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Category: Weather

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists from the NSU Climate Center have developed low-carbon building materials

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    New building materials with a low carbon footprint have been developed by scientists from the Climate Center of Novosibirsk State University. Large-tonnage man-made waste from the mining, construction and energy industries is used in the production of these materials. Here, mineral raw materials obtained as a result of the demolition of buildings and structures, waste from quarries and mines for the extraction of minerals, metallurgical slag, as well as ash and slag waste from coal combustion at power plants are used. Thanks to the use of technology developed in the laboratory of the Climate Center, new cement-free building materials not only have a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional concrete, but are also capable of absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

    — Cement production is associated with high energy costs. The specifics of the technological process involve the firing of mineral raw materials, which results in the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which ensures a high level of greenhouse gas emissions. About 800-900 kilograms of CO2 are emitted into the atmosphere per ton of cement produced. This puts the cement industry in third place in terms of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, the problem of decarbonization of the construction industry is relevant and quite acute. At our Carbon Polygon, we create technologies aimed at reducing the carbon footprint in the cement industry, developing and implementing alternative mineral binders and “green” building materials based on them, — explained Georgy Lazorenko, Director of the NSU Climate Center.

    In the production of materials, the technogenic mineral raw materials used are subjected to high-intensity mechanical grinding and are divided into different fractions. In some cases, methods of preliminary heat treatment in a high-temperature furnace or in microwave heating chambers are used – depending on the purpose of the finished mixture that scientists intend to obtain. Next, the mineral raw material mixture is mixed with an activator on an alkaline or acidic basis. As a rule, it is an aqueous solution that is mixed with a solid mineral finely dispersed phase. As a result, a solution mixture is formed, the hardening of which ensures the formation of a ceramic or concrete-like material.

    The use of man-made mineral raw materials with a high content of calcium and magnesium cations, capable of reacting with carbon dioxide to form stable carbonate minerals, in the production of binders ensures the binding of CO2 with the developed materials.

    — We conduct research on the ability of materials to absorb carbon dioxide using a specially designed carbonization chamber, into which CO2 is pumped under pressure. Under controlled operating parameters — temperature, humidity and pressure — we forcibly carbonize the material and study the kinetics of the mineral carbonization process, — said Georgy Lazorenko.

    Currently, the technology for producing cement-free low-carbon building materials is being developed in laboratory conditions. In the laboratory of the NSU Climate Center, scientists are optimizing the recipes and technological modes of producing materials, and are also developing approaches aimed at increasing the effect of absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmospheric air by materials. Also, in laboratory conditions, pilot samples of materials have been created using various types of man-made materials from various industrial facilities in the country.

    Various products can be formed from the developed compositions. Currently, samples of tiles have been manufactured that can be used in urban infrastructure, as well as heat and sound insulation materials that can easily compete with products based on ordinary cements in terms of technical qualities and have a significant advantage in terms of carbon footprint.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/science/scientists-climate-center-nsu-developed-low-carbon-building-materials/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Partners With Federal, State, And Local Leaders To Streamline Hurricane Milton Preparation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    Donalds Partners With Federal, State, And Local Leaders To Streamline Hurricane Milton Preparation

    Naples, Fla., October 8, 2024

    NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Congressman Byron Donalds joined Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-FL), and other local leaders from across Southwest Florida at the Lee County Emergency Operations Center.

    Together, the lawmakers were briefed ahead of Hurricane Milton’s projected landfall tomorrow on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, additional members of local law enforcement, and local emergency management officials presented local plans of action to the lawmakers.

    The Office of Congressman Byron Donalds is closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and is actively coordinating storm preparations alongside federal, state, and local partners. The Congressman and his team stand ready to support our Southwest Florida community and ensure all necessary resources are available.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Behavioral Health Resources Available for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Behavioral Health Resources Available for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene

    Behavioral Health Resources Available for People Impacted by Hurricane Helene
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    Whether directly or indirectly, millions of people in North Carolina have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Natural disasters are traumatic for individuals, families and communities, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. After a hurricane, it’s even more important to get mental health support if you believe you or a loved one may need help, and to stay in contact with family and friends as soon as your access to communications is restored. 

    “You are not alone, there is always someone to call and someone to respond if you need help with your mental or behavioral health,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic damage that will be felt immediately and for weeks, months and years to come. We are committed to helping those who are impacted right now, and for the long haul.”

    The following resources are always available if you or a loved one need help immediately:

    • The national Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year resource dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people impacted by a natural disaster or emergency. Help is available in English and Spanish. Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL callers can call or text through their preferred Relay provider.
    • Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org. The person who answers your call is a trained counselor and can provide immediate support.
    • The statewide Peer Warmline, 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762), is staffed 24/7 by Peer Support Specialists who offer non-clinical support and resources to those in crisis. Peers are people living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder who provide support through the lens of personal lived experience.
    • For first responders and volunteers, it’s important to take care of yourself while you take care of others. For stress, emotional fatigue, a mental health crisis or just someone to talk to, call Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
    • The Disability Disaster Hotline, 800-626-4959, provides information, referrals and guidance to people with disabilities and their families during disasters. Help is available 24/7.
    • People who are uninsured or have Medicaid can also call the crisis line of the Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization in their region:
      • Partners: 1-833-353-2093 (serves western region)
      • Vaya Health: 1-800-849-6127 (serves western region)
      • Alliance: 1-877-223-4617
      • Trillium: 1-888-302-0738

    There are also resources available for people impacted by Hurricane Helene who are experiencing a crisis and need a safe place for care, as well as those have a mental health diagnosis or substance use disorder.

    Mental Health Crisis Care
    Community Crisis centers (facility-based crisis) are starting to re-open. Community Crisis & Detox Centers open as of Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024:

    • The Balsam Center, Haywood County – Open
    • Foothills Regional Treatment Center, Caldwell County – Open
    • Neil Dobbins Center and C3356 BHUC, Buncombe County – Closed
    • Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center, Buncombe County – Closed
    • Synergy Recovery, Wilkes County – Open

    Walk-in Clinics 
    People can walk into a clinic for mental health or substance use care the same way urgent care clinics help people with immediate physical health needs.  Walk-in Mental Health centers are open in more than two dozen counties that may have been impacted by Hurricane Helene.  You can view a list of walk-in clinics that are open here: Hurricane Recovery Resources – Vaya Health.

    Mobile Crisis Response
    Mobile Crisis teams are operating throughout the disaster area. Mobile Crisis teams can send trained clinicians to a home, community, or shelter to respond to an urgent need.  To get connected with a mobile crisis team, you can call Vaya Health at 1-800-849-6127 and they will respond to you as soon as possible depending on your location.

    For the most up to date info on Behavioral Health resources in the area, please reach out to Vaya Health’s Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-800-849-6127.

    Opioid Treatment Available 
    All Opioid Treatment Programs in the storm-impacted region are currently open. If you need to find a program, there is a real-time map with location, contact information and hours of operation available at thecentralregistry.com/map. Programs are working with emergency shelters, and all shelters have overdose rescue medications on-hand to provide emergency assistance to shelter residents if needed.

    Behavioral Health Shelter Support
    Most emergency shelters also have a behavioral health clinician and mental health services available onsite to support people currently residing in the shelter until they are able to return home or secure temporary housing. If additional supports, are needed, shelter staff can reach out to Vaya Health at 1-800-849-6127.

    Connections App
    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is using the Connections App to make evidence-based support for mental health and substance use recovery available to anyone in Western North Carolina. It is free and confidential. Enroll at signup.connectionsapp.com to receive services like 24/7 peer support, virtual meetings and access to an online community of people in recovery from substance use. Whether you’re in treatment, have a provider, or are seeking support for the first time, the Connections App can help support you. Watch a short video to learn more.

    Access to Medication
    For people who take regular medications for anxiety, depression, or any other mental health needs, it is important to maintain your regular medication schedule as much as possible. With some exceptions, the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program enables pharmacists to dispense a one-time emergency supply of up to 90 days of a prescribed medication when they are unable to reach the prescribing medical provider, and a one-time emergency refill of up to a 30-day supply.

    Visit www.ncbop.org/emergencyoperatingpharmacieshelene to locate a pharmacy that is open and operating in Western North Carolina.

    Medicaid Flexibilities
    Temporary flexibilities for people on NC Medicaid are in place to make it easier for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury to continue to receive services and avoid care disruptions related to the hurricane. Detailed information on these flexibilities and all the services they cover can be found in the Oct. 4 press release, Additional Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation.

    NCDHHS will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to ensure the people and families in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene have access to both the physical and mental health services they need to recover from the storm.

    Whether people need help right away after the hurricane, or later on as recovery continues, it’s never too early or too late to ask for support. Please reach out as help is always available to those who need it.

    a sea directa o indirectamente, millones de personas en Carolina del Norte se han visto afectadas por el huracán Helene. Los desastres naturales son traumáticos para las personas, las familias y las comunidades, y no hay una forma correcta o incorrecta de sentirse. Después de un huracán, es aún más importante obtener apoyo de salud mental si cree que usted o un ser querido pueden necesitar ayuda, y mantenerse en contacto con familiares y amigos tan pronto como se restablezca su acceso a las comunicaciones.

    “No está solo, siempre hay alguien a quien llamar y alguien que responda si necesita ayuda con su salud mental o conductual”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley. “El huracán Helene trajo daños catastróficos que se sentirán de inmediato y durante semanas, meses y años. Estamos comprometidos a ayudar a aquellos que se ven afectados en este momento y a largo plazo “.  

    Los siguientes recursos siempre están disponibles si usted o un ser querido necesitan ayuda de inmediato:

    • La Línea Nacional de Ayuda para los Afectados por Catástrofes, 1-800-985-5990, es un recurso disponible las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana, los 365 días del año, dedicado a brindar asesoramiento inmediato en caso de crisis a las personas afectadas por un desastre natural o una emergencia. La ayuda está disponible en inglés y español. Los sordos y personas con problemas de audición, o que usan el lenguaje de señas estadounidense (ASL, por sus siglas en inglés) pueden llamar o enviar mensajes de texto a través de su proveedor de retransmisión/relé preferido.
    • La ayuda también está disponible para cualquier persona, en cualquier momento en inglés o español a través de una llamada, mensaje de texto o chat al 988. Más información en Linea988.org/es. La persona que responde a su llamada es un consejero capacitado y puede brindarle apoyo inmediato.
    • La línea estatal de ayuda entre pares, Peer Warmline, 1-855-PEERS NC (855-733-7762), cuenta con especialistas en apoyo entre pares las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana, que ofrecen apoyo y recursos no clínicos a las personas en crisis. Los pares son personas que viven en recuperación con enfermedad mental y/o trastorno por uso de sustancias que brindan apoyo a través de la perspectiva de sus propias experiencias vividas.
    • Para los miembros de equipos de rescate inmediato y los voluntarios, es importante cuidarse a sí mismo mientras cuida a los demás. Para el estrés, la fatiga emocional, una crisis de salud mental o simplemente alguien con quien hablar, llame a la Línea de Ayuda Hope4NC al 1-855-587-3463 para obtener asistencia gratuita y confidencial las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana.
    • La Línea Directa de Desastres para Discapacitados (Disability Disaster Hotline), 800-626-4959, proporciona información, referencias y orientación a las personas con discapacidades y sus familias durante los desastres. Hay ayuda disponible en cualquier día a cualquier hora.
    • Las personas que no tienen seguro o tienen Medicaid también pueden llamar a la línea de crisis de la Entidad de Gestión Local/Organización de Atención Administrada en su región:
      • Partners: 1-833-353-2093 (sirve a la región del oeste)
      • Vaya Health: 1-800-849-6127 (sirve a la región del oeste)
      • Alliance: 1-877-223-4617
      • Trillium: 1-888-302-0738

    También hay recursos disponibles para las personas afectadas por el huracán Helene que están experimentando una crisis y necesitan un lugar seguro para recibir atención, así como para aquellas que tienen un diagnóstico de salud mental o un trastorno por uso de sustancias.

    Crisis de salud mental
    Los Centros Comunitarios de Crisis (crisis en instalaciones) están comenzando a reabrir. Los Centros Comunitarios de Crisis y Desintoxicación abren a partir del jueves, 10 de octubre de 2024:

    • El Centro Balsam (The Balsam Center), condado de Haywood – Abierto
    • Centro de Tratamiento Regional de Foothills (Foothills Regional Treatment Center) , condado de Caldwell – Abierto
    • Centro Neil Dobbins (Neil Dobbins Center) y el Centro de atención urgente de salud mental C3356 (C3356 BHUC), condado de Buncombe – Cerrado
    • Centro de Crisis Infantil Caiyalynn Burrell (Caiyalynn Burrell Child Crisis Center), condado de Buncombe – Cerrado
    • Centro de recuperación Synergy (Synergy Recovery), condado de Wilkes – Abierto

    Clínicas ambulatorias que no requieren cita previa 
    Las personas pueden ingresar a una clínica para recibir atención de salud mental o por uso de sustancias de la misma manera que las clínicas de atención de urgencia ayudan a las personas con necesidades inmediatas de salud física. Los centros de salud mental sin cita previa están abiertos en más de dos docenas de condados que pueden haber sido afectados por el huracán Helene. Puede ver una lista de clínicas ambulatorias en las que no necesita cita previa y que están abiertas aquí: Recursos de Recuperación del Huracán – Vaya Health.

    Servicios móviles de respuesta ante crisis
    Los equipos de servicios móviles de respuesta ante crisis están operando en toda la zona del desastre. Los equipos móviles de respuesta ante crisis pueden enviar médicos capacitados a un hogar, comunidad o refugio para responder a una necesidad urgente. Para ponerse en contacto con un equipo móvil de respuesta ante crisis, puede llamar a Vaya Health al 1-800-849-6127 y le responderán lo antes posible dependiendo de su ubicación.

    Para obtener la información más actualizada sobre los recursos de salud conductual en el área, comuníquese con la Línea de Crisis de Salud Conductual de Vaya Health al 1-800-849-6127.

    Tratamiento contra opioides disponible
    Todos los programas de tratamiento contra opioides en la región afectada por la tormenta están actualmente abiertos. Si necesita encontrar un programa, hay un mapa en tiempo real con ubicación, información de contacto y horarios disponibles en thecentralregistry.com/map. Los programas están trabajando con refugios de emergencia, y todos los refugios tienen medicamentos de rescate para sobredosis disponibles para brindar asistencia de emergencia a los residentes del refugio si es necesario.

    Apoyos de salud conductual para refugios
    La mayoría de los refugios de emergencia también tienen un médico de salud conductual y servicios de salud mental disponibles en el lugar para apoyar a las personas que actualmente residen en el refugio hasta que puedan regresar a casa u obtener una vivienda temporal. Si se necesita apoyos adicionales, el personal del refugio puede comunicarse con Vaya Health al 1-800-849-6127.

    Aplicación Connections
    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte está utilizando la aplicación Connections para poner a disposición de cualquier persona en el oeste de Carolina del Norte el apoyo basado en la evidencia para la recuperación de la salud mental y el uso de sustancias. Es gratuito y confidencial. Inscríbase en signup.connectionsapp.com para recibir servicios como apoyo entre pares las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana, reuniones virtuales y acceso a una comunidad en línea de personas en recuperación del uso de sustancias. Ya sea que esté en tratamiento, tenga un proveedor o esté buscando ayuda por primera vez, la aplicación Connections puede ayudarlo. Mire un vídeo corto para obtener más información. 

    Acceso a medicamentos
    Para las personas que toman medicamentos regulares para la ansiedad, la depresión o cualquier otra necesidad de salud mental, es importante mantener su horario regular de medicamentos tanto como sea posible. Con algunas excepciones, el Programa de Asistencia de Recetas de Emergencia permite a los farmacéuticos dispensar un suministro de emergencia único de hasta 90 días de un medicamento recetado cuando no pueden comunicarse con el proveedor médico que lo prescribe, y una recarga de emergencia única de un suministro de hasta 30 días. Visite http://www.ncbop.org/emergencyoperatingpharmacieshelene para localizar una farmacia abierta y en funcionamiento en el oeste de Carolina del Norte.

    Flexibilidades de Medicaid
    Existen flexibilidades temporales para las personas con Medicaid de Carolina del Norte para facilitar que las personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo y lesiones cerebrales traumáticas continúen recibiendo servicios y eviten interrupciones en la atención relacionadas con el huracán. La información detallada sobre estas flexibilidades y todos los servicios que cubren se puede encontrar en el comunicado de prensa del 4 de octubre, Flexibilidades temporales adicionales para los beneficiarios de Medicaid debido a la devastación del huracán Helene.

    El Departamento de Salud Y servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte continuará trabajando con socios locales, estatales y federales para garantizar que las personas y familias en las comunidades afectadas por el huracán Helene tengan acceso a los servicios de salud física y mental que necesitan para recuperarse de la tormenta.

    Ya sea que las personas necesiten ayuda inmediatamente después del huracán o más tarde a medida que continúa la recuperación, nunca es demasiado pronto o demasiado tarde para pedir ayuda. Póngase en contacto con nosotros, ya que siempre hay ayuda disponible para quienes la necesiten.

    Oct 10, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Urges Well and Septic Safety Following Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Urges Well and Septic Safety Following Hurricane Helene

    NCDHHS Urges Well and Septic Safety Following Hurricane Helene
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    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging western North Carolinians who rely on a private well for their drinking water and were impacted by Hurricane Helene to continue to use bottled, boiled or treated water until private wells can be disinfected and tested for dangerous bacteria. Safety measures and precautions are also needed for septic systems that have been impacted by the storm before returning to use.

    More than 300,000 people in or near flood-impacted areas in western North Carolina are estimated to rely on private wells, and the number on septic systems is estimated to be slightly higher. People in flood and storm-impacted areas should have their private wells and septic systems inspected and repaired if damaged. Wells should be disinfected and tested after repairs to ensure water safety, while septic systems should be inspected to confirm they are functioning properly. These steps are essential to help keep individuals and their families safe following the storm.

    North Carolinians who lost access to water or septic through a private well or damaged septic system as a result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Visit disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 to apply for FEMA disaster assistance and learn about other resources available to help you and your family recover from the storm.

    Safety Measures for Private Wells
    Excessive rain and flooding can cause water in private wells to become contaminated, meaning the water can make people sick if it is consumed. People with medical conditions can be particularly susceptible to severe illness or even death related to dangerous bacteria from contaminated wells.

    After a flood, your private well must be assessed for damage, disinfected and tested. It is critical that people do not drink or use water from a private well that has been damaged or flooded until it has been properly disinfected and tested after the storm. Potentially contaminated water should not be used for drinking, washing and preparing food, making ice, preparing baby formula, washing dishes, brushing teeth or washing hands. Use an alternative water source until testing confirms contamination is no longer detected in your water. Alternative sources include bottled water, a source you know isn’t contaminated or boiling your water for at least one minute before use.

    Follow these steps to assess your well:

    • Wait to turn on electricity. Do not turn on the electricity to your pump until flood waters recede.
    • Check your well for damage. If your well is damaged, contact a licensed well driller for assistance. You can search for well contractors in your county at Find Certified Well Contractors.
    • Disinfect your well. If you are able to determine your well is not damaged, and you already have the necessary disinfection materials on-hand, you can disinfect your well to prepare it to be tested. Use the NCDHHS instructions on How to Disinfect Your Well After a Flood for assistance.
      • If you do not have disinfectant supplies or have questions about disinfecting your well, contact your local health department for assistance.
    • Test your well. Because you cannot see, taste or smell bacterial contamination in your well, it is imperative to have the water tested after disinfection to determine whether it is safe for use. 
      • The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health provides free testing available through local health departments. 
      • If you live near animal feeding operations, agricultural fields where pesticides are applied or industrial chemical factories, you should talk with your local health department about additional testing, especially if you smell fuel or chemicals in your water.
    • Interpret your results. Your local health department or testing lab will provide the water testing results back to the well owner as quickly as possible. If you need help interpreting your results, you can use the online Be Well Informed tool (select North Carolina) or contact the NCDHHS Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch at 919-707-5900 or oeeb@dhhs.nc.gov.

    In response to Hurricane Helene, the NC State Laboratory of Public Health and NCDHHS Environmental Health Section are working to provide both disinfection and sampling kits at Point of Distribution locations across Western North Carolina. More details will be announced soon.

    Safety Measures for Septic Systems
    Your septic system can also pose a public health risk after a flood or storm because of sewage back up, dangerous gases or contaminated wastewater. It is important to keep your family, especially children and pets, away from areas affected by sewage or wastewater to reduce the risk of disease.

    If your property was affected by flooding or damage from Hurricane Helene, follow these steps to protect your septic system and your health:

    • If your property has been flooded, do not use the plumbing system while the septic tank is still under water.
    • Look for signs that your septic system may have been damaged, such as soil settling around the septic tank or drain field, septic system components that have moved or surfaced, or sewage backup into your home or wastewater on the ground.
    • Do not use your plumbing system if sewage water has backed up into your home and avoid contact with any sewage from a septic tank that is not operating.
    • Avoid putting floodwater or disinfectants into the system as these can cause further damage. Instead, contact your local health department if your system requires repairs.
    • Have your septic system inspected by a certified wastewater system inspector after a flood or if you suspect storm-related damage. You can call the NC Onsite Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board at 336-202-3126 to find a certified inspector near you.
    • Before restoring power to the system, ensure your electrical and system components are working properly. Check the electrical system for any damage, clean the effluent filter or screen, and determine whether your septic tank needs to be pumped by a licensed professional before coming back online.
    • For assistance or additional information on repairing or constructing a septic tank system, contact your county health department.

    If your flood or storm-impacted septic system has caused sewage to back up into your home, take precautions while cleaning the area to avoid exposure or direct contact with the debris. Wear rubber gloves, boots, and eye protection while cleaning and disinfecting the area. See the NCDHHS after the flood flyer for additional information about safety measures to help keep yourself and your family safe when cleaning up after a flood. More Hurricane Helene resources are available at ncdhhs.gov/helene. 

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte recomienda a los habitantes del oeste de Carolina del Norte que dependen de un pozo privado para su agua potable y se vieron afectados por el huracán Helene a que continúen utilizando agua embotellada, hervida o tratada hasta que los pozos privados puedan desinfectarse y analizarse para detectar bacterias peligrosas. También se necesitan medidas de seguridad y precauciones para los sistemas sépticos afectados por la tormenta antes de volver a usarlos.

    Se estima que más de 300,000 personas en o cerca de las áreas afectadas por las inundaciones en el oeste de Carolina del Norte dependen de pozos privados, y se estima que el número de sistemas sépticos es un poco más alto. Las personas en áreas afectadas porinundaciones y tormentas deben inspeccionar sus pozos privados y sistemas sépticos y repararlos si están dañados. Los pozos deben desinfectarse y analizarse después de las reparaciones para garantizar la seguridad del agua, mientras que los sistemas sépticos deben inspeccionarse para confirmar que funcionan correctamente. Estos pasos son esenciales para ayudar a mantener a las personas y sus familias seguras después de la tormenta.

    Los habitantes de Carolina del Norte que perdieron el acceso al agua o al séptico a través de un pozo privado o un sistema séptico dañado debido al huracán Helene pueden ser elegibles para recibir asistencia de FEMA. Visite disasterassistance.gov o llame al 800-621-3362 para solicitar asistencia por desastre de FEMA y obtener información sobre otros recursos disponibles para ayudarlo a usted y a su familia a recuperarse debido a la tormenta.

    Medidas de seguridad para pozos privados
    El exceso de lluvia y las inundaciones pueden contaminar el agua de los pozos privados, lo que significa que el agua puede enfermar a las personas si se consume. Las personas con afecciones médicas pueden ser particularmente susceptibles a enfermedades graves o incluso a la muerte relacionadas con bacterias peligrosas de pozos contaminados.

    Después de una inundación, su pozo privado debe ser revisado por daños, desinfectado y analizado. Es sumamente importante que las personas no beban ni usen agua de un pozo privado que haya sido dañado o inundado hasta que haya sido desinfectado y analizadoadecuadamente después de la tormenta. Agua posiblemente contaminada no debe usarse para beber, lavar y preparar alimentos, hacer hielo, preparar fórmula para bebés, lavar platos, cepillarse los dientes o lavarse las manos. Utilice una fuente de agua alternativa hasta que los análisis confirmen que ya no se detecta contaminación en su agua. Las fuentes alternativas incluyen agua embotellada, una fuente que sabe que no está contaminada o hervir el agua durante al menos un minuto antes de su uso.

    Siga estos pasos para evaluar su pozo:

    • Espere para encender la electricidad. No encienda la electricidad de su bomba hasta que las aguas de la inundación retrocedan.
    • Revise su pozo en busca de daños. Si su pozo está dañado, comuníquese con un taladrador de pozos con licencia para obtener ayuda. Puede buscar contratistas de pozos en su condado en Encontrar contratistas de pozos certificados.
    • Desinfecte su pozo. Si puede determinar que su pozo no está dañado y ya tiene los materiales de desinfección necesarios a mano, puede desinfectar su pozo para prepararlo para el análisis. Use las instrucciones del NCDHHS sobre Cómo desinfectar su pozo después de una inundación para obtener ayuda.
      • Si no tiene suministros desinfectantes o tiene preguntas sobre la desinfección de su pozo, comuníquese con su departamento de salud local para obtener ayuda.
    • Realice un análisis de su pozo. Debido a que no puede ver, saborear u oler la contaminación bacteriana en su pozo, es importantísimo analizar el agua después de la desinfección para determinar si es segura para su uso.
      • El Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública de Carolina del Norte ofrece pruebas gratuitas disponibles a través de los departamentos de salud locales.
      • Si vive cerca de operaciones de alimentación de animales, campos agrícolas donde se aplican pesticidas o fábricas de productos químicos industriales, debe hablar con su departamento de salud local sobre pruebas adicionales, especialmente si huele a combustible o productos químicos en el agua.
    • Interprete sus resultados. Su departamento de salud local o laboratorio de pruebas proporcionará los resultados de las pruebas de agua al propietario del pozo lo más rápido posible. Si necesita ayuda para interpretar sus resultados, puede usar la herramienta en línea Be Well Informed (seleccione Carolina del Norte) o comuníquese con la Sección de Epidemiología Ocupacional y Ambiental de NCDHHS al 919-707-5900 ooeeb@dhhs.nc.gov.

    En respuesta al huracán Helene, el Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública de Carolina del Norte y la Sección de Salud Ambiental de NCDHHS están trabajando para proporcionar kits de desinfección y muestreo en los puntos de distribución en todo el oeste de Carolina del Norte. Más detalles se anunciarán pronto.

    Medidas de seguridad para sistemas sépticos
    Su sistema séptico también puede representar un riesgo para la salud pública después de una inundación o tormenta debido a la acumulación de aguas residuales, gases peligrosos o aguas residuales contaminadas. Es importante mantener a su familia, especialmente a los niños y las mascotas, alejados de las áreas afectadas por las aguas residuales para reducir el riesgo de enfermedades.
    Si su propiedad estuvo afectada por inundaciones o daños causados por el huracán Helene,siga estos pasos para proteger su sistema séptico y su salud:

    • Si su propiedad se ha inundado, no use el sistema de plomería mientras el tanque séptico todavía esté bajo el agua.
    • Busque señas de que su sistema séptico puede haberse dañado, como la tierra del suelo alrededor de la fosa séptica o del área de drenaje, componentes del sistema séptico que se han desplazado o han salido a la superficie, o la entrada de aguas residuales o del alcantarillado en su casa o en el suelo.
    • No use su sistema de plomería si las aguas residuales se han acumulado en su hogar y evite el contacto con las aguas residuales de un tanque séptico que no esté funcionando.
    • Evite poner agua de inundación o desinfectantes en el sistema, ya que pueden causar más daños. Mas bien, comuníquese con su departamento de salud local si su sistema requiere reparaciones.
    • Realice una inspección por un inspector certificado en sistema de aguas residuales después de una inundación o si sospecha daños relacionados con la tormenta. Puede llamar a la Junta de Certificación de Contratistas e Inspectores de Aguas Residuales en Sitio de NC al 336-202-3126 para encontrar un inspector certificado cerca de usted.
    • Antes de restaurar la energía al sistema, asegúrese de que los componentes eléctricos y del sistema funcionen correctamente. Revise el sistema eléctrico en busca de daños, limpie el filtro o pantalla de efluentes y determine si su tanque séptico debe ser bombeado por un profesional autorizado antes de volver a conectarse.
    • Para obtener ayuda o información adicional sobre la reparación o construcción de un sistema de tanque séptico, comuníquese con el departamento de salud de su condado.

    Si su sistema séptico afectado por inundaciones o tormentas ha causado que las aguas residuales entren en su hogar, tome precauciones mientras limpia el área para evitar la exposición o el contacto directo con los desechos. Use guantes de goma, botas y protección para los ojos mientras limpia y desinfecta el área. Consulte el volante después de la inundaciónde NCDHHS para obtener información adicional sobre las medidas de seguridad para mantenerse a si mismo y a su familia a salvo cuando limpie después de una inundación. Más recursos sobre el huracán Helene están disponibles en ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    Oct 10, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Project Expo

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    USDA leadership, governmental and non-governmental partners will host an expo featuring Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a historic $3 billion investment in approximately 140 projects nationwide through which the U.S. Department of Agriculture is delivering on the promise of positioning American agriculture as a global leader in delivering voluntary, incentives-driven, market-based climate solutions.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBOrf8UXXEw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: $100 million to repair Helene-damaged roads and bridges in Western NC

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Our Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the immediate availability of $100 million in Emergency Relief funds for the North Carolina Department of Transportation to help pay for the costs of immediate emergency work resulting from Hurricane Helene flood damage.

    FHWA Acting Administrator Kristin White traveled to North Carolina to join Gov. Roy Cooper to see recovery efforts underway after Hurricane Helene.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OAcZhpaQmo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: LM Funding America Inc. Expects Operations to be Unaffected by Hurricane Milton; Headquarters Operating Remotely to Support Community Association Lending Businesses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tampa, FL, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LM Funding America Inc. (NASDAQ: LMFA) (“LM Funding” or the “Company”), a cryptocurrency mining and a technology-based specialty finance company, today announced that it expects its Bitcoin mining operations to remain unaffected by Hurricane Milton, thanks to the geographic distribution of its miners. The Company fully anticipates its Bitcoin mining operations will continue without any interruptions or damage.

    Bruce Rodgers, Chairman and CEO of LM Funding, commented, “We’re Tampa based but our miners are not, so we do not expect Hurricane Milton to impact our Bitcoin mining operations.”

    The Company’s Tampa corporate headquarters has transitioned to remote operations to ensure the safety of its employees while maintaining its commitment to serving LM Funding’s community association customers. “We will remain fully operational and continue to accept loan applications from community associations through this challenging time,” Rodgers added.

    LM Funding also expressed its solidarity with local communities likely to be affected by the hurricane, particularly those living in condominiums already feeling the strain of rising insurance costs and the need to fund reserves. The Company’s subsidiaries, LM Funding and Sunshine Lending, are prepared to offer tailored financial products to qualified condominium and homeowner associations that will need to recover following the aftermath of the storm.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of Hurricane Milton,” Rodgers said. “We are here to help, and our lending teams are ready to support our customers with the resources they need to rebuild. We are hoping for the best, are prepared for the worst, and focused on what’s next.”

    About LM Funding America, Inc.

    LM Funding America Inc. (Nasdaq: LMFA) is a cryptocurrency mining business that commenced Bitcoin mining operations in September 2022. The Company also operates a technology-based specialty finance company that provides funding to nonprofit community associations (Associations) primarily located in the state of Florida as well as in Washington, Colorado, and Illinois by funding a certain portion of the Associations’ rights to delinquent accounts arising from unpaid Association assessments.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and “project,” and other similar words and expressions are intended to signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Some of these risks and uncertainties are identified in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other filings with the SEC, which are available at http://www.sec.gov. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the uncertainty created by entering into and operating in the cryptocurrency mining business, volatility in the cryptocurrency markets, the potential need for additional capital, changes in governmental regulations, and other risks. The occurrence of any of these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

    Contact:

    Crescendo Communications LLC
    Tel: (212) 671-1021
    Email: LMFA@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor and First Partner issue statement on passing of Ethel Kennedy

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 10, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement today on the passing of Ethel Kennedy:

    “California joins the nation in mourning the passing of Ethel Kennedy, beloved family matriarch and powerful force for social justice and civil rights around the world.
      
    “In the wake of unspeakable tragedy, Kennedy, a young widow and mother of 11 children, was a pillar of strength for her family whose extraordinary courage and resilience inspired the nation. Unshaken in her compassion for others and commitment to a more just and peaceful world, she advocated tirelessly for positive change abroad and at home – including here in California, where she worked to advance the rights of farmworkers and championed the civil rights leadership of César Chávez.”

    “Ethel Kennedy’s big-hearted leadership, service and bravery is an inspiration to all of us. As we reflect on her rich legacy, our hearts are with the Kennedy family and everyone grieving this great loss.”

    Recent news

    Oct 9, 2024

    News In total, California has now deployed 354 highly specialized personnel to support recent hurricane response effortsSACRAMENTO – With Hurricane Milton making landfall in Florida tonight, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of an additional 70…

    Oct 9, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Jennifer Troia, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director at the California Department of Social Services. Troia has served as Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of…

    Oct 9, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 18 Superior Court Judges, which include one in Colusa County; one in Contra Costa County; five in Los Angeles County; two in Orange County; three in Sacramento County; one in San Bernardino…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor approves up to $10M in initial funding to support disaster recovery jobs, training for North Carolina after Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the approval of up to $10 million in initial emergency grant funding to North Carolina to support disaster-relief jobs and training services in 25 counties to help respond to Hurricane Helene.

    On Sept. 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm and quickly moved inland, pushing through Georgia and the Carolinas as a tropical storm. The storm brought the worst flooding in a century to North Carolina, resulting in more than 100 deaths and wiping out entire towns with catastrophic mudslides and floodwaters. More than one million customers lost power and over 100,000 customers remained without power more than a week after the storm. 

    “The Employment and Training Administration is committed to ensuring workers in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene have access to grant funding and assistance,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez. “This Dislocated Worker Grant provides critical support by providing jobs to affected workers while helping North Carolina in its recovery efforts.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued an emergency declaration on Sept. 26, 2024, and a major disaster declaration on Sept. 28, 2024, enabling the state to request federal assistance for recovery efforts in the following 25 counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

    The National Dislocated Worker Grant – supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 – allows the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions to provide people with temporary disaster-relief jobs for cleanup and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to address immediate, basic needs for those displaced by Hurricane Helene. The funding also enables the state to provide training and services to individuals in the affected communities. 

    The department’s Employment and Training Administration oversees National Dislocated Worker Grants, which expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that lead to significant job losses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Four More Georgia Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Four More Georgia Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    Four More Georgia Counties Now Eligible for FEMA Assistance After Hurricane Helene

    ATLANTA – Homeowners and renters in Dodge, Hancock, Thomas and Warren counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene can now apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

    FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs. Previously, Appling,  Atkinson, Bacon,  Ben Hill,  Berrien, Brooks,  Bryan,  Bulloch, Burke,  Butts,  Camden, Candler,  Charlton,  Chatham, Clinch,  Coffee,  Colquitt, Columbia,  Cook,  Echols, Effingham,  Elbert,  Emanuel, Evans,  Glascock,  Glynn, Irwin,  Jeff Davis,  Jefferson, Jenkins,  Johnson,  Lanier, Laurens,  Liberty,  Lincoln, Long,  Lowndes,  McDuffie, Montgomery,  Newton,  Pierce, Rabun,  Richmond,  Screven, Tattnall,  Telfair,  Tift, Toombs,  Treutlen,  Ware, Washington,  Wayne and Wheeler counties were authorized for assistance to households.

    There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App,  call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The FEMA Helpline is open every day and help is available in most languages. 

    The deadline to apply is Dec. 2, 2024.

    What You’ll Need When You Apply

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

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

    For the latest information about Georgia’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    minh.phan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Urges Floridians to Heed Officials’ Directions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Urges Floridians to Heed Officials’ Directions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

    FEMA Urges Floridians to Heed Officials’ Directions in the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

    FEMA Administrator Criswell Remains in Florida to Survey Storm Damage with Local Officials 

    WASHINGTON – The joint federal and state emergency response and damage assessments are underway today as Hurricane Milton moves out of Florida. FEMA encourages everyone in the affected areas to continue following the directions of state and local officials, only returning home when told to do so. While the immediate danger from the storm has passed, conditions on the ground require Floridians to take extreme caution as they begin their recovery.

    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida with state and local officials assessing the impacts of the storm. 

    “Because of President Biden’s swift approval of the pre-landfall emergency declaration, we were able to deploy some of our search and rescue teams to help in those counties that were impacted by the tornados,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “We have over 1,000 federal responders that have been in the state supporting the response and recovery efforts, and not just from Helene, but also the recovery efforts from Ian, Idalia and Debby. Once we know more about the impacts of Milton, we can move in more resources to support them at the state’s request.”

    Commodities, volunteer agencies, response assets and federal personnel are being coordinated through the FEMA Region 4 Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. Both facilities are activated on 24-hour operations to support the state.

    • Several FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams have been deployed to various parts of the state to assist with requests for assistance immediately after the storm. 
    • Ten federal search and rescue teams are in the state to assist survivors. 
    • FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams are conducting operations near Orlando and Tampa. Assets including planes, helicopters and boats from the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard are positioned to support the state’s efforts.  
    • Millions of bottles of water and meals are at air bases and logistics sites in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and North Carolina for rapid deployment should the state request additional supplies, in addition to tarps and sheeting for interim home repairs. FEMA and the state have been in close coordination to pre-position federal resources to best support their needs.
    • Healthcare System Assessment Teams are onsite in Florida to work with state officials to assess the storm’s impacts to hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and other healthcare facilities. 
    • As of Thursday morning, more than 280 shelters were open overnight throughout the state with more than 83,000 people.

    Stay Safe After the Storm

    • DO NOT enter your damaged home if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or if authorities have not declared it safe to return. If your home has received significant flood damage, ensure that the electricity is off and that you are wearing appropriate safety gear before entering.  
    • NEVER use generators indoors. Carbon monoxide has no smell or color and can be deadly. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home.
    • Stay out of floodwater. Walking or driving through flood waters is extremely dangerous. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines or contain hazards such as wild or stray animals, human and livestock waste, and chemicals that can lead to illness. 
    • If you do not feel safe in your home, a list of emergency shelters, including those that can accommodate people who need assistance and those who have pets, can be found at Shelter Status | Florida Disaster.
    • If you need help with damages caused by Hurricane Milton, call Florida’s Crisis Cleanup hotline at 844-965-1386.
    • You can also call 833-GET-HOPE for free assistance and resources such as food, household goods, or debris removal. Hope Navigators stand ready to listen and help.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Assistance for Virginia Survivors of Tropical Storm Helene Tops $2 Million

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Assistance for Virginia Survivors of Tropical Storm Helene Tops $2 Million

    Disaster Assistance for Virginia Survivors of Tropical Storm Helene Tops $2 Million

    BRISTOL, Va.— More than $2 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for homeowners and renters in Virginia following the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. 

    “We know that many Virginians have been impacted by Helene, and we are thankful that we received an expedited major disaster declaration that has allowed survivors to get quicker access to assistance,” said State Coordinator Shawn Talmadge. “We continue to encourage those that are eligible to apply online, over the phone, or visit one of the Disaster Recovery Centers so that they can take the first step in the pathway to recovery.”

    “We are grateful to be here helping Virginians recover from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Helene,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Timothy Pheil. “This milestone represents a great start towards our goal of doing all we can to support survivors. If you have not applied for assistance yet, please reach out and let us see if we can help you.”

    Impacted individuals in Bedford, Bland, Carroll, Giles, Grayson, Pittsylvania, Russell, Montgomery, Pulaski, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties and cities of Galax and Radford can apply today by visiting http://www.disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, calling 1-800-621-3362, or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

    On Monday, Oct. 7, FEMA opened the first Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Damascus, Va. FEMA opened a second DRC on Thursday, Oct. 10 in Independence, Va. Additional locations will open in the coming weeks. Staff from federal, commonwealth, and local agencies are at DRCs to help survivors answer questions about FEMA applications as well as access other resources and support. 

    “FEMA is here to support individuals and communities in Virginia on the path to recovery,” Pheil said. “We thank our Commonwealth, local and nonprofit partners – and Virginia survivors themselves – for all they have done, and continue to do, to help their friends, families and communities recover.”

    FEMA staff member at the Disaster Recovery Center in Damascus, Va. helping a survivor with their application for assistance (Photo: Phil Maramba / FEMA) 

    FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response | FEMA.gov. 

    For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov,  the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.  

    ###

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

    To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.

    erika.osullivan

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Statement on Strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Stability and Prosperity in the Region in the context of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) with the support of India’s Act East Policy (AEP)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 5:41PM by PIB Delhi

    WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Republic of India, gathered on the occasion of the 21st ASEAN-India Summit on 10 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR;

    REAFFIRMING our commitment to promote the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, guided by the fundamental principles, shared values and norms that have steered the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations since its establishment in 1992, including those enunciated in the Vision Statement of ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit (2012), the Delhi Declaration of the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit to mark the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations (2018), the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region (2021), the Joint Statement on ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022), the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation (2023) and ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises (2023);

    WELCOMING the Decade of Act East Policy of India, where ASEAN is at the heart and of utmost priority, which has contributed to advancing ASEAN-India relations through cooperation in areas of political-security, economic, cultural and people-to-people relations;

    ACKNOWLEDGING the deep civilisational linkages and cross-cultural exchanges, facilitated through both land and maritime routes between Southeast Asia and India, encompassing the various seas and oceans of the Indo-Pacific, providing a strong foundation for the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership;

    WELCOMING the activities and initiatives held in the year 2024 on the occasion of the decade of Act East Policy to further strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership;

    RECOGNISING India’s support for ASEAN Centrality and unity in the evolving regional architecture and its commitment to work closely through ASEAN-led mechanisms and fora including the ASEAN-India Summit, East Asia Summit (EAS), Post Ministerial Conference with India (PMC+1), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) and Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) as well as support to ASEAN integration and the ASEAN Community building process including Master Plan for ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) and ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP);

    NOTING the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/RES/78/69 which emphasises, in the Preamble, the universal and unified character of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and reaffirms that the Convention sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out and is of strategic importance as the basis for national, regional and global action and cooperation in the marine sector, and that its integrity needs to be maintained;

    APPRECIATING efforts towards implementation of the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region through trust and confidence based on shared democratic values, strong belief in sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a shared commitment to the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter;

    REAFFIRMING our commitment to upholding multilateralism, the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and respect for international law, while recognising ASEAN’s rising global relevance and unique convening power amid the emerging multipolar global architecture and noting the growing and active role of India in major international economic and political affairs.

    Do hereby declare to

    1. Reaffirm the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and other lawful uses of the seas, including unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and to promote peaceful resolutions of disputes, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In this regard, we support the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS;

    2. Build on ongoing collaboration in defense and security within the framework of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus, including the first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in 2023 and co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (2024-2027), as well as noting the two initiatives announced at the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in 2022;

    3. Strengthen cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, military medicine, transnational crime, defence industry, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping and demining operations and confidence building measures. This will be achieved through the exchange of visits, joint military exercise, maritime exercise, port calls by naval ships and defence scholarships;

    4. Advance the implementation of ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation and continue to cooperate on areas such as maritime security, blue economy, sustainable fisheries, marine environmental protection, marine biodiversity, and climate change issues, among others;

    5. Promote and work towards the strengthening of multilateralism through the UN and the multilateral processes to address global concerns, pursue shared goals and complementary initiatives, and promote sustainable development for the benefit of our peoples;

    6. Build on the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region by advancing cooperation between the AOIP and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI);

    7. Expedite the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it more effective, user-friendly, simple, and trade-facilitative for businesses and relevant to the current global trading practices and promote mutually beneficial arrangements and strengthen economic cooperation between ASEAN and India;

    8. Promote diverse, secure, transparent and resilient supply chains while exchanging information on identifying and proactively addressing potential risks in supply chains in areas of mutual interest to promote sustainable development;

    9. Cooperate on emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain technology, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Quantum Computing, 6-G technology, building and strengthening of startups ecosystem with special emphasis on digital connectivity and financial technology;

    10. Welcome the launch of the ASEAN-India Fund for Digital Future to support joint activities;

    11. Cooperate to unlock the full potential of safe, secure, responsible, trustworthy AI by promoting international cooperation and further discussions on international governance for AI, considering that the rapid progress of AI has the potential for prosperity and expansion of the global digital economy. We should endeavor to leverage AI for public good by solving challenges in a responsible, inclusive and human-centric manner while protecting people’s rights and safety;

    12. Note the proposal to celebrate the year 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism to further strengthen people-to-people ties while recognising the crucial role of tourism in promoting sustainable socioeconomic development and economic prosperity, and as one of the vehicles for achieving the SDGs. In this endeavour, we support the implementation of the ASEAN-India Tourism Cooperation Work Plan 2023-2027, and to explore deeper cooperation to support joint programs for tourism education, training and research to build capacity and ensure a high-quality tourism industry. We also encourage the expansion of business networks among travel stakeholders, the practice of sustainable and responsible tourism, as well as the exchange of tourism trends and information. In addition, we support the enhancement of crisis communications, promotion of tourism investment opportunities, as well as development and joint promotion of niche markets, cruise tourism and tourism standards;

    13. Strengthen health systems by enhancing collaboration on public health including, inter alia, in the areas of research and development (R&D), public health emergency preparedness, training of healthcare professionals, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, vaccine security and self-reliance, vaccine development and production, as well as general and traditional medicine;

    14. Enhance cooperation in the field of environment, including biodiversity and climate change as well as explore cooperation in the field of energy security, including cooperation on clean, renewable, and low-carbon energy in line with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2021-2025 and India’s renewable energy priorities, as well as other national models and priorities such as bio-circular-green development;

    15. Promote disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure systems through knowledge sharing and best practices, capacity building and technical assistance, which can be pursued such as through the framework of Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as well as the proposed Memorandum of Intent (MOI) between ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) and National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of India;

    16. Enhance connectivity between ASEAN and India in line with the “Connecting the Connectivities” approach, by exploring synergies between the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and its successor document, the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) and India’s connectivity initiatives in the region under India’s Act East Policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision to ensure seamless connectivity in the Indo-Pacific by collaborating for quality, sustainable and resilient infrastructure and enhancing cooperation in transport in land, air, and maritime domains including through the early completion and operationalisation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway while looking forward to its eastward extension to Lao PDR, Cambodia and Viet Nam;

    17. Stressing the importance of strengthening multilateralism and comprehensive reform of the multilateral global governance architecture, including the United Nations and international financial architecture, international financial institutions, and multilateral development banks, to make them fit for purpose, democratic, equitable, representative and responsive to the current global realities and the needs and aspirations of the Global South;

    18. Call for an inclusive and balanced international agenda, that responds to the concerns and priorities of the Global South, recognising that the principle of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities’ (CBDR-RC) within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) applies to all relevant global challenges;

    19. Explore potential synergies with sub-regional frameworks, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), Singapore-Johor-Riau (SIJORI) Growth Triangle, Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), and Mekong sub-regional cooperation frameworks, including Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and Ayeyawady Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), and to support ASEAN and India’s efforts in promoting equitable development by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive, mutual growth and development of ASEAN and India;

    20. Continue to work together on regional and global issues of common concern while endeavouring to strengthen our partnership through the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    ***

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2063888) Visitor Counter : 67

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Milton Crosses Florida

    Source: NASA

    Your browser does not support the video tag.

    Hurricane Milton barreled into Florida’s west-central coast on the evening of October 9, 2024, making landfall south of Tampa as a major Category 3 storm. The hurricane lashed the region with heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surge, according to the National Hurricane Center.
    This animation shows Milton in the days before, during, and after its devastating encounter with Florida. The false-color images depict infrared signals known as brightness temperature, which is useful for distinguishing cooler cloud structures (white and purple) from the warmer surface below (yellow and orange). Data for the animation were acquired by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) instruments on several NASA and NOAA satellites.
    Since infrared data are based on temperatures rather than visible light, the data can be obtained day or night. This animation shows both daytime and nighttime images, beginning at 3:35 p.m. Eastern Time (19:35 Universal Time) on October 8 and ending at 3:08 a.m. Eastern Time (07:08 Universal Time) on October 10.
    Shortly before the first image of this series, Milton was a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 miles (250 kilometers) per hour. It soon grew to a Category 5 storm and then weakened to a still-potent Category 3 storm prior to making landfall on October 9. The storm maintained hurricane-strength intensity and fast, forward speed while crossing Florida, emerging over the western Atlantic as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 85 miles (140 kilometers) per hour at the end of this animation on October 10.

    On the morning of October 8, 2024, an astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of Hurricane Milton as it churned over the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 4 storm. Astronaut photos of the region are being made available to various agencies via the International Disasters Charter and NASA’s Disasters Response Coordination System (DRCS).
    NASA’s DRCS has been activated to support agencies responding to the storm, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Florida Geospatial Information Office. The team will be posting maps and data products on its open-access mapping portal as new information becomes available about flooding, power outages, precipitation totals, and other topics.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using MODIS and VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). Astronaut photograph ISS072-E-29325 was acquired on October 8, 2024, with a Nikon Z 9 digital camera using a 50 millimeter lens and is provided by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center. The image was taken by a member of the Expedition 72 crew. The image has been cropped and enhanced to improve contrast, and lens artifacts have been removed. The International Space Station Program supports the laboratory as part of the ISS National Lab to help astronauts take pictures of Earth that will be of the greatest value to scientists and the public, and to make those images freely available on the Internet. Additional images taken by astronauts and cosmonauts can be viewed at the NASA/JSC Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth. Story by Kathryn Hansen.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: New survey of IPCC authors reveals doubt, and hope, that world will achieve climate targets

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Seth Wynes, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, University of Waterloo

    How hot is it going to get?

    This is one of the most important and difficult remaining questions about our changing climate. The answer depends not only on how sensitive our climate is to greenhouse gases, but also on how much carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases we as a civilization choose to emit over coming decades.

    In order to help think more clearly about this question, we asked authors who have contributed to the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to share their best guesses about where the world is headed.

    The results of our recently published study show that most of the responding climate experts believe our planet will likely exceed the 1.5 C and “well-below 2 C” warming targets agreed upon by the international community.

    In fact, the median estimate was 2.7 C by 2100, which is roughly what is expected if the world’s nations fail to implement new policies consistent with their targets and pledges, and instead only maintained existing levels of action.



    Read more:
    How mainstream climate science endorsed the fantasy of a global warming time machine

    To put it plainly, this could be a catastrophic outcome for humanity. We’ve already seen devastating consequences like more flooding, hotter heatwaves and larger wildfires, and we’re only at 1.3 C above preindustrial levels — less than halfway to 2.7 C.

    But not all authors think alike and to help shed further light on the IPCC report process, and any differences of opinion between authors, we conducted a survey over email with 211 authors of past reports providing responses. Our participants represented all IPCC working groups, and every inhabited continent.

    The data they shared provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of modern climate science.

    Wide ranging beliefs

    Our survey shows that authors shared a wide range of estimates as to likely climate outcomes.

    A small number of surveyed experts believe that staying below 2 C is still likely, while others believed that we are on track for even more horrendous levels of climate warming at above 3 C. Approximately 86 per cent of participants estimated warming of more than 2 C by or before the year 2100.

    When we planned the study, we wondered whether IPCC authors who worked on climate solutions would be more optimistic than those who worked on climate vulnerability and adaptation. One reason for this is that experts who work on solutions might be more aware of recent research indicating that worst-case climate outcomes are becoming less likely. But we only found weak evidence for this hypothesis.

    In some ways this is a good sign, as it suggests that researchers are not working in isolated silos, each holding their own beliefs.

    Mixed perceptions

    A unique feature of the study is that we also asked IPCC authors what they thought others in the survey would answer in response to the same questions. We were interested to know the extent to which experts in this field believed that other experts shared similar beliefs to their own. Perceptions of peer beliefs are important because they can strongly influence a person’s own beliefs and behaviour.

    Participants in our study believed very strongly that their peers’ views on expected future warming were in line with their own beliefs. Even those who expected very high or very low amounts of future warming incorrectly believed that their peers would have similar estimates.

    This is not particularly surprising. In many domains, people tend to estimate the beliefs of their peers by examining their own beliefs, and then adjusting up or down, but often insufficiently. Researchers call this a false-consensus effect and we found that this effect was very prominent in our results.

    Because IPCC authors are trusted public figures who are often asked to share their thoughts with decision-makers and the media, this finding could be problematic if an author confidently believes that their expectations are also widely shared by their peers.

    Interdisciplinary benefits

    We see our study as an opportunity for experts to better understand the range of beliefs held by their own community, so they can communicate with more nuance and awareness as to whether their personal beliefs are part of a larger consensus or not.



    Read more:
    Eco-anxiety Q&A: how the IPCC’s vice-chair keeps her head cool on a warming planet

    Climate experts are not oracles. And even though a “wisdom of the crowd” average is often more accurate than a single expert, forecasting decades into the future is extremely difficult.

    The balance of evidence from this study reaffirms a message that climate scientists have been repeating for a long time: current efforts to tackle climate change are insufficient and more progress is needed quickly.

    While working on this project Seth Wynes received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    H. Damon Matthews receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

    – ref. New survey of IPCC authors reveals doubt, and hope, that world will achieve climate targets – https://theconversation.com/new-survey-of-ipcc-authors-reveals-doubt-and-hope-that-world-will-achieve-climate-targets-239177

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Working to Advance $1.8 Billion Safety Modification Project for Garrison Dam Spillway

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    10.10.24

    Senator Secured Funding for Project Design to Address Safety Concerns Highlighted by 2011 Flood; Construction to Start in 2029

    GARRISON, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven and officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today reviewed the $1.8 billion spillway safety project that’s being undertaken at Garrison Dam. The modifications:

    • Will ensure the integrity of the Garrison Dam, which is the largest mainstream dam on the Missouri River, with Lake Sakakawea currently being the largest reservoir operated by the Army Corps by volume.
    • Are needed to protect against multiple long-term issues that could result in uncontrolled releases from the dam, posing a significant risk to the downstream area.
      • These potential safety concerns were brought to light due to record flows that occurred during the 2011 flood.
      • A subsequent study recommended the full replacement of the spillway’s drainage system, a reinforced concrete overlay in the spillway chute and various other safety-related modifications
    • Are currently undergoing Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED), which began in 2023 utilizing funding Hoeven secured as a member of the Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Committee.
      • The PED phase will involve six years of field investigations to inform the design, with construction expected to start in 2029.
      • Hoeven has provided nearly $13 million for the project’s design phase to date, and included $32 million in additional PED funding in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations legislation.

    “The Garrison Dam, along with the Lake Sakakawea and Lake Audubon reservoirs, are critical infrastructure for our state, helping ensure a reliable water supply for communities and agriculture, while supporting recreation and tourism. At the same time, a key function of the dam is to control Missouri River water levels, providing certainty to the region and protecting against the risk of flooding,” said Hoeven. “The historic water flows during the 2011 flood revealed that the spillway needs modifications to ensure the dam’s long-term integrity. That’s why we’ve been working to fund the pre-construction and design phase of this project to address these potential safety concerns as soon as possible.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Responds to Hurricane Milton in Florida as it Continues Coordinated Recovery Across Six States Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Responds to Hurricane Milton in Florida as it Continues Coordinated Recovery Across Six States Affected by Hurricane Helene

    FEMA Responds to Hurricane Milton in Florida as it Continues Coordinated Recovery Across Six States Affected by Hurricane Helene

    WASHINGTON – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell continues to lead the federal government’s coordinated recovery across six states affected by Hurricane Helene, while FEMA remains simultaneously focused on the immediate response to Hurricane Milton in Florida.

    The agency was assisting the state of Florida to prepare prior to Hurricane Milton’s landfall. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida with local officials assessing the impacts of the storm. Commodities, volunteer agencies, response assets and federal personnel are being coordinated through the FEMA Region 4 Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta and the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. Both facilities are activated on 24-hour operations to support the state.

    Resources and personnel have also remained in the states affected by Hurricane Helene to provide immediate long-term support. As these comprehensive recovery efforts continue, more than $344 million in federal disaster assistance has gone into the hands of Helene disaster survivors. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is in North Carolina today to meet with state and local leaders, and members of the FEMA workforce supporting response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. These engagements follow his visit to North and South Carolina last week with President Biden.

    President Joseph R. Biden has approved federal disaster assistance in six states affected by Helene. This opens up federal help for survivors in designated areas in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Survivors may apply for assistance in three ways: online by visiting disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA App.

    Survivors may receive upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.

    These photos highlight response and recovery efforts across affected states impacted by Helene and the response to Milton.

    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56148″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/bc76a25a1cbb1cdf82f0b1c70612bb41.jpg?itok=95kdKLOD” alt=”Caption: Tallahassee, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) – FEMA Administrator is leading the federal response to Hurricane Milton at the Florida Division of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Tallahassee, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) – FEMA Administrator is leading the federal response to Hurricane Milton at the Florida Division of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center.
    TALLAHASSEE, Florida – FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell speaks with Florida’s emergency management team at the Florida Division of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center.  (source: FEMA)
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56089″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/3ec38dff94d421b29e9b738c3e2fd7e4.jpg?itok=g-b1UW6a” alt=”Caption: Asheville, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division distribute food and water to residents in Asheville, N.C.,” class=”image-style-large”>
    Asheville, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division distribute food and water to residents in Asheville, N.C.,
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56153″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/62d2e63814faa422a6617faf9f64c4cb.jpg?itok=l9vCm5A0″ alt=”Caption:

    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas visited the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Emergency Operations Center to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas visited the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Emergency Operations Center to help those affected by Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56146″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/f303bf0f0d79b0a081336926e095b1fd.jpeg?itok=nLrjmb7g” alt=”Caption:

    Orlando, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) – FEMA Urban Search and Rescue is prepared and ready to respond to Hurricane Milton.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Orlando, Fla. (Oct. 10, 2024) – FEMA Urban Search and Rescue is prepared and ready to respond to Hurricane Milton.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56143″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/bb201edc491b02876939951937d6a29a.jpg?itok=MrXKeK6K” alt=”Caption:

    Orlando, Fla – Power restoration trucks and other equipment are pre-staging ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Orlando, Fla – Power restoration trucks and other equipment are pre-staging ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56101″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/91804c58d1d2deaf450c6704c7a25190.jpg?itok=xkPZYW-3″ alt=”Caption:

    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – FEMA Deputy Administrator Hooks visits the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center to provide support to those affected by Hurricane Helene.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – FEMA Deputy Administrator Hooks visits the North Carolina Emergency Operations Center to provide support to those affected by Hurricane Helene.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56099″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/687e96e97136b77ee9df8c0ebb725ba9.jpg?itok=FAx5yq2S” alt=”Caption: Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith visits FEMA Corps members supporting Hurricane Helene response and recovery.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Raleigh, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith visits FEMA Corps members supporting Hurricane Helene response and recovery.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56114″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/803bc2e74d88047e766de87fab89911c.jpg?itok=cizykDdV” alt=”Caption: Greenville, S.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks visits Greenville’s Emergency Operations Center to meet with the leadership to discuss the stabilization progress for the County. Deputy Hooks met with Greenville County Emergency Management’ Director Jessica Stumpf, Deputy Director Pierce Womack, Greenville City Fire Chief Brian Horton, Division Chief David Hindman, South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson, alongside FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, Brett Howard.” class=”image-style-large”>
    Greenville, S.C. (Oct. 8, 2024) – FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks visits Greenville’s Emergency Operations Center to meet with the leadership to discuss the stabilization progress for the County. Deputy Hooks met with Greenville County Emergency Management’ Director Jessica Stumpf, Deputy Director Pierce Womack, Greenville City Fire Chief Brian Horton, Division Chief David Hindman, South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson, alongside FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, Brett Howard.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”56069″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/6dab3be35910de73fb3062ae41c6060e.jpg?itok=MCkazuYu” alt=”Caption:

    Newport, Tenn. (Oct. 7, 2024) – Volunteers open large distribution points for Hurricane Helene survivors to receive food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies, pet food, diapers and emotional support at Crossroads Community Church in Newport, Tenn.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Newport, Tenn. (Oct. 7, 2024) – Volunteers open large distribution points for Hurricane Helene survivors to receive food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies, pet food, diapers and emotional support at Crossroads Community Church in Newport, Tenn. 

    FEMA’s Disaster Multimedia Toolkit page provides graphics, social media copy and sample text in multiple languages. In addition, FEMA has set up a rumor control web page to reduce confusion about its role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Frankel Joins Local Officials at Village of Wellington City Hall to Assess Hurricane Milton Damages, Support Recovery Efforts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Rep. Frankel Joins Local Officials at Village of Wellington City Hall to Assess Hurricane Milton Damages, Support Recovery Efforts

    Washington, October 10, 2024

    Wellington, FL – Earlier this afternoon, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22) joined local officials at the Village of Wellington City Hall to assess damages and support recovery efforts following the significant impact on several homes caused by the tornado that Hurricane Milton spawned in the area.

    “The path of destruction from this tornado is shocking, with numerous houses in Wellington left severely damaged, while others right next door remained untouched,” said Rep. Frankel. “I’m deeply grateful to Palm Beach County’s first responders and local officials who’ve been working around the clock to keep Wellington’s residents safe and begin the cleanup and restoration process. I’m working closely with local leaders to ensure we get the federal help needed to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

    For those impacted by the storm, please visit the resources below for the latest updates on recovery efforts and available assistance:

    • Apply for Disaster Assistance: Residents in designated counties can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362, or through the FEMA app.
    • Document damage: Take photos to submit to your insurance company and protect damaged property. A helpful FEMA fact sheet is here.
    • Report hazards: Wellington residents can report issues like downed trees, flooding, or other storm-related concerns via the GoWellington App or by visiting wellingtonfl.gov/GoWellington
    • Waste disposal: Do not mix debris and vegetation when setting them at the curb. Wellington debris removal contractors will collect storm-generated vegetative debris in neighborhoods throughout the Village.
    • Power outages: Please report outages directly to Florida Power & Light (FPL) at fpl.com/my-account/web-outage
    • Get additional help: Call 211 or visit 211’s website to be connected with additional resources.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Leads Letter Urging Speaker Johnson to Call House Back Into Session to Vote on Emergency Disaster Relief Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    ALBUQUERQUE—Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) led a letter urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) to bring the U.S. House of Representatives back into session to approve necessary funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to fulfill their Hurricane Helene and Milton relief missions. Recent legislation has provided initial relief funds but falls critically short of what will be necessary to address the scale of destruction and the recovery needs for Fiscal Year 2025. From Milton and Helene, to wildfires and flooding at home in New Mexico, replenishment of federal disaster funds is critically needed. 

    61 Members of Congress signed the letter.  

    “I want to send everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Milton my prayers,” Congresswoman Stansbury said. “This is a difficult time, especially as Hurricane Helene made landfall just a few days ago. In New Mexico, our communities experienced a catastrophic fire and flooding in Lincoln and Otero counties and are still recovering. But beyond that, we need to make sure that all families and all communities across the United States can access necessary disaster relief funds. That’s why I co-led this letter. We must do the work to ensure our communities are safe.” 

    “We write to you amidst a season marked by unprecedented natural disasters and increasingly severe weather events that have left communities across our nation in dire need of additional and comprehensive disaster relief funding,” wrote the Members. “The funds previously allocated were a necessary first step, allowing for an initial response to the immediate aftermath of these disasters. However, as recovery efforts continue, it is abundantly clear that these funds will not suffice.” 

    As representatives of the American people, it is our duty to ensure that every community has the resources to recover and rebuild in the wake of devastation. This is not merely a matter of policy but a profound obligation to the citizens we serve, who depend on their government for support in their most critical times of need,” the Members continued. “Therefore, we strongly urge you to bring the US House of Representatives back into session to approve the necessary funding that will empower FEMA and the SBA to fulfill their disaster relief missions. Our communities cannot wait, and we must act swiftly to provide them with the assurance that their government will stand by them.” 

    A full copy of the letter can be found by clicking here, or reading below: 

    Dear Speaker Johnson,  

    We write to you amidst a season marked by unprecedented natural disasters and increasingly severe weather events that have left communities across our nation in dire need of additional and comprehensive disaster relief funding. 

    Recent legislation has provided initial relief funds, yet these provisions fall critically short of what will be necessary to address the scale of destruction and the recovery needs for Fiscal Year 2025. We, therefore, urge you to immediately reconvene the US House of Representatives so that it can pass robust disaster relief funding.  

    The funds previously allocated were a necessary first step, allowing for an initial response to the immediate aftermath of these disasters. However, as recovery efforts continue, it is abundantly clear that these funds will not suffice. 

    Furthermore, the frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events are a clarion call for proactive measures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must be equipped not only to respond to current disasters but also to adequately prepare for future events. This requires substantial funding that ensures FEMA can maintain a state of readiness and provide immediate assistance when disasters strike. Additionally, the Small Business Administration disaster relief loan program must be replenished as soon as possible to help business owners rebuild their enterprises and communities. 

    As representatives of the American people, it is our duty to ensure that every community has the resources to recover and rebuild in the wake of devastation. This is not merely a matter of policy but a profound obligation to the citizens we serve, who depend on their government for support in their most critical times of need. 

    Therefore, we strongly urge you to bring the US House of Representatives back into session to approve the necessary funding that will empower FEMA and the SBA to fulfill their disaster relief missions. Our communities cannot wait, and we must act swiftly to provide them with the assurance that their government will stand by them. 

    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We hope for your leadership in reconvening the House and ensuring that our nation is prepared to meet the challenges posed by natural disasters. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hurricane Milton plows across US Florida, leaving at least 10 dead

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hurricane Milton hit the southeast U.S. state of Florida overnight with strong winds, destructive tornadoes and heavy rain, leaving at least 10 dead and millions of people without power as of Thursday afternoon.

    Police officers and National Guard members clear a downed tree after Hurricane Milton strikes on Davis Island, Tampa City, Florida, the United States, on Oct. 10, 2024. (Photo credit: City of Tampa)

    Milton made its landfall along the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm and weakened to Category 1 as it plowed quickly across central Florida.

    St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry confirmed five fatalities as a result of tornadoes spawned by hurricane.

    “This has been a tragic 24 hours,” he said at a press conference.

    “Numerous homes and structures across St. Lucie County, including the City of Port St. Lucie and unincorporated areas, suffered significant damage,” said the county in an earlier news release.

    “As Hurricane Milton makes its way into the Atlantic, St. Lucie County Emergency Management officials strongly encourage residents to stay off the roads and stay inside until it has been deemed safe to do so,” said the release, adding that unnecessary traffic or bystanders will hinder response and recovery efforts.

    Three people were confirmed died in Volusia County, including one person killed after a tree fell, according to NBC News.

    In addition, two storm-related fatalities occurred in City of St. Petersburg, the news outlet reported.

    Over 135 residents from the Great American Assisted Living facility in Tampa, the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and the county seat of Hillsborough County, were rescued by responders, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X Thursday morning that over 3 million households were without power.

    He noted that more than 50,000 linemen were in the state working to restore power as efficiently and safely as possible while law enforcement officials and first responders were engaged in rescue missions throughout impacted areas.

    The Florida National Guard has activated over 6,500 service members for Hurricane Milton response operations, according to an update released by the governor’s office.

    U.S. President Joe Biden also wrote on X urging people impacted by Hurricane Milton to “stay inside and off the roads.”

    “Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions,” he said, adding that “Help is on the way.”

    The U.S. National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center warned that there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the coast from east-central Florida northward to southern Georgia, where a storm surge warning remains in effect.

    Heavy rainfall across the central to northern Florida Peninsula through Thursday morning continues to bring the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the overall flood threat. Damaging hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, will continue for a few more hours in east-central and northeastern Florida, according to the agency.

    Milton is the fifth hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast so far in 2024, with three of them striking Florida. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Supports Life-Saving and Life-Sustaining Response Efforts following Hurricane  Milton

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Before Hurricane Milton made landfall, the Federal government pre-staged personnel and resources to ensure a robust and immediate response effort could begin once the storm passed. Following Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida, the Biden-Harris Administration is working alongside State and local officials to carry out life-saving response efforts. As conditions on the ground begin to improve, first responders have begun assessing damage and assisting communities. The top response priorities include search and rescue, power restoration, route clearance, and debris clean-up.
    President Biden and Vice President Harris have been regularly briefed about the initial impacts of Hurricane Milton, as well as the Federal government’s ongoing support to State and local officials for their rescue and response efforts. This morning, President Biden spoke to Governor Ron DeSantis and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell about the initial impacts of Hurricane Milton. The President reiterated that he will provide any Federal support the State needs to speed response and recovery.
    President Biden directed FEMA to immediately open disaster recovery centers across the impacted communities so there are one-stop-shops for residents to learn about all the Federal support that is available to them and apply for assistance in person.
    Additionally, the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration authorized Florida Power and Light to fly large drones to quickly assess the damage to the power grid, so ground crews can restore power more quickly.
    The President directed Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess how fast they can re-open the Port of Tampa to get fuel, food, water, and basic goods flowing into the area again.
    More than 50,000 workers from 42 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada already are dedicated to the power restoration efforts, beginning that work as soon as it was safe to do so. Additionally, three U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Temporary Power teams are staged in the region to provide temporary power to critical facilities, such as hospitals.
    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has been on the ground in Florida since last night, and today she surveyed the damage alongside her State and local counterparts. She will continue working closely with them to determine any unmet needs. She is joined on the ground by more than 1,000 Federal responders.
    Since last night, the President has spoken with numerous Florida officials, including: Senator Rick Scott; Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Kathy Castor, and Anna Paulina Luna; Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward; Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson; Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings; Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer; Pasco County Chair Ron Oakley; and Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert. The President told each of them to call him directly if they need additional assistance on rescue, response, and recovery efforts. The President also emphasized that he will be with them and their communities before, during, and after the storm. The Vice President has also spoken to officials from impacted areas.
    These urgent efforts are in addition to the expansive Federal response and recovery efforts underway across the Southeast and Appalachia following Hurricane Helene.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why hurricanes like Milton in the US and cyclones in Australia are becoming more intense and harder to predict

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dowdy, Principal Research Scientist in Extreme Weather, The University of Melbourne

    Tropical cyclones, known as hurricanes and typhoons in other parts of the world, have caused huge damage in many places recently. The United States has just been hit by Hurricane Milton, within two weeks of Hurricane Helene. Climate change likely made their impacts worse.

    In Australia, the tropical cyclone season (November to April) is approaching. The Bureau of Meteorology this week released its long-range forecast for this season.

    It predicts an average number of tropical cyclones, 11, are likely to form in the region. Four are expected to cross the Australian coast. However, the risk of severe cyclones is higher than average.

    So what does an average number actually mean in our rapidly changing climate? And why is there a higher risk of intense cyclones?

    The bureau’s forecast is consistent with scientific evidence suggesting climate change is likely to result in fewer but more severe tropical cyclones. They are now more likely to bring stronger winds and more intense rain and flooding.

    Climate change is making prediction harder

    Our knowledge of tropical cyclones and climate change is based on multiple lines of evidence globally and for the Australian region. This work includes our studies based on observations and modelling.

    The bureau’s seasonal outlook in recent years has assumed an average of 11 tropical cyclones occurring in our region (covering an area of the southern tropics between longitudes 90°E and 160°E). It’s based on the average value for all years back to 1969.

    However, for the past couple of decades the annual average is below nine tropical cyclones. In earlier decades, it was over 12. This long-term downward trend adds to the challenge of seasonal predictions.

    The most recent above-average season (assuming an average of 11) was almost 20 years ago, in the 2005–06 summer with 12 tropical cyclones. Since then, any prediction of above-average tropical cyclone seasons has not eventuated.

    El Niño and La Niña influences may be changing too

    Historical observations suggest more tropical cyclones tend to occur near Australia during La Niña events. This is a result of warm, moist water and air near Australia, compared with El Niño events. The shifting between El Niño and La Niña states in the Pacific region is known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

    Such events can be predicted with a useful degree of accuracy several months ahead in some cases. For example, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast:

    La Niña is favored to emerge in September–November (71% chance) and is expected to persist through January–March 2025.

    Based on that, one might expect a higher-than-average number of tropical cyclones for the Australian region. However, the ENSO influence on tropical cyclones has weakened in our region. It’s another factor that’s making long-range predictions harder.

    The bureau’s ENSO outlook is somewhat closer to neutral ENSO conditions, based on its modelling, compared to NOAA’s leaning more toward La Niña. The bureau says:

    Should La Niña form in the coming months, it is forecast to be relatively weak and short-lived.

    The bureau’s prediction of an average number of tropical cyclones this season is broadly consistent with its prediction of close-to-average ENSO conditions.

    So what does this all mean for this cyclone season?

    If we end up getting an average Australian season for the current climate, this might actually mean fewer tropical cyclones than the historical average. The number might be closer to eight or nine rather than 11 or 12. (Higher or lower values than this range are still possible.)

    However, those that do occur could have an increased chance of being category 4 or 5 tropical cyclones. These have stronger winds, with gusts typically exceeding 225km per hour, and are more likely to cause severe floods and coastal damage.

    If we end up getting more than the recent average of eight to nine tropical cyclones, which could happen if NOAA predictions of La Niña conditions eventuate, that increases the risk of impacts. However, there is one partially good news story from climate change relating to this, if the influence of La Niña is less than it used to be on increasing tropical cyclone activity.

    Another factor is that the world’s oceans are much warmer than usual. Warm ocean water is one of several factors that provide the energy needed for a tropical cyclone to form.

    Many ocean heat records have been set recently. This means we have been in “uncharted waters” from a temperature perspective. It adds further uncertainty if relying on what occurred in the past when making predictions for the current climate.

    Up-to-date evidence is vital as climate changes

    The science makes it clear we need to plan for tropical cyclone impacts in a different way from what might have worked in the past. This includes being prepared for potentially fewer tropical cyclones overall, but with those that do occur being more likely to cause more damage. This means there are higher risks of damaging winds, flooding and coastal erosion.

    Seasonal prediction guidance can be part of improved planning. There’s also a need for enhanced design standards and other climate change adaptation activities. All can be updated regularly to stay consistent with the best available scientific knowledge.

    Increased preparedness is more important than ever to help reduce the potential for disasters caused by tropical cyclones in the current and future climate.

    The authors acknowledge the contribution of CSIRO researcher Hamish Ramsay during the writing of this article.

    Andrew Dowdy receives funding from University of Melbourne, including through the Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes and the Melbourne Energy Institute.

    Liz Ritchie-Tyo receives funding from The Australian Research Council and The U.S. Office of Naval Research.

    Savin Chand receives funding from the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program (NESP) and the UK-based Gallagher Research Centre (GRC).

    – ref. Why hurricanes like Milton in the US and cyclones in Australia are becoming more intense and harder to predict – https://theconversation.com/why-hurricanes-like-milton-in-the-us-and-cyclones-in-australia-are-becoming-more-intense-and-harder-to-predict-241000

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard announces port openings following Hurricane Milton, warns impacted communities to exercise caution

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/10/2024 09:30 PM EDT

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Office: 904-714-7606/7607
    After Hours: 786-393-4138
    PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

     

    10/10/2024 09:07 PM EDT

    MIAMI — The Coast Guard reminds mariners and residents of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to remain vigilant following Hurricane Milton, Thursday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz Highlights Life-Saving Work of Minnesota National Guard in Response to Devastating Hurricane Season

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is highlighting the life-saving work of the Minnesota National Guard and emergency responders who are providing emergency assistance to North Carolina and South Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton. Governor Walz has issued two executive orders directing the Minnesota National Guard to provide immediate emergency assistance. The state is constantly monitoring the need for additional support.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hurricane Milton plows across US Florida

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Hurricane Milton hit the southeast U.S. state of Florida overnight with strong winds, destructive tornadoes and heavy rain, leaving at least 10 dead and millions of people without power as of Thursday afternoon.

    Police officers and National Guard members clear a downed tree after Hurricane Milton strikes on Davis Island, Tampa City, Florida, the United States, on Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/City of Tampa]

    Milton made its landfall along the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm and weakened to Category 1 as it plowed quickly across central Florida.

    St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry confirmed five fatalities as a result of tornadoes spawned by hurricane.

    “This has been a tragic 24 hours,” he said at a press conference.

    “Numerous homes and structures across St. Lucie County, including the City of Port St. Lucie and unincorporated areas, suffered significant damage,” said the county in an earlier news release.

    “As Hurricane Milton makes its way into the Atlantic, St. Lucie County Emergency Management officials strongly encourage residents to stay off the roads and stay inside until it has been deemed safe to do so,” said the release, adding that unnecessary traffic or bystanders will hinder response and recovery efforts.

    Three people were confirmed died in Volusia County, including one person killed after a tree fell, according to NBC News.

    In addition, two storm-related fatalities occurred in City of St. Petersburg, the news outlet reported.

    Over 135 residents from the Great American Assisted Living facility in Tampa, the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and the county seat of Hillsborough County, were rescued by responders, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X Thursday morning that over 3 million households were without power.

    He noted that more than 50,000 linemen were in the state working to restore power as efficiently and safely as possible while law enforcement officials and first responders were engaged in rescue missions throughout impacted areas.

    The Florida National Guard has activated over 6,500 service members for Hurricane Milton response operations, according to an update released by the governor’s office.

    U.S. President Joe Biden also wrote on X urging people impacted by Hurricane Milton to “stay inside and off the roads.”

    “Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions,” he said, adding that “Help is on the way.”

    The U.S. National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center warned that there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the coast from east-central Florida northward to southern Georgia, where a storm surge warning remains in effect.

    Heavy rainfall across the central to northern Florida Peninsula through Thursday morning continues to bring the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the overall flood threat. Damaging hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, will continue for a few more hours in east-central and northeastern Florida, according to the agency.

    Milton is the fifth hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast so far in 2024, with three of them striking Florida. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s space weather center forecasts geomagnetic storms

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Geomagnetic storms are expected to occur in the next three days, with possible aurora sightings over northern China, according to China’s National Center for Space Weather on Thursday.
    The center says that Earth could experience a strong geomagnetic storm from Thursday evening to Friday evening, and if no new solar activity occurs, a small to moderate geomagnetic storm is possible on Saturday.
    The forecast followed a series of intense solar flares earlier this week, including two powerful X-class eruptions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Solar flares are rated based on their strength, with A-class being the smallest, followed by B, C, M and X as the most potent.
    These storms generally do not affect human health but usually bring with them the phenomenon of auroras.
    Due to the upcoming geomagnetic storms, colorful auroras will be observable from Thursday night, the center said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Opening Remarks at the 14th ASEAN-UN Summit

    Source: United Nations secretary general

     
     
    Mr. Chair, Prime Minister Siphandone, thank you for your warm welcome and congratulations on your leadership of ASEAN this year. 
     
    Distinguished leaders of ASEAN,
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    For nearly six decades, the family of South-East Asian countries has blazed a path of collaboration.
     
    Every day, you grow more integrated, dynamic and influential.
     
    And our ASEAN-UN partnership is growing ever stronger, too and it is today a strategic partnership from the UN point of view.
     
    The ASEAN-UN Plan of Action is making important progress across the political, security, economic and cultural fronts.
     
    I am particularly grateful for the important contribution of ASEAN members to our peacekeeping operations.
     
    Allow me to express my total solidarity with the Indonesian delegation. Two Indonesian peacekeepers [serving in Lebanon] were wounded by Israeli fire. We are together with you and the Indonesian people at this time.
     
    I also welcome your work on the preparation of the Community Vision 2045.
     
    This region has always been about looking ahead.
     
    And so is the Pact for the Future, adopted last month at the United Nations.
     
    We need to keep looking ahead.  
     
    Let me point to four key areas. 
     
    First, connectivity — your theme for the year.
     
    We start with a fundamental objective: technology should benefit everyone.
     
    Across Southeast Asia, broadband and mobile internet connectivity has soared. Yet the digital divide persists. 
     
    And a new divide is now with us — an Artificial Intelligence divide. 
     
    Every country must be able to access and benefit from these technologies.
     
    And every country should be at the table when decisions are made about their governance.
     
    The Pact for the Future includes a major breakthrough — the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of Artificial Intelligence that would give every country a seat at the AI table.
     
    It also calls for international partnerships to boost AI capacity building in developing countries.
     
    And it commits governments to establishing an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and initiating a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations.
     
    Second, finance. 
     
    International financial institutions can no longer provide a global safety net – or offer developing countries the level of support they need.
     
    The Pact for the Future says clearly: we need to accelerate reform of the international financial architecture.
     
    To close the financing gap of the Sustainable Development Goals. 
     
    To ensure that countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their long-term development. 
     
    And to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries.
     
    This includes calling on G20 countries to lead on an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year.
     
    Substantially increasing also the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks.
     
    Recycling more Special Drawing Rights.
     
    And restructuring loans for countries drowning in debt.
     
    Third, climate.
     
    ASEAN countries are feeling the brunt of climate chaos – disasters like Super Typhoon Yagi – while the 1.5 degree goal is slipping away.
     
    We need dramatic action to reduce emissions.
     
    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions – they must lead the way.
     
    I welcome the pioneering Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam.
     
    By next year, every country must produce new NDCs aligned with limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
     
    Developed countries must keep their promises to double adaptation finance.
     
    And we need to see significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.
     
    Every person must be covered by an alert system by 2027, through the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative. 
     
    We must secure also an ambitious outcome on finance at COP29.
     
    Fourth and finally, peace.
     
    I recognize your constructive role in continuing to pursue dialogue and peaceful means of resolving disputes from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. 
    And I salute you for doing so in full respect of the UN Charter and international law – including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
     
    Meanwhile, Myanmar remains on an increasingly complex path.
     
    Violence is growing.
     
    The humanitarian situation is spiralling.
     
    One-third of the population is in dire need of humanitarian assistance.  Millions have been forced to flee their homes. 
     
    Seven years after the forced mass displacement of the Rohingya, durable solutions seem a distant reality.
     
    I support strengthened cooperation between the UN Special Envoy and the ASEAN Chair on innovative ways to promote a Myanmar-led process, including through the effective and comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and beyond.
     
    The people of Myanmar need peace. And I call on all countries to leverage their influence towards an inclusive political solution to the conflict and deliver the peaceful future that the people of Myanmar deserve.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    ASEAN exemplifies community and cooperation.
     
    You are far more than the sum of your parts.
     
    In a world with growing geopolitical divides, with dramatic impacts on peace and security and sustainable development, ASEAN is a bridge-builder and a messenger for peace.
     
    Peace that is more necessary than ever, when we see the immense suffering of the people in Gaza, now extended to Lebanon, not forgetting Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and so many others.
     
    Allow me to tell you that the level of death and destruction in Gaza is something that has no comparison in any other situation I have seen since I became Secretary-General.
     
    I am extremely grateful for your constant efforts to keep our world together.
     
    You play a key role in shaping a world that is prosperous, inclusive and sustainable with respect for human rights at its heart.
     
    And you can always count on my full support and that of the United Nations in this essential effort.
     
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s Opening Remarks at the 14th ASEAN-UN Summit

    Source: United Nations – English

    strong> 
     
    Mr. Chair, Prime Minister Siphandone, thank you for your warm welcome and congratulations on your leadership of ASEAN this year. 
     
    Distinguished leaders of ASEAN,
     
    Excellencies,
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
    For nearly six decades, the family of South-East Asian countries has blazed a path of collaboration.
     
    Every day, you grow more integrated, dynamic and influential.
     
    And our ASEAN-UN partnership is growing ever stronger, too and it is today a strategic partnership from the UN point of view.
     
    The ASEAN-UN Plan of Action is making important progress across the political, security, economic and cultural fronts.
     
    I am particularly grateful for the important contribution of ASEAN members to our peacekeeping operations.
     
    Allow me to express my total solidarity with the Indonesian delegation. Two Indonesian peacekeepers [serving in Lebanon] were wounded by Israeli fire. We are together with you and the Indonesian people at this time.
     
    I also welcome your work on the preparation of the Community Vision 2045.
     
    This region has always been about looking ahead.
     
    And so is the Pact for the Future, adopted last month at the United Nations.
     
    We need to keep looking ahead.  
     
    Let me point to four key areas. 
     
    First, connectivity — your theme for the year.
     
    We start with a fundamental objective: technology should benefit everyone.
     
    Across Southeast Asia, broadband and mobile internet connectivity has soared. Yet the digital divide persists. 
     
    And a new divide is now with us — an Artificial Intelligence divide. 
     
    Every country must be able to access and benefit from these technologies.
     
    And every country should be at the table when decisions are made about their governance.
     
    The Pact for the Future includes a major breakthrough — the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of Artificial Intelligence that would give every country a seat at the AI table.
     
    It also calls for international partnerships to boost AI capacity building in developing countries.
     
    And it commits governments to establishing an independent international Scientific Panel on AI and initiating a global dialogue on its governance within the United Nations.
     
    Second, finance. 
     
    International financial institutions can no longer provide a global safety net – or offer developing countries the level of support they need.
     
    The Pact for the Future says clearly: we need to accelerate reform of the international financial architecture.
     
    To close the financing gap of the Sustainable Development Goals. 
     
    To ensure that countries can borrow sustainably to invest in their long-term development. 
     
    And to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries.
     
    This includes calling on G20 countries to lead on an SDG Stimulus of $500 billion a year.
     
    Substantially increasing also the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks.
     
    Recycling more Special Drawing Rights.
     
    And restructuring loans for countries drowning in debt.
     
    Third, climate.
     
    ASEAN countries are feeling the brunt of climate chaos – disasters like Super Typhoon Yagi – while the 1.5 degree goal is slipping away.
     
    We need dramatic action to reduce emissions.
     
    The G20 is responsible for 80 per cent of total emissions – they must lead the way.
     
    I welcome the pioneering Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam.
     
    By next year, every country must produce new NDCs aligned with limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
     
    Developed countries must keep their promises to double adaptation finance.
     
    And we need to see significant contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.
     
    Every person must be covered by an alert system by 2027, through the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative. 
     
    We must secure also an ambitious outcome on finance at COP29.
     
    Fourth and finally, peace.
     
    I recognize your constructive role in continuing to pursue dialogue and peaceful means of resolving disputes from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. 
    And I salute you for doing so in full respect of the UN Charter and international law – including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
     
    Meanwhile, Myanmar remains on an increasingly complex path.
     
    Violence is growing.
     
    The humanitarian situation is spiralling.
     
    One-third of the population is in dire need of humanitarian assistance.  Millions have been forced to flee their homes. 
     
    Seven years after the forced mass displacement of the Rohingya, durable solutions seem a distant reality.
     
    I support strengthened cooperation between the UN Special Envoy and the ASEAN Chair on innovative ways to promote a Myanmar-led process, including through the effective and comprehensive implementation of the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and beyond.
     
    The people of Myanmar need peace. And I call on all countries to leverage their influence towards an inclusive political solution to the conflict and deliver the peaceful future that the people of Myanmar deserve.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    ASEAN exemplifies community and cooperation.
     
    You are far more than the sum of your parts.
     
    In a world with growing geopolitical divides, with dramatic impacts on peace and security and sustainable development, ASEAN is a bridge-builder and a messenger for peace.
     
    Peace that is more necessary than ever, when we see the immense suffering of the people in Gaza, now extended to Lebanon, not forgetting Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and so many others.
     
    Allow me to tell you that the level of death and destruction in Gaza is something that has no comparison in any other situation I have seen since I became Secretary-General.
     
    I am extremely grateful for your constant efforts to keep our world together.
     
    You play a key role in shaping a world that is prosperous, inclusive and sustainable with respect for human rights at its heart.
     
    And you can always count on my full support and that of the United Nations in this essential effort.
     
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai hosts luncheon for Japanese Diet delegation visiting on 2024 National Day

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai hosts luncheon for Japanese Diet delegation visiting on 2024 National Day
    President Lai hosts luncheon for Japanese Diet delegation visiting on 2024 National Day
    2024-10-10

    On October 10, President Lai Ching-te hosted a luncheon for a delegation from the Japanese Diet visiting to take part in the 2024 National Day Celebration of the Republic of China (Taiwan). In remarks at the event, President Lai thanked the government of Japan for strongly supporting Taiwan, and expressed hope that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, the Taiwan-Japan friendship can be further consolidated, cooperation can be even closer, and people-to-people exchanges will grow increasingly frequent.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I would like to thank former Japanese House of Councillors President Santo Akiko for leading a delegation to Taiwan to celebrate the birthday of the Republic of China (Taiwan). We specially arranged a luncheon at the Presidential Office to welcome and express our gratitude to our best friends from Japan.
    Taiwan and Japan stand side by side in the face of all events, including joyful events, natural disasters, and sad moments. This demonstrates the unwavering friendship between Taiwan and Japan. I especially appreciate that you have taken the time to visit Taiwan in the midst of parliamentary re-elections in Japan, one of the busiest periods in politics.
    I hope that after you return home, you can convey Taiwan’s gratitude to former Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his administration for their strong support of Taiwan during his tenure, and for emphasizing that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are a critical component of global peace and prosperity. I believe such support has meant a lot to Taiwan’s people.
    I wish that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ishiba, Japan will prosper, your economy will flourish, and the Japanese people will enjoy even greater well-being. I also hope that the Taiwan-Japan friendship can be further consolidated, cooperation can be even closer, and people-to-people exchanges will grow increasingly frequent.
    House of Councillors Member Santo then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for taking time out of his busy Double Tenth National Day schedule to host a luncheon for her delegation, and gave assurances that after returning to Japan, she would convey the president’s greetings to former Prime Minister Kishida and current Prime Minister Ishiba.
    Ms. Santo mentioned that, just as President Lai had said, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party recently elected its new president, Ishiba Shigeru, as the new prime minister and formed a new cabinet, and the House of Representatives is soon to hold a general election, so every day brings many political tasks. Nevertheless, to further enhance the robust ties between Taiwan and Japan, she said, no matter how busy they are, they would never miss the chance to travel to Taiwan to take part in the National Day Celebration and meet with a wide range of friends. She also extended condolences for the damage caused by Typhoon Krathon the week before, and expressed hope that those affected by the typhoon could return to a peaceful life as soon as possible.
    Ms. Santo stated that regardless of how the internal political situation may change in Japan, the friendship between Taiwan and Japan will always remain unchanged. The two sides will continue maintaining close ties, cooperating, and promoting prosperity and peace in the Indo-Pacific region. To spur further development of Taiwan-Japan relations, she said, the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council organized a delegation to Taiwan this past May, and took the opportunity to form research groups on Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, strengthening exchanges for women legislators from Taiwan and Japan, encouraging local-level exchanges, and the Taiwan Relations Act. Ms. Santo expressed hope that these efforts will help in planning the future directions of Taiwan-Japan relations and gradually lead to concrete results.
    Ms. Santo stated that Japan will continue to enhance its friendship with Taiwan, join with Taiwan in defending democracy and freedom, and move forward hand in hand with Taiwan, maintaining a focus on peace.
    Also in attendance were Japanese House of Councillors Members Yamamoto Junzo, Takinami Hirofumi, Wada Masamune, and Umemura Mizuho, as well as Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: At Hamburg Sustainability Conference UNECE shares practical solutions for climate action and sustainable development

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    On the heels of the Summit of the Future and adoption of the Pact for the Future, the first Hamburg Sustainability Conference (7-8 October) gathered international policy makers, business leaders and civil society to discuss ways to accelerate SDG implementation. Attending the conference, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean presented UNECE tools and initiatives that are already laying the foundation for strengthened international cooperation necessary to deliver result-oriented solutions, at the Mayors’ Panel on achieving sustainable cities of the future. 

    The Executive Secretary recalled that cities are key partners in achieving sustainable development as they are on the frontlines of addressing humanity’s most pressing problems. In its work UNECE applies a comprehensive approach to urban challenges and it supports local and regional authorities across various key areas, each contributing to the creation of more resilient, representative, and sustainable urban environments. Some of the most important initiatives include:  

     

    • Forum of Mayors to gather city leaders to exchange knowledge and local solutions, and engage with international policy and decision-making; 
    • PIERS methodology to score infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) projects against SDGs;  

     

    Opening the Sustainable Finance Forum, which bridges the Hamburg Sustainability Conference and the upcoming COP29, the Executive Secretary drew attention to the immense investments needed for the energy transition: to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement, USD 5 trillion are needed annually from now until 2030 in the energy sector alone. Yet, 2023 saw USD 1.8 trillion invested in the energy transition, which represents an increase of 17% over the previous year. Hard-to-abate sectors and small businesses face even greater challenges in securing such financing.  

    Aiming to address these gaps, the Forum brought together investors, decision makers and energy transition project leaders. Of some 250 initiatives mapped, 10 projects from South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia requiring financing of over USD 15 billion were shortlisted for showcasing at COP29.  

    With its PIERS methodology UNECE can help governments and financial actors to align their infrastructure and PPPs projects with the SDGs, thus advancing climate action and resilient infrastructure for a sustainable future. The shortlisted projects will benefit from training on PIERS, helping to strengthen accountability, transparency and investor readiness.  

    The Sustainable Finance Forum was convened by UNECE, the United Nations High-Level Climate Champions, DZ BANK, the European Commission, and the German Chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Germany) to strengthen the work of international partners in the field of transition finance.  

    The topic of strengthening the contribution of public and private capital providers to climate action was on the agenda of the Executive Secretary’s bilateral meetings on the margins of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, particularly during her discussion with Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Mr. Mohieldin and Ms. Molcean agreed that an appropriate business environment is important to attract private investors and financiers to drive the transition. They also exchanged about the role of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and its impact on neighbouring countries to the EU and the role of organisations such as UNECE in supporting adaptation. They also discussed targeted taxation in helping emerging markets embrace the energy transition.   

    Meeting with the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), John Denton, the Executive Secretary highlighted the importance of involving the private sector to accelerate SDG implementation, as well as the joint work by UNECE and ICC to promote the global use of digital trade standards.  

    In discussion with Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, Ms. Molcean stressed the role of UNECE as a standard setter and an effective regional cooperation platform to advance sustainable development across diverse fields, including energy, environment, gender equality and transport among many others. 

     

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