Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Pushes for Commitment to Keep Georgia Social Security Offices Open After Trump Administration Takes Aim at Seniors 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    WATCH: Senator Reverend Warnock Pushes for Commitment to Keep Georgia Social Security Offices Open After Trump Administration Takes Aim at Seniors 

    At Tuesday’s Senate Finance committee hearing, Senator Reverend Warnock questioned Frank Bisignano, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Social Security Administration (SSA)
    Senator Reverend Warnock pushed Bisignano to commit to keeping all field offices in the state open for Georgia seniors
    This month, SSA announced it was making access to benefits more difficult for seniors, no longer allowing individuals to apply for benefits or request a direct deposit change over the phone; the proposed change could lead to an increase of 7 million visits to field offices per year across the country, and an estimated 200,000 additional visits in Georgia alone
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “Retirees in Georgia who rely on Social Security deserve reliable, timely delivery of their full benefits with world class customer service. […] That’s why so many Georgians and I were alarmed looking at what’s happening last month when several news outlets reported that Elon Musk and his DOGE team announced on their own website plans to permanently close five Social Security customer service offices throughout Georgia”

    Watch Senator Reverend Warnock at Tuesday’s Senate Finance committee hearing HERE
    Washington, D.C. – Today, during a Senate Finance committee hearing on the nomination of Frank Bisignano to lead the Social Security Administration (SSA), U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) pushed the nominee to commit to keeping all field offices in the state open for Georgia seniors and increasing staffing at Georgia field offices. The Senator’s push comes after the SSA announced it was making access to benefits more difficult for seniors, no longer allowing individuals to apply for benefits or request a direct deposit change over the phone. These and other proposed changes at the SSA could lead to an increase of 7 million visits to field offices per year across the country, and an estimated 200,000 additional visits in Georgia alone. Senator Warnock is committed to ensuring Georgians can easily and efficiently access their benefits that they have paid into over their lifetime. 
    The line of questioning also comes after DOGE announced the closure of five Georgia SSA offices, only to walk back the announcement after the Senator brought attention to the deeply unpopular decision. 
    “Retirees in Georgia who rely on Social Security deserve reliable, timely delivery of their full benefits with world class customer service. […] That’s why so many Georgians and I were alarmed looking at what’s happening last month when several news outlets reported that Elon Musk and his DOGE team announced on their own website plans to permanently close five Social Security customer service offices throughout Georgia. These closures in Brunswick, Columbus, Gainesville, Thomasville, and Vidalia would give Georgia the highest number of planned Social Security office closures of any state. Those five cities represent five counties with over 136,000 people who rely on Social Security benefits,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. 
    The SSA, through both retirement benefits and disability insurance, provides support to 68 million Americans. Without Social Security, nearly 40 percent of people over age 65 would be living in poverty. Social Security has reduced elderly poverty to less than 12 percent according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.  
    “I just need to know, when it comes to office closures, who’s going to be making that decision, you or Elon Musk?” asked Senator Reverend Warnock. 
    “Me,” Frank Bisignano replied. 
    “That’s a good answer. The seniors in my state, those are the folks I’m concerned about. Will you commit to keeping all field offices in my state open for Georgia seniors?” Senator Reverend Warnock asked. 
    In response, Mr. Bisignano said, “You know, I was asked this question more than one time today, and what I will commit to is that there will be no decision made without you knowing about it. I have no intent to close field offices, but I’ve studied nothing on the topic. So it’s a little hard to commit to something without…”
    Senator Reverend Warnock interjected, “I think study is a good thing, and what we’ve seen so far is no study, no real knowledge about what’s going on, just an effort to close offices, to be able to announce that you’re addressing waste, fraud and abuse.”
    Watch the Senator’s full remarks HERE.
    See below a transcript of key exchanges between Senator Warnock and SSA nominee Frank Bisignano (remarks have been lightly edited for clarity):
    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “I want to follow up on some of the issues that we discussed in my office. When we met, I shared with you my strong view that retirees in Georgia who rely on Social Security deserve reliable, timely delivery of their full benefits with world class customer service, and you’ve got a long record of delivering that in the private sphere. That’s why so many Georgians and I were alarmed looking at what’s happening last month when several news outlets reported that Elon Musk and his DOGE team announced on their own website plans to permanently close five Social Security customer service offices throughout Georgia. These closures in Brunswick, Columbus, Gainesville, Thomasville, and Vidalia would give Georgia the highest number of planned Social Security office closures of any state. Those five cities represent five counties with over 136,000 people who rely on Social Security benefits. But since I raised the alarm, since I made some noise about this, DOGE is suddenly out on X, I guess that’s what you call the platform now, denying the closures that it posted on its own website. They posted those closures on their website, and now no one seems to know what’s true or whether or not these announced closures will affect Georgians access to their benefits or other services. So, sir, I know that you aren’t currently at the Social Security Administration, and perhaps you can’t speak to the plans hatched by Elon Musk or DOGE. But if you’re confirmed to lead the agency, Americans deserve to know who will actually be in charge of their benefits. I think we heard an answer from you a moment ago, from my colleague, but I’m going to ask you again for the record, where will the buck stop on this decision, specifically with respect to office closures? As someone who represents the state where they announced five closures–I made noise about it, it was on their website, then they withdrew them and acted like I made it up, they put it on their website–I just need to know, when it comes to office closures, who’s going to be making that decision, you or Elon Musk?”
    Frank Bisignano (FB): “Me.”
    SRW: “That’s a good answer. The seniors in my state, those are the folks I’m concerned about. Will you commit to keeping all field offices in my state open for Georgia seniors?”
    FB: “You know, I was asked this question more than one time today, and what I will commit to is that there will be no decision made without you knowing about it. I have no intent to close field offices, but I’ve studied nothing on the topic. So it’s a little hard to commit to something without…”
    SRW: “I think study is a good thing, and what we’ve seen so far is no study, no real knowledge about what’s going on, just an effort to close offices, to be able to announce that you’re addressing waste, fraud, and abuse. And we all know this is true, regardless of whether we’re Democrats or Republicans, because then they have to go back and rehire some of the people they fire. And you’re a businessman, sir, and you said earlier you wouldn’t operate in this way. And the reason I’m asking about these field offices, and these announced changes, is because it could lead to an increase of 7 million visits to field offices per year across the country, especially with the fact that they’re now not allowing you to call on the phone. An estimated 200,000 additional visits in Georgia alone, which is why, frankly, I think that it’s a terrible idea. But if confirmed, will you commit to increased staffing at Georgia field offices to account for this massive, expected increase in appointments, and to help ensure Georgians can easily and efficiently make appointments. Let me be clear about what I’m asking you: if you’re no longer able to call on the phone, which is a decision that’s already been made, and you have to go online or go to the office and actually have an in-person appointment, you’re going to have a backlog. So I want to know what’s the answer to that. How is it that I can assure the seniors in my church that their lines are not going to get longer and longer? I disagree with the Commerce Secretary who said, well, if his mother-in-law missed a check, she wouldn’t worry about it. I guess she wouldn’t. Her son-in-law is a billionaire. That is not the story of the seniors in my church. Will you make sure that they have access to find out what’s going on with the benefits that they have earned?”
    FB: “Senator, first of all, thank you very much. I’ve spent my career overseeing financial institutions, and today I serve 3,500 financial institutions in America, and that means we have community banks, rural banks, and I know what it means to have to serve neighborhoods and serve rural communities. My commitment is that it will be a fact based, rule-based organization we run, that we will ensure we have the staffing to get the best level of service for our constituents. So I’m giving you a longer answer, but we will have the talent that we need to get the job done at a service level better than today’s.”
    SRW: “I appreciate the answer. I’m just trying to get Georgia residents, senior citizens, the benefits that they have earned. No one is giving them anything, they paid into the system. Thank you.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Migrant deaths in Asia hit record high in 2024, UN data reveals

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Migrants and Refugees

    The year 2024 marked the deadliest on record for migrants in Asia, with at least 2,514 lives lost along the region’s perilous migration routes, according to new data from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM).

    This represents a staggering 59 per cent increase from the 1,584 deaths recorded in 2023, highlighting the worsening dangers faced by people on the move.

    No one should lose their life in pursuit of safety or a better future,” said Iori Kato, IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

    Every life lost on migration routes in Asia, or anywhere else, is a stark reminder of the urgent need for safe and regular migration pathways – these are preventable tragedies.”

    Source: IOM

    Migrant deaths in Asia since 2014; data for 2025 as of 15 March.

    Rohingya, Afghans most at risk

    The spike in migrant deaths was primarily linked to two of the region’s most vulnerable populations: the minority Muslim Rohingya fleeing Myanmar and Afghans escaping conflict and instability.

    “The increase in deaths across Asia of people fleeing conflict and persecution in the region is of grave concern,” Mr. Kato said.

    In 2024, at least 1,517 Afghan migrants lost their lives while in transit – up 39 per cent from 2023.

    Deaths among Rohingya migrants more than doubled, reaching 889 compared to 436 the previous year.

    On 5 August 2024 alone, over 150 people were reportedly killed by artillery fire while attempting to cross the Naf River from Myanmar to Bangladesh.

    IOM also highlighted that the risks facing migrants extended beyond conflict-related violence. Many are vulnerable to perilous conditions en route, including overcrowded and unsafe boats, abuse by smugglers and extreme weather conditions.

    Crisis of missing migrants

    Lack of identification of migrants was also a major concern, with over 1,000 of those who died in 2024 unidentified. Among the documented deaths, 1,086 were men, 205 were women, and 217 children.

    “A lack of official reporting of data on missing migrants means we know our data do not fully capture the true number of lives lost during migration in Asia,” Mr. Kato said.

    “And even within the records we have, so few identifying details are known, meaning there are immeasurable effects on families searching for lost relatives,” he added.

    UNICEF/Patrick Brown

    A man helps a woman to the shore as a boat arrives with Rohingya refugees in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. (file)

    Asia’s deadly migration routes

    Migration in Asia is complex, driven by economic inequality, conflict and environmental factors, worsened by climate change. However, limited legal pathways have forced many to rely on irregular and highly dangerous routes.

    One of the deadliest corridors remains the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, where stateless Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants embark on treacherous sea journeys in search of refuge. Many pay smugglers for passage, only to find themselves trapped on overcrowded boats with insufficient food and water, facing violence from crew members and the risk of being turned away at their destination.

    Meanwhile, overland migration routes across South and Southeast Asia – such as those from Nepal to India, or from Afghanistan and Pakistan through Iran and Turkey – also pose serious risks. Migrants frequently endure extreme environmental conditions, exploitation by traffickers, and border violence.

    Sea crossings to Australia, once a significant migration route, have sharply declined in recent years due to strict border controls, according to IOM.

    While official data on boat interceptions remains scarce, the closure of this route has left many stranded in transit countries with little access to healthcare, education or legal protection, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace shocked by Govt MP’s attempt to strip New Zealanders’ democratic rights

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace Aotearoa is condemning a Government MP’s proposed Members’ Bill, which aims to prevent New Zealanders from seeking action on climate change through the legal system.
    National Party MP Joseph Mooney’s Climate Change (Restriction on Civil Proceedings) Bill seeks to establish policy that prohibits tort claims related to climate change.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Amanda Larsson say, “This bill would have a chilling effect on New Zealanders’ democratic rights and our ability to secure a liveable future for our kids and grandkids.
    “The judicial system is a cornerstone of democracy because checks and balances are needed to protect the public interest. This Bill attempts a complete overreach of executive political power.”
    The Bill specifically references the legal case Smith v Fonterra, in which iwi leader Mike Smith has sued Fonterra and New Zealand’s other biggest polluters for the harm they have done in contributing to climate change. The case is groundbreaking and has received significant attention in New Zealand and overseas.
    “It is alarming the lengths that Luxon’s Government will go to secure wealthy industry executives’ profits over the rights of regular people,” says Larsson.
    “This is just the latest chapter in Luxon’s War on Nature, which is tearing down environmental, climate and health protections at the behest of corporate lobbyists.
    “Climate change is an existential threat, and we’re in the fight for our lives. New Zealanders want a future for their kids, with clean land, air and water. But Luxon’s vision of New Zealand is an industrial wasteland churning out milk powder and minerals in exchange for poisoned drinking water, dead oceans and more extreme floods, cyclones and droughts.”
    Mooney’s Members’ Bill was submitted hot on the heels of Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters’ state of the nation speech, in which he criticised the Paris Climate Agreement. ACT leader and soon-to-be Deputy Prime Minister, David Seymour, has also recently questioned whether New Zealand should remain a signatory to the deal.
    “It’s time for Christopher Luxon to explain to New Zealanders where his government really stands on climate change. You cannot claim to be committed to climate action while your ministers and MPs run rings around you, threatening to abandon efforts to protect our children’s future and take away people’s democratic rights in the process.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards $2.5M in incremental funding to continue disaster-relief jobs, training services for people affected by Maui wildfires

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an incremental award of $2.5 million to Hawaii to continue employment and training services, and support disaster-relief jobs for people in communities harmed by severe wildfires that swept across the island of Maui on Aug. 8, 2023. 

    In the late summer of 2023, the department’s Employment and Training Administration responded by announcing the award of Disaster Recovery Grant funding of up to $21 million, with an initial award of $10.5 million, to assist with cleanup and recovery activities. With this incremental funding, the total awarded for the project is $13 million. 

    This Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant allows the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to provide people with temporary jobs focused on cleaning up debris and repairing damage caused by the fires, as well as providing employment and training services to wildfire survivors. 

    Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Petrus Resources Announces Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2024 Financial, Operating & Reserves Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Petrus Resources Ltd. (“Petrus” or the “Company”) (TSX: PRQ) is pleased to report financial and operating results as at and for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and to provide 2024 year end reserves information as evaluated by Insite Petroleum Consultants Ltd. (“Insite”). The Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) and audited consolidated financial statements are available on SEDAR+ (the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval) at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Q4 2024 HIGHLIGHTS:

    • Dividends – Throughout the fourth quarter Petrus paid a dividend of $0.01 per share per month, totaling $3.7 million. Including the dividend declared on March 3, 2025 payable on March 31, 2025, Petrus will have cumulatively paid $0.18 per share, or $22.4 million in dividends since the company began paying dividends in Q4 2023. Based on the average closing share price at March 24, 2025 of $1.36 per share, the current dividend yield is approximately 9% annually.
    • Production – Production for the fourth quarter of 2024 averaged 9,066 boe/d(1), which was relatively flat compared to 9,215 boe/d in the third quarter of 2024, as natural declines were largely offset by new wells that were brought on production in December 2024.
    • Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) production – NGL production increased to 1,810 bbl/d in the fourth quarter of 2024, up 24% compared to 1,465 bbl/d in the third quarter of 2024. Strategic efforts to improve NGL recoveries resulted in the NGL yield increasing by 25%, from 40 bbl/mmcf of gas in Q4 2023 to 50 bbl/mmcf of gas in Q4 2024.
    • Commodity prices – Total realized price was $26.45/boe in the fourth quarter of 2024, up 10% from $24.07/boe in the third quarter of 2024. Increases were seen across all commodities, with the most notable change in realized natural gas pricing, which was up 101% compared to the prior quarter.
    • Funds flow(2) Petrus generated funds flow of $12.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $10.7 million in the third quarter of 2024. The 17% increase is due to the higher natural gas prices combined with higher NGL production volumes.
    • Net debt(2) Net debt was $60.1 million at the end of Q4 2024, which was down $0.3 million compared to the end of the prior quarter.

    2024 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS:

    • Commodity prices – Total realized price was $27.24/boe in 2024, a decrease of 18% from $33.31/boe in 2023. Realized natural gas prices declined by 47% from $3.01/mcf in 2023 to $1.60/mcf in 2024.
    • Capital expenditures – Total capital expenditures were $31.8 million in 2024, down from $86.8 million in 2023 as the Company reduced its capital expenditures program in response to lower natural gas prices.
    • Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) production – NGL production was higher by 3% in 2024, increasing to 1,623 bbl/d compared to 1,575 bbl/d in 2023.
    • Production – Production for 2024 averaged 9,382 boe/d(1), as compared to 10,301 boe/d in 2023. The 9% decrease was primarily due to natural declines and a reduced capital program.
    • Funds flow(2) Petrus generated funds flow of $50.1 million in 2024 compared to $78.0 million in 2023. The 36% decrease was due to a combination of lower natural gas prices and reduced production.
    • Net debt(2) Petrus reduced net debt by $2.5 million from $62.6 million at year end 2023 to $60.1 million at year end 2024.

    2025 OUTLOOK(3)

    In 2025, Petrus will continue to execute its strategy of disciplined capital investment, focusing on projects that sustain production, increase liquids weighting, enhance capital efficiency, and drive free funds flow. On February 12, 2025, we announced our 2025 capital budget and guidance, available under the ‘News & Events’ section of our website.

    The 2025 capital program began early in the year with a return to drilling in Ferrier. Completion operations were carried out in February and new wells were brought on before the end of the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, construction of the 12-kilometer expansion of the North Ferrier pipeline was completed in March. This infrastructure investment will further improve access to undeveloped lands and allow the Company to transport both its own and third-party natural gas to the Petrus’ operated Ferrier gas plant, providing cost-effective processing and the opportunity to generate additional revenue through third-party fees.

    For the balance of 2025, the Company has hedged approximately 53% of forecasted production at an average of $2.67/GJ for natural gas and CAD$94.81/bbl for oil. The Company is well-positioned to carry out its 2025 capital program and achieve guidance targets. As always, Petrus will closely monitor market conditions and is prepared to adjust its capital program as needed, guided by its commitment to delivering sustainable returns to shareholders.

    FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR-END 2024 CONFERENCE CALL

    Date: March 26, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am (mountain time)
    Please refer to the events page on Petrus’ website for conference call details and links: www.petrusresources.com/events

    ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

    The Company’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 1:30 pm (mountain time).
    Please refer to the events page on Petrus’ website for location details: www.petrusresources.com/events

    For further information, please contact:

    Ken Gray, P.Eng.
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    T: (403) 930-0889
    E: kgray@petrusresources.com

    (1)Disclosure of production on a per boe basis consists of the constituent product types and their respective quantities. Refer to “BOE Presentation” and “Production & Product Type Information” for further details.
    (2)Non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP ratio. Refer to “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”.
    (3)Refer to “Advisories – Forward-Looking Statements”.

    SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    OPERATIONS Twelve months
    ended
     

    Dec. 31, 2024

    Twelve months
    ended

    Dec. 31, 2023

    Three months
    ended

    Dec. 31, 2024

    Three months
    ended

    Sept. 30, 2024

    Three months
    ended

    Jun. 30, 2024

    Three months
    ended

    Mar. 31, 2024

    Average Production            
    Natural gas (mcf/d) 38,149   42,779   36,178   37,368   38,908   40,174  
    Oil and condensate(1) (bbl/d) 1,400   1,595   1,226   1,522   1,322   1,529  
    NGLs (bbl/d) 1,623   1,575   1,810   1,465   1,664   1,557  
    Total (boe/d) 9,382   10,301   9,066   9,215   9,471   9,783  
    Total (boe)(1) 3,433,994   3,760,004   834,111   847,760   861,838   890,267  
    Liquids weighting 32 % 31 % 33 % 32 % 32 % 32 %
    Realized Prices            
    Natural gas ($/mcf) 1.60   3.01   1.61   0.80   1.41   2.54  
    Oil and condensate(1) ($/bbl) 94.35   95.61   93.60   90.80   103.77   90.38  
    NGLs ($/bbl) 38.44   39.31   36.90   36.81   37.25   43.09  
    Total realized price ($/boe) 27.24   33.31   26.45   24.07   26.81   31.42  
    Royalty income 0.05   0.09   0.03   0.05   0.05   0.07  
    Royalty expense (3.66 ) (4.59 ) (3.85 ) (3.06 ) (3.83 ) (3.89 )
    Gain (loss) on risk management activities   0.40          
    Net oil and natural gas revenue ($/boe) 23.63   29.21   22.63   21.06   23.03   27.60  
    Operating expense (5.93 ) (6.25 ) (5.89 ) (6.10 ) (4.96 ) (6.76 )
    Transportation expense (1.55 ) (1.63 ) (1.44 ) (1.46 ) (1.46 ) (1.81 )
    Operating netback(2)($/boe) 16.15   21.33   15.30   13.50   16.61   19.03  
    Realized gain (loss) on financial derivatives 2.02   2.14   3.04   2.49   (0.36 ) 2.90  
    Other cash income (expense) 0.34   0.02   1.19   0.09   0.05   0.05  
    General & administrative expense (1.54 ) (1.11 ) (2.10 ) (1.43 ) (1.34 ) (1.32 )
    Cash finance expense (1.87 ) (1.28 ) (1.83 ) (1.95 ) (1.91 ) (1.78 )
    Decommissioning expenditures (0.52 ) (0.37 ) (0.61 ) (0.12 ) (0.72 ) (0.61 )
    Funds flow & corporate netback(2)($/boe) 14.58   20.73   14.99   12.58   12.33   18.27  
                 
    FINANCIAL (000s except $ per share) Twelve months
    ended

    Dec. 31, 2024

    Twelve months
    ended

    Dec. 31, 2023

    Three months
    ended

    Dec. 31, 2024

    Three months
    ended

    Sept. 30, 2024

    Three months
    ended

    Jun. 30, 2024

    Three months
    ended

    Mar. 31, 2024

    Oil and natural gas sales 93,721   125,605   22,085   20,446   23,150   28,039  
    Net income (loss) (1,246 ) 50,731   (4,004 ) 5,302   2,789   (5,333 )
    Net income (loss) per share            
    Basic (0.01 ) 0.41   (0.03 ) 0.04   0.02   (0.04 )
    Fully diluted (0.01 ) 0.40   (0.03 ) 0.04   0.02   (0.04 )
    Funds flow(2) 50,058   78,024   12,493   10,665   10,628   16,272  
    Funds flow per share(2)            
    Basic 0.40   0.63   0.10   0.09   0.09   0.13  
    Fully diluted 0.40   0.62   0.10   0.08   0.08   0.13  
    Capital expenditures 31,814   86,843   7,705   4,859   6,907   12,343  
    Weighted average shares outstanding            
    Basic 124,389   123,469   124,497   124,372   124,290   124,299  
    Fully diluted 124,389   126,436   124,497   126,686   126,559   124,299  
    As at period end            
    Common shares outstanding            
    Basic 125,113   124,266   125,113   124,372   124,372   124,259  
    Fully diluted 134,919   134,542   134,919   134,952   134,919   134,484  
    Total assets 420,124   437,842   420,124   421,196   419,584   427,574  
    Non-current liabilities 65,475   60,926   65,475   62,869   59,511   59,995  
    Net debt(2) 60,080   62,596   60,080   60,423   61,848   63,114  

    (1)   Disclosure of production on a per boe basis consists of the constituent product types and their respective quantities. Refer to “BOE Presentation” and “Production & Product Type Information” for further details.
    (2)   Non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP ratio. Refer to “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”.


    OPERATIONS UPDATE

    Fourth quarter average production by area was as follows:

    For the three months ended December 31, 2024 Ferrier & North
    Ferrier
    Foothills Central Alberta Total
    Natural gas (mcf/d) 31,052 539 4,587 36,178
    Oil and condensate (bbl/d) 928 54 244 1,226
    NGLs (bbl/d) 1,665 7 138 1,810
    Total (boe/d)(1) 7,768 151 1,147 9,066

    (1)   Disclosure of production on a per boe basis consists of the constituent product types and their respective quantities. Refer to “BOE Presentation” and “Production & Product Type Information” for further details.

    Production for the fourth quarter of 2024 averaged 9,066 boe/d, as compared to 9,474 boe/d in the fourth quarter of 2023. The 4% decrease was primarily due to natural declines and strategic shut-ins due to low natural gas prices and was partially offset by new wells that commenced production in December 2024.

    RESERVES

    Petrus’ 2024 year end reserves were evaluated by its independent reserves evaluator, Insite, in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGE Handbook”) and National instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”) as of December 31, 2024 (“2024 Insite Report”). Additional reserve information as required under NI 51-101 will be included in our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which will be available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR (the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval) at www.sedarplus.com.

    Petrus has a reserves committee, comprised of a majority of independent board members, that reviews the qualifications and appointment of the independent reserves evaluator. The committee also reviews the procedures for providing information to the evaluators. All booked reserves are based upon annual evaluations by the independent qualified reserve evaluator conducted in accordance with the COGE Handbook and NI 51-101. The evaluations are conducted using all available geological and engineering data. The reserves committee has reviewed the reserves information and approved the 2024 Insite Report.

    The following table provides a summary of the Company’s before tax reserves as evaluated by Insite:

    As at December 31, 2024 Total Company Interest (1)(3)
    Reserve Category Conventional
    Natural Gas
    (mmcf)
    Light and
    Medium
    Crude Oil

    (mbbl)
    NGL
    (mbbl)
    Total
    (mboe)
    NPV 0%(2)
    ($000s)
    NPV 5%(2)
    ($000s)
    NPV 10%(2)
    ($000s)
    Proved Developed Producing 72,283 764 4,661 17,472 300,947 242,886 206,936
    Proved Developed Non-Producing 1,434 19 67 325 3,397 2,821 2,335
    Proved Undeveloped 120,479 3,060 7,235 30,375 425,388 255,976 155,680
    Total Proved 194,196 3,843 11,963 48,172 729,733 501,683 362,616
    Proved + Probable Producing 86,694 913 5,598 20,960 382,364 291,613 238,115
    Total Probable 96,481 3,434 5,405 24,919 499,146 294,964 192,562
    Total Proved Plus Probable 290,677 7,277 17,368 73,091 1,228,879 796,647 555,178

    (1)Tables may not add due to rounding.
    (2)NPV 0%, NPV 5% and NPV 10% refer to the risked net present value of the future net revenue of the Company’s reserves, discounted by 0%, 5% and 10%, respectively
    and is presented before tax and based on Insite’s pricing assumptions.
    (3)Total company interest reserve volumes presented therein are presented as the Company’s total working interest before the deduction of royalties (but after including any royalty interests of Petrus).

    The Company produced 3.4 mmboe during 2024 and ended the year with 17.5 mmboe of Proved Developed Producing (“PDP”) reserves (31% oil and liquids).

    Petrus ended 2024 with $206.9 million, $362.6 million and $555.2 million of PDP, Total Proved (“TP”), and Total Proved plus Probable (“P+P”) reserve value before-tax, respectively, discounted at 10%, based on the 2024 Insite Report. In 2024, the Company realized Finding and Development (“F&D”)(1)(2) costs of $12.58/boe for PDP reserves.

    Based on the 2024 Insite Report, the Company’s PDP reserve value before-tax, discounted at 10% is $1.32 per share (134,918,886 fully-diluted common shares outstanding at December 31, 2024). On the same basis, the Company’s P+P reserve value before-tax, discouted at 10%, is $3.90 per share.  

    (1)Refer to “Oil and Gas Disclosures”
    (2)While F&D costs are commonly used in the oil and nature gas industry and have been prepared by management, these terms do not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and, therefore, should not be used to make such comparisons.


    FUTURE DEVELOPMENT COST

    Future Development Cost (“FDC”) reflects Insite’s best estimate of what it will cost to bring the P+P undeveloped reserves on production. The following table provides a summary of the Company’s FDC as set forth in the 2024 Insite Report:

    Future Development Cost ($000s) Total Proved Total Proved + Probable
    2025 44,349 44,349
    2026 138,485 138,485
    2027 151,518 164,611
    2028 83,030 147,282
    Thereafter 130,453
    Total FDC, Undiscounted 417,381 625,179
    Total FDC, Discounted at 10% 345,611 489,942


    PERFORMANCE RATIOS

    The following table highlights annual performance ratios for the Company from 2020 to 2024(2):

      December 31,
    2024
    December 31,
    2023
    December 31,
    2022
    December 31,
    2021
    December 31,
    2020
    Proved Producing          
    FD&A ($/boe) (1) 12.58 19.67 12.58 15.64 4.83  
    F&D ($/boe) (1) 12.58 19.67 12.70 8.90 4.83  
    Reserve Life Index (yr) (1) 5.24 5.27 5.31 5.41 5.20  
    Reserve Replacement Ratio (1) 0.74 1.15 3.20 0.78 1.20  
    FD&A Recycle Ratio (1) 1.28 1.06 2.91 1.58 2.60  
    Proved Developed          
    FD&A ($/boe) (1) 12.63 19.34 12.50 14.54 4.71  
    F&D ($/boe) (1) 12.63 19.34 12.61 8.53 4.71  
    Reserve Life Index (yr) (1) 5.33 5.36 5.39 5.50 5.20  
    Reserve Replacement Ratio (1) 0.73 1.17 3.22 0.84 1.20  
    FD&A Recycle Ratio (1) 1.28 1.08 2.93 1.70 2.70  
    Total Proved          
    FD&A ($/boe) (1) 17.53 14.50 18.24 10.51 1.29  
    F&D ($/boe) (1) 17.53 14.50 33.99 9.24 1.29  
    Reserve Life Index (yr) (1) 14.4 13.85 12.18 15.30 10.90  
    Reserve Replacement Ratio (1) 0.97 2.98 3.79 4.50 (1.00 )
    FD&A Recycle Ratio (1) 0.92 1.44 2.01 2.35 9.80  
    Future Development Cost (undiscounted) ($000s) 417,381 391,058 313,786 233,684 156,815  
    Total Proved + Probable          
    FD&A ($/boe) (1) 33.63 14.00 15.66 10.57 0.37  
    F&D ($/boe) (1) 33.63 14.00 36.12 8.36 0.37  
    Reserve Life Index (yr) (1) 21.9 21.62 19.68 23.29 17.70  
    Reserve Replacement Ratio (1) 0.33 3.49 6.63 5.10 (1.30 )
    FD&A Recycle Ratio (1) 0.48 1.50 2.34 2.33 33.70  
    Future Development Cost (undiscounted) ($000s) 625,179 618,437 519,823 343,489 252,335  

    (1)Refer to “Oil and Gas Disclosures”
    (2)While FD&A cost and F&D costs, reserve life index, reserve replacement ratio and FD&A recycle ratio are commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry and have been prepared by management, these terms do not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and, therefore, should not be used to make such comparisons.


    NET ASSET VALUE

    The following table shows the Company’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”), calculated using the 2024 Insite Report and Insite’s December 31, 2024 price forecast. The reader is cautioned that these amounts may not be directly comparable to other companies, as the term “Net Asset Value” does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP or NI 51-101. Management believes that net asset value provides a useful measure to analyze the comparative change in the Company’s estimated value on a normalized basis.

    As at December 31, 2024 ($000s except per share) Proved Developed
    Producing
      Total Proved   Proved + Probable  
    Present Value Reserves, before tax (discounted at 10%) (1) 206,936   362,616   555,178  
    Undeveloped Land Value (2) 30,758   30,758   30,758  
    Net Debt (3) (60,080 ) (60,080 ) (60,080 )
    Net Asset Value 177,614   333,294   525,856  
    Fully Diluted Shares Outstanding 134,919   134,919   134,919  
    Estimated Net Asset Value per Fully Diluted Share $1.32   $2.47   $3.90  

    (1)Based on the 2024 Insite Report, using the forecast future prices and costs.
    (2)Based on the exploration and evaluation assets as per the Company’s December 31, 2024 audited consolidated financial statements.
    (3)Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures”.


    NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

    This press release makes reference to the terms “operating netback” (on an absolute and $/boe basis), “corporate netback” (on an absolute and $/boe basis), “funds flow” (on an absolute, per share (basic and fully diluted) and $/boe basis), and “net debt”. These non-GAAP and other financial measures are not recognized measures under GAAP (IFRS) and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP (IFRS). Accordingly, the Company’s use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. These non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered to be more meaningful than GAAP measures which are determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of our performance. Management uses these non-GAAP and other financial measures for the reasons set forth below.

    Operating Netback
    Operating netback is a common non-GAAP financial measure used in the oil and natural gas industry which is a useful supplemental measure to evaluate the specific operating performance by product type at the oil and natural gas lease level. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to operating netback is oil and natural gas sales. Operating netback is calculated as oil and natural gas sales less royalty expenses, gain (loss) on risk management activities, operating expenses and transportation expenses. See below for a reconciliation of operating netback to oil and natural gas sales.

    Operating netback ($/boe) is a non-GAAP ratio used in the oil and natural gas industry which is a useful supplemental measure to evaluate the specific operating performance by product type at the oil and natural gas lease level. It is calculated as operating netbacks divided by weighted average daily production on a per boe basis. See below.

    Corporate Netback and Funds Flow
    Corporate netback or funds flow is a common non-GAAP financial measure used in the oil and natural gas industry which evaluates the Company’s profitability at the corporate level. Corporate netback and funds flow are used interchangeably. Petrus analyzes these measures on an absolute value and on a per unit (boe) and per share (basic and fully diluted) basis as non-GAAP ratios. Management believes that funds flow and corporate netback provide information to assist a reader in understanding the Company’s profitability relative to current commodity prices. They are calculated as the operating netback less general and administrative expense, cash finance expense and decommissioning expenditures, plus or minus other income (expense) and the realized gain (loss) on financial derivatives. See below for a reconciliation of funds flow and corporate netback to oil and natural gas sales.

    Corporate netback ($/boe) or funds flow ($/boe) is a non-GAAP ratio used in the oil and natural gas industry which evaluates the Company’s profitability at the corporate level. Management believes that funds flow ($/boe) or corporate netback ($/boe) provide information to assist a reader in understanding the Company’s profitability relative to current commodity prices. It is calculated as corporate netbacks or funds flow divided by weighted average daily production on a per boe basis. See below.

    Funds flow per share (basic and fully diluted) is comprised of funds flow divided by basic or fully diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

      Three months ended

    Dec. 31, 2024

    Three months ended

    Dec. 31, 2023

    Twelve months ended

    December 31, 2024

    Twelve months ended

    December 31, 2023

      $000s $/boe $000s $/boe $000s $/boe $000s $/boe
    Oil and natural gas sales 22,085   26.48   26,747   30.70   93,721   27.29   125,605   33.41  
    Royalty expense (3,212 ) (3.85 ) (4,167 ) (4.78 ) (12,572 ) (3.66 ) (17,255 ) (4.59 )
    Gain (loss) on risk management activities             1,522   0.40  
    Net oil and natural gas revenue 18,873   22.63   22,580   25.92   81,149   23.63   109,872   29.22  
    Transportation expense (1,203 ) (1.44 ) (1,271 ) (1.46 ) (5,316 ) (1.55 ) (6,115 ) (1.63 )
    Operating expense (4,915 ) (5.89 ) (4,419 ) (5.07 ) (20,376 ) (5.93 ) (23,505 ) (6.25 )
    Operating netback 12,755   15.30   16,890   19.39   55,457   16.15   80,252   21.34  
    Realized gain (loss) on financial derivatives 2,539   3.04   1,737   1.99   6,930   2.02   8,051   2.14  
    Other income(1) 991   1.19   (161 ) (0.18 ) 1,156   0.34   79   0.02  
    General & administrative expense (1,752 ) (2.10 ) (319 ) (0.37 ) (5,291 ) (1.54 ) (4,183 ) (1.11 )
    Cash finance expense (1,530 ) (1.83 ) (1,246 ) (1.43 ) (6,418 ) (1.87 ) (4,801 ) (1.28 )
    Decommissioning expenditures (510 ) (0.61 ) (376 ) (0.43 ) (1,776 ) (0.52 ) (1,374 ) (0.37 )
    Funds flow and corporate netback 12,493   14.99   16,525   18.97   50,058   14.58   78,024   20.74  
      Three months ended

    Dec. 31, 2024

    Three months ended

    Sept. 30, 2024

    Three months ended

    Jun. 30, 2024

    Three months ended

    March 31, 2024

      $000s $/boe $000s $/boe $000s $/boe $000s $/boe
    Oil and natural gas sales 22,085   26.48   20,446   24.12   23,150   26.86   28,039   31.50  
    Royalty expense (3,212 ) (3.85 ) (2,593 ) (3.06 ) (3,305 ) (3.83 ) (3,461 ) (3.89 )
    Net oil and natural gas revenue 18,873   22.63   17,853   21.06   19,845   23.03   24,578   27.61  
    Transportation expense (1,203 ) (1.44 ) (1,239 ) (1.46 ) (1,259 ) (1.46 ) (1,615 ) (1.81 )
    Operating expense (4,915 ) (5.89 ) (5,172 ) (6.10 ) (4,271 ) (4.96 ) (6,018 ) (6.76 )
    Operating netback 12,755   15.30   11,442   13.50   14,315   16.61   16,945   19.04  
    Realized gain (loss) on financial derivatives 2,539   3.04   2,115   2.49   (307 ) (0.36 ) 2,583   2.90  
    Other income (expense)(1) 991   1.19   77   0.09   40   0.05   48   0.05  
    General & administrative expense (1,752 ) (2.10 ) (1,209 ) (1.43 ) (1,152 ) (1.34 ) (1,178 ) (1.32 )
    Cash finance expense (1,530 ) (1.83 ) (1,657 ) (1.95 ) (1,650 ) (1.91 ) (1,581 ) (1.78 )
    Decommissioning expenditures (510 ) (0.61 ) (103 ) (0.12 ) (618 ) (0.72 ) (545 ) (0.61 )
    Funds flow and corporate netback 12,493   14.99   10,665   12.58   10,628   12.33   16,272   18.28  


    Net Debt

    Net debt is a non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated as the sum of long term debt and working capital (current assets and current liabilities), excluding the current financial derivative contracts and current portion of the lease obligation and decommissioning obligation. Petrus uses net debt as a key indicator of its leverage and strength of its balance sheet. Net debt is reconciled, in the table below, to long-term debt which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

    ($000s) As at Dec. 31, 2024 As at Dec. 31, 2023 As at Sep. 30, 2024 As at Jun. 30, 2024 As at March 31, 2024
    Long-term debt 25,000   25,000   25,000   25,000   25,000  
    Current assets (17,583 ) (30,805 ) (20,258 ) (16,333 ) (21,081 )
    Current liabilities 51,268   61,755   48,458   52,379   61,099  
    Current financial derivatives 2,632   8,374   7,690   1,276   (716 )
    Current portion of lease obligation (164 ) (258 ) (230 ) (237 ) (263 )
    Current portion of decommissioning obligation (1,073 ) (1,470 ) (237 ) (237 ) (925 )
    Net debt 60,080   62,596   60,423   61,848   63,114  


    ADVISORIES

    OIL AND GAS DISCLOSURES
    Our oil and gas reserves statement for the year ended December 31, 2024, which includes disclosure of our oil and natural gas reserves and other oil and natural gas information in accordance with NI 51-101, is contained in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the “AIF”), which will be filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. It should not be assumed that the present worth of estimated future amounts presented in the tables above represents the fair market value of the reserves. There is no assurance that the forecast prices and costs assumptions will be attained, and variances could be material. The recovery and reserve estimates contained herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein.

    This release contains metrics commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry which have been prepared by management. These terms do not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, and therefore should not be used to make such comparisons.

    Management uses oil and gas metrics for its own performance measurements and to provide shareholders with measures to compare Petrus’ operations over time. Readers are cautioned that the information provided by these metrics, or that can be derived from the metrics presented in this release, should not be relied upon for investment or other purposes.

    F&D Costs and FD&A Costs

    FD&A cost is defined as capital costs for the time period including change in FDC divided by change in reserves including revisions and production for that same time period. F&D cost is defined as capital costs for the time period including change in FDC divided by change in reserves including revisions and production for that same time period, excluding acquisitions and dispositions. Both F&D costs and FD&A costs take into account reserves revisions during the year on a per boe basis. The methodology used to calculate F&D costs includes disclosure required to bring the proved undeveloped and probable reserves to production. Annually, changes in forecast FDC occur as a result of Petrus’ development, acquisition and disposition activities, undeveloped reserve revision and capital cost estimates. These values reflect the independent evaluator’s best estimate of the cost to bring the proved and probable undeveloped reserves to production.

    Reserve Life Index

    Reserve life index is defined as total reserves by category divided by the annualized fourth quarter production.

    Reserve Replacement Ratio

    The reserve replacement ratio is calculated by dividing the yearly change in reserves net of production by the actual annual production for the year.

    FD&A Recycle Ratio

    The FD&A recycle ratio is calculated by dividing operating netback by FD&A costs.

    ADVISORIES

    Basis of Presentation

    Financial data presented above has largely been derived from the Company’s financial statements, prepared in accordance with GAAP which require publicly accountable enterprises to prepare their financial statements using IFRS. Accounting policies adopted by the Company are set out in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements as at and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024. The reporting and the measurement currency is the Canadian dollar. All financial information is expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain information regarding Petrus set forth in this release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law, that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements represent Petrus’ internal projections, estimates, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Although Petrus believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors could cause Petrus’ actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Petrus. In particular, forward-looking statements included in this release include, but are not limited to statements with respect to: that in 2025, Petrus will continue to execute its strategy of disciplined capital investment, focusing on projects that sustain production, increase liquids weighting, enhance capital efficiency, and drive free funds flow; that the Company is well-positioned to carry out its 2025 capital program and achieve guidance targets; that Petrus will closely monitor market conditions and is prepared to adjust its capital program as needed, guided by its commitment to delivering sustainable returns to shareholders; the estimated future development costs to bring our undeveloped reserves on production; that we have a unique ability to be dynamic and respond quickly to constantly evolving market conditions; that Petrus will continue paying an industry leading, high-yielding dividend to our shareholders while investing remaining cash flow in high return wells and strategic infrastructure projects; that during periods of low prices, we will maintain production and cash flow and ensure the Company is positioned to quickly pivot to a growth strategy when pricing is more constructive; that our strengths will continue to serve the Company and our shareholders well as we navigate the constant changes and challenges inherent in this business; that the Company utilizes financial derivative contracts and physical commodity contracts to mitigate commodity price risk and provide stability and sustainability to the Company’s economic returns, funds flow, dividend payments and capital development plans; that the Company’s risk management contracts provide protection from significant changes in crude oil and natural gas commodity prices out to 2026; that the Company endeavors to hedge approximately half of its forecasted production for up to 12 months forward, and approximately 25% of its forecasted production for 12 to 24 months forward; that the Company’s hedging strategy is intended to provide stability and sustainability to the Company’s economic returns, funds flow, dividend payments and capital development plans; that the Company does not intend to settle its DSUs for cash; and that the Company expects the working capital deficiency to diminish over the next 12 months as the RLF is paid down by cash flow from operations. In addition, statements relating to “reserves” are deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described can be profitably produced in the future.

    These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the Company’s control, including: the risk that (i) negotiations between the U.S. and Canadian governments are not successful and one or both of such governments implements announced tariffs, increases the rate or scope of announced tariffs, or imposes new tariffs on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, (ii) the U.S. and/or Canada imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and (iii) the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Canada, China and other countries and responses thereto could have a material adverse effect on the Canadian, U.S. and global economies, and by extension the Canadian oil and natural gas industry and the Company; the impact of general economic conditions; volatility in market prices for crude oil, NGL and natural gas; industry conditions; currency fluctuation; changes in interest rates and inflation rates; imprecision of reserve estimates; liabilities inherent in crude oil and natural gas operations; environmental risks; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions and exploration and development programs; competition; the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management; changes in income tax laws or changes in tax laws and incentive programs relating to the oil and gas industry; hazards such as fire, explosion, blowouts, cratering, and spills, each of which could result in substantial damage to wells, production facilities, other property and the environment or in personal injury and/or increase our costs, decrease our production, or otherwise impede our ability to operate our business; extreme weather events, such as wild fires, floods, drought and extreme cold or warm temperatures, each of which could result in substantial damage to our assets and/or increase our costs, decrease our production, or otherwise impede our ability to operate our business; stock market volatility; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; that the amount of dividends that we pay may be reduced or suspended entirely; that we reduce or suspend the repurchase of shares under our NCIB; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our AIF. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this release, Petrus has made assumptions regarding: that the tariffs that have been publicly announced by the U.S. and Canadian governments (but which are not yet in effect) do not come into effect, but that if such tariffs do come into effect, the potential impact of such tariffs, and that other than the tariffs that have been announced, neither the U.S. nor Canada (i) increases the rate or scope of such tariffs, or imposes new tariffs, on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and/or (ii) imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas; the amount of dividends that we will pay; the number of shares that we will repurchase under our NCIB; future commodity prices and royalty regimes; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future exchange rates; the impact of increasing competition; conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment and services; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; the effects of inflation on our costs and profitability; future interest rates; and future operating costs. Management has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this release in order to provide investors with a more complete perspective on Petrus’ future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Petrus’ actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that the Company will derive therefrom. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive.

    This release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about Petrus’ prospective results of operations including, without limitation, the percentage of our forecast production for the 2025 that is hedged, which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth above. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on FOFI. Petrus’ actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these FOFI, or if any of them do so, what benefits Petrus will derive therefrom. Petrus has included the FOFI in order to provide readers with a more complete perspective on Petrus’ future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

    These forward-looking statements and FOFI are made as of the date of this release and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements and FOFI, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

    BOE Presentation

    The oil and natural gas industry commonly expresses production volumes and reserves on a barrel of oil equivalent (“boe”) basis whereby natural gas volumes are converted at the ratio of six thousand cubic feet to one barrel of oil. The intention is to sum oil and natural gas measurement units into one basis for improved measurement of results and comparisons with other industry participants. Petrus uses the 6:1 boe measure which is the approximate energy equivalence of the two commodities at the burner tip. Boe’s do not represent an economic value equivalence at the wellhead and therefore may be a misleading measure if used in isolation.

    Production & Product Type Information

    References to crude oil (or oil), natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), natural gas and average daily production in this document refer to the light and medium crude oil, conventional natural gas, and NGLs product types, as applicable, as defined in National Instrument 51-101 (“NI 51-101”), except as noted below.

    NI 51-101 includes condensate within the NGLs product type. The Company has disclosed condensate as combined with crude oil and separately from other NGLs since the price of condensate as compared to other NGLs is currently significantly higher and the Company believes that this crude oil and condensate presentation provides a more accurate description of its operations and results therefrom. Crude oil therefore refers to light oil, medium oil, and condensate. NGLs refers to ethane, propane, butane and pentane combined. Natural gas refers to conventional natural gas.

    Abbreviations
    $000’s   thousand dollars
    $/bbl   dollars per barrel
    $/boe   dollars per barrel of oil equivalent
    $/GJ   dollars per gigajoule
    $/mcf   dollars per thousand cubic feet
    bbl   barrel
    mbbl   thousand barrels
    bbl/d   barrels per day
    boe   barrel of oil equivalent
    mboe   thousand barrel of oil equivalent
    mmboe   million barrel of oil equivalent
    boe/d   barrel of oil equivalent per day
    GJ   gigajoule
    GJ/d   gigajoules per day
    mcf   thousand cubic feet
    mcf/d   thousand cubic feet per day
    mmcf/d   million cubic feet per day
    NGLs   natural gas liquids
    WTI   West Texas Intermediate

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ottumwa Man Sentenced to 125 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DES MOINES, Iowa – An Ottumwa man was sentenced today to 125 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.

    According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in early 2024, Nolan Ryan Rork, 19, was on probation with the State of Iowa. In April 2024, Rork removed his electronic ankle monitor. In June 2024, law enforcement located Rork. While fleeing, Rork threw his backpack, which had two loaded firearms and more than 60 grams of methamphetamine.

    After completing his term of imprisonment, Rork will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office and the Ottumwa Police Department.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woodbury Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Machinegun and Armed Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – Alfonso Lee Seals, a Woodbury man, has been sentenced to 182 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a felon and interfering with commerce by robbery, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, on June 14, 2023, Minneapolis police responded to a 911 call reporting a shootout between two cars along University Avenue Northeast. Responding officers found an abandoned car crashed into a utility pole. On the floorboard of the driver’s seat, law enforcement discovered a Glock model 27 .40 caliber pistol with a “switch” or “auto-sear” attached to it, making it fully automatic. Forensic testing confirmed that that the defendant, Alfonso Lee Seals, 28, possessed the pistol. On November 7, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s brother’s home where they recovered a Taurus model G2S 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, which had been reported stolen from Mounds View, Minnesota, in October 2022.  Forensic testing confirmed that the defendant possessed that pistol as well. On October 17, 2023, the defendant and an accomplice robbed a convenience store at gunpoint in Oakdale, Minnesota. Security camera footage showed the defendant ordering the victim cashier to his knees, placing a semiautomatic firearm to the cashier’s back, forcing him to open a cash register, and repeatedly threatening to kill the cashier during the robbery.

    On December 23, 2024, Seals pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm as a felon and one count of interfering with commerce by robbery. In his plea agreement, Seals admitted that he knowingly and willingly possessed both firearms and that he possessed the Glock in connection with two other felonies—felony drive-by shooting and intentionally discharging a firearm under circumstances that endanger the safety of another. He also admitted that he and his accomplice robbed the convenience store at gunpoint and threatened to kill the victim cashier. Because Seals has multiple prior felony convictions for assault in both Hennepin and Dakota Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

    “Minnesotans should have no tolerance for armed and violent career criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “This behavior is shocking and unacceptable.  My office will continue to hold Seals—and others who would terrorize our community—accountable.”  

    Seals was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Donovan W. Frank.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department, the Oakdale Police Department, the Dakota County Drug Task Force, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner prosecuted the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Armed robber sentenced to over 12 years in prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RICHMOND, Va. – A Chesterfield man was sentenced today to 12 years and three months in prison for armed robbery.

    According to court documents, on April 22, 2023, two victims were robbed at gunpoint on Dunston Avenue in Richmond. The victims described the incident and the robber to police, who then located surveillance cameras that captured a suspect vehicle. Police identified the vehicle as a four-door Acura with a moon roof and distinctive stickers on the two rear passenger windows. They also identified the license plate and determined that the Acura was registered to the girlfriend of Kumkio Leftha Martin, 31.

    The next day, Martin entered a convenience store in Chesterfield, pointed a gun at the victims inside, and demanded money and cigarettes. He took the victims’ iPhones as well as a bag containing a laptop, payroll checks, credit cards, cash, and car keys. Footage from a nearby camera showed a sedan resembling the Acura.

    On May 4, 2023, Martin entered a tobacco store in Richmond and, while brandishing a firearm, demanded money and vaping products from a store employee. Martin’s girlfriend was also in the store. About two minutes after Martin fled, the Acura with the distinctive stickers on the passenger side rear windows drove past the store.

    Police located Martin and the vehicle and performed a felony traffic stop. Law enforcement later performed a search of Martin’s girlfriend’s residence and located the firearm the defendant used in the May 4, 2023, robbery.

    On Nov. 12, 2024, Martin pled guilty to armed robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence related to the May 4, 2023, robbery. As a part of his plea, the defendant also admitted to committing the April 23, 2023, robbery.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Anthony and Vetan Kapoor prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-150.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Global: Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Colin Flint, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Utah State University

    A warship is seen docked in the port of the Black Sea city of Sochi. Mikhail Mordasov/AFP via Getty Images

    Away from the grueling land battles and devastating airstrikes, the Ukraine war has from its outset had a naval element. Soon after the February 2022 invasion, Russia imposed a de facto naval blockade on Ukraine, only to see its fleet stunningly defeated during a contest for control of the Black Sea.

    But that war on the waves looks like it could be ending.

    Under the terms of a deal announced on March 25, 2025, by the U.S. and agreed upon in Saudi Arabia, both sides of the conflict committed to ensuring “safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea,” according to a White House statement.

    The naval aspect of the Ukraine war has gotten less attention than events on land and in the skies. But it is, I believe, a vital aspect with potentially far-reaching consequences.

    Not only have Russia’s Black Sea losses constrained Moscow’s ability to project power across the globe through naval means, it has also resulted in Russia’s growing cooperation with China, where Moscow is emerging as a junior party to Beijing on the high seas.

    Battle over the Black Sea

    The tradition of geopolitical theory has tended to paint an oversimplification of global politics. Theories harkening back to the late 19th century categorized countries as either land powers or maritime powers.

    Thinkers such as the British geopolitician Sir Halford Mackinder or the U.S. theorist Alfred Thayer Mahan characterized maritime powers as countries that possessed traits of democratic liberalism and free trade. In contrast, land powers were often portrayed as despotic and militaristic.

    While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers. An accompanying view that naval and army warfare is somewhat separate has continued.

    And this division gives us a false impression of Russia’s progress in the war with Ukraine. While Moscow has certainly seen some successes on land and in the air, that should not draw attention away from Russia’s stunning defeat in the Black Sea that has seen Russia have to retreat from the Ukrainian shoreline and keep its ships far away from the battlefront.

    As I describe in my recent book, “Near and Far Waters: The Geopolitics of Seapower,” maritime countries have two concerns: They must attempt to control the parts of the sea relatively close to their coastlines, or their “near waters”; meanwhile, those with the ability and desire to do so try to project power and influence into “far waters” across oceans, which are the near waters of other countries.

    The Black Sea is a tightly enclosed and relatively small sea comprising the near waters of the countries that surround it: Turkey to the south, Bulgaria and Romania to the west, Georgia to the east, and Ukraine and Russia to the north.

    Control of the Black Sea’s near waters has been contested throughout the centuries and has played a role in the current Russian-Ukraine war.

    Russia’s seizure of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 allowed it to control the naval port of Sevastopol. What were near waters of Ukraine became de facto near waters for Russia.

    Controlling these near waters allowed Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s trade, especially the export of grain to African far waters.

    But Russia’s actions were thwarted through the collaboration of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey to allow passage of cargo ships through their near waters, then through the Bosporus into the Mediterranean Sea.

    Ukraine’s use of these other countries’ near waters allowed it to export between 5.2 million and 5.8 million tons of grain per month in the first quarter of 2024. To be sure, this was a decline from Ukraine’s exports of about 6.5 million tons per month prior to the war, which then dropped to just 2 million tons in the summer of 2023 because of Russian attacks and threats. Prior to the announcement of the ceasefire, the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture had forecasted a decline in Ukrainian grain exports for 2025.

    But efforts to constrain Russia’s control of Ukraine’s near waters in the Black Sea, and Russia’s unwillingness to face the consequences of attacking ships in NATO countries’ near waters, meant Ukraine was still able to access far waters for economic gain and keep the Ukrainian economy afloat.

    For Putin, that sinking feeling

    Alongside being thwarted in its ability to disrupt Ukrainian exports, Russia has also come under direct naval attack from Ukraine. Since February 2022, using unmanned attack drones, Ukraine has successfully sunk or damaged Russian ships and whittled away at Russia’s Black sea fleet, sinking about 15 of its prewar fleet of about 36 warships and damaging many others.

    Russia has been forced to limit its use of Sevastopol and station its ships in the eastern part of the Black Sea. It cannot effectively function in the near waters it gained through the seizure of Crimea.

    Russia’s naval setbacks against Ukraine are only the latest in its historical difficulties in projecting sea power and its resulting tendency to mainly focus on the defense of near waters.

    In 1905, Russia was shocked by a dramatic naval loss to Japan. Yet even in cases where it was not outright defeated, Russian sea power has been continually constrained historically. In World War I, Russia cooperated with the British Royal Navy to limit German merchant activity in the Baltic Sea and Turkish trade and military reach in the Black Sea.

    In World War II, Russia relied on material support from the Allies and was largely blockaded within its Baltic Sea and Black Sea ports. Many ships were brought close to home or stripped of their guns as artillery or offshore support for the territorial struggle with Germany.

    During the Cold War, meanwhile, though the Soviet Union built fast-moving missile boats and some aircraft carriers, its reach into far waters relied on submarines. The main purpose of the Soviet Mediterranean fleet was to prevent NATO penetration into the Black Sea.

    And now, Russia has lost control of the Black Sea. It cannot operate in these once secure near waters. These losses reduce its ability to project naval power from the Black Sea and into the Mediterranean Sea.

    Ceding captaincy to China

    Faced with a glaring loss in its backyard and put in a weak position in its near waters, Russia as a result can project power to far waters only through cooperation with a China that is itself investing heavily in a far-water naval capacity.

    Joint naval exercises in the South China Sea in July 2024 are evidence of this cooperation. Wang Guangzheng of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Southern Theater said of the drill that “the China-Russia joint patrol has promoted the deepening and practical cooperation between the two in multiple directions and fields.” And looking forward, he claimed the exercise “effectively enhanced the ability to the two sides to jointly respond to maritime security threats.”

    Warships of the Chinese and Russian navies take part in a joint naval exercise in the East China Sea.
    Li Yun/Xinhua via Getty Images

    This cooperation makes sense in purely military terms for Russia, a mutually beneficial project of sea power projection. But it is largely to China’s benefit.

    Russia can help China’s defense of its northern near waters and secure access to far waters through the Arctic Ocean – an increasingly important arena as global climate change reduces the hindrance posed by sea ice. But Russia remains very much the junior partner.

    Moscow’s strategic interests will be supported only if they match Chinese interests. More to the point, sea power is about power projection for economic gain. China will likely use Russia to help protect its ongoing economic reach into African, Pacific, European and South American far waters. But it is unlikely to jeopardize these interests for Russian goals.

    To be sure, Russia has far-water economic interests, especially in the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa. And securing Russian interests in Africa complements China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean to secure its own, and greater, global economic interests. But cooperation will still be at China’s behest.

    For much of the Ukraine war, Russia has been bottled up in its Black Sea near waters, with the only avenue for projecting its naval power coming through access to Africa and Indian Ocean far waters – and only then as a junior partner with China, which dictates the terms and conditions.

    A maritime deal with Ukraine now, even if it holds, will not compensate for Russia’s ongoing inability to project power across the oceans on its own.

    Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally published by The Conversation U.S. on Oct. 3, 2024.

    Colin Flint does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions – https://theconversation.com/maritime-truce-would-end-a-sorry-war-on-the-waves-for-russia-that-set-back-its-naval-power-ambitions-253089

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Alarm over Türkiye detentions, Ukraine update, Sudan-Chad border emergency

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The UN human rights office (OHCHR) expressed major concern on Tuesday following the detention of at least 92 people by the Turkish authorities over the past week, including Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who has been charged with corruption and removed from office.

    “These detentions triggered country-wide demonstrations that were met with unlawful blanket bans on protests in three cities,” said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell.

    More than 1,000 people have been detained during the protests, among them at least nine media workers.

    Türkiye has reportedly seen its largest street protests in more than a decade following the arrest of current Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival, Mr. İmamoğlu.

    Legitimate right of protest

    Ms. Throssell said that all those detained “for the legitimate exercise of their rights must be released immediately and unconditionally.”

    Those facing charges should be treated with dignity, she added, and their rights to due process while their rights to a fair trial – including access to a lawyer of their own choice – must be fully ensured.

    “We urge the authorities to ensure that the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are guaranteed, in line with international law, and that credible allegations of unlawful use of force against protesters are promptly and thoroughly investigated,” Ms. Throssell underscored.

    Ukraine: Dozens injured in Sumy attack; UN welcomes announcement of Black Sea ceasefire

    More than 80 civilians – including children – were injured following a Russian missile attack on the city of Sumy on Monday in Ukraine’s northeast, UN humanitarians have reported.

    Citing local authorities, more than 20 children were injured with two schools, a hospital and multiple homes suffering extensive damage in the attack, said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

    “Complementing the efforts of the first responders, and immediately after the attack, humanitarian organizations provided first aid and helped transport the wounded to the hospitals. They also distributed shelter materials, blankets and other necessities.”

    UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Mattias Schmale, condemned the attack in Sumy and recent drone strikes in the cities of Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv.

    Since the escalation of the war in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Human Rights Monitoring Mission to Ukraine has verified more than 2,500 child casualties in that country, Mr. Dujarric maintained.

    It also noted an alarming increase in child casualties in 2024, caused by explosive weapons targeting territory inside Ukraine, due to intensified attacks along the frontline in the Donetsk Region and increased use of long-range missiles, drones and aerial bombing.

    Black Sea announcements

    The White House on Tuesday said that Russia and Ukraine had reached separate agreements following talks in Saudi Arabia with US negotiators, with both agreeing to a maritime ceasefire in the crucial Black Sea shipping corridor.

    The US said Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to the principal of safe navigation, eliminating the use of force and preventing the use of commercial vessels for military purposes.

    Asked for reaction from the Secretary-General, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told the regular noon briefing that the two announcements were a welcome development.

    “These issues, notably, on the freedom of navigation and Black Sea, are issues that the Secretary-General, his team, notably Rebeca Grynspan [head of trade and development body, UNCTAD] and others, have been working on since almost the start of the conflict. And there continues to be discussions on these issues.”

    Mr. Dujarric said the UN had played no part in discussions in Riyad but noted Ms. Grynspan had been in Moscow for talks Monday on resuming the Memorandum of Understanding between Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the United Nations under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which Moscow pulled out of in July 2023.

    He confirmed talks had also taken place recently in Washington.

    The UN has been heavily invested in ensuring that Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea can happen safely, along with the transport of Russian food and fertilizer, to halt spiralling food prices worldwide and stave off famine in vulnerable countries.

    The UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative was agreed by Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the UN in Istanbul in July 2022. It allowed more than 30 million tonnes of grain and other foodstuffs to leave Ukraine’s ports and played an “indispensable role” in global food security, Mr. Guterres said at the time.

    Sudanese uprooted by conflict drag themselves across Chad’s border

    Finally, to the Sudan-Chad border, where UN teams have said that a humanitarian emergency is underway, with the number of people fleeing to eastern Chad expected to surpass one million by the end of the year.

    There are already 970,000 refugees in Chad today, the result of almost two years of heavy fighting in Sudan between rival militaries. Many have endured terrible violence and sexual abuse.

    The refugees are being housed in 18 refugee camps and other shelters, but this has added to pressures on already neglected communities in eastern Chad, according to the UN Development Programme, UNDP.

    To help, the UN agency’s Resident Representative in Chad, Francis James, said that a new centre for women should open in Adre next month. It’s an initiative of the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and its purpose is to strengthen ties between host and refugee communities, Mr. James said:

    “You have refugees coming over, literally crawling over and stumbling over the border, and you need social protection…but also you need to give them hope.”

    Other UN projects include supporting women and girls to go back to school.

    UNDP’s Mr. James explained that it was key that classrooms are built close to the refugee camps so that schoolgoers can avoid walking “for kilometres through dangerous zones” where they risk being assaulted.

    Continued attacks in Sudan

    Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday the UN was “gravely alarmed by continued attacks on civilians” inside Sudan.

    Dozens of casualties were reported on Monday night when an air strike hit a market around 40 kilometres north-west of Darfur’s main city of El Fasher – which remains besieged by the Rapid Support Forces militia who have been fighting Government troops for nearly two years for control of Sudan.

    “Our humanitarian colleagues are also deeply concerned about escalating attacks on populated areas in Khartoum,” Mr. Dujarric continued.

    There were reports of civilians killed and injured in eastern Khartoum on Monday when artillery struck a mosque during evening prayers. Civilian casualties were also reported on Sunday as a result of heavy shelling in Omdurman – Khartoum’s twin city across the Nile.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah replies to the discussion on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Upper house passes the bill

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah replies to the discussion on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, Upper house passes the bill

    Under Modi ji’s leadership, India became a global leader in disaster management

    Modi government is managing disasters by adopting a proactive approach instead of a reactive one and by aiming for zero casualties instead of minimising casualties

    Compared to the previous regime, Modi government has given more than three times the money to the states from the central fund

    In the previous regime, funds were given to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation from PMNRF

    This bill will further increase the capacity, intensity, efficiency and accuracy in disaster response

    Earlier, thousands of people used to die in cyclones, but Modi government is moving towards zero casualty

    The aim of this bill is to increase transparency, accountability, efficiency and cooperation in disaster management

    India’s disaster management prowess has been established globally through CDRI

    To deal with the changing size and scale of disasters, we will have to change the methods, systems and make institutions accountable as well as give them powers

    India has had the most successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the entire world

    Earlier, it used to take two generations for getting vaccines, but under the Modi government, India has made the COVID vaccine and also delivered it to every citizen

    The Modi government has given more money than the prescribed amount to the states for disaster managementna

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 9:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today replied to the discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024.  After the discussion, with the passage of the bill from the upper house the amendment bill was passed by the Parliament.

    Speaking in the upper house during the discussion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that through this amendment bill, the Narendra Modi government intends to connect Centre, State governments, Panchayat and all our citizens with the cause of disaster management and there is no question of centralization of power. He said that this disaster management amendment bill is an attempt to take the fight against disasters from a reactive approach to a proactive one and also beyond to an innovative and a participatory approach.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji presented a ten-point agenda to the world for disaster risk reduction which has been accepted by more than 40 countries of the world. He said that this bill envisages participation not only from state governments and local units but also from the society. He said that the amendment bill keeps scope of minute planning at local levels too along with the national level and gives clarity on the powers and duties of institutions involved. Shri Shah said that the fight against disasters cannot be accomplished without enabling the institutions and making them better and more accountable, and both of these things have been taken care of in the bill. He said that disasters are directly related to climate change and to mitigate them, we should take steps against global warming. He said that India has been moving in this direction for thousands of years and the Modi government is working to take this tradition forward.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the Disaster Management Act was brought for the first time in the year 2005 and under this NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority) and DDMA (District Disaster Management Authority) were formed. He said that in this bill, the biggest responsibility in the aftermath of disasters have been given to DDMAs which is under the state government, thus there is no question of any damage to our federal system. He said that for financial assistance, National Disaster Response Fund and National Disaster Mitigation Fund were created. Shri Amit Shah said that the Finance Commission has made a scientific arrangement for disaster relief and the Modi government has not given a single penny less than the prescribed amount to any state, rather it has given more.

    He said that due to global disasters like Covid-19, increasing urbanization, irregular rain-related disasters and climate change, both the size and scale of disasters have changed. Shri Shah said that to deal with the changing size and scale of disasters, we will have to change the methods and systems and also make the institutions accountable and give them powers. He said that with this objective, this bill has been brought for an effective and comprehensive solution to the disaster management problem. He said that suggestions have been incorporated from stakeholders, ministries and departments of the Central Government, all state governments, Union Territories, international organizations and national and international non-governmental organizations and this bill has been prepared comprehensively by accepting 89 percent of their suggestions.

    Union Home Minister said that through this bill, Modi government wants to move from reactive response to proactive risk reduction, from manual monitoring to AI-based real-time monitoring, from radio warnings to social media, apps and mobile warnings, and from government-led response to a multi-dimensional response involving society and citizens. He said that this entire bill has been made to incorporate capacity, intensity, efficiency and accuracy in disaster response. Shri Shah said that in the last 10 years, there has been a change in disaster management in our country due to which we have emerged as a regional and global power recognized by the world. He said that this bill is necessary to maintain this success story of India for a longer time in future.

    Shri Amit Shah said that this Bill will make both NDMA and SDMA effective, disaster database will be created at national and state level. It envisages creation of Urban Disaster Management Authority which will be completely under the state governments. Apart from this, this Bill will also give statutory power to NDMA and SDMA in creating a blueprint for 100% implementation of the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. He said that transparency, trust, credibility and accountability have been given place in it. Shri Shah also said that well-defined roles have been fixed in it and moral responsibilities have also been given place. The Home Minister said that we have also fixed responsibility for the best use of resources. He said that through this Bill, an attempt has been made to fight against disaster with synergy, between preparation, good management and coordination. Many reforms have been made on these four pillars and not a single one of these reforms is for centralization of power.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in the last ten years, on one hand, Prime Minister Modi Ji has done many things for environmental protection and on the other hand, he has also taken disaster management a long way forward. He said that on one hand Modi Ji talked about Mission Life in front of the world and on the other hand he also announced a ten-point disaster risk reduction agenda. He said that on one hand, a definite concrete program was given to become a pro-planet people and on the other hand, the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI) was presented to the world, which has 43 countries as members. Shri Shah said that Modi Ji started the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuel Alliance and also formed a task force on Disaster Risk Reduction by hosting the G20 conference in India. He said that on both these fronts, Prime Minister Modi and the government led by him have worked in a meticulous manner with great foresight. The Home Minister said that on the one hand efforts should be made to prevent disasters by protecting the environment and on the other hand, in case of a disaster, Modi ji has made complete arrangements to fight the disaster in a scientific manner from villages to Delhi.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the devastating earthquake in Bhuj, Gujarat in 2001 shook not only Gujarat but the entire country and the world. He said that at that time Shri Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and he had established the Climate Change Department for the first time in India. He said that at that time Modi ji created the Climate Change Fund in Gujarat and in 2003 brought the State Disaster Management Act in Gujarat. Shri Shah said that in 2013, the country’s first city level action plan for heat wave was made in Ahmedabad and Modi ji also worked on making a detailed plan for reconstruction, community preparedness and rehabilitation after the earthquake.

    Union Home Minister said that after Shri Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in 2014, a holistic and integrated approach was introduced in the country instead of a relief-centric approach. He said that a proactive approach was adopted instead of a reactive one and disaster management was done by keeping the target of zero casualty instead of the usual target of minimum casualty of the previous regime. He said that today governments are not only focus on relief and rescue after a disaster but also make many preparations to tackle them. Shri Shah said that the Modi government has done a very good job in early warning system, prevention to the extent possible, mitigation, timely preparedness and disaster risk reduction. He said that when the Odisha Super Cyclone hit in 1999, 10 thousand people died, but when Cyclone Fani hit in 2019, only one person died, this was the result of our changed approach. He said that when Cyclone Biparjoy hit Gujarat in 2023, not a single person or animal died and we achieved the target of zero casualties in 2023. He said that there has been a 98 percent reduction in loss of life and property due to cyclones and we have also succeeded in reducing heat-related mortality significantly.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the budget of SDRF was Rs 38 thousand crores during the year 2004 to 2014, which was increased to Rs 1 lakh 24 thousand crores by the Modi government during 2014 to 2024. Rs 28 thousand crores were given to NDRF during 2004 to 2014, while Rs 80 thousand crores were given during 2014 to 2024. Shri Shah said that the government has increased the total amount from Rs 66 thousand crores to more than Rs 2 lakh crores. He said that the Modi government has given more than three times the money to the states from the central funds. Shri Shah said that apart from this, a National Disaster Response Reserve of 250 crores was created, the first National Disaster Management Plan was released in 2016 which is completely in line with the Sendai framework, the Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management Award was established in 2018-19 and the first phase of National Cyclone Risk Mitigation was done in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in 2018. He said that in 2020-21, the Home Ministry decided that the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Team (IMCT) will first go and do an immediate review and the Modi government made a provision to provide immediate assistance by sending 97 IMCTs within 10 days in 5 years.

    Union Home Minister said that currently 16 battalions of NDRF are operational and seeing the NDRF personnel, people feel assured that they are safe now. He said that apart from this, programs have also been made for landslide risk management, glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and civil security and training capacity building.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, conducted ‘Operation Maitri’ during the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, ‘Operation Samudra Maitri’ in Indonesia in 2018, ‘Operation Dost’ in Turkey and Syria in 2023, ‘Operation Karuna’ in Myanmar and ‘Operation Sadbhav’ in Vietnam, due to which the governments and people of these countries praised NDRF and Modi ji. He said that NDRF has worked to get our disaster management system firmed up at a national level.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Government of India has signed agreements with Japan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Italy, Turkmenistan, Maldives and Uzbekistan to strengthen disaster management and disaster risk reduction. The geographical conditions of these countries make them prone to similar disasters which are possible in India. He said that we have tried to ensure that these countries benefit from our best practices and we benefit from their best practices. Apart from the MoUs, international seminars were also held in the years 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2023, in which disaster management experts from member countries of organizations like SAARC, BRICS, SCO also participated.

    Union Home Minister said that the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is an example of India’s global leadership in the field of disaster management. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi put forward this idea in the UN Climate Summit held in New York on 23 September 2019 and it was established in India itself. He said that so far 42 countries and 7 international organizations have become members of CDRI and through CDRI, work has been done to establish India’s leadership in this field at the global level.

    Shri Amit Shah said that through the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme, a force of one lakh community volunteers has been created in 350 disaster prone districts at a cost of Rs 370 crore and the volunteers have been registered on the India Disaster Resource Network portal. The District Collectors have their complete details. When a disaster strikes, these volunteers reach for the help on their own. The Home Minister said that 20 percent of the one lakh ‘Aapada Mitra’ volunteers are women. Our women power is working shoulder to shoulder in the work of disaster management. He said that as a result of the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme, 78 thousand people were rescued from disasters and taken to safe places and 129 lives were saved by providing them timely treatment at the hospitals.

    Union Home Minister said that the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme is being expanded. To involve the youth, more than 1300 trained ‘Aapada Mitras’ have been employed as master trainers with a budget of Rs 470 crore. In this, NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and Bharat Scouts and Guides will train two lakh 37 thousand ‘Aapada Mitras’, which will increase the total number of community volunteers to three lakh 37 thousand.

    Shri Amit Shah said that we have created many apps for weather related information. These include ‘Mausam’, ‘Meghdoot’, ‘Flood Watch’, ‘Damini’, ‘Pocket Bhuvan’, ‘Sachet’, ‘Van Agni’ and ‘Samudra’. Also, a nodal agency has been created for the study of landslides. India Quake app has been created for automated broadcasting of earthquake parameters. He said that due to the efforts of Modi ji, today all these apps have reached almost every citizen of the country. This has benefited farmers, fishermen, people living on the seashore and people living in landslide prone areas on time.

    Union Home Minister said that the entire world has accepted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the world in the field of environment, therefore the United Nations has honoured him with the award of Champions of the Earth. Modi ji has almost completed the task of making India free from single-use plastic. Many countries have joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) formed on his initiative. Modi ji has worked to popularise the ‘One Sun, One Earth, One Grid’ project worldwide. The construction of Inter-Regional Energy Grid has begun for sharing solar energy across the world. Crores of people have planted trees with devotion in reverence of Mother Earth and their own mothers through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

    Shri Amit Shah said that India has set the target of Net Zero Carbon Emission by the year 2070. He said that we have already achieved the targets of International Solar Alliance, Global Bio-fuel Alliance and 20 percent Ethanol Blending by the year 2025. Today all our vehicles have 20 percent eco-friendly fuel. Shri Shah said that by providing 10 crore gas connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, we have stopped the smoke of cow dung cakes and coal. We have increased the Swachhata Abhiyan from 39 percent to 100 percent sanitation coverage. Along with this, the Green Hydrogen Mission has started the implementation of a new type of scheme in the entire world.

    Union Home Minister said that, if the best COVID management has happened anywhere in the world, it has happened in India. Every Indian should be proud of this and the whole world praises our efforts immensely. He said that as soon as Corona arrived, we started making the vaccine. He said that during the previous regime, it used to take two generations to administer vaccines but under Modi Government India not only got the vaccine made but also ensured that it reached every citizen of the country. Shri Shah said that there is no parallel to such a precise use of technology for public welfare anywhere in the world. Due to the use of technology, the certificate was made available on the mobile as soon as the vaccine was administered and a reminder message would also come up with the time for the second vaccine.

    Shri Amit Shah said that through video conference in the state’s civil hospitals and AIIMS, doctors treating minor diseases in small villages were guided about telemedicine, which saved the lives of lakhs of people. He said that the Prime Minister talked to the Chief Ministers of the states 40 times during COVID-19 and inquired about the situation. Not only the Prime Minister, the entire cabinet was involved in this work.

    Union Home Minister said that due to our leadership we were able to fight the best battle against Corona in the whole world. Governments were fighting against Corona all over the world, but here the Central Government, State Government and 130 crore people were fighting together. He said that there is not a single example in independent India when an appeal by a leader has had the seriousness of a government order and the whole country followed the appeal of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for Janta curfew with full seriousness. No leader’s appeal had ever received such a great respect.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was created during the previous regime. He said fund from PMNRF used to be given to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. Shri Shah said that during Modi ji’s regime PM Cares fund was created. We spent its funds for tackling the corona epidemic, disaster relief, oxygen plants, ventilators, assistance to the poor and vaccination. Shri Shah said that under PM Cares, along with relief work, we have also provided many types of innovative assistance. There is no political interference in this.

    Union Home Minister said that for Karnataka, an estimate of Rs 5,909 crore was given by a high-level committee, out of which Rs 5,800 crore was transferred. For Kerala, an estimate of Rs 3,743 crore was made, out of which Rs 2438 crore was given. For Tamil Nadu, Rs 4600 crore was given out of Rs 4817 crore. West Bengal was given Rs 5000 crore out of Rs 6837 crore. Himachal Pradesh was given Rs 1766 crore out of Rs 2339 crore. The committee has given more or less the same amount to Telangana as well.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Rs 111 crore was given to Jharkhand, Rs 121 crore to Kerala, Rs 460 crore to Maharashtra, Rs 256 crore to Bihar and Rs 254 crore to Gujarat for fire-fighting measures, which was never given before. He said that other states will be given funds for fire-fighting measures next year. Shri Shah said that Rs 228 crore has been given to Tamil Nadu between the years 2019 to 2024 and a lot of assistance has been provided.

    Union Home Minister said that we declared the disaster in Wayanad, Kerala as a disaster of severe nature. Rs 215 crore was immediately released from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Rs 36 crore was sent for debris removal, which has not been spent yet. Apart from this, assistance of Rs 153 crore was given on the basis of the IMCT report. The state government has estimated the need for Rs 2219 crore for normalizing the situation and reconstruction, out of which Rs 530 crore has been given. Along with this, other measures have been suggested to get additional assistance from a special window.

    Shri Amit Shah said that for the Central Government, citizens of all states including Kerala, Ladakh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh are equal and we do not discriminate against anyone. He said that in the Disaster Management Bill, we have paid attention to increasing human resources along with the provision of increasing technical capacity. Along with the government’s effort, provision has also been made for community effort and along with disaster-resistant construction, care has also been taken for the conservation of nature.

    ********

     

    RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2115092) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Principal dinner sets stage for Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Over 130 influential family office principals and family members from the Mainland, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East gathered at a principal dinner organised by the Government this evening (March 25) to set the stage for the third edition of the annual Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit (WGHK) to be held tomorrow (March 26), reaffirming the city’s role as a premier global hub for family offices.
     
         In his welcome remarks, the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said, “Hong Kong is a ‘super connector’ bringing together people and ideas. We are a platform for visionaries looking to create lasting legacies, a dynamic hub where your offices and families can flourish.”
     
         The evening was graced with the presence of notable speakers Ms Maye Musk and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Professor Irene Tracey, at an inspiring fireside chat moderated by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau. The speakers shared their insights on women’s influence in leadership and legacy-building with a focus on the critical role of female leadership in shaping the future of business, innovation, and societal progress. The engrossing session fostered an atmosphere of collaboration, paving the way for insightful discussions and new partnerships at tomorrow’s summit, themed “Hong Kong of the World, for the World”.
     
         The event also charmed visitors with a captivating lion ballet performance against the dazzling night view of Victoria Harbour, amazing the attendees with a unique blend of cultural richness and the city’s legendary skyline.
     
         The WGHK will take place tomorrow afternoon with over 300 participants. The summit will not only convene principals and family members to discuss the future of wealth management in the region, but also encourage attendees to experience the city’s dynamic offerings through its vibrant neighbourhoods, dynamic arts scene and strong community spirit, which make the city an ideal destination for both families and businesses.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Grills Intelligence Officials Over Signal Chain Potential Security Breach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a Senate Select Intelligence Committee (SSCI) hearing, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) pressed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on whether or not classified information was shared in a Signal chain made up of top national security and intelligence officials discussing plans of a military attack on Houthi militants — and, inadvertently, Jeffery Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. The hearing comes the day after The Atlantic published a story revealing that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accidentally added Goldberg to the chain where potentially classified information was discussed — including plans about strategic strikes in Yemen that were later carried out.

    “According to open source reporting, at 11:44 on the morning of March 15th, Secretary Hegseth put into this group text a detailed operation plan including targets, the weapons we were going to be using, attack sequences and timing. Yet you have testified that nothing in that text chain was classified. Wouldn’t that be classified? What if that had been made public that morning before the attack took place,” asked Senator King.

    “Senator, I can attest to the fact that there were no classified or intelligence equities that were included in that chat at any time,” replied Director Gabbard.

    “So the attack sequencing and timing and weapons, you do not consider should have been classified, or were classified,” Senator King asked again.

    “I defer to Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council on that question,” responded Director Gabbard.

    “Well you’re the head of the Intelligence Community and you’re supposed to know about classifications so your testimony very clearly today was that nothing in that set of texts that was classified. If that is the case, please release the whole text stream so that the public can have a view of what actually transpired on this discussion. It is hard for me to believe that targets and timing and weapons would not have been classified,” said Senator King.

    Later in the hearing, Senator King, co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC), questioned Director Gabbard about the sweepings cuts being made at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Specifically, he asked her about the dismantling of federal efforts to monitor election interreference from foreign adversaries like Russia and China, and whether or not that posed a risk to the nation’s cybersecurity defenses.

    “It is in the report repeatedly about cyber danger from China, Russia and Iran. Why then is the administration deconstructing CISA? 130 people fired. [U.S. CyberCom Commander] General Haugh talked about the importance of public-private cooperation. That section of CISA seems to have been disestablished. What possible policy reason is there for undermining CISA’s relationship to the states with regard to elections and to private sector with regard to cybersecurity when the cybersecurity threat is only growing? Anybody want to tackle that,” questioned Senator King.

    “I will not speak for all of my colleagues here but I don’t believe any of us have any insight into those specific staffing decisions that have been made,” said Director Gabbard.

    “Well let me ask you this question: The report has found explicitly growing cyber threats — including to elections — from Russia, China, and Iran. Do you believe it is in our national interest to diminish our capacity to deal with those cyber issues, yes or no,” Senator King asked.

    “President Trump is focused on effects and making sure that the people and the resources that we have are focused on our national security. He and his team recognized that more people does not necessarily always mean better effects. Those are some of the things that are driving the changes we are seeing across the administration, is getting all of our agencies back and focused on their core mission,” replied Director Gabbard.

    Senator King has been consistently sounding the alarm on President Donald Trump’s existential threat to the Constitution, as well as the reckless actions taken by the President and his Administration. He previously gave a speech on the Senate floor sharing that this administration is doing ‘exactly what the Framers [of the Constitution] most feared.” Senator King also previously declared that the proposal to halt all federal grant and loan disbursement was illegal and a direct assault on the Constitution. He also joined fellow Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) colleagues in writing a letter to the White House about the risks to national security by allowing unvetted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staff and representatives to access classified and sensitive government materials. Most recently, he sounded the alarm on the Senate floor on the “thoughtless and dangerous” firings and freezes being implemented by Elon Musks’ DOGE.

    King is recognized as one of Congress’ leading experts on cyberdefense and as a strong advocate for a forward-thinking cyberstrategy that emphasizes layered cyberdeterrence. Since it officially launched in April 2019, dozens of CSC recommendations have been enacted into law, including the creation of a National Cyber Director.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Man Charged with Assault After Shots Fired at Pedestrian

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly fired multiple shots at an unsuspecting pedestrian.

    According to court records, on March 13, 2025, the Navajo Nation Police responded to a shots-fired report. Isaiah Benally, 33, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly fired multiple shots at a passerby who escaped unharmed despite bullets striking nearby. Benally was taken into custody by the Navajo Nation SWAT team after a brief standoff. Inside his residence, officers found body armor and firearm accessories. Benally has a history of arrests for aggravated battery and assault.

    Benally will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Benally faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hardy County Man Admits to Federal Firearms Violation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Ray Guessford, age 40, of Fisher, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm. 

    According to court documents, Guessford, also known as “Justin Ray Gilbert,” was found with a .22 caliber rifle in Hardy County. Guessford is prohibited from having firearms because of prior malicious wounding and child neglect convictions.

    Guessford is facing up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Evolution Petroleum Announces Upcoming Investor Events

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSE American: EPM) (“Evolution” or the “Company”) announced today that members of the Company’s management team plan to participate in several upcoming events.

    • Water Tower Research Fireside Chat – March 26, 2025
      Evolution will participate in a virtual fireside chat hosted by Water Tower Research (“WTR”) on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CT. The event will feature an in-depth conversation with Company management regarding its pending acquisition of non-operated assets in New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana and the ongoing development activity in the Chaveroo field and the SCOOP/STACK play along with management’s outlook to build value through the asset acquisition market. This event is open to all investors. Registration for the event is available here. Replays of the webcast will also be available after the event.
    • A.G.P.’s Virtual Energy Conference – April 2, 2025
      Management will host one-on-one meetings with institutional investors during A.G.P.’s Virtual Energy Conference on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Investors interested in scheduling a meeting should contact their A.G.P. representative or the Company’s investor relations contact listed below.
    • 2025 Louisiana Energy Conference – May 27-29, 2025
      Evolution will participate in the 2025 Louisiana Energy Conference, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from May 27–29, 2025. Management is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion and conduct one-on-one meetings with attending investment professionals. Additional event details and registration information are available at louisianaenergyconference.com.

    Evolution’s latest investor presentation is available on the “Events & Presentations” page of Evolution’s IR website at ir.evolutionpetroleum.com.

    About Evolution Petroleum

    Evolution Petroleum Corporation is an independent energy company focused on maximizing total shareholder returns through the ownership of and investment in onshore oil and natural gas properties in the U.S. The Company aims to build and maintain a diversified portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas properties through acquisitions, selective development opportunities, production enhancements, and other exploitation efforts. Properties include non-operated interests in the following areas: the SCOOP/STACK plays of the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma; the Chaveroo Oilfield located in Chaves and Roosevelt Counties, New Mexico; the Jonah Field in Sublette County, Wyoming; the Williston Basin in North Dakota; the Barnett Shale located in North Texas; the Hamilton Dome Field located in Hot Springs County, Wyoming; the Delhi Holt-Bryant Unit in the Delhi Field in Northeast Louisiana; as well as small overriding royalty interests in four onshore Texas wells. Visit www.evolutionpetroleum.com for more information.

    Contact

    Investor Relations
    (713) 935-0122
    ir@evolutionpetroleum.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Niger: Mosque attack which killed 44 should be ‘wake-up call’, says rights chief

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday condemned the recent attack on a mosque in Kokorou village, in western Niger, in which at least 44 worshippers were killed and 20 injured.

    On 21 March, assailants from the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) – an ISIL affiliate – surrounded Fambita Mosque and randomly shot at worshippers, according to a statement from Niger’s defence ministry. They then reportedly set a market and several homes on fire.

    “The egregious attack on the Fambita Mosque – during Friday prayers in the last 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan – was clearly intended to cause as many civilian casualties as possible”, said Mr Türk.

    This is “in stark violation of international human rights law and humanitarian law,” he emphasised, adding that an impartial investigation should be instituted to bring those responsible to justice.

    Regional insecurity

    The attack came in the context of a general deterioration in the security situation in the wider Sahel region.

    In recent years, the Sahel has seen a major uptick in violence, following the expansion of armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL terrorist groups which took over territory in north Mali following the 2012 Tuareg rebellion there.

    Since then, the violence has spread into neighbouring countries, Niger and Burkina Faso, and more recently into some other coastal West African nations.

    UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed characterised the Sahel as “ground zero” for one of the most brutal security crises in the world.

    Despite efforts by Member States, terrorism-related deaths in the region have reportedly soared past 6,000 for three consecutive years, making up more than half of all global fatalities.

    ‘A wake-up call’

    Mr. Türk said the “calculated assault” on Fambita Mosque should be a wake-up call to all – including the international community – “as to the seriousness of the situation and the widening risks faced by civilians in Niger.”

    Governments in the region have continued to struggle with restoring security. This contributed to two military coups in Mali, two in Burkina Faso and one in Niger between 2020 and 2023 – all remain under military rule despite regional and international pressure to hold elections.

    The High Commissioner called on the Nigerien authorities to take “concrete and meaningful steps” to improve security for civilians and called on them to take effective measures to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

    He said it was essential that authorities involve the affected communities in efforts towards finding a durable solution to the ongoing human rights crisis in the country. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Eases Floodplain Requirements for Federally Funded Projects, Reducing Burden on American Communities

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    em>The agency revokes implementation of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard following Presidential Executive Order
    WASHINGTON — Today, FEMA announced that it has stopped implementing certain floodplain management requirements for federally funded projects. This action—directed by President Donald J. Trump on his first day in office—reduces administrative burdens on local communities to recover more quickly from disasters.
    The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Policy 206-25-005 (FFRMS) required certain construction projects to adopt a strict standard that addressed flood risk. Stopping implementation will reduce the total timeline to rebuild in disaster-impacted communities and eliminate additional costs previously required to adhere to these strict requirements. 
    Effective March 25, 2025, FEMA-funded projects will not be subject to this standard. FEMA has stopped all implementation activities and policies are no longer in effect.
    In 2015, President Barack Obama created the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and developed a process for further soliciting and considering stakeholder input with Executive Order 13690.  President Trump revoked this standard with Executive Order 13807 in 2017. In 2021, President Joseph R. Biden reinstated the FFRMS through Executive Order 14030 to address climate related financial risk. 
    On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump rescinded the FFRMS in Executive Order 14148: Initial Rescission of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.
    The FFRMS requirements applied to FEMA direct actions and grant-funded actions under Grant Programs Directorate (GPD), Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA), Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) involving new construction, substantial improvement and repairs to address substantial damage. FEMA’s regulations at Title 44 Part 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, remain in effect. In determining whether a proposed action for federal funding is in the floodplain, FEMA will use the 1% annual chance (100-year) floodplain and flood elevation for non-critical actions and the 0.2% annual chance (500-year) floodplain and flood elevation for critical actions (such as the construction of fire and police stations or hospitals). 
    Additional information about Executive Order 14148 rescinding the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard:
    Flood Maps and the National Flood Insurance ProgramThe Federal Flood Risk Management Standard had no effect on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps as it does not apply to the National Flood Insurance Program’s mapping process. In addition, the process of updating or creating a flood map is not impacted by this rescission. 
    The FFRMS did not affect National Flood Insurance Program premium rates or inform mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements.  
    Impacts of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Recission on FEMA Grant ProjectsA Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) documents a project’s environmental review and any applicable project conditions, under FEMA grant programs. For grant recipients, the stop of Federal Flood Risk Management Standard implementation is for all projects that do not have a REC issued as of March 25, 2025, regardless of whether full or partial FFRMS implementation would have applied. 

    For new projects, FEMA will notify applicants that the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard will not apply. The 1% annual chance (100-year) floodplain (non-critical actions) and 0.2% annual chance (500-year) floodplain (critical actions) will be used to determine the floodplain for these projects.
    For pending projects where a Record of Environmental Consideration has not been issued, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard will not apply. The 1% annual chance (100-year) floodplain (non-critical actions) and 0.2% annual chance (500-year) floodplain (critical actions) will be used to determine the floodplain for these projects.
    For projects with a completed environmental review, if FEMA has issued a Record of Environmental Consideration between 2021-2025 for a project with Federal Flood Risk Management Standard conditions, regardless of whether the project has been obligated, FEMA will take no action and require no action from recipients. If a recipient is interested in amending their project scope of work to remove Federal Flood Risk Management Standard conditions, they should contact their FEMA Regional Office.  If an amendment is requested, FEMA will conduct a new environmental review. 

    For more information about the floodplain management requirements, visit FEMA’s website. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Demonstrates New Wildland Fire Airspace Management System

    Source: NASA

    NASA researchers conducted initial validation of a new airspace management system designed to enable crews to use aircraft fight and monitor wildland fires 24 hours a day, even during low-visibility conditions.  
    From March 17-28, NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project stationed researchers at multiple strategic locations across the foothills of the Sierra de Salinas mountains in Monterey County, California. Their mission: to test and validate a new, portable system that can provide reliable airspace management under poor visual conditions, one of the biggest barriers for aerial wildland firefighting support. 
    The mission was a success. 

    [embedded content]

    “At NASA, we have decades of experience leveraging our aviation expertise in ways that improve everyday life for Americans,” said Carol Carroll, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at agency headquarters in Washington. “We need every advantage possible when it comes to saving lives and property when wildfires affect our communities, and ACERO technology will give responders critical new tools to monitor and fight fires.” 

    One of the barriers for continued monitoring, suppression, and logistics support in wildland fire situations is a lack of tools for managing airspace and air traffic that can support operations under all visibility conditions. Current aerial firefighting operations are limited to times with clear visibility when a Tactical Air Group Supervisor or “air boss” in a piloted aircraft can provide direction. Otherwise, pilots may risk collisions. 
    The ACERO technology will provide that air boss capability for remotely piloted aircraft operations – and users will be able to do it from the ground. The project’s Portable Airspace Management System (PAMS) is a suitcase-sized solution that builds on decades of NASA air traffic and airspace management research. The PAMS units will allow pilots to view the locations and operational intents of other aircraft, even in thick smoke or at night. 
    During the testing in Salinas, researchers evaluated the PAMS’ core airspace management functions, including strategic coordination and the ability to automatically alert pilots once their aircrafts exit their preapproved paths or the simulated preapproved fire operation zone.  
    Using the PAMS prototype, researchers were able to safely conduct  flight operations of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft operated by Overwatch Aero, LLC, of Solvang, California, and two small NASA drones. 
    Flying as if responding to a wildfire scenario, the Overwatch aircraft connected with two PAMS units in different locations. Though the systems were separated by mountains and valleys with weak cellular service, the PAMS units were able to successfully share and display a simulated fire zone, aircraft location, flight plans, and flight intent, thanks to a radio communications relay established by the Overwatch aircraft.  
    Operating in a rural mountain range validated that PAMS could work successfully in an actual wildland fire environment.   
    “Testing in real mountainous environments presents numerous challenges, but it offers significantly more value than lab-based testing,” said Dr. Min Xue, ACERO project manager at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. “The tests were successful, providing valuable insights and highlighting areas for future improvement.”

    Pilots on the ground used PAMS to coordinate the drones, which performed flights simulating aerial ignition – the practice of setting controlled, intentional fires to manage vegetation, helping to control fires and reduce wildland fire risk. 
    As a part of the testing, Joby Aviation of Santa Cruz, California, flew its remotely piloted aircraft, similar in size to a Cessna Grand Caravan, over the testing site. The PAMS system successfully exchanged aircraft location and flight intent with Joby’s mission management system. The test marked the first successful interaction between PAMS and an optionally piloted aircraft. 
    Fire chiefs from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) attended the testing and provided feedback on the system’s functionality, features that could improve wildland fire air traffic coordination, and potential for integration into operations. 
    “We appreciate the work being done by the NASA ACERO program in relation to portable airspace management capabilities,” said Marcus Hernandez, deputy chief for CAL FIRE’s Office of Wildfire Technology. “It’s great to see federal, state, and local agencies, as it is important to address safety and regulatory challenges alongside technological advancements.” 

    These latest flights build on successful PAMS testing in Watsonville, California, in November 2024. ACERO will use flight test data and feedback from wildland fire agencies to continue building out PAMS capabilities and will showcase more robust information-sharing capabilities in the coming years.  
    NASA’s goal for ACERO is to validate this technology, so it can be developed for wildland fire crews to use in the field, saving lives and property. The project is managed by NASA’s Airspace Operations and Safety Program and supports the agency’s  Advanced Air Mobility mission. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Month Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following February Severe Storms and Flooding

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: One Month Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following February Severe Storms and Flooding

    One Month Left To Apply for FEMA Assistance Following February Severe Storms and Flooding

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    – Homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson and Woodford counties who experienced damage or losses caused by the February severe storms and floods have one month to apply for federal disaster assistance

    The deadline to apply for federal assistance is April 25

       Applicants who wish to apply for disaster assistance should have the following information ready for their registration: Social Security number; pre-disaster address of the primary residence; name of all occupants of the pre-disaster household, types of insurance coverage; current telephone number and mailing address; bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of financial assistance, if eligible

    Survivors should keep their contact information updated with FEMA as the agency may need to call to schedule a home inspection or get additional information

    Disaster assistance is not a substitute for insurance and is not intended to compensate for all losses caused by a disaster

    The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts

    The first step to receive FEMA assistance is to apply

    There are four ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA mobile app, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or calling 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service

    For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube

    com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Tue, 03/25/2025 – 14:59

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Preliminary Flood Maps for Hays County, Texas Ready for Public View

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Preliminary Flood Maps for Hays County, Texas Ready for Public View

    Preliminary Flood Maps for Hays County, Texas Ready for Public View

    DENTON, Texas – Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available for review by residents and business owners in the cities of Buda, Creedmoor, Hays, Kyle, Mountain City, Niederwald, San Marcos and Uhland; and the unincorporated areas of Hays County, Texas

    Property owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements

    Community residents can identify any concerns or questions about the information provided and participate in the appeal and comment periods for the maps

    For this Physical Map Revision, the FIRMs for Hays County serve multiple purposes, including defining Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs)

    SFHAs are areas at high risk for flooding

    Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development to help lessen the impacts of a flooding event

    FEMA stresses that flooding can and does happen outside of areas most likely to flood

     Review the preliminary flood maps by visiting the local floodplain administrator (FPA)

    A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify community FPAs

    Specialists are available by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema

    dhs

    gov

    The preliminary maps may also be viewed online:The Flood Map Changes Viewer at http://msc

    fema

    gov/fmcv FEMA Map Service Center at http://msc

    fema

    gov/portalFor more information about the flood maps:Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps

    fema

    gov/fhm/fmx_main

    html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon)

    Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema

    dhs

    gov

    There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone

    Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart

    gov

    toan

    nguyen
    Tue, 03/25/2025 – 14:33

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

    West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

    CHARLESTON, W

    Va

    – West Virginia renters in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties who experienced losses due to the winter floods from February 15 – 18, 2025 may be eligible for disaster recovery assistance from FEMA and the U

    S Small Business Administration (SBA)

    Renters may be eligible for Individual Assistance grants from FEMA to help with such disaster-related expenses as:Renting a new place to live when the renter’s previous home was significantly damaged or lost due to the disaster

    Disaster-related medical and dental expenses

    Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, such as appliances and furniture; textbooks and computers used by students; and work equipment or tools used by the self-employed

    Repair or replacement of vehicles damaged by the disaster

    Accepting FEMA funds will not affect eligibility for Social Security – including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or other federal benefit programs

    Renters who sustained losses can apply for assistance in several ways:Visiting DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Downloading the FEMA App

    Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Phone lines are open every day and help is available in most languages

    If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, please provide FEMA your number for that service

    Speaking with someone in person

    Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams will be on the ground in impacted communities, walking door-to-door to share information and help residents apply for FEMA assistance

    In coordination with the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) and officials in impacted counties, FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming Counties

    At a Disaster Recovery Center, you can get help applying for federal assistance, update your application, and learn about other resources available

    Logan County Disaster Recovery CenterMercer County Disaster Recovery CenterSouthern WV Community & Technical College100 College DriveLogan, WV 25601 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    – 3 p

    m

    Closed Sundays  Lifeline Princeton Church of God250 Oakvale Road Princeton, WV 24740 Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    – 5 p

    m

    Saturdays: 10 a

    m

    – 2 p

    m

    Closed Sundays Closed April 26McDowell County (Welch) Disaster Recovery Center McDowell County Disaster (Bradshaw) Recovery Center  Board of Education Office900 Mount View High School RoadWelch, WV 24801 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturday March 29: 9 a

    m

    to 1 p

    m

    , weather dependentClosed on SundaysBradshaw Town Hall10002 Marshall HwyBradshaw, WV 24817 Hours of operation:Monday to Saturday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

    Closed SundaysMingo County Disaster Recovery CenterWyoming County Disaster Recovery CenterWilliamson Campus1601 Armory DriveWilliamson, WV 25661 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysWyoming Court House24 Main AvePineville, WV 24874 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysDRCs are open to all, including survivors with mobility issues, impaired vision, and those who are who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

    In addition to applying for FEMA assistance, renters can also apply for a U

    S

    Small Business Administration disaster loan

    Residents can apply online at sba

    gov/disaster, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba

    gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance

    Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability should dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay service

    For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd

    wv

    gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4861 and www

    facebook

    com/FEMA

    ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    Also, follow on X FEMA_Cam

    For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

    kelly

    magarity
    Tue, 03/25/2025 – 13:33

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Strives to Leave No One Behind

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Strives to Leave No One Behind

    FEMA Strives to Leave No One Behind

    FEMA customer service teams are calling applicants with disabilities to provide personal assistance as part of the agency’s commitment to ensure disaster recovery resources are available to everyone who was affected by Tropical Storm Helene

    Disasters are traumatic for everyone including the 20% of Americans who have some form of physical, mental health, sensory, intellectual or cognitive disability

    A disaster can take away the key components that enable people with disabilities or access and functional needs to live independently or to communicate with others

     Tennesseans in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties who have applied for FEMA assistance may receive a call, text or email from the customer service team

    Calls and texts may come from an unknown number

    Applicants are encouraged to answer these calls

    Beware of fraud calls — only FEMA knows an applicant’s nine-digit application number

    FEMA representatives can provide this number to verify it is a legitimate FEMA call

     FEMA is reviewing applications and reaching out to survivors who may benefit from an additional level of assistance

      FEMA is working to be proactive in meeting the needs of the whole community, including survivors who are experiencing barriers in their recovery

    The specialists ensure that all survivors, particularly those with additional needs, receive the assistance they need to rebuild and recover

    The specialists are also reaching out to learn about disability-related needs such as medical support assistance, medical equipment repairs, or replacement of assistive technology lost or damaged during the Sept

    26-30 storms

     Remember that help from FEMA is just a phone call away

    Survivors can get answers from trained specialists at the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362)

     
    kwei

    nwaogu
    Tue, 03/25/2025 – 12:51

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA assistance

    West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA assistance

    West Virginian Renters may be eligible for FEMA assistanceCHARLESTON, W

    Va

    – West Virginia renters in Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne, and Wyoming counties who experienced losses due to the winter floods from February 15 – 18, 2025 may be eligible for disaster recovery assistance from FEMA and the U

    S Small Business Administration (SBA)

    Renters may be eligible for Individual Assistance grants from FEMA to help with such disaster-related expenses as:Renting a new place to live when the renter’s previous home was significantly damaged or lost due to the disaster

    Disaster-related medical and dental expenses

    Replacement or repair of necessary personal property lost or damaged in the disaster, such as appliances and furniture; textbooks and computers used by students; and work equipment or tools used by the self-employed

    Repair or replacement of vehicles damaged by the disaster

    Accepting FEMA funds will not affect eligibility for Social Security – including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or other federal benefit programs

    Renters who sustained losses can apply for assistance in several ways:Visiting DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Downloading the FEMA App

    Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Phone lines are open every day and help is available in most languages

    If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, please provide FEMA your number for that service

    Speaking with someone in person

    Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams will be on the ground in impacted communities, walking door-to-door to share information and help residents apply for FEMA assistance

    In coordination with the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) and officials in impacted counties, FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming Counties

    At a Disaster Recovery Center, you can get help applying for federal assistance, update your application, and learn about other resources available

    Logan County Disaster Recovery CenterMercer County Disaster Recovery CenterSouthern WV Community & Technical College100 College DriveLogan, WV 25601Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    – 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    – 3 p

    m

    Closed Sundays  Lifeline Princeton Church of God250 Oakvale Road Princeton, WV 24740Hours of operation:Monday to Friday: 9 a

    m

    – 5 p

    m

    Saturdays: 10 a

    m

    – 2 p

    m

    Closed Sundays Closed April 26 McDowell County (Welch) Disaster Recovery Center McDowell County Disaster (Bradshaw) Recovery Center   Board of Education Office900 Mount View High School RoadWelch, WV 24801Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturday March 29: 9 a

    m

    to 1 p

    m

    , weather dependentClosed on Sundays Bradshaw Town Hall10002 Marshall HwyBradshaw, WV 24817Hours of operation:Monday to Saturday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

    Closed SundaysMingo County Disaster Recovery CenterWyoming County Disaster Recovery CenterWilliamson Campus1601 Armory DriveWilliamson, WV 25661 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on SundaysWyoming Court House24 Main AvePineville, WV 24874 Hours of operation:Monday through Friday: 8 a

    m

    to 6 p

    m

     Saturdays: 9 a

    m

    to 3 p

    m

    Closed on Sundays DRCs are open to all, including survivors with mobility issues, impaired vision, and those who are who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

    In addition to applying for FEMA assistance, renters can also apply for a U

    S

    Small Business Administration disaster loan

    Residents can apply online at sba

    gov/disaster, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba

    gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance

    Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability should dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay service

    For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd

    wv

    gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4861 and www

    facebook

    com/FEMA

    ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters

    Follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA’s Facebook page or Espanol page and at FEMA’s YouTube account

    Also, follow on X FEMA_Cam

    For preparedness information follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Ready

    gov, on Instagram @Ready

    gov or on the Ready Facebook page

    kimberly

    fuller
    Mon, 03/24/2025 – 21:30

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentuckians Impacted by February Storms and Flooding

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentuckians Impacted by February Storms and Flooding

    Damaged Vehicle Assistance Available for Kentuckians Impacted by February Storms and Flooding

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –FEMA may be able to provide financial assistance to help those whose vehicles were damaged due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred February 14 – March 7

    The first step is for survivors to file a claim with their insurance company if they have a comprehensive policy

    This type of policy usually covers storm-related damage to a vehicle

    Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs

    Apply with FEMA even if you have insurance

    FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled

    To be eligible for FEMA assistance, applicants must meet the following conditions:The vehicle was damaged during the February 14 – March 7 storms within the disaster-designated area

    The applicant can provide proof of ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title

    The vehicle was in compliance with the commonwealth of Kentucky’s registration and insurance requirements at the time of the disaster

    The applicant has no other usable vehicle

    Applicants with more than one storm-damaged vehicle, must write a statement explaining why the household needs more than one working vehicle

    The statement should include the number of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle

    How to Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

    To find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit fema

    gov/drc

    Call FEMA at 800-621-3362

    Multilingual operators are available

    If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service

    Apply at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Download and use the FEMA app

    Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources

    Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba

    gov/disaster

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

    martyce

    allenjr
    Mon, 03/24/2025 – 20:53

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Five months after launch, San Bernardino public safety efforts yield 858 arrests, 66 stolen vehicles recovered

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 25, 2025

    What you need to know: Since Governor Newsom launched the joint San Bernardino operation in October 2024, the efforts have led to 858 arrests and 66 recovered stolen vehicles.

    Los Angeles, CaliforniaGovernor Gavin Newsom today announced the ongoing joint law enforcement operation in San Bernardino has resulted in 858 arrests, including 140 felony arrests, 66 stolen vehicles recovered, and 28 illicit firearms seized since the operation’s launch in October.

    As we continue prioritizing the safety and security of our communities statewide, the efforts done regionally in the San Bernardino area between state and local law enforcement are helping keep bad actors off the streets and holding them accountable for their actions.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The enhanced operation in the region places additional CHP personnel in San Bernardino to help clamp down on property theft and violent crime, including gun violence. The CHP’s operation adds special law enforcement units on the ground and in the air — targeting sideshow activities and stolen vehicles.

    On March 16, due to an enhanced public safety presence in the area and augmented resources dedicated through the state budget, officers were able to arrest a road rage incident suspect using high-tech camera technology. The suspect had fired at a neighboring vehicle on Interstate 10 using a black semiautomatic handgun. CHP officers were able to arrest the suspect the same day in a neighboring city.

    In an effort to continue combatting criminal activity and freeway violence, this camera network allows law enforcement agencies to identify vehicle attributes beyond license plate numbers, enabling the CHP, local law enforcement, and allied agencies to search for vehicles suspected to be linked to crimes and receive real-time alerts about their movement. Similar efforts have been used to fight crime in the Bay Area.

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    Through a state, county, and city partnership, the CHP saturates high-crime areas, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. The Newsom administration has provided similar CHP support to regional crime hot spots throughout California, including Bakersfield and the Bay Area. 

    In August, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish tough new penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions, and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars.

    California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force released a list of 25 key deliverables to build on the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Californians from increasing threats posed by catastrophic wildfire and a changing climate….

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom, in partnership with the Legislature, is announcing the largest-ever funding award of $76 million to 347 community groups and nonprofit organizations to protect them from hate-motivated violence. Sacramento, California –…

    News What you need to know: 125 new California Highway Patrol officers sworn in to protect the state. WEST SACRAMENTO – Marking the successful completion of an intense 26-week training program, today Governor Newsom congratulated 125 cadets who graduated into their…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Immediate Declassification of Materials Related to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crossfire Hurricane Investigation

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-left”>MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
                   THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
                   THE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
    SUBJECT:       Immediate Declassification of Materials Related to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crossfire Hurricane Investigation
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following:
    Except as provided below, I have determined that all of the materials referenced in the Presidential Memorandum of January 19, 2021 (Declassification of Certain Materials Related to the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane Investigation), are no longer classified.
    I have further determined that the material proposed for redaction by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a cover letter dated January 17, 2021, remains classified.
    My decision to declassify the materials described above does not extend to materials that must be protected from disclosure pursuant to orders of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and does not require the disclosure of certain personally identifiable information or any other materials that must be protected from disclosure under applicable law.
    Subject to the exceptions identified above, the Attorney General shall make declassified materials described in this memorandum available to the public immediately.  
                                  DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province funds replacement of flood-damaged dikes in Merritt

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    New funding from the Province will allow the City of Merritt to rebuild two damaged dikes to higher standards to better protect against flooding and keep people safe.

    The Province is providing the City of Merritt with $60 million to relocate and rebuild two critical dikes, on both banks of the Coldwater River, that were damaged during the flooding of November 2021.

    “Today marks a significant step forward in the City of Merritt’s recovery from the 2021 atmospheric river event, which was devastating for the community,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Moving and rebuilding these dikes will allow the river to flow more naturally, bringing ecosystem benefits while better protecting Merritt from future flooding. We’ll continue to support communities throughout B.C. as they recover from the 2021 event to keep people safe and better prepared.”

    Intense rainfall caused the Coldwater River to overflow its banks, leading to failure of the dikes and catastrophic flooding in Merritt. Because the flooding changed the course of the river, the dikes could not be rebuilt at the existing locations and must be rebuilt at alternative sites.

    “This $60-million investment is a game-changer for Merritt,” said Micheal Goetz, mayor of Merritt. “The construction of dikes 129 and 130 means our community can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing we are taking real steps to protect our homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure. This funding brings us closer to a safer, more resilient future — one where we can face the future with greater confidence and security.”

    This funding will allow the City of Merritt to reconstruct the dikes to modern standards and acquire land to build the dikes in new locations. These projects are part of the City of Merritt’s flood mitigation plan to restore and protect the community after the 2021 flooding. Other key projects in the plan, being undertaken with support of the local First Nations, include ecosystem restoration, riverbank restoration and armouring to prevent erosion. Relocating and rebuilding the two dikes will also help reduce flood risks to downstream communities and benefit the local ecosystem by preserving the natural flow of the river.

    “The Shackan Indian Band is happy to see our neighbours receive the needed funding for rebuilding these dikes, helping the city mitigate risks from future flooding,” said Chief Lindsay Tighe, Shackan Indian Band. “The flooding in 2021 has been absolutely devastating to our communities; some of our community members remain evacuated as Shackan continues to recover. Our support is a step toward a stronger relationship with the City of Merritt and neighbours, as we all depend on a healthy Nicola Valley. It is encouraging to see various partners throughout the Nicola Valley continuing to work together three years after the devastating flooding, to make our communities stronger and more resilient. ”

    Rebuilding these key dikes is one of several flood-mitigation and restoration projects funded by the Province to support the City of Merritt. Other projects include reconstructing the Middlesboro Bridge, rebuilding dikes and banks along the Coldwater River, road repairs, park restorations and water-well restorations.

    Learn More:

    For information about disaster and climate-risk reduction, visit ClimateReadyBC: https://www.ClimateReadyBC.ca

    For more information about the City of Merritt’s flood mitigation plan, visit: https://flood.merritt.ca/

    To learn more about the City of Merritt, visit: https://www.merritt.ca/

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fourteen Charged in Federal Indictment Following Takedown of Violent Indianapolis Drug Trafficking Ring

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    INDIANAPOLIS— 14 individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in Indianapolis, Lafayette, and surrounding communities. The charges follow a successful law enforcement operation in which 13 total individuals have been arrested and are in federal custody. Eight individuals were arrested on March 21, 2025. The following lists the individuals indicted and the charges they face:

    Defendant Charge(s)
    Tanesha M. Turner, 39
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    • Kidnapping
    • Carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime
    • Accessory to a crime after the fact
    • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
    Charles T. Dunson, 44
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    • Carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
    • Distribution of methamphetamine
    • Possession of a machinegun
    • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
    Tre J. Dunn, 27
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    • Carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
    • Causing Death by Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
    • Possessing, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
    Nahamani I. Sargent, 34
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    • Retaliating against a witness
    • Use of fire or explosives
    • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
    Byron A. Mason, 38
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    • Unlawful use of a cell phone
    Adrian J. Bullock, 34
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
    Avery J. Bullock, 27
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    • Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
    John M. Whitfield, 37
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
    Aaliyah Hackett, 23
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    • Unlawful use of a cell phone
    Emorrie J. Dunn, 26
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    Chancelor R. Walker, 38
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    D’Ericka Lee, 30
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    Lamar T. Browning, 39
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
    Mark C. Marshall, 57
    • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances

    This was a multi-agency operation, involving ten agencies who assisted with the investigation and the arrests on the morning of March 21, 2025. Law enforcement has asked the public for assistance in locating fugitive Lamar T. Browning. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Those with information are asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

    According to the indictment, all 14 defendants allegedly operated a drug trafficking conspiracy, selling meth, fentanyl, cocaine and heroin out of several trap houses in Indianapolis.

    Some members of the conspiracy allegedly committed multiple acts of violence, including murder, firing gunshots, throwing Molotov cocktails at a home, kidnapping, and pistol-whipping in order to intimidate drug customers and rival drug dealers The violence was used as a tool to collect money owed to them by their drug customers, to protect the locations that they used to distribute drugs, and to retaliate against potential witnesses.

    Specifically, Nahamani Sargent allegedly fired gunshots and threw Molotov cocktails at the home of a customer, believing that the victim had provided information about the conspiracy to law enforcement.

    Additionally, Tanesha Turner allegedly kidnapped a victim at gunpoint and held them for ransom because they owed $40. Tre Dunn then allegedly shot the same victim for owing money and providing information to law enforcement.

    Tre Dunn also allegedly aided and abetted the murder of a man because he disrespected him and his associate during a failed drug deal. Tanesha Turner then allegedly aided Dunn by driving him to another location following the murder to prevent his arrest.

    If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in federal prison.

    The following investigative agencies collaborated to make this investigation and recent warrant execution possible:

    • Federal Bureau of Investigation (Indianapolis, Chicago, and Cincinnati SWAT)
    • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, SWAT
    • Fishers Police Department, SWAT
    • Drug Enforcement Administration
    • United States Department of Agriculture
    • Indiana Capitol Police Department
    • Indiana Department of Homeland Security
    • Johnson County Sheriff’s Department

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley A. Blackington and Kelsey Massa, who are prosecuting this case.

    This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This operation is part of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.

    An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FCDO statement on Riyadh talks

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    FCDO statement on Riyadh talks

    The FCDO has released a statement following ceasefire talks in Riyadh today: 25 March

    An FCDO spokesperson said:

    “We are in close contact with US and Ukraine following the conclusion of talks in Riyadh today.

    “President Zelenskyy has already shown Ukraine is the party of peace by proposing a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.  We hope that President Putin will agree to this without further delay. 

    “We thank the US for their efforts. We are continuing to work closely with international partners towards a lasting and durable peace.”

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom