NewzIntel.com

Category: Weather

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rare book collection returns to EIT

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    27 seconds ago

    After surviving Cyclone Gabrielle and more than two years in chilled, climate-controlled care, a rare and irreplaceable collection of books has returned to EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus.

    The 225 books, which include out-of-print and culturally significant works of Māori and New Zealand history, were removed from the library following the February 2023 floods to protect them from humidity and further damage.

    With support from MTG Hawke’s Bay, the collection was packed into eight boxes and transferred into the museum’s chilled, climate-controlled archival facility.

    Heather Pilbeam, EIT Library and Learning Support Manager, with a rare collection of books that have been in safe keeping at MTG.

    Heather Pilbeam, EIT Library and Learning Support Manager, said the books are significant taonga that could not be replaced.

    “They include important Ngāti Kahungunu histories and other titles that are out of print and incredibly hard to find. And they inform our postgraduate programmes.”

    Many of the books were saved thanks to their position inside a cabinet, which kept them above the flood line as water and mud swept through the library.

    “The bottom of the cabinet got wet, but the books inside stayed dry. We were incredibly lucky.”

    Last week, the books were returned to the refurbished Tim Twist Building, formerly the Twist Library and now EIT’s central student hub Te Parongo.

    The rare collection joins the other books from EIT’s wider physical library collection that have now been returned to the shelves.

    In the months following the cyclone, staff packed the 30,000-book collection into boxes, stored them in apple bins, and moved them to dry storage at the far end of campus. Over three months, each book was unpacked, assessed, cleaned, scanned and repackaged.

    Heather said 13.7 per cent of the books were damaged in some way.

    “We thought there would be more damage after so long, but we were really lucky. I think it came down to the care we took in those early months.”

    A second three-month phase of work earlier this year saw the collection re-sequenced and returned to the library shelves.

    Heather acknowledged the many staff across campus who played a role in restoring and returning the books to the library, and thanked MTG Hawke’s Bay for stepping in when it was needed most.

    Ondene van Dulm, Executive Director for Student and Academic Services, also expressed her appreciation for the work of those within and outside of EIT.

    “The support from MTG in caring for these books while EIT facilities have gradually been rebuilt is a shining example of how community comes together in the face of adversity.

    “Just as we have been welcoming staff and students back onto campus over the last 18 months, it’s now a huge pleasure to have this rare book collection back in its rightful home.”

    While the majority of EIT’s library collection is now digital, Heather said print books still play an important role for students.

    “The library has a much more significant online collection these days, with databases covering subjects like nursing, health sciences, computing, business and all of our degree programmes.

    “But there are some titles that aren’t available as e-books, and some students simply prefer using print when they can.”
    The team is now looking forward to welcoming students back for the start of the new semester.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Very limited time to react’: Texas flash floods expose challenges in early warning

    Source: United Nations 2

    The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that the tragedy highlights growing global challenges around extreme rainfall, warning dissemination and community preparedness.

    Flash floods are the most lethal form of flooding, responsible for over 5,000 deaths annually and 85 per cent of all flood-related fatalities worldwide, according to WMO data, and result in economic losses of more than $50 billion annually.

    “Unlike slow-onset river floods, flash floods leave very limited time for reaction,” the agency said in a news release on Wednesday.

    “That makes accurate short-term forecasting and community preparedness essential.”

    One-day precipitation totals from NASA’s IMERG multi-satellite precipitation product show heavy rainfall over central Texas on July 4, 2025.

    Months of rains in hours

    Overnight 3 into 4 July, torrential rains – up to 46 centimetres (about 18 inches) in a matter of hours – sent a wall of water surging through Kerr County’s Guadalupe River basin at around 4 AM, catching many residents and vacationers off guard.

    The US National Weather Service issued timely alerts – including a flash flood watch more than 12 hours in advance, upgraded to a flash flood emergency about three hours before impact.

    The warnings were disseminated by Weather Radio, emergency management systems and television and radio stations, but many people, including hundreds of children at summer camps, were not reached in time.

    Floodwaters surged dramatically as the Guadalupe River rose nearly 8 metres (about 26 feet) in about 45 minutes.

    Among the hardest hit was the all-girls summer camp, Camp Mystic, along the river, where at least 27 campers and counsellors died, according to media reports. Texas state authorities report that more than 160 people remain missing.

    The disaster has triggered one of the largest search-and-rescue efforts in state history.

    More frequent and severe floods

    Flash floods are not new, but their frequency and intensity are increasing in many regions due to rapid urbanization, land-use change and a warming climate.

    “A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture and so this means that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent,” WMO said.

    The Texas disaster joins a string of recent catastrophic floods. In 2022, flash floods in Pakistan killed over 1,700 people and displaced millions. In 2024, floods in Europe, the Middle East and Africa saw $36 billion in economic damages.

    And just this week, a flash flood along the Nepalese-Chinese border swept away the main bridge linking the two countries.

    UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

    In September 2022, Pakistan was hit by devastating flooding which left large swathes of the country under water.

    Supporting countries

    To help countries predict such hazards, WMO operates the Flash Flood Guidance System, a real-time forecasting platform used in over 70 countries. It integrates satellite data, radar, and weather models to detect local flash flood threats and supports training programs to build national capacity.

    Beyond technology, the agency plays a convening role by building national capacity, certifying experts, and facilitating real-time coordination between forecasting agencies and disaster managers.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AS SENATE GOP MOVES TO RIP AWAY FUNDING FOR UPSTATE NY PUBLIC TV & RADIO, SCHUMER DEMANDS CONGRESS BLOCK TRUMP’S CLAW BACKS THAT WOULD HURT RURAL AREAS, EDUCATION, & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN EVERY…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Says The GOP Plan To Gut Funding Would Eliminate $45+ Million From Over A Dozen NY Public TV & Radio Stations That Provide Critical Services Like Emergency Weather Alerts, Educational Content For Children, Essential Coverage Of Rural Areas, That Otherwise Wouldn’t Exist & More

    Senate Republicans Are Preparing For A Vote On Trump’s Request To Claw Back Funding For The Corporation For Public Broadcasting– And Without It Locally-Owned PBS TV & NPR Stations In Every Region Of The State Could Face Major Cuts To Community Programs & Layoffs

    Schumer: We Must Protect NY’s Public TV & Radio

    As the Senate prepares to vote on Trump’s plan to claw back over $1 billion in federal funding for America’s public radio and television stations, which could devastate communities across Upstate NY, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today demanded the GOP block cuts that would hurt children, rural areas, and emergency preparedness in every corner of New York.

    Schumer said that the GOP plan to strip funding from America’s public broadcasting would decimate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations including dozens in New York State. The senator broke down the impact of these cuts for Upstate NY public news outlets that receive funding from the CPB and vowed to lead the fight in the Senate against these alarming cuts.

    “Our public TV and radio stations are the glue that keep so many of our communities connected & informed across Upstate NY and targeting them for radical funding cuts hurts all of Upstate. PBS and NPR and others are more than stations, they are a public service networks providing life-saving emergency alerts, educational content to children, and so much more at no cost. But right now, the GOP’s devastating proposal to claw back federal funding for our public TV and radio stations could devastate these vital services ripping away millions leading to layoffs and cuts to beloved programs,” said Senator Schumer. “Like so many New Yorkers. my daughters grew up watching Sesame Street. I know the tremendous value public media provides. Rescinding this funding would take away the programming people love and isolate Upstate NY’s rural communities, jeopardizing their access to information they rely on every day. I will be leading the fight to save public media in the Senate and we need all New Yorkers and Americans to make their voices heard to protect this essential public service.”

    Funds for public broadcasting supports educational initiatives, rural areas, and disaster preparedness efforts across New York State. New York’s public TV and radio stations send emergency alerts during natural disasters, develop educational content, license music from local artists, and more. These services are critical for New York’s communities. For example, with more severe weather across the country, timely weather alerts can save lives. In addition, for children not enrolled in formal pre-school, educational programming from public television ensures they can access educational content regardless of their families’ ability to pay, and teachers use worksheets and videos in local classrooms.

    Below is a list of recipients in Upstate NY that received funding from CPB, according to the NYS Association for Public Broadcasting that would be at risk if the plan to defund public media were to become law with much of this funding making up a major percentage of these stations’ budgets:

    City-Region

    Recipient

    Amount

    Binghamton-Southern Tier

    WSKG

    $1,317,231

    Western NY

    Buffalo Toronto Public Media

    $2,014,441

    Albany

    WAMC

    $422,724

    Oswego

    WRVO

    $166,192

    Watertown

    WPBS

    $1,283,561

    North Country

    North Country Public Radio

    $396,951

    Geneva

    WEOS

    $109,401

    Jeffersonville

    Radio Catskill

    $289,350

    Plattsburgh

    Mountain Lake PBS

    $922,826

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    WXXI

    $1,913,857

    Syracuse-Central NY

    WAER

    $154,962

    Syracuse-Central NY

    WCNY

    $1,267,218

    Troy

    WMHT

    $1,597,703

    Schumer broke down how these cuts will hurt every corner of Upstate NY:

    • In the Southern Tier, WSKG (NPR) receives approximately $1.3 million, more than a fifth of its total budget, from the CPB to cover its predominantly-rural 21-county region. WSKG’s services include beloved free educational programs that include student writing challenges, creative events for students, lesson plans and interactive classroom resources for NY teachers, and more.
    • In the North Country, North Country Public Radio (NPR) would lose approximately $315,000 each year, approximately 12% of its annual budget. This funding enables NCPR to cover news across the North Country. For many rural areas in the North Country, NCPR is the only local news outlet, which is especially important for receiving local updates and timely weather alerts. Mountain Lake PBS also receives nearly $1 million, making up about 35% of its annual budget. Mountain Lake PBS provides local news including life-saving emergency alerts to the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley that might not otherwise have local coverage and says cuts of this magnitude would threaten its existence.
    • In the Capital Region, WAMC (NPR) receives approximately $500,000 in support from CPB. The station is headquartered in Albany with 29 towers covering a region that reaches the North Country, Hudson Valley, and Central New York, and the Mohawk Valley. WAMC offers coverage every day of the year and reaches many rural areas that don’t otherwise have reliable internet coverage. WAMC also collaborates with 12 other public radio stations across the state to share resources and reporting to ensure local journalism is reaching as many people as possible.
    • In Western New York, WBFO (NPR) and BTPM, Buffalo Toronto Public Media (NPR) would lose approximately 15% of its annual budget. WBFO and BTPM stream educational shows for kids on topics including science and civics and offers how-to programming on cooking, home improvement, and more.
    • In the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region, WXXI (PBS) would lose approximately $2 million, roughly 16% of its total annual budget of $12.9 million. WXXI is one of the few remaining local news sources in the region and offers free local programs for civic engagement. Other local stations including WEOS in Geneva and WXXY in Houghton rely on WXXI-produced content to deliver local news to rural areas.
    • In Central New York, WCNY (PBS) receives over $1 million annually from CPB. Originally known as “The Education Station,” WCNY offers renowned educational services including Enterprise America, a hands-on learning center for middle and high school students to learn about entrepreneurship. WRVO (NPR) receives approximately $165,000 which accounts for approximately 8% of its annual operating budget. WRVO said it depends on federal grant funding to pay salaries for WRVO, including local journalists.
    • In the Hudson Valley, Radio Catskill could lose $170,000, nearly 25% of its annual budget if these cuts go through. Local organizations, events, and businesses in the Catskills community relies on Radio Catskill for emergency alerts, local news, and cultural programming.

    In New York State, dozens of recipients last year received more than $45 million in through the CPB, generating a significant local economic impact. According to NPR, the public broadcasting sector in New York supports nearly 4,000 jobs, including 1,125 direct positions, 1,271 indirect jobs through supply chain activity, and 1,321 induced jobs driven by household spending. This generated $122 million in direct labor income and added nearly $750 million to the state’s GDP. The public broadcasting sector also contributed an estimated $177.1 million in tax revenue, including $33 million in state taxes and nearly $116 million in federal taxes.

    The CPB distributes nearly 70 percent of its funding directly to more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations – many of which are NPR or PBS affiliates – with the remaining going to shared infrastructure and services that benefit all public TV and radio stations. According to Northwestern University, nearly 55 million Americans have limited to no access to local news. According to PBS, 60 percent of its audience lives in rural communities, and its programming reaches more children than any of the children’s TV networks in a year. If passed, the GOP proposal would further limit access to local news for communities who depend on information from their local radio and television stations for vital information and services, devastating local communities who would get hit first and hardest.

    Though historically funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been approved with bipartisan support, the House GOP last month passed legislation at President Trump’s request that would claw back more than $1 billion in bipartisan federal investments in the CPB. Trump also issued an executive order stating no money from CPB can go to NPR, PBS, or their affiliates which is currently being challenged in court. Trump’s FY 2026 budget request completely eliminates federal funding and closeout CPB.

    Schumer and Senate Democrats will hold the Senate floor tonight to highlight why this bill would be devastating for New York and all of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assisting Flood Recovery Efforts in Texas

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that four New York State Police staff and three canines will deploy to Kerr County, Texas to support search efforts following devastating floods. This assistance was primarily deployed as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s all-hazards national mutual aid system. EMAC has been ratified by the U.S. Congress (PL 104-321) and is law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. EMAC’s Members can share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy and be reimbursed for mission-related costs.

    “Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life in Texas, and we are sending our prayers as they continue to heal and recover from this devastating flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is committed to helping those in need, and I am grateful for our State Police personnel who will be assisting officials in Kerr County as they continue their search efforts.”

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Disaster recovery requires an immense amount of resources and we are grateful to be able to answer the call to help when needed. New York is always prepared to support our neighbors in moments of need, and our thoughts are with the people of Texas.”

    New York State Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The New York State Police is proud to support the people of Texas during this difficult time. Our Troopers and canines are trained for exactly these types of missions, and we are honored to assist in the search and recovery efforts. Whether here at home or across the country, we stand ready to help when called.”

    New York State has a history of deploying resources to neighbors in need. In 2024, More than 200 emergency management staff members from numerous State agencies responded to calls for help in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October and November. Team members included staff from the National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Thruway Authority, Agriculture and Markets, Office of Information Technology Services, New York City and Ulster and Montgomery counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: PureVoltage Hosting Increases New York City Footprint with Major Telehouse / KDDI Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Staten Island, NY, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PureVoltage Hosting, a premier provider of high-performance infrastructure and enterprise-grade hosting solutions, is proud to announce a major expansion of its presence at the Telehouse facility located at 7 Teleport Drive in Staten Island, New York. This move continues to solidify PureVoltage as the largest client operating at 7 Teleport and marks a continued commitment to delivering scalable, resilient, and cutting-edge infrastructure services to customers worldwide. 

    Significant Capacity Expansion and Power Investment  

    PureVoltage’s latest expansion includes the addition of multiple private suites and dedicated offices within the 7 Teleport campus. The new deployment brings an additional 96 secure private-locking racks and 500kW (half a megawatt) of power to its infrastructure portfolio, enabling the company to support a broader range of enterprise, cloud, colocation and AI workloads with unparalleled reliability and flexibility.  

    “Our expansion with Telehouse has been instrumental in helping us deliver consistently exceptional service,” said Jake Terepocki, CEO of PureVoltage. “This expansion reflects our long-term vision and dedication to offering reliable infrastructure for our customers’ mission-critical operations.”  

    With over 12 years of uninterrupted service at the Telehouse facility, PureVoltage has built a legacy of resilience. Even during catastrophic events such as Hurricane Sandy, PureVoltage remained fully online without any power-related downtime, a testament to both its robust infrastructure and Telehouse’s Tier III-certified environment.  

    The expansion further strengthens PureVoltage’s network capabilities. As part of this deployment, PureVoltage has increased its connectivity to the New York International Internet Exchange (NYIIX), now boasting over 800Gbps of capacity. This ensures ultra-low latency and lightning-fast routing to major carriers, ISPs, and global networks.    

    Robust Features and Custom Solutions  

    Customers hosted at PureVoltage’s NYC facility can benefit from:  

    • Private cages and enterprise suites tailored to specific needs  
    • AI-ready infrastructure with high-density power and rapid provisioning  
    • DDoS protection and 24/7 proactive network monitoring  
    • Carrier-neutral bandwidth and direct access to major Tier 1 providers  
    • Modular, burstable power configurations  
    • Flexible SLAs, fast turnaround, and full equipment lifecycle management  
    • Compliance-ready environments (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA support)  
    • Remote hands, secure access control, and fully staffed operations 

    Whether clients are deploying AI training clusters, fintech workloads, or high-availability applications, PureVoltage’s infrastructure is designed to scale seamlessly.    

    A Vision for Scalable, Global Infrastructure  

    As PureVoltage continues to expand across key markets including New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Tampa and Chicago, its relationship with Telehouse remains a cornerstone for future growth. The Staten Island facility offers proximity to Manhattan with the elevation, security, and uptime enterprises need to thrive in a digital-first economy.  

    PureVoltage’s expansion underscores its mission:  

    Our mission is to provide dependable, scalable, and cost-efficient solutions, customized to meet the unique needs of our customers. We provide enterprise-grade hosting services designed to be robust, reliable, and prepared for future demands, particularly those associated with emerging AI and data centric workloads.  

    About Telehouse / KDDI  

    Telehouse, a global data center and colocation provider, is a subsidiary of KDDI Corporation one of Japan’s largest telecommunications companies. Operating over 45 data centers worldwide, Telehouse offers carrier-neutral colocation services, cloud interconnection, and a robust ecosystem of ISPs and service providers.  

    The 7 Teleport Staten Island campus is a strategic, highly resilient Tier III-certified data center known for its elevated geographic location, disaster resilience, and record of long-term uptime. As part of the KDDI Corporation, Telehouse brings both global scale and localized technical excellence to support enterprise digital transformation. 

    About PureVoltage  

    PureVoltage Hosting is a leading infrastructure provider specializing in Dedicated Servers, Bare Metal, Colocation, and scalable Cloud VPS solutions (BOLT). Built with a focus on performance, availability, and transparency, PureVoltage supports businesses of all sizes, from growing startups to large-scale global deployments.  

    With a national presence across New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago, PureVoltage delivers:  

    • AI-optimized infrastructure for training and inference workloads  
    • Engineering-first support with real humans available 24/7  
    • Transparent pricing and fast hardware provisioning  
    • Custom solutions for SaaS, gaming, finance, hosting resellers, and more  

    From powering the latest AI innovations to ensuring mission-critical workloads stay online, PureVoltage offers future-proof hosting that scales with your ambitions.

    Learn more at: www.purevoltage.com

    Press inquiries

    PureVoltage Hosting
    https://purevoltage.com
    PureVoltage Media Relations
    press@purevoltage.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PureVoltage Hosting Increases New York City Footprint with Major Telehouse / KDDI Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Staten Island, NY, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PureVoltage Hosting, a premier provider of high-performance infrastructure and enterprise-grade hosting solutions, is proud to announce a major expansion of its presence at the Telehouse facility located at 7 Teleport Drive in Staten Island, New York. This move continues to solidify PureVoltage as the largest client operating at 7 Teleport and marks a continued commitment to delivering scalable, resilient, and cutting-edge infrastructure services to customers worldwide. 

    Significant Capacity Expansion and Power Investment  

    PureVoltage’s latest expansion includes the addition of multiple private suites and dedicated offices within the 7 Teleport campus. The new deployment brings an additional 96 secure private-locking racks and 500kW (half a megawatt) of power to its infrastructure portfolio, enabling the company to support a broader range of enterprise, cloud, colocation and AI workloads with unparalleled reliability and flexibility.  

    “Our expansion with Telehouse has been instrumental in helping us deliver consistently exceptional service,” said Jake Terepocki, CEO of PureVoltage. “This expansion reflects our long-term vision and dedication to offering reliable infrastructure for our customers’ mission-critical operations.”  

    With over 12 years of uninterrupted service at the Telehouse facility, PureVoltage has built a legacy of resilience. Even during catastrophic events such as Hurricane Sandy, PureVoltage remained fully online without any power-related downtime, a testament to both its robust infrastructure and Telehouse’s Tier III-certified environment.  

    The expansion further strengthens PureVoltage’s network capabilities. As part of this deployment, PureVoltage has increased its connectivity to the New York International Internet Exchange (NYIIX), now boasting over 800Gbps of capacity. This ensures ultra-low latency and lightning-fast routing to major carriers, ISPs, and global networks.    

    Robust Features and Custom Solutions  

    Customers hosted at PureVoltage’s NYC facility can benefit from:  

    • Private cages and enterprise suites tailored to specific needs  
    • AI-ready infrastructure with high-density power and rapid provisioning  
    • DDoS protection and 24/7 proactive network monitoring  
    • Carrier-neutral bandwidth and direct access to major Tier 1 providers  
    • Modular, burstable power configurations  
    • Flexible SLAs, fast turnaround, and full equipment lifecycle management  
    • Compliance-ready environments (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA support)  
    • Remote hands, secure access control, and fully staffed operations 

    Whether clients are deploying AI training clusters, fintech workloads, or high-availability applications, PureVoltage’s infrastructure is designed to scale seamlessly.    

    A Vision for Scalable, Global Infrastructure  

    As PureVoltage continues to expand across key markets including New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Tampa and Chicago, its relationship with Telehouse remains a cornerstone for future growth. The Staten Island facility offers proximity to Manhattan with the elevation, security, and uptime enterprises need to thrive in a digital-first economy.  

    PureVoltage’s expansion underscores its mission:  

    Our mission is to provide dependable, scalable, and cost-efficient solutions, customized to meet the unique needs of our customers. We provide enterprise-grade hosting services designed to be robust, reliable, and prepared for future demands, particularly those associated with emerging AI and data centric workloads.  

    About Telehouse / KDDI  

    Telehouse, a global data center and colocation provider, is a subsidiary of KDDI Corporation one of Japan’s largest telecommunications companies. Operating over 45 data centers worldwide, Telehouse offers carrier-neutral colocation services, cloud interconnection, and a robust ecosystem of ISPs and service providers.  

    The 7 Teleport Staten Island campus is a strategic, highly resilient Tier III-certified data center known for its elevated geographic location, disaster resilience, and record of long-term uptime. As part of the KDDI Corporation, Telehouse brings both global scale and localized technical excellence to support enterprise digital transformation. 

    About PureVoltage  

    PureVoltage Hosting is a leading infrastructure provider specializing in Dedicated Servers, Bare Metal, Colocation, and scalable Cloud VPS solutions (BOLT). Built with a focus on performance, availability, and transparency, PureVoltage supports businesses of all sizes, from growing startups to large-scale global deployments.  

    With a national presence across New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago, PureVoltage delivers:  

    • AI-optimized infrastructure for training and inference workloads  
    • Engineering-first support with real humans available 24/7  
    • Transparent pricing and fast hardware provisioning  
    • Custom solutions for SaaS, gaming, finance, hosting resellers, and more  

    From powering the latest AI innovations to ensuring mission-critical workloads stay online, PureVoltage offers future-proof hosting that scales with your ambitions.

    Learn more at: www.purevoltage.com

    Press inquiries

    PureVoltage Hosting
    https://purevoltage.com
    PureVoltage Media Relations
    press@purevoltage.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada funds technical assistance project in the Republic of Moldova

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 9, 2025 – Chișinău, Moldova – Global Affairs Canada

    Canada and the Republic of Moldova share deep-rooted values. With common goals of addressing climate change and advancing gender equality, the 2 countries are working together to build a greener and more-inclusive economy for all.

    Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced Canada’s support for the “Advancing Climate Resilience and Women’s Empowerment in Moldova” initiative on behalf of the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development).

    This $6.5-million technical assistance project is being carried out in partnership with the UN Development Programme and UN Women. It aims to enhance climate resilience and promote gender equality through economic support for rural women entrepreneurs in the agroforestry sector. Women in vulnerable communities will gain targeted and specialized skills in climate-smart agriculture and forestry, leadership, and business development through training.

    This announcement demonstrates Canada’s commitment to supporting the Republic of Moldova’s social and economic growth. Addressing barriers to education and finance in climate-smart sectors will ensure equitable access for women, strengthen community development and lead to a more sustainable global future.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Thirsty future: Australia’s green hydrogen targets could require vastly more water than the government hopes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madoc Sheehan, Adjunct Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering, James Cook University

    totajla/Shutterstock

    Green hydrogen is touted by some as the future – a way for Australia to slowly replace its reliance on fossil fuel exports. The energy-dense gas has the potential to reduce emissions in sectors challenging to decarbonise, such as steelmaking and fertiliser manufacturing.

    The Albanese government wants it to be a massive new export industry and has laid out a pathway through its National Hydrogen Strategy.

    Unfortunately, there’s a real gap between rhetoric and reality. Despite ambitious plans, no green hydrogen project has yet succeeded in Australia. The technology’s most prominent local backer, billionaire miner Twiggy Forrest, has dialled down his ambition. Globally, just 7% of announced green hydrogen projects are up and running.

    Economic viability is one problem. But there’s a much larger issue flying under the radar: water. Hitting the 2050 target of 15 million to 30 million tonnes of hydrogen a year would use 7–15% of the amount Australia’s households, farms, mines and black coal power plants use annually. That’s simply not sustainable.

    Splitting water

    Green hydrogen uses renewable energy to power electrolyser machines, which split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

    On the surface, this is an appealing use of clean energy, especially during solar peak periods.

    But what the government hasn’t properly accounted for is the water cost for green hydrogen. The strategy states water use is likely to be “considerable but not prohibitive”.

    This is questionable. For every kilogram of hydrogen produced through electrolysis, nine litres of water are directly consumed.

    That’s not all. The water needed to make hydrogen has to be extremely pure. Salt water has to be desalinated, and even fresh water needs purification. Equipment also needs cooling, which consumes even more water.

    All these processes incur substantial indirect water losses, such as the water used for industrial processes and cooling. The volumes used are highly uncertain. They can be up to 20 times greater than the direct water use.

    A key input value for the government’s hydrogen strategy modelling is taken from a 2015 report by the Argonne National Energy Laboratory in the United States, which assumes each kilogram of green hydrogen produced requires just over 30 litres of water.

    The Australian hydrogen strategy suggests 30 litres per kilogram of hydrogen would cover “all system losses including purification processes and cooling water required”. But it’s not clear if this figure covers other uses of water in making hydrogen, such as water treatment.

    Green hydrogen could help industrial sectors transition from fossil fuels. The problem is the water use.
    Audio und werbung/Shutterstock

    How much water would this use?

    According to the government’s modelling, making 15 million tonnes would require 740 billion litres of water. That would be about 7% of the 10,450 billion litres used by all of Australia’s households, farms, mines and black coal power plants.

    The government’s National Hydrogen Strategy shows the water use by major industries. Their total water use is 10,450 gigalitres annually.
    Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

    That’s substantial. One and a half Sydney Harbours worth, every year. But it might be a major underestimate. After all, estimates on indirect water use differ widely. The government’s figures are at the very bottom of the range.

    For instance, the latest research gives water consumption figures of about 66 litres per kilogram – more than twice as large. Other sources give values between 90 and 300 litres per kilogram of hydrogen – three to ten times higher.

    Uncertainty in modelling is normal. But the wide research suggesting much higher water use should give rise to real concern.

    If we take a middle-of-the-range figure of 95 litres per kilogram, this would mean that making 15 million tonnes of green hydrogen would use up 22% of the 10,450 billion litres used by households, farms, mines and black coal power plants annually by 2050.

    If hydrogen was even thirstier at 310 litres per kilogram, that would translate to 72% of that figure.

    These estimates are enormous. Even under the most optimistic scenario, the draw on Australia’s scarce freshwater resources would simply be too much. Where would this water come from? Farmers? Groundwater? Environmental flows from rivers?

    As the Queensland Farmers Federation pointed out in its response to the hydrogen strategy, the figures on water use “beg the question if they are in fact sustainable”.

    The Water Services Association of Australia has called for much greater attention to the water demands of green hydrogen, which it says are “often seriously underestimated”.

    What about saltwater? Australia has no shortage of oceans. The problem here becomes energy and wastewater. Desalination is still very energy intensive. Converting saltwater to fresh also produces large volumes of super-salty brine, which must then be managed as waste.

    Which way forward?

    Does this mean green hydrogen is a non-starter? Not necessarily. Improved electrolyser technology might offer ways to slash water use, while circular economy approaches such as resource recovery from brine could also reduce losses.

    But these concerns about water must be front and centre in future discussions about the shape and size of the industry in Australia.

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

    – ref. Thirsty future: Australia’s green hydrogen targets could require vastly more water than the government hopes – https://theconversation.com/thirsty-future-australias-green-hydrogen-targets-could-require-vastly-more-water-than-the-government-hopes-252044

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 9th, 2025 N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system. 

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Assistance Available for July Flood Survivors in Texas

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Assistance Available for July Flood Survivors in Texas

    Disaster Assistance Available for July Flood Survivors in Texas

    AUSTIN, Texas – Disaster assistance is now available to eligible survivors in Kerr County affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that began July 2, 2025

    Under Individual Assistance, FEMA and the State may be able to provide several types of financial and direct assistance to individuals and families

    Assistance may include funding for residents and non-residents in Kerr County who sustained damage

    For example, non-residents may include out-of-state survivors who may have been visiting or staying in Kerr County at the time of the disaster

     Survivors may be eligible for:Other Needs Assistance (ONA)Medical/Dental: Money to help cover expenses related to disaster-caused injuries or illnesses

    This funding can also be used to help replace medical/dental equipment, breastfeeding equipment or prescribed medicine damaged or lost due to disaster

    (Also available to non-residents)Transportation: Money to repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle to use

    (Also available to non-residents)Funeral Expenses: Money for eligible disaster-caused funeral expenses such as cost of transfer of remains, casket or urn, funeral services, death certificates, burial plot, cremation, interment, cost of reinterment if disinterment is caused by the disaster, and/or occurs in a family cemetery on private property

    (Also available to non-residents)Displacement: Money for housing needs if you cannot return to your home because of the disaster

    Serious Needs Assistance: Money for essential items such as food, water, baby formula, breast-feeding supplies, medicine and other serious disaster-related needs

    Note: This is not a reimbursement for loss of power or replacing food

    It is intended for emergency needs only

    Childcare: Money for childcare expenses or an increase in childcare expenses caused by a disaster

     Personal Property: Money to repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, clothing, and essential tools such as a personal or family computer damaged in the disaster

    (Also available to non-residents)Miscellaneous Items: Money to help pay for specific items that were purchased or rented after the disaster to help you recover

    For example, a chainsaw to help clear fallen trees that prevent safe access to your home

    Moving and Storage: Money for moving and storing personal property from your home to prevent additional damage, usually while making repairs to your home or moving to a new place due to the disaster

    How To Apply for Disaster AssistanceTo request assistance, survivors must first apply with FEMA

     The fastest way is by going online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Use the FEMA mobile app

    Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    It is open 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    Central Time

    Help is available in many languages

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

     Non-residents will need to include the address or damage location in Kerr County on their application, but their mailing address can be their current home address

     FEMA and the State work with every household on a case-by-case basis

    For ONA-related questions, please contact State’s ONA Helpline at 1-800-582-5233

     Learn more about FEMA’s Individual Assistance program at fema

    gov/assistance/individual

    For the latest information about Texas’ recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4879

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6
    toan

    nguyen
    Wed, 07/09/2025 – 16:03

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Employers and employees should make reasonable work arrangements after tropical cyclones or rainstorms

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Labour Department (LD) today (July 10) reminded employers to make practical and reasonable work arrangements for employees after the cancellation of tropical cyclone warnings or rainstorm warnings, with due consideration to the road and traffic conditions and other factors, and make flexible arrangements for staff to resume work or work remotely (if applicable). This will help maintain good labour-management relations, and ensure the safety of employees as well as the smooth operation of organisations.
          
         “For staff who have genuine difficulties in resuming work on time upon cancellation of a tropical cyclone or rainstorm warning, employers should be sympathetic and handle each case flexibly. For example, employers may allow employees to resume work in stages, permit employees who have difficulties in returning to workplaces to work remotely (if applicable) or allow more time for them to report for duty and resume work,” an LD spokesman said.
          
         The spokesman reminded employers to observe the statutory liabilities and requirements under the Employment Ordinance, Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, Employees’ Compensation Ordinance and Minimum Wage Ordinance.
          
         “As natural calamities cannot be avoided, for employees who are not able to report for duty or resume duty on time due to adverse weather or extreme conditions, employers should neither deduct their wages, good attendance bonus or allowances, nor reduce employees’ entitlement to annual leave, statutory holidays or rest days under the Employment Ordinance, or ask for additional hours of work from employees to compensate for the loss of working hours when they are unable to report for duty,” the spokesman said.
          
         Employers should note that they have an obligation to provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. Moreover, under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, employers are liable to pay compensation for injuries or deaths incurred when employees are travelling by a direct route from their residence to their workplace, or from their workplace back to their residence after work, four hours before or after working hours on a day when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher, a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or extreme conditions are in force.
          
         The LD has published the “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions’”, which provides the major principles, reference guidelines and information on relevant legislation on making work arrangements for the reference of employers and employees. The booklet can be obtained from branch offices of the Labour Relations Division or downloaded from the department’s webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/wcp/Rainstorm.pdf).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs meeting of steering committee on handling extreme weather (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired a meeting of the steering committee on handling extreme weather yesterday (July 9) to holistically review and steer cross-departmental overall preparations and response plans for typhoons and rainstorms, and to make advance preparations for the forecast adverse weather conditions, such as rainstorms and squally thunderstorms, in the coming two days. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and representatives from relevant bureaux and departments also attended the meeting.

    Over the past year, under the Chief Executive’s instruction, Mr Chan has been directing various bureaux and departments to implement and enhance response measures in four areas, namely advance preparations, enhanced early warning, decisive emergency response and speedy recovery, with a view to protecting people’s safety as first priority, as well as minimising the damage and impact of extreme weather.

    According to the present forecast, Tropical Cyclone Danas, now over Fujian, will enter Guangdong today (July 10), and weaken gradually. The active southwest monsoon to its south will generally affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary today and tomorrow (July 11). There will be torrential rain and squally thunderstorms over the territory. The weather may be relatively severe by then. The public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather forecast and warnings from the Observatory.

    In response to the possible adverse weather conditions, Mr Chan co-ordinated the advance preparatory work of relevant departments in the meeting, which includes:

    • The Drainage Services Department had made special arrangement to inspect and carry out necessary clearance last night at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding because of blockages. The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams to conduct inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the territory.
    • The Highways Department will inspect again the flood warning systems installed at road tunnels and pedestrian subways with a higher risk of flooding today, such as Kwun Tong Road Underpass, some pedestrian subways along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and Tai Po River, to ensure normal operation. The Highways Department has also reminded relevant staff members and contractors to pay close attention to the weather conditions in order to make advance preparations for the activation of the Emergency Control Centres when necessary.
    • District Offices have immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness. They will also mobilise District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
    • The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau will be fully activated from 5pm today to monitor the situation in the city. Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby, so as to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high wind, and to provide assistance to those in need.
    • The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department will continue to operate round-the-clock. It will also closely monitor traffic and transport conditions with public transport agencies, and disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.

    The Education Bureau will closely monitor the weather conditions and announce the arrangements for schools and Primary Six students’ registration with their allocated secondary schools under the Secondary School Places Allocation as early as necessary to facilitate parents and students to make early preparations.

    The Labour Department reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions as early as possible, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable). In drawing up and implementing the arrangements, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces, etc. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations and actual difficulties faced by individual employees, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach.

    The Government departments will continue to serve with dedication and make advance preparations on all fronts to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety. The Government urges the public to stay alert and stay away from dangerous places such as rivers and slopes in adverse weather conditions, refrain from water sports, and continue to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs meeting of steering committee on handling extreme weather (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired a meeting of the steering committee on handling extreme weather yesterday (July 9) to holistically review and steer cross-departmental overall preparations and response plans for typhoons and rainstorms, and to make advance preparations for the forecast adverse weather conditions, such as rainstorms and squally thunderstorms, in the coming two days. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and representatives from relevant bureaux and departments also attended the meeting.

    Over the past year, under the Chief Executive’s instruction, Mr Chan has been directing various bureaux and departments to implement and enhance response measures in four areas, namely advance preparations, enhanced early warning, decisive emergency response and speedy recovery, with a view to protecting people’s safety as first priority, as well as minimising the damage and impact of extreme weather.

    According to the present forecast, Tropical Cyclone Danas, now over Fujian, will enter Guangdong today (July 10), and weaken gradually. The active southwest monsoon to its south will generally affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary today and tomorrow (July 11). There will be torrential rain and squally thunderstorms over the territory. The weather may be relatively severe by then. The public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather forecast and warnings from the Observatory.

    In response to the possible adverse weather conditions, Mr Chan co-ordinated the advance preparatory work of relevant departments in the meeting, which includes:

    • The Drainage Services Department had made special arrangement to inspect and carry out necessary clearance last night at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding because of blockages. The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams to conduct inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the territory.
    • The Highways Department will inspect again the flood warning systems installed at road tunnels and pedestrian subways with a higher risk of flooding today, such as Kwun Tong Road Underpass, some pedestrian subways along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and Tai Po River, to ensure normal operation. The Highways Department has also reminded relevant staff members and contractors to pay close attention to the weather conditions in order to make advance preparations for the activation of the Emergency Control Centres when necessary.
    • District Offices have immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness. They will also mobilise District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
    • The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau will be fully activated from 5pm today to monitor the situation in the city. Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby, so as to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high wind, and to provide assistance to those in need.
    • The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department will continue to operate round-the-clock. It will also closely monitor traffic and transport conditions with public transport agencies, and disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.

    The Education Bureau will closely monitor the weather conditions and announce the arrangements for schools and Primary Six students’ registration with their allocated secondary schools under the Secondary School Places Allocation as early as necessary to facilitate parents and students to make early preparations.

    The Labour Department reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions as early as possible, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable). In drawing up and implementing the arrangements, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces, etc. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations and actual difficulties faced by individual employees, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach.

    The Government departments will continue to serve with dedication and make advance preparations on all fronts to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety. The Government urges the public to stay alert and stay away from dangerous places such as rivers and slopes in adverse weather conditions, refrain from water sports, and continue to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 497 Status Reports

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China allocates 150 million yuan to eliminate consequences of natural disasters

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities have allocated 150 million yuan (about 20.97 million U.S. dollars) from the central disaster relief fund to support flood, typhoon and geological disaster relief efforts in affected regions, the Ministry of Finance said Wednesday.

    The emergency aid funds, jointly provided by the Ministry of Emergency Management, have been distributed among six regions, including Zhejiang, Fujian, Sichuan, Gansu provinces, Xizang Autonomous Region and Chongqing Municipality, the department said.

    China has entered its main flood season, with floods and geological disasters increasing in some regions. In addition, Typhoon Danas, the fourth typhoon of the year, has hit several southeastern coastal regions, causing secondary disasters. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Valley in Tajikistan officially recognized as “globally important agricultural heritage system”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Almaty, July 9 (Xinhua) — The Almosi Valley in Tajikistan’s Gissar district has been officially recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as a “globally important agricultural heritage system,” the Khovar news agency reported on Wednesday, citing the press center of the FAO office in Tajikistan.

    The corresponding decision was made at the meeting of the FAO scientific advisory group held in Rome on July 7-8. The Almosi Valley has become the first and only site in Central Asia with the status of “globally important agricultural heritage system”.

    “Until now, only 12 sites in the Europe and Central Asia region have been included in FAO’s Agricultural Heritage List… Now, the Almosi Valley in Tajikistan has joined them, becoming a bridge between Central Asia’s rich natural and cultural heritage and the international community,” said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of FAO’s Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment Division. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Needless NOAA Budget, Staff Cuts Put Lives at Risk Weather Experts, Lawmakers Warn

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    The 2025 hurricane season’s tragic effects are already being felt as the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry contributed to the deadly flash floods in Texas. Yet Republicans in Congress and President Trump are already degrading NOAA and proposed closing more than a dozen weather and climate facilities, including Miami’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and its Hurricane Research Division.

    Sunrise, FL – Today, U. S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) joined some of the nation’s top weather scientists to issue vocal warnings that gutting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through staff and funding cuts will cause needless deaths by delaying critical, timely research and severe storm forecasting that our communities count on to be safe.   

    The 2025 hurricane season’s tragic effects are already being felt as the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry contributed to the deadly flash floods in Texas. Yet Republicans in Congress and President Trump are already degrading NOAA and proposed closing more than a dozen weather and climate facilities, including Miami’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory and its Hurricane Research Division.

    Cuts to NOAA’s budget will have ripple effects beyond public safety, impacting economic sectors like agriculture and fishing, climate resiliency efforts, and wider disaster preparedness. These hurricane state lawmakers were joined by Dr. Robert Atlas, Director Emeritus of NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorology Laboratory, Dr. Frank Marks, former Director of the Hurricane Research Division of NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorology Laboratory, and James Franklin, the former Branch Chief of the Hurricane Specialist Unit at the National Hurricane Center.

    Click here and here for graphs shared by experts at the press conference.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”
    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.
    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  
    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”
    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.
    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”
    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.
    Dear President Trump,  
    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 
    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 
    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.
    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  
    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.
    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 
    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Mitigate Flood Risks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, are working to mitigate flood risk and improve water quality by ensuring farmers, landowners, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can work together to restore and maintain floodplains.
    The bipartisan Restoring America’s Floodplains Act would make clear that the USDA can assist landowners in maintaining floodplain easements in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program by taking part in restoration activities like removing levees and replanting native species that are critical for reducing flood risk and improving natural habitat.  
    “I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impacts flooding can have on our communities in Iowa, and my heart goes out to all those who have been impacted by destructive natural disasters,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m proud to be working on a bipartisan solution to proactively reduce these impacts that will use existing tools at no additional cost to taxpayers while also improving water quality and protecting our valuable land.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act will give USDA the tools it needs to help Colorado farmers and landowners reduce flood risk across the state,” said Senator Bennet. “The growing weather challenges we face are putting more pressure on our watersheds and farmland. Investing in natural infrastructure is a common-sense way to mitigate damage and improve our floodplains for future generations.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act is a real opportunity for farmers and landowners working to restore impacted floodplains and enhance stewardship of vulnerable landscapes to provide wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, and cleaner water,” said Anna Gray, Public Policy Director and Counsel at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. “INHF supports the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act because it will provide producers critical relief in the face of flooding disasters and options for recovery and restoration that have cascading benefits for Iowa’s land, water, wildlife and communities.”
    “As Iowans look for solutions to mitigate flood impacts and improve water quality, we need look no further than nature,” said Amber Markham, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Iowa. “Nature-based solutions like floodplain restorations provide countless benefits to Iowans and we support legislation that advances these goals.” 
    “Floodplain easements are voluntary, incentive-based tools that enable landowners to restore natural floodplains that lower the risk of flooding, improve water quality and soil health, and preserve waterfowl habitat,” said Chris Fox, Ducks Unlimited Iowa State Policy Chair. “It’s a perfect example of natural infrastructure solutions that benefit people, our communities, and wildlife, and we thank Sens. Ernst and Bennet for introducing the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act.”
    Background:
    While in the Iowa National Guard, Ernst deployed multiple times to help Iowans recover from devastating floods and has long worked to cut government red tape so disaster victims can better access the tools they need. Most notably, she called for a one-stop shop that connects America’s rural communities to federal resources, now known as the Rural Partnership Network, a direct line of communication that helps coordinate hundreds of rural-focused federal support programs. Following last year’s flooding in Iowa, Ernst called for full resources to support thoseimpacted. She visited the Iowa communities affected and met directly with local leaders and emergency response officials to support recovery efforts. She also conducted oversight of FEMA to ensure recovery efforts remain free from politicization.
    Ernst has long held that farmers are the original conservationists and pushed to remove red tape from USDA conservation programs to make these tools more accessible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Mitigate Flood Risks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, are working to mitigate flood risk and improve water quality by ensuring farmers, landowners, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can work together to restore and maintain floodplains.
    The bipartisan Restoring America’s Floodplains Act would make clear that the USDA can assist landowners in maintaining floodplain easements in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program by taking part in restoration activities like removing levees and replanting native species that are critical for reducing flood risk and improving natural habitat.  
    “I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impacts flooding can have on our communities in Iowa, and my heart goes out to all those who have been impacted by destructive natural disasters,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m proud to be working on a bipartisan solution to proactively reduce these impacts that will use existing tools at no additional cost to taxpayers while also improving water quality and protecting our valuable land.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act will give USDA the tools it needs to help Colorado farmers and landowners reduce flood risk across the state,” said Senator Bennet. “The growing weather challenges we face are putting more pressure on our watersheds and farmland. Investing in natural infrastructure is a common-sense way to mitigate damage and improve our floodplains for future generations.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act is a real opportunity for farmers and landowners working to restore impacted floodplains and enhance stewardship of vulnerable landscapes to provide wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, and cleaner water,” said Anna Gray, Public Policy Director and Counsel at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. “INHF supports the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act because it will provide producers critical relief in the face of flooding disasters and options for recovery and restoration that have cascading benefits for Iowa’s land, water, wildlife and communities.”
    “As Iowans look for solutions to mitigate flood impacts and improve water quality, we need look no further than nature,” said Amber Markham, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Iowa. “Nature-based solutions like floodplain restorations provide countless benefits to Iowans and we support legislation that advances these goals.” 
    “Floodplain easements are voluntary, incentive-based tools that enable landowners to restore natural floodplains that lower the risk of flooding, improve water quality and soil health, and preserve waterfowl habitat,” said Chris Fox, Ducks Unlimited Iowa State Policy Chair. “It’s a perfect example of natural infrastructure solutions that benefit people, our communities, and wildlife, and we thank Sens. Ernst and Bennet for introducing the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act.”
    Background:
    While in the Iowa National Guard, Ernst deployed multiple times to help Iowans recover from devastating floods and has long worked to cut government red tape so disaster victims can better access the tools they need. Most notably, she called for a one-stop shop that connects America’s rural communities to federal resources, now known as the Rural Partnership Network, a direct line of communication that helps coordinate hundreds of rural-focused federal support programs. Following last year’s flooding in Iowa, Ernst called for full resources to support thoseimpacted. She visited the Iowa communities affected and met directly with local leaders and emergency response officials to support recovery efforts. She also conducted oversight of FEMA to ensure recovery efforts remain free from politicization.
    Ernst has long held that farmers are the original conservationists and pushed to remove red tape from USDA conservation programs to make these tools more accessible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Works to Mitigate Flood Risks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, are working to mitigate flood risk and improve water quality by ensuring farmers, landowners, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can work together to restore and maintain floodplains.
    The bipartisan Restoring America’s Floodplains Act would make clear that the USDA can assist landowners in maintaining floodplain easements in the Emergency Watershed Protection Program by taking part in restoration activities like removing levees and replanting native species that are critical for reducing flood risk and improving natural habitat.  
    “I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impacts flooding can have on our communities in Iowa, and my heart goes out to all those who have been impacted by destructive natural disasters,” said Senator Ernst. “I’m proud to be working on a bipartisan solution to proactively reduce these impacts that will use existing tools at no additional cost to taxpayers while also improving water quality and protecting our valuable land.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act will give USDA the tools it needs to help Colorado farmers and landowners reduce flood risk across the state,” said Senator Bennet. “The growing weather challenges we face are putting more pressure on our watersheds and farmland. Investing in natural infrastructure is a common-sense way to mitigate damage and improve our floodplains for future generations.”
    “The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act is a real opportunity for farmers and landowners working to restore impacted floodplains and enhance stewardship of vulnerable landscapes to provide wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, and cleaner water,” said Anna Gray, Public Policy Director and Counsel at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. “INHF supports the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act because it will provide producers critical relief in the face of flooding disasters and options for recovery and restoration that have cascading benefits for Iowa’s land, water, wildlife and communities.”
    “As Iowans look for solutions to mitigate flood impacts and improve water quality, we need look no further than nature,” said Amber Markham, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Iowa. “Nature-based solutions like floodplain restorations provide countless benefits to Iowans and we support legislation that advances these goals.” 
    “Floodplain easements are voluntary, incentive-based tools that enable landowners to restore natural floodplains that lower the risk of flooding, improve water quality and soil health, and preserve waterfowl habitat,” said Chris Fox, Ducks Unlimited Iowa State Policy Chair. “It’s a perfect example of natural infrastructure solutions that benefit people, our communities, and wildlife, and we thank Sens. Ernst and Bennet for introducing the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act.”
    Background:
    While in the Iowa National Guard, Ernst deployed multiple times to help Iowans recover from devastating floods and has long worked to cut government red tape so disaster victims can better access the tools they need. Most notably, she called for a one-stop shop that connects America’s rural communities to federal resources, now known as the Rural Partnership Network, a direct line of communication that helps coordinate hundreds of rural-focused federal support programs. Following last year’s flooding in Iowa, Ernst called for full resources to support thoseimpacted. She visited the Iowa communities affected and met directly with local leaders and emergency response officials to support recovery efforts. She also conducted oversight of FEMA to ensure recovery efforts remain free from politicization.
    Ernst has long held that farmers are the original conservationists and pushed to remove red tape from USDA conservation programs to make these tools more accessible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Calls for Protection of National Parks; Highlights Threats They Face

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    This week, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), concluded his tenth Climate Change Tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and announced the re-introduction of his National Parks protection legislation, the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act.

    “For a decade, my National Park Climate Change Tours have allowed us a firsthand look at how climate change damages our parks’ plants, wildlife, and waterways. During our visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I visited places like Chilhowee Lake and learned about habitat restoration efforts to protect endangered fish populations and ensure ecological diversity,” said Quigley. “This year, we also spent time visiting with nearby towns that were hit by Hurricane Helene, where we discussed the importance of federal services to rebuilding and fighting severe weather. The Great Smoky Mountains are ultimately just one of the many national treasures threatened by extreme weather, rising carbon emissions, and plastic pollution. We all have to work together to fight that threat.”

    Last month, Trump’s Secretary of the Interior, Doug Bergum, reversed the Interior Department’s policy to phase out single-use plastics across national parks and other public lands. The Biden policy, modeled after Obama-era guidelines, banned the sale and distribution of unnecessary single-use plastic products, like bottles and plastic foam foodware, in protected areas. 

    The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would restore Biden’s policy, codifying a call for the National Park Service to decrease the availability of single-use plastics in parks. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

    “Oregonians and Americans love our national parks, but instead of protecting them from dangerous plastic pollution, Secretary Burgum is dead set on reopening the floodgates to plastic in our parks,” said Senator Merkley, Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. “Single-use plastics threaten our natural treasures and the ability of folks to enjoy their beauty. As the Trump Administration continues to recklessly endanger natural wonders and wildlife nationwide—just like during the first administration—I’ll keep fighting to protect and preserve our parks and public lands so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

    “Our national parks should be full of scenic views and free of plastic pollution,” said Christy Leavitt, Campaign Director at Oceana. “Reducing single-use plastics in our national parks is a win for wildlife and the millions of visitors who come to enjoy these remarkable places. Plastics can persist in our oceans and environment for years and years, fouling the landscape and harming fragile ecosystems. We applaud Sen. Merkley and Rep. Quigley for closing the floodgates of plastic pollution and standing up for plastic-free parks.”

    “We greatly appreciate Rep. Quigley’s enduring leadership in helping to ensure that the National Park Service takes action to reduce plastic disposable waste in our parks, ” said Madeleine Foote, Healthy Communities Program Director at the League of Conservation Voters. “The Park Service had made considerable progress towards their goal of eliminating single-use plastics by 2032, and it’s incredibly disappointing to see this new administration reversing course. We commend Rep. Quigley, and other members like him, who are working to protect our public lands, waters, and special places for generations to come.”

    During his Climate Change Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains, Quigley and U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) saw the impacts of climate change on our National Parks firsthand. They also learned from subject matter experts about the tactics deployed to combat the effects of climate change and the measures that could be implemented going forward to help adapt to coming climate impacts. The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act is just one federal initiative that will help these experts in their mission to preserve our nation’s precious natural treasures.

    “Our national parks are among our most important American treasures,” said Representative Casten. “I was honored to join my colleagues this past week in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see local efforts to preserve crucial ecosystems and ensure that our parks will be around for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. I also appreciated hearing directly from folks managing the recovery and rehabilitation efforts following Hurricane Helene and look forward to taking what we learned back to Washington to help mitigate the next climate-driven extreme weather disaster.”

    “Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park made one thing clear: our national parks represent the best of America — clean air, clear water, thriving wildlife, and shared spaces for all of us to enjoy. But Trump’s Interior Department would rather flood them with single-use plastics than protect these national treasures. We should be investing in resilience, restoration, and partnerships that strengthen these lands—not selling them out to polluters,” said Representative Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “I’m proud to back Rep. Quigley’s Reducing Waste in National Parks Act to keep plastics out of our parks and ensure future generations inherit public lands that are healthy and thriving.”

    The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would:

    • Restore the previous Interior Department policy of phasing out single-use plastic products across national parks and other public lands. 
    • Decrease the availability of single-use plastic products, like bottles and plastic foam foodware, in protected areas by banning their sale and distribution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work begins at state-of-the-art weather centre headquarters

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Work begins at state-of-the-art weather centre headquarters

    Construction has begun on the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, marked by a breaking ground ceremony on Wednesday 9 July.

    Left to right: Jonathan Richards – Project Director, Mace, Andy Brown – Director of Research, ECMWF, Mark Bourgeois – CEO, the GPA, Lord Vallance – Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office and President of the ECMWF Council and Professor Van De Noort CBE – Vice Chancellor, University of Reading

    Construction has begun on a new cutting-edge facility for meteorological research and forecasting, marked by a breaking ground ceremony.

    The event took place today (July 9) at the site of the new headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus, led by Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. 

    Also in attendance were key stakeholders in the project including ECMWF Directors, Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office and President of ECMWF Council, Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the Government Property Agency (GPA) which is delivering the scheme, and representatives of the University of Reading, Mace – design and build construction partners, project advisors AtkinsRéalis and BDP – the architects.

    Construction of the modern, accessible and highly sustainable headquarters, which is being funded through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is expected to be ready for occupation in early 2027. 

    ECMWF will move from its existing premises in Reading, where it has been for half a century, to the new headquarters. Once operational the building will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff to support world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production and research into climate change. The state-of-the-art facility will support the use of the latest advances made in areas such as data assimilation, earth system modelling, predictability and reanalysis to improve weather predictions and understanding of climate.

    UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

    The UK is proud to continue to host the headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. This state-of-the-art facility places the UK at the heart of international efforts that are helping us to make better sense of our weather and climate.

    By improving our weather predictions we can optimise our energy consumption estimates, adjust transport schedules effectively and give our farmers time to prepare for extreme weather – helping people and businesses to save money, cut energy use and stay safe.

    With the university’s Department of Meteorology and parts of the UK Met Office, National Environment Research Council (NERC) National Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and NERC National Centre for Earth Observation all currently located within the university – and now the new ECMWF HQ – means the town of Reading is home to an exceptional cluster of weather, climate research and operational forecasting facilities.

    Florence Rabier, ECMWF Director General said: 

    After 50 years at Shinfield Park in Reading, we are pleased that this move to state-of-the-art sustainable premises will provide excellent facilities for our staff and visitors, and bring us even closer to many colleagues at the university.

    ECMWF is an intergovernmental organisation with 35 member and cooperating states that have built a strong international collaboration with each of these countries’ meteorological services. As well as traditional numerical weather prediction and research, together with our member and cooperating states, we are spearheading the artificial intelligence/machine learning revolution in weather science for the benefit and protection of citizens.

    Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO said:

    It is a landmark occasion to get construction underway of this new facility, which has been designed to industry-leading net zero carbon standards. This project is a perfect example of cross-government collaboration which will deliver a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient headquarters for ECMWF’s forecasting, research and training functions, retaining a world-leading scientific organisation and attracting long-term investment into the region.

    It’s another milestone for us at the GPA to deliver smart, modern, sustainable and digitally connected workplaces that focus on supporting productivity and wellbeing.

    For media enquiries, email: pressoffice@gpa.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Employers and employees should make work arrangements in times of rainstorm warnings

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Employers and employees should make work arrangements in times of rainstorm warnings 
         “Employers should make prior work arrangements and contingency measures for staff which are reasonably practicable. In drawing up and implementing the work arrangements, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations faced by individual employees, such as their place of residence and the road and traffic conditions in the vicinity, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach with due regard to their actual difficulties and needs,” an LD spokesman said.
     
         To avoid misunderstandings, disputes and confusion, employers should consult and engage employees when drawing up the arrangements and make appropriate updates or amendments based on the experience of each occasion and the needs of both employers and employees as well as the actual situations. The work arrangements should cover the following matters:
     
    * arrangements in respect of reporting for duty;
    * arrangements in respect of early release from work;
    * arrangements in respect of resumption of work (e.g. the number of hours within which employees should resume duty after the warning concerned is cancelled or extreme conditions come to an end, when safety and traffic conditions allow);
    * arrangements in respect of remote work such as work from home (if applicable) (e.g. duty and work arrangements during and after rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions);
    * arrangements regarding working hours, wages and allowances (e.g. calculation of wages and allowances in respect of reporting for duty and absence); and
    * special arrangements in respect of staff required to report for duty in times of adverse weather or extreme conditions.
     
         “Employers should conduct a timely and realistic assessment of whether there is any need for requiring staff to report for duty at workplaces when rainstorm warning or extreme conditions are in force. In making the assessment, employers should take into account the safety of employees, the business nature, operational needs and urgency of service, with due regard to the manpower requirements, staffing establishment and individual situations of employees, and keep the number of staff at workplaces to the minimum as far as possible,” the spokesman added.
     
         If a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued during working hours, employees working indoors should continue to work as usual unless it is dangerous to do so. Supervisors of employees working outdoors or in exposed areas should suspend outdoor duties as soon as practicable. They should arrange for their employees to take shelter temporarily and resume duty only when weather conditions permit. If the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is still in force by the end of working hours, employees should stay in a safe place until the heavy rain has passed. A suitable area in the workplace should be made available by employers as temporary shelter for employees.
     
         If the Government makes an extreme conditions announcement, apart from those required by employers to report for duty at workplaces, employees are advised to stay in the place they are currently in or in safe places when extreme conditions are in force, instead of heading for work. Employees who have already reported for duty at workplaces could continue to work as usual in a safe manner. If the workplaces are in danger, employers should release staff from work early under feasible conditions and in a safe manner or make available a safe place as temporary shelter for employees. If the working time ends while extreme conditions are still in force, employers can release employees from workplaces in a safe manner or provide a suitable area as temporary shelter for those still at workplaces.
     
         If it is necessary for employees to report for duty at workplaces under adverse weather or extreme conditions, employers should discuss and agree with them in advance the duty arrangements and contingency measures. If public transport services are suspended or limited when the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or extreme conditions are in force, employers should provide safe transport services for employees travelling to and from workplaces, or grant them an extra travelling allowance.
     
         The spokesman reminded employers to observe the statutory liabilities and requirements under the Employment Ordinance, Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, Employees’ Compensation Ordinance and Minimum Wage Ordinance.
     
         “As natural calamities cannot be avoided, for employees who are not able to report for duty or resume work on time due to adverse weather or extreme conditions, employers should neither deduct their wages, good attendance bonuses or allowances, nor reduce employees’ entitlement to annual leave, statutory holidays or rest days under the Employment Ordinance, or ask for additional hours of work from employees to compensate for the loss of working hours when they are unable to report for duty,” he said.
       
         Employers should note that they have an obligation to provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. If employees are required to work in times of tropical cyclone warnings, rainstorm warnings or extreme conditions, employers should ensure that the risks at work are reduced as far as reasonably practicable. Moreover, under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, employers are liable to pay compensation for injuries or deaths incurred when employees are travelling by a direct route from their residence to their workplace, or from their workplace back to their residence after work, four hours before or after working hours on a day when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher, a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or extreme conditions are in force.
     
         The LD has published the “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions’”, which provides the major principles, reference guidelines and information on relevant legislation on making work arrangements for the reference of employers and employees. The booklet can be obtained from branch offices of the Labour Relations Division or downloaded from the department’s webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/wcp/Rainstorm.pdfIssued at HKT 23:49

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moran, Sorensen Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Rural Weather Radar Coverage

    Source: Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01)

    Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) reintroduced the Rural Weather Monitoring Systems Act, a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen weather radar coverage in rural and underserved areas, including regions like East Texas that face consistent gaps in early warning systems.

    Today, Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) reintroduced the Rural Weather Monitoring Systems Act, a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen weather radar coverage in rural and underserved areas, including regions like East Texas that face consistent gaps in early warning systems.

    Originally introduced in June 2023, key provisions from the bill were included in the Weather Act Reauthorization of 2023, which passed the House as H.R. 6093. Now, with the broader reauthorization effort moving forward, Moran and Sorensen are reintroducing this bill as a standalone measure to underscore its importance and ensure rural communities are not left behind.

    “When severe weather hits, every second counts,” said Congressman Moran. “But far too many rural communities lack the radar coverage they need to detect threats in time. This bill directs the National Weather Service to identify where rural radar coverage is falling short, so that communities like East Texas can get the tools they need to track storms earlier, respond faster, and save lives. While a key part of this effort is already included in the Weather Act Reauthorization of 2025, we’re reintroducing this bill to emphasize the necessity for making rural weather safety a national priority. Our families, first responders, and local officials deserve better, and we’re working together to deliver it.”

    “Having access to accurate and reliable weather forecasting is critically important for everyone, whether you’re a farmer trying to plant your harvest or a family determining if you need to shelter in place for a tornado,” said Congressman Sorensen. “During severe weather season, it is critical that we get an accurate picture of the state of our weather monitoring systems across the country. This bipartisan bill will help us ensure that we’re meeting the needs of my neighbors in rural communities who rely on the NOAA and the NWS to get their weather forecasts.” 

    Background:

    This legislation requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate the current state of rural weather radar systems, identify gaps in coverage, and recommend actions to improve early detection of severe weather. The bill also calls on the GAO to outline regulatory, technical, and funding obstacles that delay or prevent the deployment of modern radar infrastructure.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assessing the U.S. Climate in June 2025

    Source: US National Oceanographic Data Center

    Key Point:

    A widespread late-June heatwave impacted much of the central and eastern U.S., and brought record-setting temperatures. More than 100 million people across 726 counties experienced record heat from June 22–25.

    Map of the U.S. selected significant climate anomalies and events in June 2025

    Other Highlights:

    Temperature

    June U.S. Mean Temperature Departures from Average Map

    The average temperature for the contiguous U.S. (CONUS) in June 2025 was 71.2°F, 2.8°F above the 20th-century average, and ranked seventh warmest in the 131-year record. Temperatures were above average across most of the Lower 48, with much-above-average warmth affecting large areas of the western third of the country, along with parts of the Florida Peninsula, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Great Lakes regions. Rhode Island saw its second-warmest June on record and its warmest for nighttime minimum temperatures, which were 5.8°F above average.

    Alaska’s average temperature for June was 50.8°F, 1.6°F above the long-term average and ranking in the warmest third of the 101-year record. While parts of the southeast Panhandle were slightly cooler than average, the North Slope was notably warm at more than 3 degrees above average.

    The average temperature for the CONUS during the first half of 2025 (January–June) was 49.6°F, 2.1°F above the 20th-century average, ranking in the warmest third of the 131-year record. All states recorded temperatures above their long-term averages for the six-month period, with much-above-average warmth observed across parts of the West, Southwest and portions of the East Coast. Alaska’s year-to-date average temperature was 26.8°F, 5.5°F above its long-term average, tying as the fourth-warmest January–June in the 101-year record.

    Precipitation

    June 2025 U.S. Total Precipitation Percentiles

    The average precipitation for the contiguous U.S. in June was 3.22 inches, 0.30 inch above the long-term average, ranking in the wettest third of the 131-year record. Much of the Southwest, the southern and central Plains, the middle and upper Mississippi Valley, parts of the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes region and areas of the Deep South recorded above-average rainfall. In contrast, drier-than-average conditions prevailed from the central West Coast through the Northwest and into the Rockies. The Northwest region experienced its third-driest June on record—and driest since 2003—with Washington and Oregon each receiving less than half an inch of rain for the month. Parts of north-central California and south-central Washington recorded no measurable rainfall for the entire month.

    For the January–June period, the CONUS averaged 15.70 inches of precipitation, 0.40 inch above the long-term average, ranking in the middle third of the 131-year record. Most of the western half of the country, along with a narrow band from the central Plains through the mid-Mississippi Valley and parts of the Southeast, were drier than average. Above-average precipitation was recorded from the southern Plains through the lower Mississippi and Ohio Valleys into the Northeast, as well as in parts of the northern Plains and upper Mississippi Valley.

    Alaska received 2.32 inches of precipitation in June, which was near the long-term average. Conditions were drier than average across the eastern interior and North Slope but wetter than normal in the western and southwestern parts of the state. For the first half of the year, Alaska recorded 16.58 inches of precipitation, 2.96 inches above average, marking its fifth-wettest start to the year on record.

    Drought

    According to the July 1 U.S. Drought Monitor report, about 32.4% of the contiguous U.S. was in drought, an increase of approximately 2.8% since the beginning of the month. Drought developed or intensified across much of the Northwest through the Rocky Mountains and in small areas of the Alaskan interior. Conversely, drought contracted or was reduced in intensity across parts of the Southwest and southern Texas, the central and northern Plains, the upper Mississippi Valley and parts of Florida.

    Monthly Outlook

    July temperatures are expected to be above normal across the entire contiguous U.S., with the highest likelihood of warmer-than-average conditions in the Mountain West, southern Texas and throughout much of the Great Lakes and the Northeast. For rainfall, parts of the Northwest and the southern and central Plains are expected to be drier than normal, while the interior East is favored to have a wetter-than-average July. Drought is likely to persist across much of the western U.S. in July, with some further development in the Northwest, while improvement is expected across southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico and far West Texas, where above-average rainfall is favored.

    Visit the Climate Prediction Center’s Official 30-Day Forecasts and U.S. Monthly Drought Outlook website for more details.

    Significant wildland fire potential is above normal for July across the Northwest, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For additional information on wildland fire potential, visit the National Interagency Fire Center’s One-Month Wildland Fire Outlook.

    For more detailed climate information, check out our comprehensive June 2025 U.S. Climate Report scheduled for release on July 14, 2025. For additional information on the statistics provided here, visit the Climate at a Glance and National Maps webpages.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Suez University Hosts Series of Online Projects

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Suez University Hosts Series of Online Projects

    In addition to a rich program of in-person networking, team building, and technical events, the IADC Suez University Student Chapter has also organized a variety of online educational forums and competitions for its students over the past 6+ months. 

    Online Technical Camp | OCT-DEC 2024

    The Online Technical Camp was a global virtual learning initiative designed to equip students with essential technical knowledge and introduce them to the core disciplines of petroleum engineering. With over 50 attendees from around the world, the camp marked a major step in building a strong foundation for aspiring engineers in the oil and gas industry. This camp was designed to enhance technical skills and serve as a launchpad for students’ professional journeys. 

    It was divided into 3 main tracks: 

    • Drilling: Included workshops on Well Control & Well Completion
    • Reservoir: Covered Reservoir Management & Water Flooding
    • Production (sponsored by ALS): Focused on Artificial Lift systems

    Well Servicing Online Event | 13-15 MAR 2025

    This three-day technical program brought together students and industry professionals to delve into the fundamentals and advancements in well intervention.  An engaging and educational experience, this event offered participants deep insights into essential well servicing operations, promoting knowledge exchange and fostering technical and professional growth.

    Each day focused on a specific well servicing topic:

    • Day 1 – Wireline Operations: Tools, techniques, and applications
    • Day 2 – Coiled Tubing: Role in intervention and operational efficiency
    • Day 3 – Well Integrity: Ensuring long-term safety and performance

    Well Testing Online Bootcamp | 25-26 MAR 2025

    The Well Testing Online Bootcamp was a focused 2-day online event that united students and industry professionals as they explored essential well testing concepts and operations. This immersive bootcamp offered valuable insights into both the technical and environmental aspects of well testing, supporting participants’ knowledge growth and career development.

    The interactive program covered: 

    • Day 1: Introduction to Well Testing – Covered fundamentals, well test design, and data acquisition & interpretation
    • Day 2: Well Testing Operations & Environmental Impact – Discussed operational procedures alongside the environmental considerations and sustainability practices in well testing

    DrillMaster Competition | 05-20 MAY 2025

    Held under the theme “From Surface to Stream,” the DrillMaster Challenge 2025 was a strategic and hands-on competition that brought together junior petroleum engineering students to simulate a real world drilling operation — from the initial surface assessment to a fully tested and production-ready well. 

    Organized by the IADC Suez University Student Chapter and sponsored by Borais Petroleum Investment Company, the competition offered participants a platform to transform classroom knowledge into a fully integrated, field-ready project. Most notably, Borais generously offered three exclusive internship opportunities to the winning team, making this challenge a significant step toward real-world industry engagement.

    The challenge welcomed teams of three students, acting as their own drilling and completion services company, to create and submit a full well delivery plan. Their technical report covered every critical phase of a drilling operation, including:

    • Project and company profile
    • Geological assumptions and formation analysis
    • Pre-drilling logistics and safety planning
    • Drilling and casing program
    • Mud design and BHA configuration
    • Logging and formation evaluation strategy
    • Well testing design and data interpretation
    • Completion planning and production readiness
    • Budget and timeline estimation
    • Innovation, safety, and sustainability highlights

    Unconventional Drilling | 19-20 MAY 2025

    The Unconventional Drilling online technical event was held over two days and aimed at advancing student knowledge in specialized drilling technologies. This event brought together industry professionals and students to explore innovative techniques shaping the future of drilling operations.

    Day 1 – Casing While Drilling (CWD)

    Focused on the integration of casing and drilling into a single step, this session covered tools, advantages, operational challenges, and real-world applications aimed at reducing non-productive time and enhancing wellbore stability.

    Day 2 – Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD)

    Participants explored how MPD technology enables precise pressure control in complex drilling environments, improving safety and operational efficiency. Experts discussed practical implementations and field results.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Flood protection for more people in West Kent one step closer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Flood protection for more people in West Kent one step closer

    Another major milestone has been reached at the Leigh Flood Storage Area (FSA) after new central gate is installed as part of works to increase its capacity.

    Leigh Flood Storage Area centre gate being installed (Environment Agency)

    • Second flood gate installed at Leigh Flood Storage Area as part of major upgrade.
    • Once completed approximately 25% more floodwater can be stored – bringing the total storage capacity up to the equivalent of 2,800 Olympic swimming pools.
    • Over 1,800 homes and 575 non-residential properties better protected from flooding.

    Another major milestone has been reached at the Leigh Flood Storage Area (FSA) after the new central gate, the second of three new gates, has been installed as part of works to increase its capacity.

    The Leigh Flood Storage Area, the largest Environment Agency-owned and operated flood storage reservoir in Kent, currently reduces the risk of flooding from the River Medway to 1,200 homes and businesses in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.

    The scheme works by storing additional water in a storage area, similar to a large lake, and is operated during periods of heavy rain to reduce the volume of water travelling downstream to protect vulnerable homes and businesses.

    Over the last year, the Environment Agency has been working tirelessly to reduce the flood risk to a further 600 homes and 575 businesses by replacing the 44-year-old original gates and raising sections of the embankment. Replacing the gates has extended the life of the structure to at least 2060.

    Ian Nunn, Flood and Coastal Risk Management Operations Manager, Environment Agency, said:

    The installation of the new centre gate is a huge achievement and another great step forward in the project to reduce the flood risk to over 1,800 homes and 575 non-residential properties in Tonbridge and Hildenborough.

    People can be assured that the flood storage area will remain operational throughout the project, to continue to protect people, homes and businesses.

    Thank you to local residents for their continued patience while the work is ongoing.

    The Environment Agency are currently delivering the government’s long-term funding programme of flood defences, investing £2.65 billion over 2024/5 and 2025/6 to scale up national resilience through building new and improving existing flood defences. The improvement works at the Leigh Flood Storage Area are part of this programme. The Environment Agency prioritises maintenance work on assets to provide the greatest flood risk reduction for people, homes, and businesses.

    Leigh Flood Storage Area centre gate being lifted by crane (Environment Agency)

    The new central gate, lifted into place by a 300-tonne crane, is the second of the three new gates that will be installed during construction. The third and final gate is expected to be installed in late summer. The new gates were delivered in pieces and welded together on site. Each gate weighs around 12.5 tonnes – equivalent to the weight of a single-decker bus!

    By replacing the gates and raising the clay core in sections of the embankment, the flood storage area will be able to store approximately 25% more water than it does now.

    Increasing the current capacity of 5.58 million cubic metres to over 7 million cubic metres of flood water, the equivalent of 2,800 Olympic size swimming pools, will help to better protect more than 600 additional homes from flooding, as well as 575 non-residential properties.

    Cllr Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said:

    It’s fantastic to see the construction of this vital project progressing so well. The scale of the engineering involved is truly impressive, not least the installation of the enormous gates which will provide reassurance for thousands of homes and businesses in our borough who will see their properties far better protected from the devastating impact that flooding can have.

    I’d like to thank the Environment Agency and all involved for their work so far and very much look forward to successful completion of the scheme in the coming months.   

    Liz Gibney, Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP) Chair said:

    While we are going through a dry spell currently, we ought not to forget the devastating effect that flooding can have on local businesses, residents, and communities. KMEP prioritised this project for investment to provide peace of mind to business leaders, knowing their premises and livelihoods are better protected.

    The second new gate at Leigh marks a significant milestone in this important project, and is a vital step towards a safer, more resilient future for everyone. We thank the Environment Agency and partners for their hard work.

    Ends

    Media enquiries

    Notes to Editors

    There are around 90,000 Environment Agency maintained assets, worth £26 billion, that reduce the risk of flooding to 2.3 million properties. These assets benefit the economy by reducing the annual average flood damages of £2.8 billion.   

    For more information – please visit the scheme’s GOV.UK page: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/leigh-expansion-and-hildenborough-embankments-scheme/leigh-expansion-and-hildenborough-embankments-scheme

    To find out more about how the two elements of the scheme work, you can view our YouTube animations:

    Working in partnership

    The Environment Agency is working to deliver the scheme in partnership with:

    • Kent County Council
    • Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
    • Kent and Medway Economic Partnership

    Funding is through the government’s Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA), with contributions from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Kent County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (now the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership).

    Scheme progress

    It is expected that the scheme will be completed by the end of winter 2025/26.

    This is a complex programme and timings could change depending on external factors, such as the weather. Regular scheme updates are provided to residents and stakeholders via newsletters and on GOV.UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –