Source: United Nations (Video News)
Youth Advocate Caleb Brathwaite speaks up for youth rights on a panel with the UN Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres. Brathwaite represents children and youth from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the complex challenges they face.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Terrance Micheal Drew, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, National Security and Immigration, Health, and Social Security of Saint Kitts and Nevis, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).
World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/
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مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
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Source: United Nations (Video News)
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).
World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/
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مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
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Source: United Nations (Video News)
Comments to the media by Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, following the 9734th meeting of the Security Council.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).
World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/
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مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
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Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe
#UNGA #UnitedNations
US Senate News:
Source: The White House
My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Helene. Doug and I are thinking of those who tragically lost their lives and we are keeping all those who loved them in our prayers during the difficult days ahead.
President Biden and I remain committed to ensuring that no community or state has to respond to this disaster alone. Federal personnel are on the ground to support families that have been impacted so that critical resources like food, water, and generators are available. We have also approved emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee – making resources and funding available to maximize our coordinated response efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. As we continue to respond and as communities recover, our administration will remain in constant contact with state and local officials. I have been briefed by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and will continue to receive regular updates.
Source: Ministers for Social Services
Ambassadors for the 2024 International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) have officially been confirmed.
A total of eight Australians with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences with disability have been chosen to champion IDPWD and disability inclusion in Australia.
IDPwD is a United Nations observed day held annually on 3 December, aimed at raising understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
More than one in five Australians – or 5.5 million people – identify as having a disability.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said this year’s Ambassadors were a genuine reflection of the diversity of people with disability in Australia.
“Our Ambassadors provide different perspectives of what it means to be a person with disability, and this is why the Ambassador program is so important,” Minister Rishworth said.
“This year’s Ambassadors particularly highlight how disability can intersect with other factors such as age, gender identity, sexual orientation and cultural background.
“Intersectionality can compound discrimination experienced by people with disability, which is why there is no one-size fits all approach to disability matters.”
Building on the example set by previous year’s Ambassadors, the 2024 IDPwD Ambassadors will work to elevate the voices and experiences of people with disability to play a part in shifting attitudes about disability.
“We hope to dismantle stereotypes and challenge misconceptions by providing a platform for people with disability to stand up as influential voices for the disability community,” Minister Rishworth said.
“We also know that for young people, particularly young people with disability, that honest, accurate representation is crucial in helping to establish their own unique sense of identity.”
The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services, Bill Shorten, said this year’s ambassadors reflect the rich and diverse disability communities within Australia.
“The passions and purpose which drive our incredible IDPwD representatives show the important contributions people with disability make to our country.
“We must continue to support people with disability in positions of leadership and representation, to ensure all voices and lived experience are heard. We have worked hard to do this with reforming the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) so that it is sustainable and thriving for future generations.”
The Albanese Labor Government is committed progressing change under Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, which is a commitment by all levels of government to drive inclusion of people with disability across all aspects of society.
This is being demonstrated across multiple portfolios, from introducing the Disability Services and Inclusion Act at the beginning of this year and boosting funding for individual and systemic disability advocacy to uphold the rights of people with disability, to investing in our Paralympians, improving accessibility and inclusion at live music events, and creating new aviation specific disability standards.
The IDPwD 2024 Ambassadors are:
Minister Rishworth congratulates this year’s Ambassadors and is looking forward to recognising the IDPWD with them on 3 December.
For further information about IDPwD, and how to get involved please visit www.idpwd.com.au.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Diverse international products attract visitors at 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NANNING, Sept. 28 — The 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), which has drawn a record number of 3,300 exhibitors, concluded Saturday in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
The expo featured 3,300 exhibitors, with 2,004 participating in the main exhibition area in Nanning. Among them were 740 enterprises from ASEAN countries, according to Wei Zhaohui, secretary-general of the CAEXPO Secretariat.
A new section was introduced this year to highlight strategic emerging industries, showcasing the latest developments and technologies in fields such as digital technology, new energy and intelligent connected vehicles.
This year’s expo saw the signing of 109 projects, with 69 percent of them focused on manufacturing. These projects involved key sectors such as new chemical materials, new energy and energy storage, non-ferrous metals and machinery and equipment, as well as emerging industries including low-carbon polymer materials and high-end semiconductor chemical materials.
Since its inception in 2004, CAEXPO has actively built a platform for ASEAN enterprises to enter the Chinese market. The 22nd CAEXPO is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 17 to 21, 2025, with Myanmar as the country of honor.
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: How to Help After Hurricane Helene
How to Help After Hurricane Helene
ATLANTA – There are many ways to help those affected by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast. Here are some of the organizations providing support to people who experienced loss from the storm:
Additionally, National VOAD members and partners are assisting communities in need. National VOAD members and partners will serve these communities as long as necessary. There is no request for donations outside of cash. do not send unsolicited donated goods, and please do not self-deploy.
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Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: FEMA and Partners Respond to Hurricane Helene Across the Southeast
FEMA and Partners Respond to Hurricane Helene Across the Southeast
WASHINGTON — Across the Southeast, FEMA is working closely with federal, state, tribal and local officials to coordinate and respond to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
Anticipating the need for additional federal resources, the Biden-Harris Administration granted emergency declarations for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee to assist these states with preparation and response efforts in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. and the Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta are activated 24-hours to coordinate moving personnel, commodities and response assets as needed.
Summary of additional efforts to date:
Dekle Beach, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie and FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan tour damage and discuss ongoing response operations for Hurricane Helene in Florida. (FEMA photos by Kirk Hanlin, Jaclyn Rothenberg)
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St. Petersburg, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2024) – Colorado Task Force conducts search and rescue after Hurricane Helene.
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Haywood County, NC– Massachusetts Task Force 1 is working alongside federal, state, and local agencies to conduct urban search and rescue operations near Haywood County, NC. On September 27, members of MA-TF1 made successful rescues of two people and multiple pets during search and rescue operations in active flood areas. (Photo Credit: Scott McGuire, MA-TF1)
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mashana.davis
Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2
he Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Jeyhun Aziz oglu Bayramov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
They discussed the cooperation between the United Nations and Azerbaijan in the context of Azerbaijan’s Presidency of COP29, including the finalization of a new climate finance goal.
They also exchanged views on the progress of the talks on the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and demining.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Secretary-General appreciated Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality and commended Turkmenistan for its efforts to eliminate statelessness. They exchanged views on furthering cooperation between the United Nations and Turkmenistan, as well as regional peace and security issues, including Afghanistan.
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Secretary-General welcomed the close cooperation between Thailand and the United Nations. The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister discussed the implementation of the Pact for the Future and regional issues, including the situation in Myanmar.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Explore ceramic-making techniques in Liling of central China’s Hunan
Source: Australian Ministers 1
The Albanese Labor Government continues to activate the future of the Molonglo Valley – with the National Capital Plan amended to reclassify this district as Canberra’s sixth town centre.
The amendment paves the way for future development in this region, from commercial to community facilities – ensuring that as the Molonglo community grows, infrastructure and services keep pace.
As part of this, the Albanese and ACT Labor Governments have committed to working together to deliver a new community centre in Molonglo, along with upgrades to local streets, parks and green space.
This commitment builds on work already underway and jointly funded by the Albanese and ACT Labor Governments.
This includes the $225 million construction of the Molonglo River Bridge and upgrades to John Gorton Drive, which will significantly enhance access to the growing Molonglo region.
The reclassification of Molonglo under the National Capital Plan follows stakeholder and public consultation in May and June – and recognises that the projected population of Molonglo will increase demand on local services and amenities.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain MP:
“More people are calling the Molonglo home, with the population expected to reach around 70,000 by 2050.
“That’s why we’ve made this amendment – paving the way for the development of infrastructure and services this growing community will need in their own backyard.
“The Albanese Government is committed to working with the ACT Labor Government to boost the liveability of the Molonglo, investing in projects that will support local jobs and stimulate the local economy.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bean, David Smith MP:
“The Molonglo is a great place to live and work – which is why the Albanese Government is unlocking its potential and committing to its future.
“This is one of the fastest-growing parts of the ACT, which is why we’ll continue to work with the ACT Labor Government to deliver infrastructure and services for this flourishing area.”
Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories
There is widespread flooding and landslides across Nepal. Heavy rain may further impact local infrastructure and disruptions to transport and other essential services could occur. If you’re in the affected areas, check the media for updates and follow the instructions of local authorities (see ‘Safety’).
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Operation Archer was previously deployed in Alice Springs early August 2024 to provide an immediate response to stolen motor vehicle crimes. Operation Archer was recommenced yesterday to support frontline police and Strike Force Viper investigators with additional capability to stop high risk property crime involving stolen motor vehicles and resulting attacks on police.
Operation Archer personnel responded to two instances of stolen motor vehicle crime in Alice Springs overnight.
The first instance, at 4:15pm on Saturday, was reports of a vehicle stolen during a burglary in East Side and later driven dangerously in the CBD prior to being dumped after 10:30pm. During the driving in the CBD the occupants of the stolen motor vehicle threw rocks at police and other frontline workers, damaging vehicles but not injuring officers or workers.
The second instance, at 1:30am this morning, was reports a security guard was robbed of his car keys at knife point near the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens. This stolen motor vehicle again returned to the CBD and drove dangerously. Operation Archer personnel pursued the vehicle onto a dirt track where it attempted to evade police and throw projectiles including fireworks at officers.
This stolen motor vehicle was successfully apprehended when it slowed on the dirt track and the occupants fled into the bush. All seven children, aged 15, 14, 13, 13, 12, 12, and 11 were arrested at the scene. All children remain in police custody this morning, except the 11-year-old who was released into the care of a responsible adult.
Strike Force Viper are leading investigations and police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2400097558. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Commander James Gray-Spence said “Operation Archer will continue in Alice Springs, both investigating overnight offences and also generating significant proactive activity, targeting an established list of wanted offenders.
“Operation Archer demonstrates our steadfast commitment to reduce all crime with coordinated responses using all available frontline, investigative and specialist capabilities.
“Thank you to police and frontline workers who deploy each and every night in Alice Springs responding to significant incidents. Your dedicated team work keeping Alice Springs safe is appreciated by everyone in the community.”
Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Yvan Gil Pinto, Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. They discussed the situation following Venezuela’s presidential election. The Secretary-General underscored the need for an inclusive political dialogue and respect for human rights. They exchanged views on Venezuela’s cooperation with the United Nations system.
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El Secretario General se reunió con S.E. Yvan Gil Pinto, Ministro del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Conversaron sobre la situación posterior a la elección presidencial de Venezuela. El Secretario General subrayó la necesidad de un diálogo político inclusivo y del respeto a los derechos humanos. Intercambiaron impresiones sobre la cooperación de Venezuela con el Sistema de las Naciones Unidas.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police have arrested two men after an aggravated burglary in Moulden overnight.
Around 11:50m, police received reports that 2 males had unlawfully entered a residence on Moulden Terrace, armed with edged weapons.
Two occupants were at home at the time, with one occupant confronting the pair near the outside staircase.
An altercation has occurred and both the 70-year-old male victim and the offender have allegedly fallen down the stairs.
The offenders fled the scene while the 70-year-old was conveyed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives from Serious Crime are investigating the incident and two adult males were arrested earlier today.
They both remain in custody and are expected to be charged later this evening.
Police are calling for residents to review their CCTV for suspicious behaviour and to contact 131 444 and quote reference number P24268490.
Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00 or through https://crimestoppers.com.au/.
Source: New Zealand Government
Catch limits for several fisheries will be increased following a review that shows stocks of those species are healthy and abundant.
The changes are being made as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s biannual sustainability review, which considers catch limits and management settings across New Zealand’s fisheries.
“Scientific evidence and information about our snapper stocks tells us these fisheries are thriving and abundant,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
“More of the fish can be sustainably harvested, which is why recreational allowances and commercial catch limits for some snapper stocks will be increased.
“Making the most of these abundant fisheries benefits those who make a living from our fisheries, and the economy,” Mr Jones says.
Other changes include increases in the recreational and commercial take in the Kaikōura pāua fishery, but also an increase in the minimum size.
“The pāua in this fishery continues to become healthier, following its devastation in the Kaikōura earthquakes.
“To make sure this fishery continues to do well by protecting more spawning pāua, I have increased the minimum size for pāua there from 125mm to 130mm.”
While some fisheries are doing well, others require reduced catch limits.
“Commercial catch limits and allowances for the Southland blue cod stock (BCO 5) have also been reduced. Blue cod is a popular fish for New Zealanders, and these reductions will help ensure this fishery is sustainable and can be enjoyed in future,” Mr Jones says.
Decisions are based on the best available scientific information about the stocks, as well as input from iwi and public feedback.
“I’d like to acknowledge everyone who provided feedback on the proposals. Submissions from tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishers, environmental groups, and the public play an important part in the advice I receive and the decisions made,” Mr Jones says.
More information can be found on Fisheries New Zealand’s website at: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-sustainability-measures-for-fisheries-october-2024-round/
Summary of the stocks with catch limit increases:
Summary of the stocks with catch limit decreases:
Stocks with adjustments to deemed value rates:
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement today after Hezbollah confirmed that Israel eliminated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and significant parts of Hezbollah’s command.
In a statement, Sen. Cruz said, “Israel’s actions against Hezbollah over the last two weeks have again and dramatically demonstrated why it is our most important ally in the Middle East. Hezbollah is an Iranian-controlled terrorist group that has the blood of hundreds of Americans and uncountable thousands of innocent civilians from across the world on their hands. The group and its leader Hassan Nasrallah were used by the Ayatollah to secure Iranian domination of Lebanon and build a network of terrorist armies across the Middle East. Israel’s successes in countering Hezbollah, including and especially the liquidation of Nasrallah yesterday, underscore in dramatic fashion that Israel and America share the same enemies, and that when our Israel allies move to advance their interests they directly enhance the national security of Americans.
“Unfortunately, Israel’s historical victories are being accomplished despite the policies of the Biden-Harris administration. The administration has allowed over $100 billion to flow towards the Iranian regime, money which then flowed to Hezbollah and enabled its terrorism against Americans, Israelis, and across the world. In Lebanon, Biden-Harris officials elevated Hezbollah both diplomatically and militarily, even successfully pressuring Israel to cede territory toward the group. They have refused to impose mandatory sanctions, which I drafted and passed into law in 2018, to hold Hezbollah accountable for its use of human shields. They consistently and falsely downplayed the extent of Hezbollah’s control over Lebanon and its malign activities, and sought to block efforts to counter that control. Meanwhile the administration has since day 1 sought to undermine and constrain Israel, and indeed over the last two weeks Biden-Harris officials have engaged in a frantic international effort to impose a ceasefire on Israel and prevent our Israeli allies from achieving its successes.
“Americans are immeasurably safer today because Israel ignored that pressure and dismantled Hezbollah. Israel’s achievements demonstrate beyond any doubt that these Biden-Harris policies have been catastrophic, and that the United States should reverse those policies.
“The Ayatollah will not give up his investment in Hezbollah. He will seek to rearm the terrorist group, and to use the Beirut Airport and Lebanese seaports to do so. American officials will be tempted to turn a blind eye to those activities, even as Biden-Harris officials continue to undermine Israel. Those policies acutely undermine the safety and prosperity of Americans. The policy of the United States should be to unequivocally support our Israeli allies as they continue to dismantle Iran’s terrorist infrastructure in Lebanon and across the Middle East, for as long as it takes.”
Source: China State Council Information Office
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday that it successfully intercepted a surface-to-surface missile launched from Yemen toward Israel.
The IDF stated that the missile was intercepted outside Israel’s borders.
The missile triggered sirens in several areas of central Israel, including Tel Aviv.
The Israeli Magen David Adom emergency health service reported that several people sustained minor injuries while rushing to shelters.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Hurricane Helene has led to the death of more than 30 people in the United States though it has weakened to a tropical storm after landfall.
The death toll has reached at least 35 across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, including the death of at least 17 people in South Carolina, according to a report by The Associated Press on Friday.
Hurricane Helene hit Florida’s Big Bend area Thursday night as a Category 4, but its impact carried far beyond into the states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Once expected to reach eight feet of rainfall, Florida’s Big Bend area received more than 15 feet.
Near 4 million people have had their power lines cut due to the storm and are without power, according to PowerOutage.US., which tracks and records power outages across the country. There is no news on when the outages will be restored.
In Georgia, around 115 buildings have been made structurally unsound, as officials rush to rescue those trapped inside. It has been reported that 50 Tennessee citizens are stuck on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital due to rising floodwaters. In North Carolina, 290 roads have been closed due to severe flooding and landslides. The state received close to 30 inches of rain due to the hurricane.
Currently, efforts are underway to free people trapped in buildings and areas inaccessible by foot. State patrols are sending out boats and choppers as part of their water rescue teams. The National Guard has deployed teams to Florida to help with any requests for assistance.
U.S. President Joe Biden has approved emergency declarations in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama prior to the landfall of Hurricane Helene.
Source: US State of North Carolina
Headline: Rescues Completed, Emergency Supplies Rushed to Western North Carolina Communities Hit by Hurricane Helene
Rescues Completed, Emergency Supplies Rushed to Western North Carolina Communities Hit by Hurricane Helene
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Rescue and recovery operations continue to take place in western North Carolina as resources and aid are brought into the region. While North Carolina Emergency Management officials are working around the clock to support local efforts and coordinate emergency supply drop-offs, communication problems persist in the region and North Carolinians are urged to not travel to the area.
“The catastrophic devastation to western North Carolina is like nothing we have ever seen,” said Governor Cooper. “Emergency responders are working around the clock coordinating rescues and getting resources to help people with their immediate needs as they work to save lives.”
Connect with loved ones
As of 8pm Saturday, a confirmed 10 North Carolinians have lost their lives due to Helene, with latest was a man who drove his truck on a flooded road. Swiftwater and helicopter rescue crews have rescued more than 200 people since Thursday.
Governor Cooper has urged communications providers including cell phone carriers and utilities to restore service as quickly as possible. North Carolina’s emergency management and transportation workers are pushing to open roads and rush supplies as quickly as possible. Utilities and communications are returning in some areas, but it may be days before service is fully restored.
Meanwhile, North Carolina residents trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from outside the state) to report missing loved ones. People in the impacted areas can indicate they are safe by checking in on Facebook crisis response or reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800- ED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies so the lines remain open for critical situations.
Emergency response efforts & resources
Emergency management crews are working with local officials in western North Carolina communities to assess damage and identify needs and find solutions. The State Emergency Operations Center is working around the clock to support locals and deliver supplies and aid.
Supplying drinkable water is a top priority for emergency crews. Seven water plants in Avery, Burke, Haywood, Jackson, Rutherford, Watauga and Yancey counties are closed, impacting nearly 70,000 households. A total of 17 water plants have reported having no power, and an additional 23 are operating on backup power. There are 50 boil water advisories in effect across western communities. Information on how to safely boil water is available on the CDC website: How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency.
The Governor has deployed the NC National Guard with 410 troops and 146 vehicles including high water vehicles to help with rescues, transport patients to medical care and deliver personnel and equipment to help with storm response.
Approximately 630,000 customers in North Carolina remained without power Saturday afternoon with the bulk of them within Buncombe County. Fifteen shelters are currently open and housing approximately 500 people. (See ReadyNC.gov for latest)
On Saturday Interstate 26 south of Asheville was opened but remains the only major thoroughfare into the region due to damage to Interstate 40 and other routes. State transportation officials continue to urge people to avoid travel anywhere in western North Carolina as about 390 roads and dozens of main highways remain closed Saturday due to flooding, downed trees, landslides or storm damage. The N.C. Department of Transportation is prioritizing work to reopen interstates, U.S. and state highways before getting to secondary routes, but the department also is working with utility companies and local emergency officials to find alternative routes and to assist in maintaining access to shelters and restoring power.
State officials report that while many of the rivers and tributaries are still far above flood stage, waters are receding and most are expected to be back to near-normal levels by late Monday.
For the latest updates and information, check these resources:
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Source: China State Council Information Office
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in New York on Friday China is ready to work with Peru to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
China-Peru relations have long been at the forefront of China-Latin America relations, he said, adding that China values its relations with Peru.
Wang also said that the Chinese side firmly supports Peru as the host of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November.
He called on both sides to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs and take China-Peru relations to a new level in the new era.
For his part, Schialer said Peruvian companies are optimistic about the Chinese market, and look forward to strengthening cooperation with China.
He added that his country welcomes more investment by Chinese businesses in Peru.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Hezbollah confirmed on Saturday that its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was killed in the Israeli airstrikes targeting the militant group’s command headquarters a day earlier in Dahieh, Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Previously, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday that the Hezbollah leader was killed in an airstrike on the Lebanese organization’s target in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The statement said that Ali Karki, commander of the southern front in Hezbollah, and other commanders in the militant group were also killed in the massive airstrike.
“Warplanes of the Air Force under the precise intelligence guidance of the Military Intelligence and the defense system, attacked the central headquarters of Hezbollah, located underground, under a residential building in Dahieh in Beirut,” according to the statement.
It added that the attack was carried out while top commanders of Hezbollah were at their headquarters.
Israel has intensified its airstrikes across Lebanon since Monday, marking the most extensive military action in the region since 2006.
This marks the latest escalation of the ongoing clashes that began on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah started launching rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, prompting Israel’s retaliatory artillery fire and airstrikes into southeastern Lebanon.
Source: China State Council Information Office
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in New York on Friday that China is willing to join Egypt in pushing their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, bilateral ties have maintained a sound momentum of development, he said.
China, Wang said, is ready to work with Egypt to implement the consensus reached by the two presidents, carry forward the fine tradition of strong support for each other, advance mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation in various fields, and jointly stride toward the direction of building a community with a shared future.
The Chinese side is ready to closely coordinate with Egypt within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the BRICS mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries, he added.
For his part, Abdelatty said Egypt is willing to work with China to implement the consensus between the leaders of the two countries, and deepen cooperation in various fields.
He also said that Egypt welcomes continuous participation by Chinese enterprises in Egypt’s modernization.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) — China is willing to enhance cooperation with the United Nations in promoting world peace and development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday at a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Meeting Guterres at the UN headquarters on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th UN General Assembly, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated the UN on its success in convening the Summit of the Future. The adoption of the Pact for the Future reflects the common aspirations of most countries and is a document that embodies the principles of multilateralism.
China stands ready to enhance cooperation with the UN, so as to promote world peace and development, translate the vision of the Pact for the Future into reality, and chart a better future for humankind, Wang said.
Upholding the authority of the UN and letting the UN play the core role in international affairs is more important than ever, now that the international landscape becomes increasingly complicated and global challenges and risks are highlighted, Wang said.
China fully supports the work of the UN, including the reform of the current framework governing international finance, as well as the UN’s role as the main channel coordinating the application of artificial intelligence in global governance, Wang said.
China’s support for the UN also involves facilitating the organization’s active pursuit for the resolution of the Ukraine crisis and the conflict in Gaza, so that the UN is capable of better maintaining world peace and security, he said.
Appreciating China’s long-term support for the UN and the country’s active contribution to the Summit of the Future, Guterres expressed the hope that all parties will put their commitment into action, jointly implementing the hard-won Pact for the Future.
In today’s world where the risk of fragmentation is setting back the process of globalization, Guterres called on all members of the international community to join hands in opposing protectionism, saying that the UN, while expecting and believing that China will continue to play an important role in international affairs, will spare no effort for peace and fulfill its responsibility for development. Enditem