity by the Russian war of aggression, but that defends a vision where there is no room for double standards, where all lives are equal for all conflicts throughout the world. And we all believe in the freedom of peoples to determine their own destiny, we are convinced that there can be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution. We all stand alongside our Armenian brothers for the respect of their sovereignty, their territorial integrity. We all stand alongside the friendly Lebanese people, today shaken in their sovereignty and their peace. We all stand alongside the sovereignty of all the peoples and all the States of the Pacific, which must be a peaceful region where no power can challenge this peace through territorial provocations or any repetition of tests whatsoever. We carry within us these humanist values that call us alongside all our brothers, in the French-speaking world and elsewhere, in need of assistance and we urge that the humanitarian space and the civilian population be protected everywhere and at all times.

    You have understood that the agenda that the Francophonie is carrying is an agenda of peace, of sustainable development, as we have shown again by voting together, on September 22, for the adoption of the pact of the future. And I congratulate in particular the DRC whose intervention was decisive in allowing us to move forward. The Francophonie is this united city of 330 million souls that we can be proud to inhabit. A city that has the French language as its foundation and the world as its horizon, and which, with Aimé CÉSAIRE, desires a universal that is rich in all individuals. This is why I am very proud and very happy to welcome you alongside all the elected representatives of the territory, in this city of Villers-Cotterêts, city of the royal ordinance of François I, city which also saw the birth of Alexandre DUMAS, city which is yours, by this international city, for this beautiful 19th summit of the Francophonie, thanking you all for your presence and for your commitment. Long live the French language, to the common work that the International Organization of the Francophonie carries high. Long live everyone and us. I thank you.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 19th Francophonie Summit: second day at the Grand Palais.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    At the Grand Palais for the second day, participants held round tables on the theme of “Creating, innovating and undertaking in French for youth employment”.

    This was followed by a closed-door exchange between the members of the OIF on the international situation, then a closing plenary session with the adoption of the Summit Declaration and the announcement of the host country of the next Summit, namely Cambodia.

    Review the closing plenary:

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SPEECH BY PROFESSOR KENNETH MAK, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HEALTH, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AT THE 33RD SINGAPORE PHARMACY CONGRESS, 5 OCTOBER 2024

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Mr Kevin Ben Laurence, Chairperson, 33rd Singapore Pharmacy Congress Organising Committee, Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore
    Dr Vivianne Shih, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore 
    Associate Professor Camilla Wong, Chief Pharmacist, Ministry of Health (MOH)
    Distinguished guests and speakers, 
    Ladies and Gentlemen,
    Good morning. 
    1. It gives me great pleasure to be with you today at the 33rd Singapore Pharmacy Congress. I would also like to take the opportunity to warmly welcome our distinguished overseas speakers and delegates to Singapore. 
    2. The theme of this year’s congress is “Interlacing Health: Weaving the Future of Pharmacy”. It highlights the complexity of the current healthcare landscape and the need for the various healthcare professionals to work together, each providing their expertise. Through collaboration as a healthcare team, pharmacists can weave the care for patients to achieve holistic care and optimal health outcomes for patients. 
    Reshaping the Healthcare Landscape and the Evolving Roles of Pharmacists 
    3. Pharmacists have always played a key role in providing care in the community. Within community based pharmacies, pharmacists have provided medication counselling when dispensing prescriptions to the public. They have provided health screening and advised those found to have abnormal results to seek care from a doctor. Pharmacists can also provide smoking cessation counselling services. Going forward, and in line with anchoring care within the community, there are now more opportunities for the role of pharmacists to evolve further. 
    4. Since 1 April 2024, our public acute hospitals have implemented the Mobile Inpatient Care at Home service, also known as MIC@Home. This care model allows patients with acute care needs to receive similar care at home as that delivered in the hospital. This ultimately makes more hospital beds available for more sick patients to be admitted for treatment. The programme enhances patient satisfaction as patients can now receive care within familiar surroundings at home. A multi-disciplinary team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals provides regular home reviews and delivers appropriate care based on the patient’s needs. Pharmacists work as part of the MIC@Home healthcare team to provide patients at home with the appropriate pharmaceutical care. This may include advising fellow team members on the medications to be prescribed and conduct medication reconciliation as needed. They may also work with the community nurses to train home caregivers to help make sure that patients take their medications correctly at home. 
    Pushing Frontiers in Practice and Science 
    5. In Singapore, we are fortunate to be part of a healthcare system that values innovation and excellence. We constantly seek to push the frontiers in practice or science. Pharmacogenomics is one such arena that holds immense potential. Its clinical implementation in our hospitals has allowed us to tailor treatments to the individual genetic profiles of patients, which minimises undesirable adverse drug reactions. Our pharmacists play a key role in the initiation as well as the interpretation of these tests. One such example is the Pre-emptive Pharmacogenomics Programme at the National University Hospital. This Clinical Implementation Project has now expanded to the other public healthcare institutions and specialty centres. We look forward to the implementation of pharmacogenomics in primary care and for pharmacists to play an active role in this transformation of care delivery.
    Interlacing Health Through Digitalisation and Technology 
    6. Digitalisation is an integral part in today’s healthcare landscape. Traditionally, pharmacists have contributed significantly to the development of our healthcare informatics infrastructure particularly in the areas involving prescriptions and medication information. Beyond that, pharmacists in Singapore have also begun exploring how technology can be harnessed to enhance patient outcomes. In this area, SingHealth Pharmacy is partnering with SingHealth Artificial Intelligence (AI) Office to co-develop solutions to improve medication adherence using AI and blockchain technologies. These solutions aim to promote medication adherence and safety though tracking, remote monitoring and personalised reminders to benefit patients and facilitate healthcare providers’ care. 
    7. Another upcoming initiative from the National Healthcare Group, MedVid, is looking to transform the way pharmacists deliver medication counselling to patients and caregivers through pharmacist avatars and engaging video content. The avatars are multilingual and can communicate in any of the four official languages of Singapore. This initiative, which is undergoing proof of viability study, hopes to empower people by enhancing their understanding of medical information.
    Achieving Value-Based Healthcare and Health 
    8. In the current healthcare landscape, I am heartened to know that pharmacists are increasingly seen as an integrated member in the inter-disciplinary teams. In fact, pharmacists are already playing an advanced role in ensuring appropriate pharmaceutical care across care settings through the Collaborative Practitioner Prescribing Programme (CP3). As of September 2024, I am pleased to share that there are 136 CPPs providing care in various settings and disciplines, optimising health outcomes and achieving value-based healthcare. 
    9. I would also like to highlight other public-private partnerships that pharmacists have forged with other healthcare providers to deliver better care. NUHS Pharmacy collaborated with Frontier Family Medicine Clinic since January 2024 to provide clinical pharmacy services, including medication reconciliation, anticoagulation and smoking cessation to their patients. 
    10. Through such personalised services, clinical pharmacists have helped patients in the community optimise chronic disease control, improve medication adherence and resolve drug-related problems. We look forward to the continued evolution of pharmacists’ partnerships in line with MOH’s aim of anchoring care in the community and improve health outcomes of the population. 
    Igniting Passion and Developing Future Leaders 
    11. While we advance as a profession and navigate the complex healthcare environment, it is pertinent that we continue to engage the pharmacy workforce and to nurture and grow future leaders. 
    12. Since its release in May 2020, the Development Framework for Pharmacist (DFP) has served as a guide for systematic advancement across various pharmacy practice settings. Subsequently, the Singapore Pharmacy Council enhanced the Pre-Registration Training and Assessment Framework to align with the DFP, ensuring newly registered pharmacists commence their careers with a robust foundation. Earlier this year, the DFP underwent revision, offering updated evidence examples, reflecting an expanded scope of practice across the domains in line with healthcare system shifts, and emphasising leadership competencies for pharmacists. 
    13. Additionally, I am pleased to announce the launch of the Pharmacy Leadership Development Strategy as part of the PharmForce initiative. The pharmacy profession has expanded to encompass a wider range of responsibilities, including clinical and leadership roles. Specific attributes and skillsets, whether for leading self or supporting others, will be needed to effectively manage these diverse roles within and beyond the pharmacy workforce. The Pharmacy Leadership Development Strategy aims to outline a structured approach where pharmacists can be better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead of them. 
    14. Chief Pharmacist will share more on the Pharmacy Leadership Development Strategy during her plenary lecture.
    Upskilling Pharmacy Support Workforce
    15. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system, working alongside pharmacists to ensure safe and effective medication management. Recognising their crucial role, the training and development of our pharmacy technician workforce are prioritised. In August this year, MOH launched the inaugural Training Roadmap for Pharmacy Technicians in Pharmacy Services. This structured programme aims to equip our pharmacy technicians with essential knowledge and skills in pharmacy services, supporting their career progression systematically. This achievement stems from the continued leadership and commitment of our pharmacy leaders like yourselves. We remain dedicated in partnering with you to progressively develop our pharmacy workforce.
    16. In summary, we see the rich tapestry for the future of pharmacy. Nonetheless, it is crucial for us to be able to weave these initiatives together through evolving roles, partnerships, innovation and workforce development. Together, they would make our healthcare system stronger and more resilient to face the challenges ahead. 
    17. The 33rd Singapore Pharmacy Congress provides an excellent platform for us to strengthen connections, share our knowledge, and work together to interlace health and weave the future of pharmacy. As we move forward, let us keep in mind our common goal: to deliver value-based care that improves the lives of the people we serve, here in Singapore and around the world.
    18. I wish you all a productive and enriching congress. Thank you. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation launched, Tauranga

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A homicide investigation is under way after the body of a man was located in Tauranga this morning.

    Police were called about 8.45am to a walkway in Gate Pa, near George Street, where a man had been found deceased.

    Currently one person is assisting with our enquiries.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area overnight and witnessed anything of note.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number P060196188.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EMORANDUM: EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-214 (Emergency Management – Tropical Storm Milton)

    Source: US State of Florida

    TO:                Members of the Press

    FROM:          Bryan Griffin, Director of Communications, Governor Ron DeSantis

    DATE:           Saturday, October 5, 2024

    RE:                Executive Order Number 24-214 (Emergency Management – Tropical

    Storm Milton)

    Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-214, Emergency Management – Tropical Storm Milton, declaring a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties ahead of the storm, including Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia counties.

    For your reporting purposes, please note in particular the following:

    • Language in the opening portion of Section 2, which prohibits the suspension of or limitation of the sale, dispensation, or transportation of firearms.
    • Section 2, subsection H, which directs all state, regional, and local governmental agencies, including law enforcement agencies, to allow Floridians to return to their properties when it is reasonably safe to do so after the storm.
    • Section 13, which orders all Disaster Debris Management Sites and landfills in all counties impacted by Hurricane Helene to remain open and allow twenty-four hour debris drop off. This is part of the State of Florida’s effort to ensure as much debris from Helene is cleaned up and disposed of ahead of the coming storm.

    To read the full executive order, click here or read below:

    STATE OF FLORIDA
    OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
    EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-214
    (Emergency Management – Tropical Storm Milton)

         WHEREAS, on October 5, 2024, showers and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure located over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico have gradually become better organized, and the storm is now identified as Tropical Storm Milton; and
         WHEREAS, atmospheric and oceanic conditions are anticipated to support rapid intensification over the Gulf of Mexico, and Tropical Storm Milton is forecast to become a hurricane by early Monday; and
         WHEREAS, this system could become a major hurricane near or at landfall along the West Florida Coast by the middle of next week; and
         WHEREAS, there is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts for portions of the western Florida Peninsula beginning as soon as later Tuesday and Wednesday; and
         WHEREAS, areas of heavy rainfall will impact portions of Florida well ahead of the tropical system, impacting Florida Gulf Coast communities still recovering from recent Major Hurricane Helene; and
         WHEREAS, current computer modeling shows rainfall predictions of four to eight inches across the Florida Peninsula, with locally higher amounts in excess of eight to twelve inches possible; and
         WHEREAS, much of Florida has recorded above normal rainfall over the past thirty days; North Florida has experienced rainfall totals of six to twelve inches above normal, with portions of the eastern Florida Panhandle measuring fifteen to twenty inches above normal for this time of year; and
         WHEREAS, this level of soil saturation will likely lead to a more rapid onset to flash, urban, and riverine flooding through next week; and
          WHEREAS, heavy rainfall, flooding, and gusty winds will cause power outages due to downed trees and powerlines due to the already vulnerable state of Florida’s vegetation and coastal infrastructure; and
         WHEREAS, the consequences of these impacts could damage the operational capability of critical infrastructure including major interstates and roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, power grids, in addition to prolonging recovery efforts from Major Hurricane Helene; and
          WHEREAS, as Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
    Section 1.  Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia counties.

    Section 2. I designate the Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management (“Director”) as the State Coordinating Officer for the duration of this emergency and direct him to execute the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and other response, recovery, and mitigation plans necessary to cope with the emergency, including any logistical, rescue or evacuation operations.  Pursuant to section 252.36(1)(a), Florida Statutes, I delegate to the State Coordinating Officer the authority to exercise those powers delineated in sections 252.36(6)-(12), Florida Statutes, which he shall exercise as needed to meet this emergency, subject to the limitations of section 252.33, Florida Statutes.  In exercising the powers delegated by this Executive Order, the State Coordinating Officer shall confer with the Governor to the fullest extent practicable.  It is further ordered that the requirements of sections 943.13 and 943.131, Florida Statutes, as they may be applicable to the State Coordinating Officer, shall be waived for the duration of this emergency.  The State Coordinating Officer shall not have the authority to suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of firearms pursuant to section 252.36(6)(h), Florida Statutes.  The State Coordinating Officer shall also have the authority to:
    A. Invoke and administer the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (“EMAC”) (sections 252.921-252.9335, Florida Statutes) and other compacts and agreements existing between the State of Florida and other states, and the further authority to coordinate the allocation of resources from such other states that are made available to Florida under such compacts and agreements so as to best meet this emergency.
    B. Seek direct assistance and enter into agreements with any and all agencies of the federal government as may be needed to meet this emergency.
    C. Direct all state, regional, and local governmental agencies, including law enforcement agencies, to identify personnel needed from those agencies to assist in meeting the response, recovery, and mitigation needs created by this emergency, and to place all such personnel under the direct command and coordination of the State Coordinating Officer to meet this emergency.
    D. Direct the actions of any state agency as necessary to implement the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Disaster Recovery Framework.
    E. Designate Deputy State Coordinating Officers and Deputy State Disaster Recovery Coordinators, as necessary.
    F. Suspend the effect of any statute, rule, or order that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay any mitigation, response, or recovery action necessary to cope with this emergency.  In accordance with section 252.3611(1), Florida Statutes, any such order, declaration, or other action shall specify each statute or rule being amended or waived, if applicable, and the expiration date for the order or action.
    G. Enter orders as may be needed to implement any of the foregoing powers; however, the requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, do not apply to any such orders issued by the State Coordinating Officer.  No such order shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.
    H. Direct all state, regional, and local governmental agencies, including law enforcement agencies, to allow Floridians to return to their properties when it is reasonably safe to do so.

    Section 3.  I order the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard, as needed, to deal with this emergency.  I further order the Director of the Florida State Guard to activate the Florida State Guard, as needed, to respond to this emergency.

    Section 4. I find that the special duties and responsibilities resting upon some state, regional, and local agencies and other governmental bodies in responding to this emergency may require them to suspend or waive certain statutes, rules, ordinances, and orders they administer.  Therefore, I issue the following authorizations:
    A. Pursuant to section 252.36(6)(a), Florida Statutes, the Executive Office of the Governor may suspend all statutes and rules affecting budgeting to the extent necessary to provide budget authority for state agencies to cope with this emergency.  The requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, do not apply to any such suspension issued by the Executive Office of the Governor.  No such suspension shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.
    B. Each state agency may suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or the orders or rules of that agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any such statute, order, or rule would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.  This includes, but is not limited to, the authority to suspend any and all statutes, rules, ordinances, or orders which affect leasing, printing, purchasing, travel, and the condition of employment and the compensation of employees.  In accordance with section 252.3611(1), Florida Statutes, any agency order, declaration, or other action suspending a statute or rule shall specify each statute or rule being amended or waived, if applicable, and the expiration date for the order or action.  The requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any such suspension issued by a state agency.  No such suspension shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.
    C. In accordance with section 252.38(3), Florida Statutes, each political subdivision within the State of Florida may waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required of the political subdivision by law pertaining to:
    1) Performance of public work and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community;
    2) Following local procurement and contracting policies;
    3) Entering into contracts; however, political subdivisions are cautioned against entering into time and materials contracts without a ceiling as defined by 2 CFR 200.318(j) or cost plus a percentage of cost contracts prohibited by 2 CFR 200.324(d);
    4) Incurring obligations;
    5) Employment of permanent and temporary workers;
    6) Utilization of volunteer workers;
    7) Rental of equipment;
    8) Acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies, materials, and facilities; and
    9) Appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
    D. All agencies whose employees are certified as disaster service volunteers within the meaning of section 110.120(2)(d), Florida Statutes, may, in accordance with section 110.120(3), Florida Statutes, release any such employees for such service as requested by the employee to meet this emergency.
    E. The Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) may:
    1) Waive the collection of tolls and other fees and charges for the use of the Turnpike and other public highways, to the extent such waiver may be needed to provide emergency assistance or facilitate the evacuation of the affected counties;
    2) Manage the flow of traffic or close any and all roads, highways, and portions of highways as may be needed for the safe and efficient transportation of evacuees to those counties that the State Coordinating Officer may designate as destination counties for evacuees in this emergency;
    3) Suspend enforcement of the registration requirements pursuant to section 316.545(4), Florida Statutes, for commercial motor vehicles that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida;
    4) Waive by special permit the warning signal requirements in the Utility Accommodations Manual to accommodate public utility companies from other jurisdictions which render assistance in restoring vital services; and
    5) Waive the size and weight restrictions for divisible loads on any vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agricultural commodities and citrus as recommended by the Commissioner of Agriculture, allowing the establishment of alternate size and weight restrictions for all such vehicles for the duration of the emergency.  The DOT shall issue permits and such vehicles shall be subject to such special conditions as the DOT may endorse on any such permits.

    Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to allow any vehicle to exceed weight limits posted for bridges and like structures, or relieve any vehicle or the carrier, owner, or driver of any vehicle from compliance with any restrictions other than those specified in this Executive Order, or from any statute, rule, order, or other legal requirement not specifically waived or suspended herein or by supplemental order by the State Coordinating Officer.
    F. The Executive Director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may:
    1) Suspend enforcement of the registration requirements pursuant to sections 316.545(4) and 320.0715, Florida Statutes, for commercial motor vehicles that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida;
    2) Waive the hours-of-service requirements for such vehicles;
    3) Suspend the enforcement of the licensing and registration requirements under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) pursuant to chapter 207, Florida Statutes, and the International Registration Plan (IRP) pursuant to section 320.0715, Florida Statutes, for motor carriers or drivers operating commercial motor vehicles that are properly registered in other jurisdictions and that are participating in emergency relief efforts through the transportation of equipment and supplies or providing other assistance in the form of emergency services;
    4) Waive fees for duplicate or replacement vessel registration certificates, vessel title certificates, vehicle license plates, vehicle registration certificates, vehicle tag certificates, vehicle title certificates, handicapped parking permits, replacement drivers’ licenses, and replacement identification cards and to waive the additional fees for the late renewal of or application for such licenses, certificates, and documents due to the effects of adverse weather conditions; and
    5) Defer administrative actions and waive fees imposed by law for the late renewal or application for the above licenses, certificates, and documents, which were delayed due to the effects of adverse weather conditions, including in counties wherein the DHSMV has closed offices, or any office of the County Tax Collector that acts on behalf of the DHSMV to process renewals has closed offices due to adverse weather conditions.  Recordkeeping and other applicable requirements for existing IFTA and IRP licensees and registrants are not affected by this Executive Order.  The DHSMV shall promptly notify the State Coordinating Officer when the waiver is no longer necessary.
    G. In accordance with section 465.0275(2), Florida Statutes, pharmacists may dispense up to a 30-day emergency prescription refill of maintenance medication to persons who reside in an area or county covered under this Executive Order and to emergency personnel who have been activated by their state or local agency but who do not reside in an area or county covered by this Executive Order.  In accordance with section 465.019(4)(b), Florida Statutes, a hospital that operates a Class II or Class III institutional pharmacy located in an area or county covered under this Executive Order may prescribe and dispense a supply of medicinal drug lasting up to 72 hours.
    H. All state agencies responsible for the use of state buildings and facilities may close such buildings and facilities in those portions of the State affected by this emergency, to the extent necessary to meet this emergency.  I direct each state agency to report the closure of any State building or facility to the WebEOC system utilized by the Division of Emergency Management.  Under the authority contained in section 252.36, Florida Statutes, I direct each county to report the closure of any building or facility operated or maintained by the county or any political subdivision on a daily basis to the WebEOC system.  Furthermore, I direct the Secretary of the Department of Management Services to:
    1) Maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of all such closures; and
    2) Provide that list daily to the State Coordinating Officer.
    I. All State agencies may abrogate the time requirements, notice requirements, and deadlines for final action on applications for permits, licenses, rates, and other approvals under any statutes or rules under which such application are deemed to be approved unless disapproved in writing by specified deadlines.  All such time requirements that have not yet expired as of the date of this Executive Order are suspended and tolled to the extent necessary to meet this emergency.
    J. All agencies shall implement Selected Exempt Services (SES) Extraordinary Payment Plans and Career Service Regular Compensatory Leave Payment Plans for:
    1) All essential agency personnel who are required to work extraordinary hours when state-owned or state-operated facilities are closed in response to an emergency condition.  Employees who are eligible to receive extraordinary pay under the agency’s activated plan shall accrue special compensatory leave credits for work performed during facility closures up to the number of hours in the employee’s established workday.  For these employees, any additional time worked beyond the employee’s established workday during facility closures will result in extraordinary pay;
    2) All agency personnel who are assigned to the State Emergency Operations Center and are required to work extraordinary hours; and
    3) All agency personnel who are deployed throughout the state in response to an emergency condition and are required to work extraordinary hours.
    K. All State agencies may waive the forty-day time limit to issue a warrant pursuant to section 215.422(3)(b), Florida Statutes.  This waiver applies to invoices and reimbursement requests arising from this emergency that were received, inspected, and approved by the agency prior to the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.  This waiver of section 215.422(3)(b), Florida Statutes, and all waivers based upon this waiver shall expire upon the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.
    L. The provisions of section 934.50, Florida Statutes, excluding subsection (4), are waived for state and local agencies conducting emergency operations arising from the state of emergency for the limited purpose of capturing aerial evidence concerning the amount of damage sustained to private and public property; to assist in search, rescue, and recovery activities; and prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property.

    Section 5.  All public facilities, including elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, state universities, and other facilities owned or leased by the state, regional or local governments that are suitable for use as public shelters shall be made available at the request of the local emergency management agencies to ensure the proper reception and care of all evacuees.  Under the authority contained in section 252.36, Florida Statutes, I direct the Superintendent of each public-school district in the State of Florida to report the closure of any school within its district to the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education.  Furthermore, I direct the Commissioner of the Department of Education to:
    A. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of all such closures; and
    B. Provide that list daily to the State Coordinating Officer.

      Section 6. I find that the demands placed upon funds specifically appropriated to state and local agencies for disaster relief or response are unreasonably great and that such funds may be inadequate to pay the costs of coping with this emergency.  In accordance with section 252.37(2), Florida Statutes, I direct that sufficient funds be made available, as needed, by transferring and expending moneys from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund.

    Section 7.   All state agencies entering emergency orders, emergency rules, or other emergency actions in response to this emergency shall advise the State Coordinating Officer contemporaneously or as soon as practicable thereafter, and, pursuant to section 252.36(3)(b), Florida Statutes, shall submit the order or declaration to the Division of Administrative Hearings within five (5) days of issuance.
           

      Section 8. Medical professionals and workers, social workers, and counselors with good and valid professional licenses issued by states other than the State of Florida may render such services in Florida during this emergency for persons affected by this emergency with the condition that such services be rendered to such persons free of charge, and with the further condition that such services be rendered under the auspices of the American Red Cross or the Florida Department of Health.

    Section 9. Pursuant to section 501.160, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful and a violation of section 501.204, Florida Statutes, for a person to rent or sell or offer to rent or sell at an unconscionable price within the area for which the state of emergency is declared, any essential commodity including, but not limited to, supplies, services, provisions, or equipment that is necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency.

    Section 10. Under the authority contained in sections 252.36(6)(a), (g), and (m), Florida Statutes, I direct that, for the purposes of this emergency, the term “essentials”, as defined by section 252.359(2), Florida Statutes, shall be the same as and no more expansive than the term “commodity”, as defined by section 501.160(1)(a), Florida Statutes (hereinafter referred to collectively or alternatively as “essential commodities”).  Accordingly, any person who delivers essential commodities to a location in the area(s) declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order, and when necessary to ensure that those commodities are made available to the public, may travel within evacuated areas and exceed curfews, provided the State Coordinating Officer determines, after consultation with the appropriate Emergency Support Function(s), that:
    A. Law enforcement officials in the declared area(s) can provide adequate security to protect the essential commodities from theft;
    B. The weight of a delivery vehicle will not jeopardize the structural integrity of any roadway or bridge located within the declared area;
    C. Delivery vehicles will not negatively impact evacuation activities in the declared area(s); and
    D. Delivery vehicles will not negatively impact any response or recovery activities occurring within the declared area(s).
    After consulting with the appropriate Emergency Support Function(s), and after consulting with local officials, the State Coordinating Officer may dictate the routes of ingress, egress, and movement within the declared area(s) that drivers must follow when delivering essential commodities.
    Provided he or she is actually delivering medications, any person authorized to deliver medications under chapter 893, Florida Statutes, qualifies as a person delivering essential commodities.
    In order to qualify as a person delivering essential commodities under this section, a person must be in the process of delivering essential commodities only.  If an individual is transporting both essential and non-essential commodities, then this section shall not provide any authorization for that individual to enter into or move within the declared area(s).

    Section 11.  Consistent with Executive Order 80-29, nothing in this Executive Order shall prevent local jurisdictions in any area not declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order from taking prompt and necessary action to save lives and protect the property of their citizens, including the authority to compel and direct timely evacuation when necessary.

    Section 12. I authorize the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to distribute funds pursuant to section 420.9073, Florida Statutes, to any county, municipality, or other political subdivision located within the area(s) declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order.  The authority of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to distribute funds in connection with this emergency shall expire six months after the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

    Section 13.  Pursuant to sections 252.36(6)(b) and 252.35(2)(z), Florida Statutes, it is further ordered that all Disaster Debris Management Sites and landfills in all counties impacted by Hurricane Helene shall remain open and allow twenty-four-hour debris drop off.

    Section 14. All actions taken by the Director of the Division of Emergency Management with respect to this emergency before the issuance of this Executive Order are ratified.

              Section 15.  This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall expire sixty (60) days from this date unless extended.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Telling good stories through stamps

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    A rich treasure trove of postal artefacts can be found on the first floor of the Hongkong Post Building in Kowloon Bay.

    The new Postal Gallery spans approximately 200 sq m, a quarter larger than the previous 160 sq m gallery at the General Post Office in Central.

    “Unlike the open display of the old gallery, the new layout resembles a museum, showcasing the history of Hongkong Post over the past 150 years and highlighting the themes of special stamps issued throughout the years,” Hongkong Post Senior Manager (Public Relations) Oliver Wong explained.

    Philatelic retrospective

    “Time Tunnel” offers an overview of the development of Hongkong Post over the years and showcases historically rich exhibits, including postal items from the 1960s to 1980s, such as letter scales, postal staff uniforms and various postal supplies. The new gallery also features a recently revamped exhibition corner titled “Stamps that Tell Stories”.

    “Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland 27 years ago, in July 1997, Hongkong Post has issued over 400 sets of special stamps.

    “To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have updated the exhibits. In ‘Stamps that Tell Stories’, more than 40 sets of special stamps are displayed across four categories: The Return of Hong Kong to the Motherland, Achievements of the Country, The Development of Hong Kong, and Serving the Community.

    “We aim for the public to appreciate the country’s achievements, and significant historical moments in Hong Kong, through these stamp products,” Mr Wong added.

    Under the theme of returning to the motherland, a special exhibit includes the first-day cover for the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region commemorative stamp.

    Legislative Council President Andrew Leung invited incumbent and former Chief Executives including Tung Chee-hwa, Donald Tsang, CY Leung, Carrie Lam and John Lee, and Presidents of the Legislative Council, Rita Fan and Jasper Tsang, to join him to sign on the cover, symbolically representing the long-standing co-operation and interaction between the city’s executive authorities and legislature.

    Since 1997, Hongkong Post has issued stamps to commemorate the 50th, 60th and 70th anniversaries of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

    The 50th-anniversary stamp featured an artistic rendering of the figure “5”, to represent 50 years, along with the national emblem.

    For the 60th anniversary, a joint souvenir pack featuring three stamp sheetlets presented in a so-called “se-tenant” style, was issued by the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau.

    Five years ago, for the 70th anniversary, the stamps depicted a traditional ruyi knot, signifying a spirit of national unity, as well as sentiments of well-being and harmony.

    Remarkable achievements

    The country’s aerospace development is progressing rapidly. On October 15, 2003, the first manned spacecraft, Shenzhou-5, carried astronaut Yang Liwei into space and returned to Earth the following day.

    Hongkong Post issued the commemorative stamps on October 16, but there is an interesting back story as to why the special stamps could be available for sale right after the completion of Shenzhou-5’s mission.

    The postal authorities had actually planned and printed the stamps well in advance, as is the usual practice. Once Shenzhou-5 had successfully completed its mission, the department then immediately announced the stamp details and made them available for sale that same day.

    Olympic success

    More recently, a set of stamps was launched to congratulate Hong Kong Olympians after they won a gold, two silver and three bronze medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

    This year, the Hong Kong, China team achieved further success at the Paris Olympics, winning two gold medals – a record number at any Olympics – along with two bronze medals. Mr Wong revealed that Hongkong Post is actively considering issuing special stamps to honour the Hong Kong athletes for their remarkable accomplishments.

    Hongkong Post is currently organising guided tours of the “Stamps that Tell Stories” exhibition until November 30, with trained staff assisting visitors in appreciating the development of Hong Kong and the country over the past 75 years.

    Tour participants each receive a limited edition postcard, while a new cachet commemorating National Day is also available.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New strategy to tackle the rise in eating disorders

    Source: Government of Victoria 2

    Eating disorders have been on the rise, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, where changes in work and study, plus limited social connections, created highly stressful environments.

    Eating disorders, when combined with disordered eating, are estimated to affect 16.3% of the Australian population.

    That’s why the Victorian Government has released the Victorian eating disorders strategy 2024–2031.

    The strategy aims to reverse this trend, and to enable a person, family and supporter-centred care which is accessible, interconnected and evidence-informed to promote prevention and early intervention.

    It will shift the focus from acute services to a stepped system of care while fostering a new understanding of the roles families, carers, supporters, communities, and services play in advocating for and supporting people who are affected or at risk of eating disorders.

    Importantly, it’s been developed through consultation with people who have lived and living experience of eating disorders, as well as with people who know what it is like to care for and support someone who does.

    We’ve also relied on the expertise of sector partners, eating disorder researchers, clinicians, and experts from across the sector to ensure that our way forward is supported in a strong evidence base.

    This strategy is an important part of rebuilding Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system and addresses key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and through it, it is our vision that all Victorians have a safe and empowered relationship with body, food and movement, free of stigma or weight discrimination.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following assault, Courtenay Place, Central Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are appealing for any information after an assault in Central Wellington overnight that has left a man in critical condition.

    Emergency services were called to Courtenay Place opposite St James Theatre about 3.20am after a man was found injured.

    He was transported to hospital in critical condition.

    Enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances of how the man sustained his injuries.

    Initial enquiries have determined he has been assaulted, and one person is currently assisting us with our enquiries.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this assault, or has any knowledge of those involved.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241006/5414.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fast-track to boost renewable electricity

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. 

    “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 renewable electricity projects listed for fast-track will help us achieve that ambition and bolster New Zealand’s energy security,” Mr Brown says.

    Electrifying New Zealand’s economy is a key part of the Government’s plan to grow our economy and reduce emissions to achieve Net Zero 2050.

    “Enabling investment in the infrastructure we need for key technologies like solar, wind and hydro will help ensure businesses and households have access to abundant, reliable, and affordable electricity. 

    “In recent months New Zealand have seen some of the highest electricity prices in the world. Continuing on this course is not sustainable. It is why we are taking action by listing these 22 solar, wind, and hydro projects throughout the country, along with two significant Transpower infrastructure projects.

    “These projects will help New Zealand meet our immediate goals of generating more electricity, and help longer term as our cars, buses, trains, ferries, and manufacturers are increasingly powered by the wind, water, and the sun.

    “If all of these projects were to proceed, then New Zealand’s electricity generation capacity would increase by almost 30 per cent. This would significantly boost our energy security.”

    Projects to be listed include:

    • 7 wind farms (including re-powering of existing windfarms to increase their generation)
    • 10 solar farms
    • 5 hydro schemes (including reconsenting of existing generation)
    • 2 Transpower energy infrastructure projects – including replacement of the critical Cook Strait electricity cable

    “The Government has accepted the renewable electricity projects recommended by the Advisory Group. However, the Fast-track Approvals Bill will enable further projects to use this fast track approval process and we encourage generators to put forward further projects once the legislation is in place,” Mr Brown says.

    “Including these projects in the fast-track approvals process means we can get renewable energy projects underway at a much faster pace to deliver the abundant and affordable electricity we need to power our low-emissions future.”
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fast-track projects released

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says.

    “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or national benefits. They will make a big difference in the regions by delivering jobs and growth and develop a pipeline of major projects to help boost the economy,” Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

    “The projects have been selected through a thorough and robust process which included an open application process run by Ministry for the Environment, analysis by officials, an independent assessment and recommendations process by an independent Advisory Group, and final decisions by Cabinet. 

    “The 149 projects chosen by Cabinet to be listed in the Bill will be listed in Schedule 2 of the Bill once the Bill is reported back from the Environment Committee in mid-October. Once the Bill is passed, they will be able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority to have an expert panel assess the project and apply relevant conditions.

    “As we’ve publicly said before, the Government is also recommending to the Environment Committee that expert panels have the ability to decline approval for projects.

    “The expert panels will include members with technical expertise relevant to a project, expertise in environmental matters (and where relevant, conservation), and the Treaty of Waitangi. They will function much the same way as the COVID-19 Fast Track legislation established by the previous government.

    “The Fast Track Approvals Bill is a key part of the government’s plan to rebuild our economy and cut through the red and green tape that has made it more and more difficult to build the projects New Zealand needs.

    “For example, the 44 listed housing developments will enable up to 55,000 new homes to be consented in New Zealand’s major growth centres and across our regions, playing a significant part in addressing New Zealand’s housing crisis. 

    “The seven aquaculture and farming projects will strengthen partnerships with iwi to boost Māori development and are expected to have an output of up to 143,000 tonnes per annum. 

    “There are 43 infrastructure projects that will help to address our infrastructure deficit and, among other benefits, result in at least 180km of new road, rail and public transport routes. Having these projects fast-tracked will mean we can continue moving at pace to deliver a new generation of Roads of National and Regional Significance (RoNS and RoRS) for New Zealand to support economic growth and get people and freight to where they want to go, quickly and safely. The eight quarrying projects on the list will help to enable these and other future infrastructure projects.

    “The 22 renewable electricity projects will help electrify the New Zealand economy, boost energy security and help New Zealand address its climate change goals. New Zealand has abundant renewable energy resources but the planning system puts barrier after barrier in the way of taking advantage of them. Collectively the projects will contribute an additional 3 gigawatts of generation capacity, if all consented. By comparison, Auckland’s historic peak demand is about 2 gigawatts.

    “The 11 mining projects will make a major contribution to the Government’s resource objective of doubling the value of our mineral exports to $2 billion by 2035, extracting coal, gold, iron sands and mineral sands. They will deliver measurable benefits to regional and national GDP, highly-skilled and highly-paid jobs in the regions, and other associated benefits like the retention of regional infrastructure. 

    “Our regions and the New Zealanders living in them have enormous potential, and the Fast-track projects, freed up from stifling consenting processes, are another change that is giving them back the wings they deserve,” Mr Jones says.

    “The projects will bring a big boost, and will help stimulate various industries, including the aquaculture, energy, housing, and mining sectors. This progress is going to help get things moving and flowing where it is needed, in the form of job creation, construction, new opportunities, and more business.

    “What people can expect is real change, and visible change, that benefits their families and their economies. And the great news is that through Fast-track, this will be sooner rather than later.”

    “While the independent Advisory Group recommended to Ministers a total of 342 projects for inclusion in the Bill, Cabinet chose to include only 149 of them to better reflect the capacity from expert panels to assess and consent these projects,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Because of the unprecedented level of interest in this process, it became clear that so many projects were suitable for 2A that having a separate list for Schedule 2B became unnecessary, so it will be deleted from the Bill.

    “We emphasise that the makeup of the final list isn’t a reflection of the quality of projects not listed, nor is it a sign that any future application to the Fast-track process for these projects would be unsuccessful.

    “We thank all applicants who submitted projects to be considered for inclusion in the Bill, and the independent Advisory Group for their work in assessing these applications.”

    Note to Editors

    Please see attached:

    • List of projects
    • Fact sheet

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests following aggravated robbery, Pōkeno

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have arrested five people following the aggravated robbery of a liquor store on Market Road in Pōkeno last night.

    At around 7.40pm on Saturday 5 October, four masked people entered the liquor store and assaulted two staff members.

    Following the assault on the staff members, the four offenders stole alcohol, cigarettes and the cash till, before leaving at speed in a stolen car.

    A short time after the robbery, a Police unit observed the stolen car heading north on the Southern Motorway near Takanini.

    The Police helicopter Eagle was able to monitor the car as it continued north and exited the motorway at Ellerslie/Panmure.

    The car continued on until Edmondton Road, where the four offenders were observed by Eagle abandoning the stolen car, transferring items to a second car, and then being driven away in that second car.

    Police units stopped that car a short time later and took the four offenders from the aggravated robbery into custody, as well as the driver of the second car.

    All five people taken into custody – three males aged 16, 17 and 20, and two females aged 17 and 53 – have been charged with aggravated robbery.

    Those aged 16 and 17 are due to appear in Manukau Youth Court, while the other offenders will appear in Manukau District Court.

    The staff members at the liquor store received minor to moderate injuries and were treated by Ambulance staff at the scene.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fast-track to drive transport projects forward

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. 

    “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis needs is part of our plan to boost productivity, reduce congestion, and unleash economic growth. Enabling fast-track for these projects will allow them to be built quicker and more efficiently,” Mr Brown says.

    “New Zealand needs fast-track legislation to establish a steady pipeline of consented infrastructure projects, including the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) and Roads of Regional Significance (RoRS). The previous government abruptly stopped the successful Roads of National Significance programme and left Warkworth to Wellsford as the only new major roading project with consent.

    As part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and address the infrastructure deficit, 29 transport projects have been listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Bill, this includes:
     

    • 16 road projects (including a Brynderwyns alternative, Mill Road in Auckland, the Woodend Bypass, and a second Ashburton Bridge)
    • 5 rail projects (including level crossing removals in Auckland, and Lower North Island rail upgrades)
    • 5 port projects (including container terminal expansion at Northport)
    • 3 major public transport projects (including the Airport to Botany Rapid Transit)
       

    Once complete, these projects will result in at least 180 kilometres of new road, rail and public transport corridors throughout New Zealand.

    “Through the Fast-track Approvals Bill, the Government is cutting through the red tape to rebuild the pipeline of transport infrastructure projects. These listed projects throughout the country are focused on growing our economy and increasing productivity,” Mr Brown says.

    “We are moving at pace to deliver a new generation of RoNS for New Zealand to boost productivity. We are providing travel options by investing in public transport and rail. And we are unlocking growth by increasing capacity at New Zealand’s ports. 

    “There is plenty of work to be done, and the inclusion of these projects for fast tracked consents means that Kiwis will experience the benefits of these projects sooner rather than later. These projects are critical to reducing travel times, unlocking land for thousands of new homes, and enabling goods to get to marketplaces in New Zealand and abroad.  

    “Including these projects in the fast-track approvals process provides a much more efficient way of getting them approved and consented. This announcement will give confidence to NZTA, KiwiRail and the wider construction sector that there is a strong pipeline of projects to work on and deliver over the coming years.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Iwi-led and partnered projects among those referred for Fast Track approval

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Kia uru kahikatea te tū. 

    Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

    Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national benefits to be included in the one-stop-shop Fast-Track Approvals Bill when it is reported back to Parliament.

    “It’s great to see at least 15 significant Iwi-led or partnered projects among those spanning a variety of industries that will help rebuild the economy, boost renewable energy, grow infrastructure, develop aquaculture and mining, and build homes to fix the housing crisis,” Potaka says.

    “Today’s announcement reflects the increasing diversification of Iwi and Māori interests.

    “While there are housing developments proposed across the motu including the Tainui Group Holdings Ruakura Tūmata development in Hamilton, there are also marine farms by Te Aupouri Fisheries Management Limited and Ngāi Tahu, and a solar farm by the Tauhara North No.2 Trust.

    “Various projects are located in rōhe where Māori are a substantial number of the local population,” Potaka says. “Projects will make a big difference in the regions by offering valuable training, employment and business growth opportunities, and creating a pipeline of major projects to boost the economy. I expect Māori-owned SMEs to also benefit from increased economic activity and localised procurement.

    “Iwi and Māori business are making increasingly significant contributions to our economy. Enabling the use and growth of Iwi and Māori assets is essential as we work toward closing the economic delta between Māori and the rest of New Zealand.

    “The seven aquaculture and farming projects, for example, can strengthen partnerships with Iwi to boost Māori development with an expected output of up to 143,000 tonnes per annum.

    “We’re creating the right conditions for boosting Māori economic growth that will fire-up Aotearoa New Zealand to be a small leading advanced nation with greater equality of opportunity. This will support stronger whānau and stronger communities.  Kia kaha tātou.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi, Kim exchange congratulatory messages over 75th anniversary of China-DPRK diplomatic ties

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages over the 75th anniversary of the China-DPRK diplomatic ties.

    In his message, Xi stressed that he highly values the development of China-DPRK relations, and China is willing to work with the DPRK to take the 75th anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation, and continue to write new chapters for China-DPRK traditional friendship.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Tuamarina, Malborough

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have this afternoon recovered the bodies of three people who were unaccounted for following a crash in Marlborough overnight.

    The crash at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Bush Road in Tuamarina was reported to Police at 1.45am today.

    Two people were able to escape from the car after it crashed into the Tuamarina River, however three people were unaccounted for.

    The Police National Dive Squad was deployed and at around 12pm today located the car submerged in the river.

    Tragically all three remaining occupants were found deceased in the car.

    Support is being provided to the families of the deceased, as well as to the two survivors who suffered moderate injuries in the crash.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

    The road has now reopened.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious Crash, Waikato Expressway, Huntly

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are responding to a single vehicle crash on the Waikato Expressway at Huntly.

    Emergency Services were called to the scene around 3pm.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

    The road is closed and diversions are in place. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash at Hope Valley

    Source: South Australia Police

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Hope Valley.

    The collision occurred on Grand Junction Road, near Valley Road, Hope Valley at 1.30pm on Sunday 6 October.

    The road is closed in both directions between Awoonga Road and Valley Road and is expected to remain closed for several hours.  Diversions are in place.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TECO Sydney Hosted the 113th National Day Reception of the R.O.C. (Taiwan)

    Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2

    Happy 113th National Day to the ROC (Taiwan)!
    The 113th National Day Reception of the Republic of China (Taiwan), hosted by TECO Sydney, was held at the historic landmark, the Fullerton Hotel, on the evening of October 3rd. Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Vicki Wu were delighted to celebrate this special occasion with over 350 dignitaries from the Federal and NSW State Parliament, Taiwanese communities, business sector, cultural and arts industries, and the media. The incredible turnout reflected the strong support for democratic Taiwan!
    In his speech, DG Wu outlined the new government’s roadmap for development, Taiwan’s key priorities in the current international security environment, and our vision for the future.
    Facing serious global threats to democracy, our top priority is maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait through our Four Pillars of Peace action plan: strengthening national defense, building economic resilience, deepening partnerships with fellow democracies, and upholding stable and principled cross-strait leadership.
    Federal MP, the Hon. Paul Fletcher, shared his experiences co-leading the federal bipartisan delegation to Taiwan. During the trip, they met with former President Tsai Ing-Wen and President Lai Ching-Te, who was then Vice President. He was deeply impressed by the dedication of Taiwanese politicians to serving the public good
    Federal Senator David Shoebridge spoke of Taiwan’s ethnic harmony and the calm, resolute response of the Taiwanese people in the face of military coercion from the PRC, during his family’s visit to Taiwan. He emphasized that Australia shares the same values with Taiwan and should work together to maintain security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
    Deputy President of the NSW Legislative Council, the Hon. Rod Roberts, appreciated the opportunity to visit Taiwan and witness the passionate election campaigns. He highly praised Taiwan’s mature constitutional governance, which highlights its strong and healthy democratic resilience.
    All 7 guest speakers reiterated that Taiwan has proven to be an indispensable partner in global supply chains and looked forward to further strengthening the bonds between Taiwan and Australia for mutual prosperity.
    A big thanks to our friends from city councils, officials from the Sydney Diplomatic Corps, experts and scholars from think tanks, and senior officials from the NSW Police and Sydney City Your continued support means so much to us, and your participation made this event a huge success!

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi, Kim exchange congratulatory messages over 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Sunday exchanged congratulatory messages over the 75th anniversary of the China-DPRK diplomatic ties.

    In his message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, pointed out that 75 years ago, China and the DPRK officially established diplomatic relations, opening a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations, which is of epoch-making significance.

    Over the past 75 years, Xi said, the two countries have supported each other in consolidating people’s power and safeguarding national sovereignty, strengthening exchanges and cooperation and advancing socialist construction. They have also worked closely to promote regional peace and stability and safeguard international equity and justice.

    The traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has stood the test of changing times and global challenges, becoming a valuable asset for both countries and their people, he added.

    Xi stressed that he highly values the development of China-DPRK relations, noting that in recent years, he has met with Kim multiple times and maintained close communication through letters and messages, jointly guiding and promoting the development of China-DPRK relations.

    Under the new circumstances of the new era, Xi said, China is willing to work with the DPRK to take the 75th anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation, and continue to write new chapters for China-DPRK traditional friendship, so as to jointly promote the steady and long-term development of the two countries’ socialist cause and bring more benefits to their people.

    In his message, Kim said that 75 years ago, the DPRK and China officially established diplomatic relations, and bilateral friendly relations have since entered a new stage of historical development.

    Over the past 75 years, the two parties and countries have upheld their firm belief in the legitimacy of their causes, overcoming various tests and challenges, and advancing courageously on the path of socialism, Kim said.

    It is in the fundamental interests of both countries to continuously carry forward and develop the DPRK-China friendship with a time-honored history and fine tradition, he added.

    The DPRK’s party and government will continue to make efforts to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations with China as required by the new era, Kim said.

    Kim also expressed his wish that the Chinese people, under the leadership of the CPC with Xi at its core, will continue to make new achievements in building a modern socialist country in all respects.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MD holds Maritime Carnival to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    MD holds Maritime Carnival to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China (with photos)
    MD holds Maritime Carnival to celebrate 75th anniversary of founding of People’s Republic of China (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Marine Department (MD) organised the Maritime Carnival at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM) at Central Pier No. 8 today (October 6) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Through a series of free family-friendly activities and display panels, the carnival aimed to enrich the public’s understanding about the development of the maritime industry as well as to promote patriotic education to share the joy of celebrating the National Day with the public.     The opening ceremony of the carnival was graced by the Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, who gave a welcoming speech. The event was officiated by the Director of Marine, Mr Wong Sai-fat. About 20 representatives from relevant supporting organisations of the carnival joined the ceremony to show their support.     The HKMM arranged guided tours to introduce the roles of various places of the shipping industry to the public. The Maritime Carnival also featured exhibition panels to display photos and related materials showcasing the history and development of the maritime industry in Hong Kong and the Mainland, especially the role of seafarers and their contributions to the maritime industry, thus promoting the nation’s history and patriotic education to visitors, especially young people, nourishing their feelings of “Love our Country, Love Hong Kong, Love our Community”.     Moreover, the public was able to learn more about the MD’s work by viewing demonstrations of marine refuse and oil cleaning, and shipboard visits to the MD’s patrol launch and hydrographic survey vessel. There were also fun-filled activities with maritime themes including a ship-handling simulator experience, games booths, marine movie and documentary screenings, a tattoo sticker experience, a photobooth, maritime-themed talks as well as underwater unmanned system challenge demonstrations.

     
    Ends/Sunday, October 6, 2024Issued at HKT 13:11

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Waikato Expressway, Huntly

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following a crash on the Waikato Expressway at Huntly this afternoon.

    Emergency services responded to a report of a crash in which a motorcycle had collided with a median barrier, at around 3pm today.

    Sadly, the motorcyclist died at the scene of the crash.

    The road was closed while emergency services attended and Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. The road has now re-opened.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

    If you were traveling in the area at the time of the crash and have dashcam footage that could assist with the investigation, please contact Police via 105, referencing event number P060198944.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Conservation – Luxon escalates War on Nature with mining-heavy Fast Track list – Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    Christopher Luxon’s bleak vision of New Zealand as a giant open-cast mine comes one step closer as the Government announces eleven mining projects it will push through under the controversial fast-track approvals process, says Greenpeace.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Juressa Lee says, “This is no surprise, but it’s still a shock to hear that amidst the climate and biodiversity crises, this Government is going to forge ahead with eleven new mines using the much-maligned fast track approvals process.
    “It’s especially concerning to see that the Trans-Tasman Resources Taranaki seabed mining project is on the list after being such an abject failure in the environment court and Supreme Court and attracting such widespread opposition from mana whenua, the environmental movement and the offshore wind industry.”
    By attempting to fast track seabed mining the Luxon Government is blocking one of New Zealand’s most important new renewable energy projects – offshore wind. The offshore wind industry has said seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight will prevent an offshore wind generation project being established there.
    “With this announcement, Christopher Luxon, Chris Bishop and Shane Jones are running roughshod over expert advice, and all of those New Zealanders who don’t want to see the forests and oceans of Aotearoa turned to open cast mines, rivers and lakes turned to sewers and more precious species pushed to extinction.”
    Greenpeace says the projects won’t go ahead without a fight, citing the 20,000-plus-strong protest March for Nature and over 12,000 people signing on to an open letter of resistance to the fast track bill.
    “Any company seeking to use the fast track bill to get around existing environmental protections and the wishes of iwi, hapū and local communities who want nature protected should have a good hard think about how badly that will reflect on them and their shareholders, and the resistance they will face.
    “There are some worthy projects on the list but they are tainted by the process and the presence of Trans-Tasman Resources at the bottom of the barrel. The fast track is the wrong track and will be a poisoned chalice for those companies who risk it.”
    Greenpeace says there are many other notorious projects causing ecological destruction in the list including:
    • The Hawkes Bay Tukituki Water Security Project, formerly known as the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme, which seeks to dam the Makaroro River to recreate a water storage reservoir is also on the list. Greenpeace fought against the Ruataniwha dam for several years before it was shelved.
    • The Waitaha Hydro Scheme will flood high conservation land, a project previously declined because of the widespread destruction of nature.
    • The Hurunui irrigation scheme will kill a wild river and result in more intensive dairy operations with associated pollution.
    • Mining on the Stockton Plateau will cause immense environmental destruction. The International Energy Agency has said there can be no new investment in oil, gas and coal if governments are serious about stopping climate change.
    • Waimate waste-to-energy incineration
    • And others
    Greenpeace occupied the Straterra building last month in a protest against the possibility of its client’s Trans-Tasman Resources seabed mining project being included. The action resulted in several arrests but Greenpeace says it was a sign of things to come and “a demonstration of the resistance promised” in the recently published open letter to all companies considering using the Fast Track Approvals process which has since increased from 7,500 signatories to over 12,000.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fast Track Megaprison for Auckland a Disgrace Says Criminologist

    Source: People Against Prisons Aotearoa

    The government has today announced the projects slated to go ahead under the controversial Fast Track Bill, which will bypass consultation and approval processes.

    One project is a previously unannounced construction at Auckland Prison (Paremoremo), which will almost double its capacity up to 1,200 people. University of Auckland lecturer in Criminology and People Against Prisons Aotearoa spokesperson Dr. Emmy Rākete says the plan is unnecessary and unrealistic.

    “Auckland Prison is already so overcrowded and understaffed that prison management is unable to cope,” says Dr. Rākete. “Turning Paremoremo into a megaprison will inevitably result in abuse, violence, and riots.”

    Auckland Prison is primarily for high and maximum security prisoners. It includes the “Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit,” which the Office of the Ombudsman recently found had kept a prisoner in solitary confinement for almost three years.

    “As a 600 person prison, Paremoremo is sloppily-run, dangerous, and violent. As a megaprison, Paremoremo would be a pit as dangerous to the staff as to the people inside it.”

    “New Zealand’s prison system is actually well below its maximum capacity right now. At the same time as the coalition of cuts are defunding hospitals to give tax cuts to landlords, it is ramming billions into prison expansion. Who will these new prisons be built for? The government knows that austerity creates violence and crime, and is choosing austerity anyway. The rich will get richer and the poor will get prisons.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: KASM slams government decision to fast-track dangerous seabed mining

    Source: Kiwis Against Seabed Mining

    Kiwis Against Seabed Mining today slammed the government for putting a failed and hugely dangerous and experimental project like Trans Tasman Resources bid to mine the seabed in the South Taranaki Bight on the fast track list.

    “It’s a sad day for Aotearoa New Zealand when an experimental industry that has been examined in detail and ultimately failed by this country’s Supreme Court, gets to be rushed through with limited consideration,”  said KASM Chairperson Cindy Baxter.

    “This 100% Australian-owned company is in a terrible financial state:  it has no idea how to extract the so-called ‘critical minerals’ out of the ironsands, and it hasn’t been able to prove seabed mining safe.  It cannot be allowed to go ahead. There will be nothing in it for the people of Taranaki, and it would set a huge and dangerous precedent.”

    “This is a long way from over: we will do everything we can to stop this monstrosity from going ahead, and we have tens of thousands of Kiwis behind us,” she said.

    The TTR’s failed bid to dig up 50 million tonnes of the South Taranaki Bight every year for 35 years –  in a 66 square kilometre area – would be the first off the ranks, but it could set the precedent to grow into a massive 877 square kilometre seabed mining zone. (The company already has a mining licence for a 242 sqkm area and is already touting this area plus another 635 square kms to its investors).

    The resulting sediment plume from seabed mining will spread right across the Bight, interfering with feeding grounds for seabirds and marine mammals.

    The Bight is home to a population of pygmy blue whales unique to New Zealand, with whales experts describing the impact of the noise from seabed mining as “like living next to a vacuum cleaner for 35 years.”

    Also affected will be little blue penguins, or Kororā, some of whom swim 100kms from the Marlborough Sounds to feed at the Patea Shoals.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence News – HMNZS Manawanui crew and passengers rescued after ship runs aground in Samoa

    Source: New Zealand Defence Force

    Crew and passengers of Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Manawanui were rescued in the early hours of the morning on Sunday in Samoa after the vessel was grounded off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa.

    The incident occurred on Saturday evening while conducting a hydrographic survey 1 nautical mile from shore.

    The 75 crew and passengers from other government agencies began evacuating into lifeboats at 7.52 pm on Saturday 5 October.

    The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) worked closely with the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) who led the rescue effort. Numerous vessels responded to provide assistance, and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was also deployed to assist.

    Rescuers battled currents and winds that were pushing the life rafts and sea boats toward the reefs, and swells made the rescue effort particularly challenging.

    “We are very grateful for the assistance of everyone involved, from RCCNZ who coordinated rescue efforts, to the vessels which responded and took our crew and passengers from Manawanui to safety,’’ Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell said.

    Those on board the life boats and sea boats from HMNZS Manawanui were transferred to vessels that responded to the rescue call and were transported ashore.  

    At this stage the exact cause of the grounding is unknown and this will need further investigation. At 6.40 am Sunday, the ship was listing heavily and smoke was visible from the ship. At 9.00 am it was known to have capsized and was below the surface. The NZDF is working with authorities to understand the implications and minimise the environmental impacts.

    Support is being provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Samoan authorities to the crew and passengers from Manawanui and they are being accommodated in Samoa. The NZDF will be sending aircraft to Samoa to bring them back to New Zealand.

    This was HMNZS Manawanui’s third deployment to the South West Pacific this year. The ship had a series of activities scheduled including in the Kermadec Islands, Samoa, Tokelau and Niue. They sailed from Devonport on 28 September and were due to return home on 1 November.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Ahipara vegetation fire: Update #2

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    The vegetation fire near Ahipara is now contained.
    There is no active fire front. Crews from Fire and Emergency New Zealand are working with forestry firefighters with heavy machinery and supported by helicopters to ensure the containment holds.
    Tonight specialist drone crews will be conducting thermal imaging to check for hotspots.
    From tomorrow crews will be on the ground checking for any smouldering hotspots.
    The fire has burned 177 hectares and has a perimeter of 7.1 kilometres.
    There will be a final update tomorrow afternoon.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mining Sector – Straterra says Mining belongs on fast-track list

    Source: Straterra Inc

    Today’s release of the first projects for the fast-track list acknowledges the regional and national significance of mining, says Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal.
    “At a time when manufacturing and processing plants are closing in the regions, mining brings much needed jobs and money into regional communities, and exports to boost our trade deficit. Mining belongs on the fast-track list,” Vidal says.
    “There is a lot of misinformation about the fast-track process. The value is in the ‘one-stop shop’ approach to consenting projects which saves time and money by allowing applications to be considered by a group of experts, once. We hope a similar approach will continue through all the Resource Management Act reforms eventually doing away with the need for a separate fast-track bill.
    “Responsible mining in New Zealand will still meet the same high employment and health and safety standards, and strict environmental conditions as it does now. Those conditions include paying bonds and having full mine closure plans to return the mined land to how it was before, if not better.
    “Gold and coal, as well as the minerals on the recently released draft critical minerals list, are all vital to our high-tech, low emissions future. It is right that if they can be mined in New Zealand, that they should be.
    “New Zealand needs the Fast-track Approvals Bill to deliver on the Government’s promise. Once the bill is passed, more mining projects can apply for inclusion.
    “We urge people with any concerns about mining or the fast-track bill to do their research, talk to experts, and think about life without mining those minerals in New Zealand. We don’t have an economy to sustain importing everything.
    “There is real value in the Coalition Government’s goal of doubling mineral exports by 2035.”
    Straterra is the industry association representing New Zealand’s minerals and mining sector. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –