NewzIntel.com

Category: Weather

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Signe Krogstrup: Climate risks and financial stability – staying the course amid uncertainty

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Check against delivery

    Good morning, and welcome to Danmarks Nationalbank.

    It is a great pleasure to host this conference and to welcome so many of you here today, colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, to share perspectives on the evolving risks that climate change poses to the financial sector.

    Climate agenda competing for attention in a complex global risk environment

    Let me begin by acknowledging the broader context in which we meet. The global economy and financial system face multiple challenges and high uncertainty, stemming from geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation to cyber risks and structural shifts.

    These pressing concerns rightly command our full attention. But for that reason, they also risk overshadowing challenges such as climate change which are perceived as longer-term. This happens at a time when climate policies face stronger headwinds in some parts of the world. This may slow the global energy transition and speed up climate change and the associated risks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Signe Krogstrup: Climate risks and financial stability – staying the course amid uncertainty

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Check against delivery

    Good morning, and welcome to Danmarks Nationalbank.

    It is a great pleasure to host this conference and to welcome so many of you here today, colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, to share perspectives on the evolving risks that climate change poses to the financial sector.

    Climate agenda competing for attention in a complex global risk environment

    Let me begin by acknowledging the broader context in which we meet. The global economy and financial system face multiple challenges and high uncertainty, stemming from geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation to cyber risks and structural shifts.

    These pressing concerns rightly command our full attention. But for that reason, they also risk overshadowing challenges such as climate change which are perceived as longer-term. This happens at a time when climate policies face stronger headwinds in some parts of the world. This may slow the global energy transition and speed up climate change and the associated risks.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government allocates R1.2bn for disaster recovery in affected municipalities

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Government has announced a substantial Disaster Recovery Grant, allocating R1.2 billion to municipalities affected by recent disasters. 

    This decision follows severe snowfall and flooding that occurred earlier this year in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and the heavily impacted Eastern Cape.

    The announcement comes after a devastating disaster in June, which caused an estimated R6.3 billion in infrastructure damage, leaving many communities struggling with loss and destruction.

    The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, announced that the Eastern Cape will receive the largest portion of the relief funds. 

    By the end of July, Hlabisa stated that the province will receive an initial allocation of R50 million, with a substantial additional amount of R504 million to be distributed in August. 

    Municipalities such as the O.R. Tambo District and the Amatole District will receive R30 million and R20 million, respectively, which will provide crucial support for reconstruction efforts.

    Last month, the Eastern Cape experienced devastating impacts, with torrential rains leading to unprecedented floods in districts such as Nelson Mandela Bay, Chris Hani, and O.R. Tambo.

    This tragedy claimed the lives of approximately 103 people in the Eastern Cape.

    According to the latest figures, the O.R. Tambo District has the most fatalities with 79 victims, followed by the Amathole District with 10, with five each in the Alfred Nzo and Chris Hani districts, two each in Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman districts. 

    In total, in June, South Africa lost 107 lives because of the disaster, of which three were in KwaZulu-Natal and one in the Western Cape.

    “Government urges communities in affected areas to remain alert and follow early warning advisories issued by the South African Weather Service, as a critical measure to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods,” the Minister said. 

    According to Hlabisa, after the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) transfers funds, municipalities are expected to use these resources promptly. 

    “Recipients of the funds must follow established reporting protocols and use the required templates to ensure accountability in their financial disclosures,” he explained. 

    Phased funding approach 

    Hlabisa announced that the funding will be released in carefully planned phases. 

    The first tranche of R151.3 million in provincial response grants will be distributed on 11 July, followed by a R395 million municipal response grant on 18 July. 

    In addition, the Minister said a more substantial allocation of R708.9 million is set for 28 August, of which R504 million will go to the Eastern Cape.

    “We want all municipalities to know ahead that this money is coming, and they must activate their project processes,” Hlabisa stated, stressing the importance of transparency and strategic planning.

    The Minister used the platform to highlight financial accountability. 

    He said that municipalities that received previous disaster relief funds will be required to provide comprehensive reports detailing the utilisation of those funds. 

    The Minister warned that failure to do so could result in the suspension of future allocations.

    “If there is no accountability, money will not be released. It will be as simple as that,” he cautioned. 

    Meanwhile, he said the NDMC plans to convene a joint meeting with Premiers, MECs, and Mayors to ensure rigorous oversight and transparency.

    Recognising the potential for price inflation and mismanagement, the Minister said technical teams are currently on the ground verifying infrastructure damage. 

    Hlabisa believes that the goal is not just to restore, but to “build back better” through meticulous project management and quality assurance.

    In addition, he highlighted several areas of concern, including poor infrastructure planning, inadequate workmanship, and the diversion of funds from intended projects. 

    To address these shortcomings, the Minister said the NDMC will collaborate closely with the municipal infrastructure support agency and various sector departments.

    He also touched on a commitment to community recovery and resilience. 

    By ensuring transparent, accountable, and strategic fund allocation, government aims to not just repair infrastructure, but to restore hope and dignity to communities devastated by natural disasters.

    “Furthermore, funding that reverts to the national fiscus exposes communities to risks, and there is a concerning trend of non-reporting and a lack of accountability for the funding allocated to provinces and municipalities.” 

    As the country moves forward, the Minister said the comprehensive disaster relief plan represents a critical step towards rebuilding and strengthening municipal infrastructure.

    “We are actively working to enhance response and recovery operations in the wake of disasters. We recognise the frustrations that communities often face during these trying times, and we are committed to addressing the significant challenges and uncertainties that can arise.” 

    In August, the Minister is expected to announce the funds that will be redirected to communities affected by the June floods. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace: Governments are not powerless in the face of deep sea miners colluding with Trump

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Kingston, Jamaica – Governments still have a chance to protect the future of the deep ocean as the 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) resumes today, with 37 now calling for a moratorium on deep sea mining – the only credible path to decisively resist predatory corporate seizure and prevent the irreversible harm the industry could unleash.

    This is the first time governments have gathered to discuss deep sea mining since The Metals Company (TMC) submitted the first ever application to commercially mine the international seabed. The move was encouraged by an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump aimed to fast-track deep-sea mining operations in both US and international waters, and has bolstered opposition to deep sea mining, not only to protect the environment but also to defend international cooperation and international law.[1]

    Greenpeace International campaigner Louisa Casson, who is attending the meeting, said: “We are witnessing the dangers that arise when nations take unilateral action without regard for collective consequences. We should learn from nature that ecosystems collapse without cooperation; our global systems are at risk when we fail to work together for the common good. The deep sea must not fall victim to predatory corporate seizure. It is time for governments at the ISA to commit to a moratorium—this is the only viable path to prevent the irreversible harm that deep-sea mining would unleash.”

    Nearly 200 governments have signed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), often referred to as the “constitution of the ocean”, which establishes a global legal framework that prevents states from taking unilateral action to exploit them.

    In its latest financial filings, TMC acknowledged that many governments and the ISA are likely to view any deep sea mining permit issued under the Trump administration as a violation of international law.[2] This could result in lawsuits, being unable to sell minerals, and companies refusing to work with TMC throughout the supply chain. 

    Pressure is already mounting on Allseas, a company headquartered in Switzerland with significant presence in the Netherlands, who own the deep sea mining ship and machinery that TMC intends to rely on for commercial operations, and are also one of its largest shareholders. Last week, Greenpeace activists hung a banner from Allseas office in Delft, urging the company to break ties with Trump.[3]

    Recently, Dutch media reported that Climate Minister Sophie Hermans is raising concerns directly with Allseas over their involvement with TMC, while the Swiss government outlined its expectations for companies registered or active in Switzerland to follow international law and norms.[4][5] Allseas’ CEO has stated that the company “would not do anything illegal”.

    Moreover, TMC’s strategic collaboration with PAMCO is coming under new scrutiny, with the Japanese metal processing company admitting that it “consider(s) the establishment of the business via a route that has earned international credibility to be a material issue”.[6]

    The ISA risks caving in to corporate pressure with the President of the Council, H.E. Duncan Laki, circulating instructions to ISA parties to speed up discussions in an attempt to finalize a Mining Code by this year, which would pave the way for  commercial deep sea mining to begin in the international seabed.[7] These included strong limitations of intervention times or recourse to smaller meetings where observers were excluded. In response, Greenpeace has sent a letter to Secretary General Leticia Carvalho, warning that the ISA must not reward industry-led efforts to rush the adoption of the Mining Code.[8] Several governments have also voiced strong opposition, stating, “We categorically disassociate ourselves from any suggestion or interpretation that the Council is bound, legally or politically, to adopt the regulations by the end of the year.”[9] Other NGOs, Indigenous peoples and some States also addressed the issue.

    Louisa Casson added: “Governments are not powerless in the face of deep sea miners doing a doomed deal with Trump. They have both the authority and, now more than ever, the responsibility to act. With growing scientific concern, mounting public pressure, and unprecedented risks to fragile marine ecosystems, the time for courageous leadership is now”.

    ENDS

    Photos available in the Greenpeace Media Library

    Notes:

    [1] Trump’s executive order 

    [2] TMC’s Financial Fillings: “the announcement or implementation of this strategy may cause additional regulatory and political tensions, delay ISA decision-making, or impair our ability to secure or maintain exploration contracts or an exploitation contract under the ISA framework and may result in our need to engage in costly and time-consuming litigation to enforce our rights. In addition, UNCLOS parties and the ISA are under a legal obligation, under UNCLOS, not to recognise any commercial recovery permit issued to us under DSHMRA; many UNCLOS parties and the ISA are likely to regard such a permit as a violation of international law, including UNCLOS, which could affect international perceptions of the project, and could have implications for logistics, processing, and market access in UNCLOS parties for seabed minerals extracted under a US license and for downstream products containing them, or for partnerships involving foreign entities, and could also result in actions, pursuant to UNCLOS, against TMC under the national laws of UNCLOS parties, any or all of which could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects.”

    [3] Greenpeace Netherlands release

    [4] Dutch Cabinet raises concerns over Allseas 

    [5] Swiss government puts pressure on Allseas

    [6] Pacific Metals Company Financial Results Briefing 

    [7] Proposal by ISA President H.E. Duncan Laki

    [8] Letter to Secretary General Leticia Carvalho

    [9] Submission by Chile, Costa Rica and France 

    Contacts:

    Sol Gosetti, Media Coordinator for the Stop Deep Sea Mining campaign, Greenpeace International: +34 664029407, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Scientists warn of urgent need to tackle changes impacting river deltas – UEA

    Source: University of East Anglia (UEA)

    New research identifies the key causes of changes affecting river deltas around the world and warns of an urgent need to tackle them through climate adaptation and policy.

    Deltas are low-lying areas that form as rivers and empty their water and sediment into another body of water, such as an ocean, lake, or another river.

    Some of the largest in the world, such as the Rhine, Mekong, Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna, and Nile, are threatened by climate change, facing rising sea levels and increasing frequency of extreme events.

    With approximately 500 million people today living within or adjacent to delta systems, this is a major issue.

    To address this, a team of international scientists has developed a new framework that identifies the 10 main drivers of change in deltas globally. These are: climate change, sea level rise, deforestation, intense agriculture, urbanisation, impoundments, land subsidence, ground water extraction, flood defences, and resources mining.

    Most local, human-induced causes show measurable impacts within years and the framework provides a clear basis for prioritising timely, locally grounded action with a deeper understanding of the systems that shape these complex and dynamic environments.

    Publishing their findings today in Nature Climate Change, the team includes scientists from the Universities of East Anglia (UEA), Southampton and Oxford in the UK, and Deltares, TU Delft, Wageningen University and Utrecht University in The Netherlands.

    “Deltas are the most complex coastal systems in the world and recognising these multiple drivers and how they operate in each delta is fundamental to finding solutions,” said co-author Prof Robert Nicholls, from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at UEA and the University of Southampton.

    Effective adaptation requires more than isolated measures, that often overlook an important step in deeper assessments of the system as a whole.

    The diagnostic framework links these drivers of change with their direct and indirect impacts across scales in time and space (divided in centuries, decades or temporal scales). It is intended to support policymakers, technocrats, engineers, and stakeholders in developing locally grounded adaptation strategies that are both realistic and resilient.

    It aims to help identify and understand the interconnectivities within the biophysical system, from source to sink, and how these link with local/regional/transboundary socio-economic structures.

    While climate change threatens the world’s deltas, anthropogenic drivers – largely reflected in sediment starvation and resource extraction, profound land-use change and hydrological regime shifts – can outpace climate change in the short to medium term.

    Nearly all local anthropogenic drivers result in measurable impacts within years or decades, emphasising the significance and relevance of local and regional causes for effective and timely climate adaptation and policy development.

    “If we want to give deltas a real chance at long-term climate resilience, we need collective comprehension of the human footprint and the underlying drivers of change,” said Dr Sepehr Eslami, lead author and coastal expert at Deltares.

    “By promoting system-level thinking, this framework encourages more critical and collaborative approaches to adaptation. It helps identify the solutions with the highest chance of being implemented successfully, especially when embedded in a longer-term vision.”

    The diagnostic framework can also foster constructive dialogue among stakeholders and ensure that adaptation efforts are both science-based and socially relevant.

    “Decision making in delta systems is extremely difficult due to all the complex interactions between different processes,” added Dr Amelie Paszkowski from the University of Oxford.

    “But this framework helps to disentangle these dynamics and diagnose the challenges in a delta, which is a fundamental first step in defining adaptation solutions that tackle the root causes of the impacts felt.”

    The research was inspired by the work of the Rise and Fall Project, a collaboration between Deltares and the Utrecht University, and also involved researchers from the University of Cologne and University of Padova.

    Over a period of nearly three years, the team combined decades of knowledge on vulnerabilities in deltas and adaptation efforts to develop a framework that can facilitate diagnosing the key processes and interactions shaping a delta system. The goal: to offer a holistic foundation for planning effective, context-sensitive adaptation strategies.

    ‘A systems perspective for climate adaptation in deltas’ is published in Nature Climate Change on July 7.

    Notes

    • The paper DOI is: 10.1038/s41558-025-02368-0.
    • Once published online, the paper will be available at the following URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02368-0
    • The University of East Anglia (UEA) is a UK Top 25 university (Complete University Guide and HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey). It also ranks in the UK Top 20 for research quality (Times Higher Education REF2021 Analysis) and the UK Top 10 for impact on Sustainable Development Goals. Known for its world-leading research and good student experience, its 360-acre campus has won seven Green Flag awards in a row for its high environmental standards. The University is a leading member of Norwich Research Park, one of Europe’s biggest concentrations of researchers in the fields of environment, health and plant science. www.uea.ac.uk  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Scientists warn of urgent need to tackle changes impacting river deltas – UEA

    Source: University of East Anglia (UEA)

    New research identifies the key causes of changes affecting river deltas around the world and warns of an urgent need to tackle them through climate adaptation and policy.

    Deltas are low-lying areas that form as rivers and empty their water and sediment into another body of water, such as an ocean, lake, or another river.

    Some of the largest in the world, such as the Rhine, Mekong, Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna, and Nile, are threatened by climate change, facing rising sea levels and increasing frequency of extreme events.

    With approximately 500 million people today living within or adjacent to delta systems, this is a major issue.

    To address this, a team of international scientists has developed a new framework that identifies the 10 main drivers of change in deltas globally. These are: climate change, sea level rise, deforestation, intense agriculture, urbanisation, impoundments, land subsidence, ground water extraction, flood defences, and resources mining.

    Most local, human-induced causes show measurable impacts within years and the framework provides a clear basis for prioritising timely, locally grounded action with a deeper understanding of the systems that shape these complex and dynamic environments.

    Publishing their findings today in Nature Climate Change, the team includes scientists from the Universities of East Anglia (UEA), Southampton and Oxford in the UK, and Deltares, TU Delft, Wageningen University and Utrecht University in The Netherlands.

    “Deltas are the most complex coastal systems in the world and recognising these multiple drivers and how they operate in each delta is fundamental to finding solutions,” said co-author Prof Robert Nicholls, from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at UEA and the University of Southampton.

    Effective adaptation requires more than isolated measures, that often overlook an important step in deeper assessments of the system as a whole.

    The diagnostic framework links these drivers of change with their direct and indirect impacts across scales in time and space (divided in centuries, decades or temporal scales). It is intended to support policymakers, technocrats, engineers, and stakeholders in developing locally grounded adaptation strategies that are both realistic and resilient.

    It aims to help identify and understand the interconnectivities within the biophysical system, from source to sink, and how these link with local/regional/transboundary socio-economic structures.

    While climate change threatens the world’s deltas, anthropogenic drivers – largely reflected in sediment starvation and resource extraction, profound land-use change and hydrological regime shifts – can outpace climate change in the short to medium term.

    Nearly all local anthropogenic drivers result in measurable impacts within years or decades, emphasising the significance and relevance of local and regional causes for effective and timely climate adaptation and policy development.

    “If we want to give deltas a real chance at long-term climate resilience, we need collective comprehension of the human footprint and the underlying drivers of change,” said Dr Sepehr Eslami, lead author and coastal expert at Deltares.

    “By promoting system-level thinking, this framework encourages more critical and collaborative approaches to adaptation. It helps identify the solutions with the highest chance of being implemented successfully, especially when embedded in a longer-term vision.”

    The diagnostic framework can also foster constructive dialogue among stakeholders and ensure that adaptation efforts are both science-based and socially relevant.

    “Decision making in delta systems is extremely difficult due to all the complex interactions between different processes,” added Dr Amelie Paszkowski from the University of Oxford.

    “But this framework helps to disentangle these dynamics and diagnose the challenges in a delta, which is a fundamental first step in defining adaptation solutions that tackle the root causes of the impacts felt.”

    The research was inspired by the work of the Rise and Fall Project, a collaboration between Deltares and the Utrecht University, and also involved researchers from the University of Cologne and University of Padova.

    Over a period of nearly three years, the team combined decades of knowledge on vulnerabilities in deltas and adaptation efforts to develop a framework that can facilitate diagnosing the key processes and interactions shaping a delta system. The goal: to offer a holistic foundation for planning effective, context-sensitive adaptation strategies.

    ‘A systems perspective for climate adaptation in deltas’ is published in Nature Climate Change on July 7.

    Notes

    • The paper DOI is: 10.1038/s41558-025-02368-0.
    • Once published online, the paper will be available at the following URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02368-0
    • The University of East Anglia (UEA) is a UK Top 25 university (Complete University Guide and HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey). It also ranks in the UK Top 20 for research quality (Times Higher Education REF2021 Analysis) and the UK Top 10 for impact on Sustainable Development Goals. Known for its world-leading research and good student experience, its 360-acre campus has won seven Green Flag awards in a row for its high environmental standards. The University is a leading member of Norwich Research Park, one of Europe’s biggest concentrations of researchers in the fields of environment, health and plant science. www.uea.ac.uk  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kerr County Texans Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding July 2 and Continuing Can Apply for Possible FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Kerr County Texans Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding July 2 and Continuing Can Apply for Possible FEMA Assistance

    Kerr County Texans Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding July 2 and Continuing Can Apply for Possible FEMA Assistance

    AUSTIN – FEMA is supporting state and local recovery efforts for Texas homeowners and renters in Kerr County who sustained damage from the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred July 2, 2025, and continuing

    Financial assistance is available to eligible homeowners and renters in Kerr County

     FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs

    Survivors with homeowners, renters’ or flood insurance should file a claim first

    By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance

    If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance

    Public Assistance federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations

    This assistance is available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding in Kerr County

    How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceHomeowners and renters who have disaster-caused damage or loss can apply for Individual Assistance under the major disaster declaration DR-4879-TX in several ways:The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    Download the FEMA App for mobile devices

    Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a

    m

    and 10 p

    m

    CT

    Help is available in most languages

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

    To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube

    When you apply for assistance, have this information readily available:If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company nameA current phone number where you can be contactedYour address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now stayingYour Social Security number, if availableA general list of damage and lossesBanking information for direct depositRemember to keep receipts from all purchases related to cleanup and repair

    Assistance from FEMA can include grants for home repairs, replacement of uninsured personal property and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster

    U

    S

    Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners and renters

    Like FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance

    Additional designations may be made later if warranted by the results of damage assessments

    For more information, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4879

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6
    toan

    nguyen
    Sun, 07/06/2025 – 23:56

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Havre des Pas Coastal Flood Alleviation Scheme consultation opens07 July 2025 Islanders are being invited to have their say on plans to protect one of Jersey’s most at-risk coastal areas from the increasing threat of flooding and climate change. A public consultation has launched… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    07 July 2025

    Islanders are being invited to have their say on plans to protect one of Jersey’s most at-risk coastal areas from the increasing threat of flooding and climate change. 

    A public consultation has launched today on the proposed Havre des Pas Coastal Flood Alleviation Scheme, which will deliver enhanced coastal defences and improve the resilience of the area for the next 100 years. 

    Covering the coastline from La Collette to La Grande Charrière Slipway. The scheme will address the growing risk of wave overtopping and rising water levels. While the existing defences remain in good condition, the area has been identified as the Island’s highest priority for upgrades. 

    This is the largest coastal defences project undertaken in Jersey since the 1800’s. 

    In addition to critical flood protection, the Advancing of the Line enables us to seek greater opportunities such as public realm enhancements featuring new promenades, safe cycle routes, landscaped coastal gardens, and enhanced wildlife habitats for Havre des Pas. 

    Currently, around 350 properties in the area are at risk from a 1 in 200-year flood event. Without intervention, this number could rise to approximately 1,000 properties by 2120 due to projected sea level rise. 

    Drop-in sessions will be held at The Lido from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July, offering Islanders the opportunity to speak with the project team and learn more about the plans.

    The consultation runs from 7 July to 12 September 2025, and feedback from all Islanders is welcome. 

    Full details and the online consultation form can be found at: Consultations​. ​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Zhejiang Province Raises Emergency Response Level Amid Typhoon Danas

    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

    HANGZHOU, July 7 (Xinhua) — Authorities in east China’s Zhejiang Province raised their emergency response level to level 3 from level 4 on Monday morning as Typhoon Danas, the fourth storm this year, approaches.

    The center of Danasa reached the coast of Chiayi County, Taiwan, around midnight on Monday and continued moving northward, according to the provincial meteorological service.

    By 7 a.m., it was in waters about 258 kilometers southeast of Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Danas is expected to make landfall again between the afternoon of July 8 and the night on the coast between Taizhou in Zhejiang and Fuzhou in neighboring Fujian Province.

    Due to the typhoon, 60-90 mm of rainfall, up to 350 mm in some places, is expected in central and southern Zhejiang, as well as coastal areas of the province, from July 7 to 9.

    The provincial government has called on all coastal areas and relevant authorities to closely monitor the hurricane’s progress, intensify inter-agency consultations and take preventive measures in accordance with the emergency plan, including sheltering ships, suspending shipping and construction work. -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 –

  • IMD predicts widespread rainfall across India; Delhi-NCR to see cooler, wet days ahead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A low-pressure area over southwest Gangetic West Bengal and surrounding regions is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall to several parts of India over the next few days, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday.

    Central and eastern India are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next three to four days, with isolated pockets – particularly in east Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and interior Odisha – experiencing extremely heavy downpour (21 cm or more) on Monday.

    Northwest India and the West Coast are also set to receive continued heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next four to five days.

    Very heavy showers are expected in Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, east Rajasthan, Konkan, and central Maharashtra from July 7-10. Similar rainfall is predicted for Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya today; while Odisha is expected to experience heavy rain today and tomorrow.

    Vidarbha and Telangana will likely see intense rainfall on July 8-9, Chhattisgarh on July 8, and Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on Monday and Tuesday.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In Delhi-NCR, residents can expect a series of cool and rainy days ahead.

    Today, the sky will remain generally cloudy with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 31 and 33°C, which is 4 to 6 degrees below normal. Winds will blow from the southwest at speeds below 15 kmph in the afternoon and shift to a southeast direction at 8–12 kmph by evening.

    Similar weather is expected on July 8, with cloudy skies and light to moderate rain. Daytime temperatures will hover between 32 and 34°C, and nighttime lows will range from 23 to 25°C—both below seasonal averages. Wind patterns will shift throughout the day, moving from the southwest in the morning to the northwest by evening, with speeds up to 20 kmph.

    The rain pattern will continue on July 9, with moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning. Temperatures are forecast to remain cooler than normal, ranging from 31 to 33°C during the day and 24 to 26°C at night. Winds will begin from the northeast in the morning and shift to an easterly direction by afternoon, gradually slowing down by night.

    On July 10, Delhi is expected to receive very light to light rain, with partly cloudy skies persisting. Maximum temperatures will stay between 32 and 34°C, while minimums will be around 24 to 26°C. Winds will predominantly flow from the southeast, becoming lighter throughout the day.

    The IMD’s extended forecast suggests a continued spell of monsoon activity, providing welcome relief from earlier hot and humid conditions, while also raising concerns about waterlogging and localised flooding in low-lying areas.

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The German economy: navigating cyclical fluctuations and boosting long-term growth | Eesti Pank Public Lecture

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Check against delivery.

    1 Introduction
    Thank you, Governor Müller, for your kind introduction and for the invitation. It is a great pleasure and honour for me to speak here today. I truly appreciate the warm hospitality of Eesti Pank. Since my arrival, I have spent an exciting weekend enjoying several concerts, a trip to the Estonian wilderness, and a walking tour of your beautiful Old Town. 
    Ladies and gentlemen, Estonia and Germany are connected in surprising ways. For example, the esteemed Estonian economist Ragnar Nurkse, in whose honour this lecture series is being held, attended Tallinna Toomkool. The school was also formerly known as the Domschule zu Reval, and its lessons were held in German.
    Estonia and Germany have also shared a similar economic fate in recent years: Both countries’ economies have largely stagnated since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
    Today, I want to share my thoughts on how the German economy reached its current state and how it could recover. I will structure my remarks around three key questions.
    First, what is the current state of the German economy, and what are the main drivers shaping the economic outlook?
    Second, what national structural reforms could help put the German economy back on a growth trajectory? 
    And third, how can we work together to improve the European policy framework to better support growth and security across the European Union?
    2 German economy: current state and outlook
    2.1 Current state of the economy
    Let’s begin by examining the current state of the German economy. In 2024, Germany’s annual real GDP was only 0.4 % higher than in 2019. Similarly, Estonia’s economy remained largely stagnant at its 2019 level. There are several reasons for this sobering growth experience in Germany. For one thing, the economy has been significantly impacted by recent crises. 
    As one of the most globally interconnected economies, Germany experienced supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic more acutely than many other nations. Moreover, Germany’s heavy reliance on Russian natural gas made it particularly vulnerable to the sharp rise in energy prices.
    Simultaneously, German industry has been experiencing a gradual loss in competitiveness in international markets. This decline is partly due to the increasing strength of global competitors, especially from China. It had already taken root well before the onset of the pandemic. 
    In addition to these external challenges, there are also various, persistent internal obstacles to growth, which I will discuss in more detail shortly. Overall, potential output growth stands at a modest 0.4 %, and without significant policy changes, it is likely to remain at this low level.
    2.2 Economic outlook
    Against the background of these structural challenges, what are the short-term prospects of the German economy?
    In the first quarter of this year, the German economy grew by 0.4 %, rebounding from a slight contraction at the end of last year. This growth was stronger than anticipated, partly because concerns about rising tariffs resulted in shipments being frontloaded. However, the underlying economic momentum remains weak.
    The Bundesbank’s June 2025 forecast indicates that the German economy is expected to more or less stagnate this year. Factoring in the stronger-than-expected first-quarter growth figures, a slight annual increase appears possible. However, this would still represent three consecutive years of minimal growth.
    Our forecast aligns with recent predictions from the IMF and the European Commission, both of which project zero growth for 2025. The OECD is slightly more optimistic, projecting a growth rate of 0.4 %. Looking ahead, we see promising signs of recovery.
    In 2026, the Bundesbank projects that the German economy will grow by 0.7 %. And in 2027, growth could reach 1.2 %. Compared to last December’s forecast, the outlook for 2025 has thus been revised downward, while the forecast for 2027 has improved. The forecast is influenced by two opposing factors.
    On one hand, the tariff hikes and heightened uncertainty are estimated to reduce the German economy’s growth by approximately three-quarters of a percentage point. This impact is primarily expected to affect growth in 2025 and 2026.
    The baseline forecast assumes that the additional tariffs of at least 10 % imposed on all US trading partners since April will remain in place. Additionally, it accounts for the tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as on cars and car parts. Finally, the forecast factors in a significant increase in uncertainty, in particular with regard to trade policy.
    On the other hand, from 2026 onwards, the growth-dampening effects of tariffs are counterbalanced by positive growth impulses from German fiscal policy.
    Significant leeway for increased debt has been established, and deficits are expected to rise. Amongst other things, this leeway will be used to finance additional defence and infrastructure spending. Our experts estimate that this extra spending could boost economic growth by a total of three-quarters of a percentage point by 2027.
    In our baseline forecast, the two opposing forces in effect broadly cancel each other out. However, our projections are accompanied by considerable uncertainty. Trade disputes, geopolitical tensions, and specifics of German economic and fiscal policy all present risks. 
    For instance, an escalation of the trade conflict could increase GDP losses to one-and-a-half percentage points by 2027. In this risk scenario, the US tariff hikes announced in early April, some of which are currently suspended, would take full effect. This would be followed by renewed strong financial market reactions and ongoing high uncertainty regarding US economic policy. It is also assumed that the EU would retaliate with tariffs on a similar scale.
    The situation remains fluid, with both escalation and resolution of these tensions being possible at any moment. Just to mention, in two days, on July 9th, the 90-day pause on US reciprocal tariffs will conclude. We will see what happens.
    In summary, the German economy faces significant headwinds in the short term. Nevertheless, there are grounds for cautious optimism as we look to the future. 
    Before discussing policy measures to boost growth in Germany, let me take a moment to digress. In observing the public debate in Germany, it appears that the war in Ukraine still feels far removed for many people. 
    This contrasts sharply with the situation in Estonia, where a direct neighbour has become an immediate threat. Considering Estonia’s history and recurrent struggle for independence, one could say: “once more”.
    My impression is that the new German government understands the gravity of the situation. And I am confident that it will take the necessary steps to enhance European security.
    3 National policy measures to boost growth
    Ladies and gentlemen, A politically strong Europe must be built on a solid economic foundation. And as we have seen, Germany has significant room for improvement in this regard. So, how can Germany enhance its growth potential? 
    A few months ago, I presented a comprehensive set of measures during a speech in Berlin.[1] Let me summarise the key takeaways for you. I see three key areas where policymakers can enhance Germany’s growth potential.
    3.1 Increasing labour supply
    The first area that needs to be addressed urgently is labour supply. As the baby boomers from the 1960s retire, the number of working individuals is declining, which diminishes our growth potential. Accordingly, policymakers must explore every avenue to increase labour supply in Germany.
    One crucial option lies in increasing the working hours of part-time employees, especially women. While the employment rate of women in Germany is slightly above the European average, their weekly working hours are significantly lower. 
    This discrepancy partly stems from disincentives in the tax and social security systems that discourage longer working hours. Moreover, the lack of an adequate supply of childcare and elderly care facilities limits part-time workers’ ability to increase their hours. Improving these facilities can pave the way for longer working hours, thereby boosting our national labour supply.
    Another key component is labour market-oriented migration. Currently, bureaucratic hurdles and slow visa processes are hindering the effective integration of workers from non-EU countries. This represents one of several areas where Germany’s backlog in digitalising public services is hampering growth. Simplifying recognition procedures for academic qualifications and creating a centralised, digital point of contact for immigrants and their families can facilitate smoother transitions. 
    It is also vital to ensure that skilled workers remain in Germany over the long term. Currently, within two years of entering the labour market, more than 30 % of immigrants from other EU countries leave again.[2] Enhancing language courses and granting residency rights for workers’ family members can provide greater stability and integration.
    Additionally, we need to improve work incentives for recipients of the civic allowance. Research shows that the recent abolition of sanctions has significantly decreased the transition of recipients into the labour market.[3] Reinstating previous rules on grace periods, protected assets, and reporting obligations can help these individuals in their transition back to regular employment.
    Finally, we must harness the substantial potential of older individuals for additional, often highly qualified labour.[4] Germany faces a unique challenge, as the ratio of retirees to working-age individuals is expected to worsen significantly over the next 15 years compared to the OECD average. 
    To mitigate the increasing ratio of working to retirement years, it seems advisable to link the earliest possible retirement age, and subsequently the retirement age after 2031, to life expectancy. The year 2031 is significant, as by that time, the regular retirement age will have been increased to 67.
    Estonia serves as a role model in this context, as it will start linking retirement age to average life expectancy in 2027.[5] Germany would be wise to follow Estonia’s example. 
    Furthermore, it is time to reconsider the rule that permits early retirement without deductions for individuals who have worked for 45 years. 
    These measures would not only alleviate labour shortages and support economic growth, but also ease the financial pressure on pension systems.
    3.2 Efficiently transforming the energy sector
    The second area that needs to be addressed is the transformation of the energy sector. Germany aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. As a member of the European Union, Estonia, too, is expected to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 under the European Climate Law.
    This monumental task will necessitate significant investments in several key sectors. To ensure the energy transition is as efficient as possible, Germany needs to adopt a comprehensive and cohesive strategy.
    A key element of this strategy is implementing an effective carbon pricing system across all sectors and regions. Currently, carbon prices differ across sectors. However, only a standardised carbon price will ensure that savings are made in the most cost-effective areas. Therefore, it is crucial for Germany to advocate for consistent carbon pricing within the EU and other economic regions.
    Simultaneously, it is highly advisable to abolish climate-damaging subsidies. These subsidies undermine the economic incentives of carbon pricing by promoting fossil fuel consumption.
    Another essential component is establishing a reliable and coherent framework for the energy transition. Given the long planning horizons and substantial investments needed, a clear policy direction is essential. The government needs to clarify how domestic renewable energy sources and energy imports will interact, considering potential supply bottlenecks, particularly during the winter months. 
    Moreover, policymakers should create economic incentives to better align electricity supply and demand within Germany. Flexible electricity tariffs and innovative approaches such as bidirectional charging for electric vehicles can help achieve this. 
    3.3 Reviving business dynamism
    The third area in which Germany has significant room for improvement is business dynamism. Specifically, improved conditions for start-ups and business investment are critical for guiding the German economy back onto a stronger growth path.
    What needs to be done?
    To begin with, Germany should reduce excessive bureaucratic burdens. Entrepreneurs often express frustration with increasing bureaucracy and regulation.[6] The National Regulatory Control Council (Normenkontrollrat) has identified several promising avenues in this context. Moreover, implementing EU rules as sparingly and efficiently as possible can significantly reduce compliance burdens. We should avoid “gold plating”, which refers to adding extra layers of regulation at the national level. 
    Rather, the focus should be on facilitating start-ups and enhancing innovative capacity. Over one-half of company founders in Germany view bureaucratic hurdles and delays as problematic.[7] Creating a “one-stop shop” for aspiring entrepreneurs to manage all typical tasks related to starting a business can unleash greater business dynamism. Innovative start-ups should be embraced, benefiting from a large domestic market and suitable funding opportunities. 
    Lastly, simplifying and expediting administrative processes is essential for reviving business dynamism. Faster planning and approval procedures can help modernise infrastructure more quickly. Moreover, digitalisation, automation, and standardisation can all streamline administrative processes. 
    In this context, Estonia and Germany differ significantly. According to the World Bank, Estonia ranks among the most conducive countries for starting businesses in the EU – namely on position 14, while Germany ranks much lower – namely on position 125.[8]
    The 2025 Spring Report from the German Council of Economic Experts provides a detailed comparison of what it takes to start a company in both countries.[9] The differences are striking. 
    Estonia’s approach to founding a company exemplifies efficiency, featuring a fully digital, centralised system that enables entrepreneurs to complete the process quickly and with minimal bureaucracy.
    The entire procedure can be completed online through a one-stop shop for administrative services known as the “e-Business Register”. It employs a standardised template and allows users to apply for a VAT number at the same time. The costs of starting a company in Estonia are relatively low. Moreover, authorities process applications within five working days, or within one day if the expedited option is selected. 
    This efficient, fully digital system positions Estonia as a leader in facilitating entrepreneurship. 
    By contrast, Germany’s process is more fragmented, necessitating interaction with multiple authorities and requiring significantly more time and effort.
    Founders must consult several institutions, including notaries, the local court, the trade office, the tax office, and the Federal Employment Agency if they plan to hire employees. Additionally, the costs of starting a company in Germany are considerably higher. Moreover, it takes an average of 35 days, which is considerably longer.
    This is certainly another area where I believe Germany should follow Estonia’s lead.
    4 The European dimension
    Implementing rigorous structural reforms at the national level is essential for boosting Germany’s growth potential. However, for certain issues, we need to find solutions and make progress at the European level.
    4.1 Addressing geoeconomic and geopolitical challenges
    One aspect of this is developing a unified European response to the geoeconomic and geopolitical threats we face today. Europe is currently being confronted with an erratic and confrontational US trade policy. 
    So far, the European Commission has made every effort to de-escalate the situation. Simultaneously, however, the Commission is prepared to retaliate. I believe this is a reasonable approach. 
    Overall, Europe should remain committed to a rule-based international trade order and pursue free trade agreements with like-minded countries and regions. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent proposal to enhance cooperation between the EU and members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) represents a welcome and appropriate step in that direction.
    Regarding geopolitics, Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own defence. In this context, it is crucial to enhance European coordination, including with non-EU countries such as Norway and the United Kingdom, in military strategy, deployment, personnel build-up, procurement, and production capacities. This coordination will incur minimal fiscal costs and may even save money through increased synergies. 
    The EU Commission’s “Readiness 2030” initiative aims to create space for additional national defence spending within the Stability and Growth Pact. I consider such temporary additional leeway for defence expenditure to be reasonable. It will enable European countries to act swiftly and adapt gradually to permanently higher defence spending.
    Lastly, Europe should enhance its autonomy in the payments sector. Currently, Europe remains largely dependent on non-European payment providers. We still lack a digital payment solution that functions across the entire euro area and operates on European infrastructure. 
    Introducing a digital euro in both retail and wholesale variants could be a cornerstone for true autonomy in payments. I would encourage legislators to push forward with the digital euro project accordingly.
    4.2 Boosting European integration
    The second dimension we must focus on is fostering European integration.
    The European Single Market has been a cornerstone of prosperity to date, allowing goods to flow freely across borders while fostering competition, innovation, and economic growth. However, significant barriers still exist when it comes to services. Cross-border trade in services is still far less developed than in goods, partly due to national regulations that restrict professional services such as legal advice, architecture, and engineering. While some regulations are justified, many are not, resulting in inefficiencies and lost opportunities.
    The digital revolution presents a unique opportunity to overcome these obstacles. Digital platforms, virtual collaboration, and online services are revolutionising how businesses operate and interact. To fully harness this potential, we need to simplify regulations, reduce administrative burdens, and establish a truly unified digital marketplace. For example, the centralised EU digital portal for public services established by the European Commission is a welcome step towards facilitating cross-border employment for professionals. This serves as a mechanism to give citizens easier access to services in other Member States. 
    By eliminating unjustified obstacles, we can unlock the full potential of the Single Market, enhance competitiveness, and ensure that Europe remains a global leader in innovation. 
    Energy is another area where deeper European integration can yield significant benefits. Europe’s energy markets are still fragmented, with infrastructure bottlenecks and national boundaries restricting the efficient flow of electricity. 
    A more integrated European electricity market would enable us to better align supply and demand across borders, reduce reliance on costly reserve power plants, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. To achieve this, we need to invest in cross-border infrastructure, modernise our grids, and eliminate regulatory obstacles that impede energy trade. By collaborating, we can not only achieve our climate goals but also enhance Europe’s energy security and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape. 
    Last but not least, we must deepen the integration of European financial markets. The European Savings and Investments Union can help mobilise the necessary financing for additional investments, such as, for instance, for the green transition and the enhancement of defence capabilities.
    Three key elements are at play here.
    First, the European Savings and Investments Union can help diversify funding sources. Enhancing access to equity, market-based debt financing and venture capital will enable the financing of a broader range of investments.
    Second, the European Savings and Investments Union will facilitate cross-border investments by harmonising regulations and breaking down barriers. This would ease the formation of pan-European companies, enabling them to harness cost-lowering economies of scale.
    This point echoes Ragnar Nurske’s “balanced growth theory”. Tailored to the situation of high-income economies, one could paraphrase him in the following way: The limited size of the domestic market can constitute an obstacle to the application of capital by firms or industries, thus posing an obstacle to economic growth generally.[10]
    Third, the European Savings and Investments Union will make Europe more appealing to external investors. This would increase both the quantity of available financing and reduce its cost. 
    Recent policy actions by the US administration have led international investors to start questioning the US dollar’s safe haven status and to reassess the relative attractiveness of Europe as an investment location compared to the US. Boosting growth in the EU and making it an attractive investment destination presents an opportunity for Europe.
    5 Concluding remarks
    Ladies and gentlemen, Allow me to briefly summarise and share a few concluding thoughts.
    I began my speech by noting that economic growth has been weak in both Germany and Estonia over the past few years. In Germany’s case, the economy is currently navigating a combination of cyclical fluctuations and structural challenges. 
    This is a pivotal moment – a time for reflection, decisive action, and bold leadership. I am optimistic that the new German government will address the structural issues with determination and help its economy to become one of Europe’s growth engines. 
    In light of today’s geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties, Europe’s role is more crucial than ever. Let us seize this opportunity to deepen European integration and emerge stronger together. 
    If we take the right actions, I am confident that our two economies will soon share two key outcomes once again: vibrant economic growth and enduring security.
    For now, I eagerly anticipate our discussion here and my ongoing conversations with Governor Müller. I look forward to exchanging ideas and the opportunity to learn from each other. Thank you for your attention.
    Foot notes:

    Nagel, J. (2025), Economic policy measures to boost growth in Germany, speech held at the Berlin School of Economics, Humboldt University of Berlin.
     See Hammer, L. and M. Hertweck (2022), EU enlargement and (temporary) migration: Effects on labour market outcomes in Germany, Deutsche Bundesbank Discussion Paper No 02/2022.
    See Weber, E. (2024), The Dovish Turnaround: Germany’s Social Benefit Reform and Job Findings, IAB-Discussion Paper 07/2024.
    For a comprehensive analysis of retirement timing in Germany, see Deutsche Bundesbank (2025), Early, standard, late: when insurees retire and how pension benefit reductions and increases could be determined, June Monthly Report.
    See Republic of Estonia Social Insurance Board (2025), Retirement age | Sotsiaalkindlustusamet
    See Metzger, G. (2024), Start-up activity lacks macro-economic impetus – self-employed people are becoming more important as multipliers, KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024, KfW Research.
    See World Bank Group (2025), Rankings.
    See German Council of Economic Experts (2025), Between hope and fear: Economic weakness and opportunities of the fiscal package, bureaucratic obstacles and structural change, Spring Report 2025, Chapter 3, Section 10.
    See Nurkse, R. (1961), Problems of Capital Formation in Underdeveloped Countries, New York: Oxford University Press, p. 163. The original citation is: “The limited size of the domestic market in a low income country can thus constitute an obstacle to the application of capital by any individual firm or industry working for the market. In this sense the small domestic market is an obstacle to development generally”.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council leader hits out at South East Water after days of disruption

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Council leader hits out at South East Water after days of disruption

    It is just not good enough.

    That’s the message from Leader of the Council Cllr Alan Baldock in an open letter to South East Water Chief Executive David Hinton after days of no water for hundreds of people in parts of the district.

    Cllr Alan Baldock tells Mr Hinton that the disruption has seriously disrupted the lives of hardworking families, put the vulnerable at serious risk of harm, sparked serious concerns for the health of animals and livestock and deeply damaged the businesses affected at a time when they need help not hindrance.

    It asks the water company to outline how people can claim compensation and asks for it to pay for increased recycling collections caused by huge volumes of empty plastic water bottles.

    The letter says:

    David Hinton
    Chief Executive Officer
    South East Water
    Rochford Road
    Snodland
    ME6 5AH

    Dear Mr Hinton

    Yet more disruption to water supplies in our district

    For the third time this year, twice privately and this time openly, we have felt compelled to write to you to express our deep disgust and frustration at prolonged disruption to water supplies in our district.

    The disruption does not seem be confined to one area or one season.  

    Canterbury and Herne Bay suffered in the freezing winter months. Herne Bay, Dargate, Yorkletts and Seasalter have suffered during the hottest days of the year.

    At a time when water bills are going through the roof, we should not have to point out that having no water:

    • seriously disrupts the lives of hardworking families
    • puts the vulnerable at serious risk of harm
    • sparks serious concerns for the health of animals and livestock
    • deeply damages the businesses affected at a time when they need help not hindrance

    We have even been forced to close our public toilets in Faversham Road, Seasalter, because there is no water and keeping them open is a public health hazard.

    Everyone is forced to pay extra – whether buying their own bottled water or using their own fuel and time to drive to and queue at bottled water stations.

    We believe in protecting the planet. So we are committed to recycling all of the plastic bottles that will need to be disposed of because of South East Water’s failure.

    But that will cost the council taxpayer for extra recycling crews and the hire of extra refuse collection vehicles.

    We have also supplied residents with clear sacks to help them recycle.

    We call on you to foot that bill – where should we send the invoice?

    Yet again, despite previous promises, in the early days of this incident you did not pick up the phone to keep us updated on the latest situation.

    You know, because we’ve made the point repeatedly in our previous correspondence, our officers and councillors are always on hand to advise you on the best locations for bottled water stations.  

    Your choice created jams at the Altira Park in Herne Bay.  

    Your choice caused queues and saw patients unable to access the Estuary View Medical Centre which includes an urgent treatment centre. Liaising with doctors there would have been a huge help.

    Your choice of Sainsbury’s in Chestfield was a huge distance from Dargate, Yorkletts and Seasalter, especially if you do not drive.  

    A second bottled water station was needed. We are glad you, eventually, heeded our advice. But it should not have taken so long.

    This is simply not good enough and your organisation needs to do much better.

    Please let us know how you intend to do so and how you will adequately, and quickly, compensate residents and business owners for an extremely poor service. Along with an apology and an action plan, it is the very least they deserve.

    I have to say, you made a number of promises in previous correspondence which, again, you have failed to live up to and I find that very disappointing.

    We will be writing to the water regulator Ofwat and the Minister of State for Water and Flooding Emma Hardy calling on them to take all appropriate action against South East Water to make sure this does not happen again.

    We look forward to hearing from you.

    Yours sincerely
    Cllr Alan Baldock
    Leader
    Canterbury City Council

    Published: 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: East China province raises emergency response level for Typhoon Danas

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

    HANGZHOU, July 7 — East China’s Zhejiang Province has elevated its typhoon emergency response to Level III at 10 a.m. Monday, as Typhoon Danas, the fourth typhoon of this year, moves closer.

    According to the province’s meteorological observatory, the center of Typhoon Danas made landfall along the coast of Taiwan’s Chiayi City in the wee hours on Monday. After making landfall, Danas continued to move northward.

    At 7:00 a.m., its center was located over the sea, approximately 258 km southeast of Wenzhou, Zhejiang. It is expected to make landfall again along the coast between Taizhou in Zhejiang and Fuzhou in neighboring Fujian Province, sometime between the afternoon and night of July 8.

    From July 7 to 9, central and southern Zhejiang, as well as nearby coastal regions, are expected to receive total rainfall of 60 to 90 mm due to Danas, with precipitation in some areas potentially exceeding 350 mm.

    Zhejiang has urged all coastal regions and departments to closely monitor the typhoon’s path, strengthen joint consultations, and implement prevention measures in line with the contingency plan. These include sheltering ships, suspending sea routes and halting construction projects.

    China’s national observatory also renewed a yellow alert for Typhoon Danas on Sunday as it is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain.

    China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system for typhoons, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Job Opening: Campaigner

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    This is a full-time permanent position based in Manila Office. Candidates who have the legal right to work and live in the Philippines are encouraged to apply.

    © Daniel Müller / Greenpeace

    About the Role

    The Campaigner is a key role in Greenpeace. This role leads the development and implementation of high impact campaign strategies and plans with the goal of achieving big and lasting wins in the policy and public perception spheres, towards systemic changes.

    This role works together with a cross-functional team to co-create and drive proactive and responsive initiatives that will influence policy, change mindsets and mobilize communities, groups and networks.

    The incumbent is expected to be knowledgeable in climate, energy and environmental issues, as well as cross-cutting social justice issues. They must be well-versed in local and international climate and energy policy and developments. In certain situations, as determined by internal and external events and upon the consideration and advice from the Country Director, the campaigner is expected to support other initiatives under the Greenpeace Philippines Program.

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Develop and implement smart, innovative and people-powered campaign strategies and projects in line with both the short and long term goals of the Climate Campaign, and the GPPH program in general, consistent with national, regional and international objectives and including detailed strategy, activities, timelines and budgets.
    • Maintain a working knowledge of technical information and be able to present the information to a variety of audiences within and outside the Philippines.
    • Maintain a working knowledge of mindset sciences, and political, legislative, regulatory and economic frameworks relevant to climate, energy, and the environment.
    • Lead the development and implementation of campaign plans and tactics
    • Initiate cross-issue campaign discussions for integrated project development, planning and implementation
    • Work with engagement focal points to strengthen the campaign’s people participation and audience journey components. Organize and oversee the work of campaign/project volunteers, interns and short-term contractors as required
    • Work with the communications focal points in preparing a variety of communications materials and provide assistance in the formulation of regional and international materials when necessary, and assist in planning communications and engagement strategies for the campaign
    • Respond to and engage in internal as well as external regional challenges beyond his/her normal issue/campaign area as circumstances require
    • Participate in campaign discussions and planning regarding strategic issues within Greenpeace Philippines, GPSEA, with other Greenpeace offices and with GP International (GPI) staff. This will include both written and verbal discussion as well as attendance at specific meetings
    • Keep the Philippine Country Director, Regional and other Campaigners, unit leads and project team members well-informed of activities in the campaign interventions (including the preparation of monthly reports and work plans) and recommend changes in tactics, or strategies as necessary
    • Represent Greenpeace and the campaign at relevant public events, movement events and at meetings with political decision makers, local citizens and affected communities; act as spokesperson for the campaign, and develop pro-active relationships with relevant media to increase campaign outreach
    • Build alliances and/or support relationships with partner organizations, relevant affected groups, grassroots organizations, academic and professional groups, labor unions and others as identified in strategic planning
    • Build, connect and/or catalyze relevant climate movements by creating, building and/or supporting networks, coalitions, and groups in support of campaign goals and in line with agreed campaign strategies
    • Direct, organize and participate in non-violent direct action to support and advance campaign goals and organization objectives
    • Reliably deliver on project engagement plans in line with the country strategy, campaign and engagement objectives and KPIs
    • Develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the campaign and implement progress reviews and end-point evaluations

    Skills and Experience Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field
    • At least 6 years work experience on environmental campaigning or any related field
    • Extensive knowledge about climate, energy, biodiversity and environmental issues
    • Proven experience in campaigning and project management, open campaigning, mass mobilization, public speaking, activist training, strategic planning and organizing people around an issue
    • Proven experience in directing a project from conception to completion
    • Proven ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team
    • Excellent networking skills and the ability to communicate with a wide range of organizations and communities

    Functional Skills:

    • Strong strategic thinking and planning skills; proven experience in analyzing and planning campaign strategies
    • Strong personal organizational skills including ability to participate in multiple projects with competing priorities and timelines, strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to handle constantly evolving work
    • Knowledge and/or experience in working with volunteers
    • Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English and Filipino

    Greenpeace’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

    Greenpeace values diversity as essential to its mission and success. The organisation fosters an inclusive environment that respects varied cultural experiences and perspectives, promoting solutions rooted in social and environmental justice.

    Deadline for applications: July 22, 2025

    Jobs

    Do you have a passion for this planet and want to do more? Work with us!

    TAKE ACTION

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University

    Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp.

    More than 80 people are confirmed dead (28 of whom were children) and 12 people are still missing. Parents have described finding children’s bodies while picking through flood debris searching for their own missing kids.

    In Texas, the floodwaters rose very rapidly and in the middle of the night. Authorities had issued flood warnings but many people were still caught off-guard.

    Sudden floods can also happen in Australia, as seen recently in New South Wales around Taree and Lismore, in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred.

    As climate change makes severe weather events more frequent, it’s worth asking: how ready is Australia for its next sudden flood? And what could help to encourage people to leave while there’s still time?

    It’s hard to appreciate how suddenly floods happen

    Decades of research shows disasters can emerge and change very quickly. Hazards at night are especially difficult, because much can change while people are sleeping.

    Even when flood warnings are issued, authorities can struggle to convince people the problem will affect them.

    People often base their risk assessments on what’s happened in the past. So, if they live in an area that has experienced minor flooding before, they may think the current flood will be similarly minor.

    Research also shows people often wait for extra evidence to confirm the initial warnings from officials. They might look to see if people around them are preparing to leave, or look for cues from the environment such as a sudden burst of loud rain.

    Unfortunately, waiting can mean you miss the opportunity to leave. A road may close, or services may be overwhelmed and evacuation may no longer be an option. Escape options can narrow incredibly quickly, especially when people are asleep.

    What about early warning systems?

    The Albanese government announced in 2023 it would spend A$236 million over a decade to establish a national flood warning network. This will involve buying and upgrading flood gauges across Australia and trying to repair what the government has called “patchwork flood gauge network”.

    That’s important, and it’s also positive to see other research on ways we can use existing technology infrastructure such as mobile phone towers to get early warnings on rising floodwaters.

    But technology is only one part of the bigger picture. As growing body of research shows, many people do not evacuate even when warned about floods or fire.

    Communicating risk in a disaster

    Authorities must find ways to communicate disaster risk in a way that people will respond to.

    Research shows getting the message out through as many channels as possible is crucial. People need to hear about the warnings on TV and on radio and online through various platforms and via local groups as well as national authorities.

    The evidence also suggests people are more likely to trust messages coming from others in their community.

    So, emergency agencies should work through community “champions” to help spread the word about an impending flood threat. It could be the principal of a school, a trusted source in a non-English speaking community, local emergency services volunteers or the manager of a local neighbourhood centre.

    Emergency and government agencies need to identify trusted sources in communities, and build connections with them, before the crisis arrives to ensure information is disseminated smoothly in an emergency.

    Tailoring information is key

    Many people hear warnings and believe a flood is coming, but may think the worst impacts won’t happen in their area. This is a very common misconception.

    That’s why information should be tailored so people understand the risk at their particular location.

    Helping people understand the consequences of not evacuating is also vital. This might mean messaging such as “if you don’t leave now, the floods will be over your roof and we may not be able to come and rescue you or your children or pet”.

    Residents may not understand how fast floodwaters can move, that conditions may be very choppy and windy, or that large and dangerous debris will be coming at them and their children in a flood. This should also be communicated clearly.

    Education prior to the crisis event can help people understand what flood waters can do at their location. This community awareness should be conducted in flood-prone areas at regular intervals.

    Localised, tailored information can help people understand what will happen to them and their families if they don’t leave early enough – hopefully preventing devastating death tolls of the kind Texas is now grappling with.

    Erica Kuligowski has received funding from the Australian Research Council and from Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods? – https://theconversation.com/in-texas-parents-search-flood-debris-for-missing-kids-are-australians-ready-for-our-own-sudden-floods-260581

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University

    Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp.

    More than 80 people are confirmed dead (28 of whom were children) and 12 people are still missing. Parents have described finding children’s bodies while picking through flood debris searching for their own missing kids.

    In Texas, the floodwaters rose very rapidly and in the middle of the night. Authorities had issued flood warnings but many people were still caught off-guard.

    Sudden floods can also happen in Australia, as seen recently in New South Wales around Taree and Lismore, in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred.

    As climate change makes severe weather events more frequent, it’s worth asking: how ready is Australia for its next sudden flood? And what could help to encourage people to leave while there’s still time?

    It’s hard to appreciate how suddenly floods happen

    Decades of research shows disasters can emerge and change very quickly. Hazards at night are especially difficult, because much can change while people are sleeping.

    Even when flood warnings are issued, authorities can struggle to convince people the problem will affect them.

    People often base their risk assessments on what’s happened in the past. So, if they live in an area that has experienced minor flooding before, they may think the current flood will be similarly minor.

    Research also shows people often wait for extra evidence to confirm the initial warnings from officials. They might look to see if people around them are preparing to leave, or look for cues from the environment such as a sudden burst of loud rain.

    Unfortunately, waiting can mean you miss the opportunity to leave. A road may close, or services may be overwhelmed and evacuation may no longer be an option. Escape options can narrow incredibly quickly, especially when people are asleep.

    What about early warning systems?

    The Albanese government announced in 2023 it would spend A$236 million over a decade to establish a national flood warning network. This will involve buying and upgrading flood gauges across Australia and trying to repair what the government has called “patchwork flood gauge network”.

    That’s important, and it’s also positive to see other research on ways we can use existing technology infrastructure such as mobile phone towers to get early warnings on rising floodwaters.

    But technology is only one part of the bigger picture. As growing body of research shows, many people do not evacuate even when warned about floods or fire.

    Communicating risk in a disaster

    Authorities must find ways to communicate disaster risk in a way that people will respond to.

    Research shows getting the message out through as many channels as possible is crucial. People need to hear about the warnings on TV and on radio and online through various platforms and via local groups as well as national authorities.

    The evidence also suggests people are more likely to trust messages coming from others in their community.

    So, emergency agencies should work through community “champions” to help spread the word about an impending flood threat. It could be the principal of a school, a trusted source in a non-English speaking community, local emergency services volunteers or the manager of a local neighbourhood centre.

    Emergency and government agencies need to identify trusted sources in communities, and build connections with them, before the crisis arrives to ensure information is disseminated smoothly in an emergency.

    Tailoring information is key

    Many people hear warnings and believe a flood is coming, but may think the worst impacts won’t happen in their area. This is a very common misconception.

    That’s why information should be tailored so people understand the risk at their particular location.

    Helping people understand the consequences of not evacuating is also vital. This might mean messaging such as “if you don’t leave now, the floods will be over your roof and we may not be able to come and rescue you or your children or pet”.

    Residents may not understand how fast floodwaters can move, that conditions may be very choppy and windy, or that large and dangerous debris will be coming at them and their children in a flood. This should also be communicated clearly.

    Education prior to the crisis event can help people understand what flood waters can do at their location. This community awareness should be conducted in flood-prone areas at regular intervals.

    Localised, tailored information can help people understand what will happen to them and their families if they don’t leave early enough – hopefully preventing devastating death tolls of the kind Texas is now grappling with.

    Erica Kuligowski has received funding from the Australian Research Council and from Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods? – https://theconversation.com/in-texas-parents-search-flood-debris-for-missing-kids-are-australians-ready-for-our-own-sudden-floods-260581

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University

    Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp.

    More than 80 people are confirmed dead (28 of whom were children) and 12 people are still missing. Parents have described finding children’s bodies while picking through flood debris searching for their own missing kids.

    In Texas, the floodwaters rose very rapidly and in the middle of the night. Authorities had issued flood warnings but many people were still caught off-guard.

    Sudden floods can also happen in Australia, as seen recently in New South Wales around Taree and Lismore, in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred.

    As climate change makes severe weather events more frequent, it’s worth asking: how ready is Australia for its next sudden flood? And what could help to encourage people to leave while there’s still time?

    It’s hard to appreciate how suddenly floods happen

    Decades of research shows disasters can emerge and change very quickly. Hazards at night are especially difficult, because much can change while people are sleeping.

    Even when flood warnings are issued, authorities can struggle to convince people the problem will affect them.

    People often base their risk assessments on what’s happened in the past. So, if they live in an area that has experienced minor flooding before, they may think the current flood will be similarly minor.

    Research also shows people often wait for extra evidence to confirm the initial warnings from officials. They might look to see if people around them are preparing to leave, or look for cues from the environment such as a sudden burst of loud rain.

    Unfortunately, waiting can mean you miss the opportunity to leave. A road may close, or services may be overwhelmed and evacuation may no longer be an option. Escape options can narrow incredibly quickly, especially when people are asleep.

    What about early warning systems?

    The Albanese government announced in 2023 it would spend A$236 million over a decade to establish a national flood warning network. This will involve buying and upgrading flood gauges across Australia and trying to repair what the government has called “patchwork flood gauge network”.

    That’s important, and it’s also positive to see other research on ways we can use existing technology infrastructure such as mobile phone towers to get early warnings on rising floodwaters.

    But technology is only one part of the bigger picture. As growing body of research shows, many people do not evacuate even when warned about floods or fire.

    Communicating risk in a disaster

    Authorities must find ways to communicate disaster risk in a way that people will respond to.

    Research shows getting the message out through as many channels as possible is crucial. People need to hear about the warnings on TV and on radio and online through various platforms and via local groups as well as national authorities.

    The evidence also suggests people are more likely to trust messages coming from others in their community.

    So, emergency agencies should work through community “champions” to help spread the word about an impending flood threat. It could be the principal of a school, a trusted source in a non-English speaking community, local emergency services volunteers or the manager of a local neighbourhood centre.

    Emergency and government agencies need to identify trusted sources in communities, and build connections with them, before the crisis arrives to ensure information is disseminated smoothly in an emergency.

    Tailoring information is key

    Many people hear warnings and believe a flood is coming, but may think the worst impacts won’t happen in their area. This is a very common misconception.

    That’s why information should be tailored so people understand the risk at their particular location.

    Helping people understand the consequences of not evacuating is also vital. This might mean messaging such as “if you don’t leave now, the floods will be over your roof and we may not be able to come and rescue you or your children or pet”.

    Residents may not understand how fast floodwaters can move, that conditions may be very choppy and windy, or that large and dangerous debris will be coming at them and their children in a flood. This should also be communicated clearly.

    Education prior to the crisis event can help people understand what flood waters can do at their location. This community awareness should be conducted in flood-prone areas at regular intervals.

    Localised, tailored information can help people understand what will happen to them and their families if they don’t leave early enough – hopefully preventing devastating death tolls of the kind Texas is now grappling with.

    Erica Kuligowski has received funding from the Australian Research Council and from Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods? – https://theconversation.com/in-texas-parents-search-flood-debris-for-missing-kids-are-australians-ready-for-our-own-sudden-floods-260581

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erica Kuligowski, Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University

    Harrowing stories are emerging in the wake of catastrophic and sudden flooding over the fourth of July weekend in Texas – where many people were camping, and children were at riverside summer camp.

    More than 80 people are confirmed dead (28 of whom were children) and 12 people are still missing. Parents have described finding children’s bodies while picking through flood debris searching for their own missing kids.

    In Texas, the floodwaters rose very rapidly and in the middle of the night. Authorities had issued flood warnings but many people were still caught off-guard.

    Sudden floods can also happen in Australia, as seen recently in New South Wales around Taree and Lismore, in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred.

    As climate change makes severe weather events more frequent, it’s worth asking: how ready is Australia for its next sudden flood? And what could help to encourage people to leave while there’s still time?

    It’s hard to appreciate how suddenly floods happen

    Decades of research shows disasters can emerge and change very quickly. Hazards at night are especially difficult, because much can change while people are sleeping.

    Even when flood warnings are issued, authorities can struggle to convince people the problem will affect them.

    People often base their risk assessments on what’s happened in the past. So, if they live in an area that has experienced minor flooding before, they may think the current flood will be similarly minor.

    Research also shows people often wait for extra evidence to confirm the initial warnings from officials. They might look to see if people around them are preparing to leave, or look for cues from the environment such as a sudden burst of loud rain.

    Unfortunately, waiting can mean you miss the opportunity to leave. A road may close, or services may be overwhelmed and evacuation may no longer be an option. Escape options can narrow incredibly quickly, especially when people are asleep.

    What about early warning systems?

    The Albanese government announced in 2023 it would spend A$236 million over a decade to establish a national flood warning network. This will involve buying and upgrading flood gauges across Australia and trying to repair what the government has called “patchwork flood gauge network”.

    That’s important, and it’s also positive to see other research on ways we can use existing technology infrastructure such as mobile phone towers to get early warnings on rising floodwaters.

    But technology is only one part of the bigger picture. As growing body of research shows, many people do not evacuate even when warned about floods or fire.

    Communicating risk in a disaster

    Authorities must find ways to communicate disaster risk in a way that people will respond to.

    Research shows getting the message out through as many channels as possible is crucial. People need to hear about the warnings on TV and on radio and online through various platforms and via local groups as well as national authorities.

    The evidence also suggests people are more likely to trust messages coming from others in their community.

    So, emergency agencies should work through community “champions” to help spread the word about an impending flood threat. It could be the principal of a school, a trusted source in a non-English speaking community, local emergency services volunteers or the manager of a local neighbourhood centre.

    Emergency and government agencies need to identify trusted sources in communities, and build connections with them, before the crisis arrives to ensure information is disseminated smoothly in an emergency.

    Tailoring information is key

    Many people hear warnings and believe a flood is coming, but may think the worst impacts won’t happen in their area. This is a very common misconception.

    That’s why information should be tailored so people understand the risk at their particular location.

    Helping people understand the consequences of not evacuating is also vital. This might mean messaging such as “if you don’t leave now, the floods will be over your roof and we may not be able to come and rescue you or your children or pet”.

    Residents may not understand how fast floodwaters can move, that conditions may be very choppy and windy, or that large and dangerous debris will be coming at them and their children in a flood. This should also be communicated clearly.

    Education prior to the crisis event can help people understand what flood waters can do at their location. This community awareness should be conducted in flood-prone areas at regular intervals.

    Localised, tailored information can help people understand what will happen to them and their families if they don’t leave early enough – hopefully preventing devastating death tolls of the kind Texas is now grappling with.

    Erica Kuligowski has received funding from the Australian Research Council and from Natural Hazards Research Australia.

    – ref. In Texas, parents search flood debris for missing kids. Are Australians ready for our own sudden floods? – https://theconversation.com/in-texas-parents-search-flood-debris-for-missing-kids-are-australians-ready-for-our-own-sudden-floods-260581

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: MassMutual Ventures and Crane Venture Partners announce expanded partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, LONDON and SINGAPORE, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MassMutual Ventures (MMV) and Crane Venture Partners announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Crane to administer MMV’s Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) funds, totaling $450 million and including 40 portfolio companies. MassMutual Ventures has been a minority investor in Crane since 2018 as well as an anchor investor in all Crane funds.

    “This agreement marks the next evolution in MassMutual Ventures’ longstanding relationship with the Crane team that was established seven years ago,” said Doug Russell, Managing Director and Head of MassMutual Ventures. “Crane’s unwavering focus on founders and vast network and expertise will be invaluable for both current and future portfolio companies in Europe and APAC. We look forward to continuing to work with Crane in this new capacity, leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both of our organizations.”

    MMV will continue to manage its existing portfolio of over 60 companies based in North America and Israel and invest in new companies through its Boston-based MMV US and MMV Climate Tech Fund teams.

    “We’ve always believed that early conviction and long-term commitment are the keys to venture success. This expanded partnership is a massive vote of confidence in our approach—and in the founders we have and will continue to back,” said Krishna Visvanathan, Co-founder and Partner at Crane. “We’re proud to take the next step with MassMutual Ventures and build an even stronger bridge for global ambition across Europe and Asia-Pacific.”

    As part of the transaction, which is expected to close later this year pending satisfactory completion of customary conditions, Crane Venture Partners will oversee all existing Europe and APAC investments as well as manage all new Europe and APAC investments, with MMV continuing to hold positions in all existing portfolio companies.

    About MassMutual Ventures
    MassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a multistage venture capital firm investing globally in financial technology, enterprise SaaS, healthtech, climate technology and cybersecurity companies. We help accelerate the growth of the companies we partner with by providing capital, connections and advice. With our deep expertise and extensive network, MMV helps entrepreneurs build compelling and scalable companies of value. For more information, visit www.massmutualventures.com.

    About Crane Venture Partners

    Crane makes high-conviction investments in foundational technologies at the earliest stages, backing ambitious founders from inception through seed. Our commitment extends beyond initial funding—we remain deeply involved as trusted partners, offering hands-on support through critical company-building moments and helping founders refine go-to-market strategies and scale globally. 

    Since 2015, we’ve backed category-defining companies across post-quantum security, robotics, infrastructure software, developer tools, and AI systems. With a global perspective spanning the UK, Europe, the US, Israel and Asia-Pacific, we help exceptional founders build companies that redefine what’s possible. First to believe. Last to leave. For more, visit www.crane.vc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MassMutual Ventures and Crane Venture Partners announce expanded partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, LONDON and SINGAPORE, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MassMutual Ventures (MMV) and Crane Venture Partners announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Crane to administer MMV’s Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) funds, totaling $450 million and including 40 portfolio companies. MassMutual Ventures has been a minority investor in Crane since 2018 as well as an anchor investor in all Crane funds.

    “This agreement marks the next evolution in MassMutual Ventures’ longstanding relationship with the Crane team that was established seven years ago,” said Doug Russell, Managing Director and Head of MassMutual Ventures. “Crane’s unwavering focus on founders and vast network and expertise will be invaluable for both current and future portfolio companies in Europe and APAC. We look forward to continuing to work with Crane in this new capacity, leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both of our organizations.”

    MMV will continue to manage its existing portfolio of over 60 companies based in North America and Israel and invest in new companies through its Boston-based MMV US and MMV Climate Tech Fund teams.

    “We’ve always believed that early conviction and long-term commitment are the keys to venture success. This expanded partnership is a massive vote of confidence in our approach—and in the founders we have and will continue to back,” said Krishna Visvanathan, Co-founder and Partner at Crane. “We’re proud to take the next step with MassMutual Ventures and build an even stronger bridge for global ambition across Europe and Asia-Pacific.”

    As part of the transaction, which is expected to close later this year pending satisfactory completion of customary conditions, Crane Venture Partners will oversee all existing Europe and APAC investments as well as manage all new Europe and APAC investments, with MMV continuing to hold positions in all existing portfolio companies.

    About MassMutual Ventures
    MassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a multistage venture capital firm investing globally in financial technology, enterprise SaaS, healthtech, climate technology and cybersecurity companies. We help accelerate the growth of the companies we partner with by providing capital, connections and advice. With our deep expertise and extensive network, MMV helps entrepreneurs build compelling and scalable companies of value. For more information, visit www.massmutualventures.com.

    About Crane Venture Partners

    Crane makes high-conviction investments in foundational technologies at the earliest stages, backing ambitious founders from inception through seed. Our commitment extends beyond initial funding—we remain deeply involved as trusted partners, offering hands-on support through critical company-building moments and helping founders refine go-to-market strategies and scale globally. 

    Since 2015, we’ve backed category-defining companies across post-quantum security, robotics, infrastructure software, developer tools, and AI systems. With a global perspective spanning the UK, Europe, the US, Israel and Asia-Pacific, we help exceptional founders build companies that redefine what’s possible. First to believe. Last to leave. For more, visit www.crane.vc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MassMutual Ventures and Crane Venture Partners announce expanded partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, LONDON and SINGAPORE, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MassMutual Ventures (MMV) and Crane Venture Partners announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Crane to administer MMV’s Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) funds, totaling $450 million and including 40 portfolio companies. MassMutual Ventures has been a minority investor in Crane since 2018 as well as an anchor investor in all Crane funds.

    “This agreement marks the next evolution in MassMutual Ventures’ longstanding relationship with the Crane team that was established seven years ago,” said Doug Russell, Managing Director and Head of MassMutual Ventures. “Crane’s unwavering focus on founders and vast network and expertise will be invaluable for both current and future portfolio companies in Europe and APAC. We look forward to continuing to work with Crane in this new capacity, leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both of our organizations.”

    MMV will continue to manage its existing portfolio of over 60 companies based in North America and Israel and invest in new companies through its Boston-based MMV US and MMV Climate Tech Fund teams.

    “We’ve always believed that early conviction and long-term commitment are the keys to venture success. This expanded partnership is a massive vote of confidence in our approach—and in the founders we have and will continue to back,” said Krishna Visvanathan, Co-founder and Partner at Crane. “We’re proud to take the next step with MassMutual Ventures and build an even stronger bridge for global ambition across Europe and Asia-Pacific.”

    As part of the transaction, which is expected to close later this year pending satisfactory completion of customary conditions, Crane Venture Partners will oversee all existing Europe and APAC investments as well as manage all new Europe and APAC investments, with MMV continuing to hold positions in all existing portfolio companies.

    About MassMutual Ventures
    MassMutual Ventures (MMV) is a multistage venture capital firm investing globally in financial technology, enterprise SaaS, healthtech, climate technology and cybersecurity companies. We help accelerate the growth of the companies we partner with by providing capital, connections and advice. With our deep expertise and extensive network, MMV helps entrepreneurs build compelling and scalable companies of value. For more information, visit www.massmutualventures.com.

    About Crane Venture Partners

    Crane makes high-conviction investments in foundational technologies at the earliest stages, backing ambitious founders from inception through seed. Our commitment extends beyond initial funding—we remain deeply involved as trusted partners, offering hands-on support through critical company-building moments and helping founders refine go-to-market strategies and scale globally. 

    Since 2015, we’ve backed category-defining companies across post-quantum security, robotics, infrastructure software, developer tools, and AI systems. With a global perspective spanning the UK, Europe, the US, Israel and Asia-Pacific, we help exceptional founders build companies that redefine what’s possible. First to believe. Last to leave. For more, visit www.crane.vc

    The MIL Network –

  • Typhoon Danas lashes southern Taiwan with record winds, injuring hundreds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Typhoon Danas lashed southern Taiwan with record winds and strong rain early on Monday, killing two people and injuring more than 330 in a rare hit to the island’s densely populated west coast, where businesses and schools were shut.

    Taiwan is regularly struck by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.

    Typhoon Danas, at one point listed by Taiwan’s weather authority at the second-strongest level, headed northerly towards the Taiwan Strait after making landfall along its southwestern coast late on Sunday.

    It has greatly weakened since and was forecast to hit eastern China later this week.

    “The typhoon track is rare… the whole of Taiwan will be affected by the wind and rain one after another,” President Lai Ching-te said in a post on Facebook, urging citizens to make preparations.

    Power to more than half a million homes was cut and over 300 domestic and international flights were cancelled, government data showed. The north-south high-speed rail line scaled back services.

    The National Fire Agency said one person was killed by a falling tree while driving and another died after their respirator malfunctioned due to a power cut.

    Record winds of around 220 kilometres per hour were recorded in the southwestern county of Yunlin, while more than 700 trees and street signs were blown over across western cities and towns, government data showed.

    There was no major report of damage in the Tainan Science Park that houses tech giants such as TSMC 2330.TW.

    (Reuters)

  • Typhoon Danas lashes southern Taiwan with record winds, injuring hundreds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Typhoon Danas lashed southern Taiwan with record winds and strong rain early on Monday, killing two people and injuring more than 330 in a rare hit to the island’s densely populated west coast, where businesses and schools were shut.

    Taiwan is regularly struck by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific.

    Typhoon Danas, at one point listed by Taiwan’s weather authority at the second-strongest level, headed northerly towards the Taiwan Strait after making landfall along its southwestern coast late on Sunday.

    It has greatly weakened since and was forecast to hit eastern China later this week.

    “The typhoon track is rare… the whole of Taiwan will be affected by the wind and rain one after another,” President Lai Ching-te said in a post on Facebook, urging citizens to make preparations.

    Power to more than half a million homes was cut and over 300 domestic and international flights were cancelled, government data showed. The north-south high-speed rail line scaled back services.

    The National Fire Agency said one person was killed by a falling tree while driving and another died after their respirator malfunctioned due to a power cut.

    Record winds of around 220 kilometres per hour were recorded in the southwestern county of Yunlin, while more than 700 trees and street signs were blown over across western cities and towns, government data showed.

    There was no major report of damage in the Tainan Science Park that houses tech giants such as TSMC 2330.TW.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Death toll from Texas floods rises to 80, Trump denies link with his policy

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

    Up to 80 people have died while more than 40 people remain missing on Sunday, three days after hours of heavy rain led to major flash flooding in the south-central U.S. state of Texas, authorities said Sunday afternoon.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday he is planning to visit Texas on Friday, hours after signing a major disaster declaration, unlocking key federal resources as search and rescue efforts continue.

    Kerr County, the hardest hit among 20 affected counties in the region, alone accounts for at least 68 of the fatalities, including 21 children, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday.

    Four other counties have reported a combined total of 12 deaths.

    Leitha said 10 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic were still unaccounted for as of Sunday afternoon, noting search and rescue efforts are still underway.

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott said at a press conference Sunday afternoon that at least 41 people were still unaccounted for across the state’s flood-impacted area.

    He warned that additional heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days, keeping parts of the state at risk for further flooding.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened seven shelters, which are also providing food and water for central Texas communities, said a CNN report.

    Also on Sunday, Trump pushed back on criticism that his administration’s budget cuts to the nation’s weather services had played a role in the deadly floods in Texas.

    “I would just say this is a 100-year catastrophe and it’s just so horrible to watch,” Trump spoke to reporters as he left his New Jersey golf club after the weekend, “This was the thing that happened in seconds. Nobody expected it. Nobody saw it.”

    Asked if the federal government needs to rehire the meteorologists who left during earlier budget and staffing cut after he returned to the White House, the president suggested it was not necessary.

    Criticism has been mounting over how the National Weather Service (NWS) handled the emergency. Some local officials and residents said the flood warnings were late or insufficient.

    Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, asserted Friday that the NWS “did not predict the amount of rain that we saw.”

    Staffing data provided by the NWS’s labor union showed the San Angelo forecasting office currently has four vacancies out of 23 positions and San Antonio has six vacancies out of 26, according to a report from Texas Tribune. Both offices are in central Texas.

    However, the NWS forecasting offices were operating normally at the time of the disaster, said the report, citing Greg Waller, service coordination hydrologist with the NWS West Gulf River Forecast Center in Fort Worth in northern Texas. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Guangdong steps up precautions for Typhoon Danas

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

    An aerial drone photo taken on June 14, 2025 shows boats berthing in Zhanjiang City, south China’s Guangdong province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    South China’s Guangdong province on Sunday launched an emergency response to Typhoon Danas — the fourth typhoon of the year as counted by China’s meteorological authorities — as it intensified, with its center 230 kilometers southeast of Shantou packing winds of up to 36.9 meters per second at 8 a.m., local sources have said.

    The provincial emergency management department reported that all 361 vessels that had been in vulnerable waters had returned to port by 2 p.m., and more than 2,000 people had been evacuated from offshore facilities. All five coastal tourist sites in the province have been closed.

    Six rescue helicopters have been deployed across key cities, with 21 patrol ships and 64 emergency vessels on standby along the coast.

    Meteorologists warn that eastern coastal areas will face heavy rains and gales. The local flood control headquarters has urged heightened vigilance against the impacts of severe weather.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • BRICS: Indonesia joins as full member, 10 countries welcomed as partners

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday welcomed Indonesia as a full member of the group, along with the inclusion of 10 countries — Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Cuba, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan — as partner countries.

    In a joint declaration issued at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the leaders said, “We welcome the Republic of Indonesia as a BRICS member, as well as the Republic of Belarus, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Cuba, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Malaysia, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Republic of Uganda, and the Republic of Uzbekistan as BRICS partner countries.”

    The declaration also highlighted key initiatives adopted during the summit, including the BRICS Leaders’ Framework Declaration on Climate Finance, the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on the Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, and the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases. 

    During the BRICS session on ‘Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the expansion demonstrates BRICS’ ability to evolve with changing times. He called for urgent reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and Multilateral Development Banks.

    “The expansion of BRICS and the inclusion of new partners reflect its ability to evolve with the times. Now, we must demonstrate the same determination to reform institutions like the UN Security Council, the WTO, and Multilateral Development Banks. In the age of AI, where technology evolves every week, it’s unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform. You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters,” the Prime Minister said.

    BRICS was originally established as BRIC after the leaders of Russia, India, China, and Brazil met during the G8 Outreach Summit in 2006. The grouping formalised its cooperation with the first BRIC Summit in Russia in 2009. South Africa joined in 2010, expanding the group to BRICS.

    A further expansion took place in 2024 with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE becoming full members from January 1. Indonesia became a full member in January 2025, while Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were inducted as BRICS partner countries.

    (ANI)

     

  • BRICS nations support India’s bid to host COP 33; call for stronger climate action

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Leaders of the BRICS nations on Sunday welcomed India’s candidacy to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP 33) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028.

    In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit, the leaders said, “We express our full support to the Presidency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP-30, which will take place in Belém, Brazil, highlighting the importance of action and cooperation on all pillars of the UNFCCC as applicable, considering each country’s membership and commitments thereunder. We also underscore our full commitment to a successful COP30 that will catalyze progress in implementing the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement. We welcome India’s candidacy to host COP 33 in 2028.”

    The declaration reiterated the commitment of BRICS countries to remain united in pursuing the goals of the UNFCCC and called on all countries to uphold their existing commitments under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. It urged intensified efforts in mitigation, adaptation, and providing support to developing nations, reflecting equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

    The BRICS leaders called for a stronger global response to climate change, linking it to sustainable development and poverty eradication. They endorsed the BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda as a pledge to advance solutions that support development priorities while accelerating implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

    The joint statement also highlighted the critical role of forests in conserving biodiversity, regulating water cycles, combating desertification, and serving as carbon sinks. It noted the United for Our Forests initiative and India’s proposal to form an international Big Cats Alliance, encouraging cooperation among BRICS countries on conservation efforts.

    The leaders stressed the urgent need to reform the governance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to ensure fairer representation and easier access to resources for developing countries, including Indigenous peoples and local communities.

    The declaration praised Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2025 and expressed full support for India’s Chairship in 2026 and the hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other leaders, attended the 17th BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Brazil took over the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2025, under the theme ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.

    ANI

  • Death toll from Texas floods reaches 78; Trump plans visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 78 on Sunday, including at least 28 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day and fears of more flash flooding as rain fell on saturated ground prompted fresh evacuations.

    Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said 68 people had died in flooding in his county, the epicenter of the flooding, among them 28 children. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said another 10 had died elsewhere in Texas and 41 confirmed missing. The governor did not say how many of the dead outside Kerr were children.

    Among the most devastating impacts of the flooding occurred at Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls camp. Sheriff Leitha said on Sunday that 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor were still missing.

    “It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Abbott, who said he toured the area on Saturday and pledged to continue efforts to locate the missing.

    The flooding occurred after the nearby Guadalupe River broke its banks after torrential rain fell in the central Texas area on Friday, the U.S. Independence Day holiday.

    Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kiddsaid at the press conference on Sunday afternoon the destruction killed three people in Burnet County, one in Tom Green County, five in Travis County and one in Williamson County.

    “You will see the death toll rise today and tomorrow,” said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, also speaking on Sunday.

    Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio.

    “Everyone in the community is hurting,” Leitha told reporters.

    A WALL OF WATER

    Kidd said he was receiving unconfirmed reports of “an additional wall of water” flowing down some of the creeks in the Guadalupe Rivershed, as rain continued to fall on soil in the region already saturated from Friday’s rains.

    He said aircraft were sent aloft to scout for additional floodwaters, while search-and-rescue personnel who might be in harm’s way were alerted to pull back from the river in the meantime.

    The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and advisories for central Texas that were to last until 4:15 p.m. local time (2115 GMT) as rains fell, potentially complicating rescue efforts.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency was activated on Sunday and is deploying resources to first responders in Texas after President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

    U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes are helping the search and rescue efforts, the department said.

    SCALING BACK FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE

    Trump, who said on Sunday he would visit the disaster scene, probably on Friday, has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government’s role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves.

    Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm.

    Trump’s administration has overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service’s parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said.

    Spinrad said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees NOAA, said a “moderate” flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system.

    Joaquin Castro, a Democratic U.S. congressman from Texas, told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous.

    “When you have flash flooding, there’s a risk that if you don’t have the personnel … to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy,” Castro said.

    ‘COMPLETE DEVASTATION’

    Camp Mystic had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flooding.

    Katharine Somerville, a counselor on the Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, on higher ground than the Guadalupe River side, said her 13-year-old campers were scared as their cabins sustained damage and lost power in the middle of the night.

    “Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. I mean, y’all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen,” Somerville said in an interview on Fox News on Sunday.

    Somerville said the campers in her care were put on military trucks and evacuated, and that all were safe.

    The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters).

    A day after the disaster struck, the summer camp was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall.

    -Reuters

  • Death toll from Texas floods reaches 78; Trump plans visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 78 on Sunday, including at least 28 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day and fears of more flash flooding as rain fell on saturated ground prompted fresh evacuations.

    Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said 68 people had died in flooding in his county, the epicenter of the flooding, among them 28 children. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said another 10 had died elsewhere in Texas and 41 confirmed missing. The governor did not say how many of the dead outside Kerr were children.

    Among the most devastating impacts of the flooding occurred at Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls camp. Sheriff Leitha said on Sunday that 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor were still missing.

    “It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Abbott, who said he toured the area on Saturday and pledged to continue efforts to locate the missing.

    The flooding occurred after the nearby Guadalupe River broke its banks after torrential rain fell in the central Texas area on Friday, the U.S. Independence Day holiday.

    Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kiddsaid at the press conference on Sunday afternoon the destruction killed three people in Burnet County, one in Tom Green County, five in Travis County and one in Williamson County.

    “You will see the death toll rise today and tomorrow,” said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, also speaking on Sunday.

    Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio.

    “Everyone in the community is hurting,” Leitha told reporters.

    A WALL OF WATER

    Kidd said he was receiving unconfirmed reports of “an additional wall of water” flowing down some of the creeks in the Guadalupe Rivershed, as rain continued to fall on soil in the region already saturated from Friday’s rains.

    He said aircraft were sent aloft to scout for additional floodwaters, while search-and-rescue personnel who might be in harm’s way were alerted to pull back from the river in the meantime.

    The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and advisories for central Texas that were to last until 4:15 p.m. local time (2115 GMT) as rains fell, potentially complicating rescue efforts.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency was activated on Sunday and is deploying resources to first responders in Texas after President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

    U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes are helping the search and rescue efforts, the department said.

    SCALING BACK FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE

    Trump, who said on Sunday he would visit the disaster scene, probably on Friday, has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government’s role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves.

    Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm.

    Trump’s administration has overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service’s parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said.

    Spinrad said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees NOAA, said a “moderate” flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system.

    Joaquin Castro, a Democratic U.S. congressman from Texas, told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous.

    “When you have flash flooding, there’s a risk that if you don’t have the personnel … to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy,” Castro said.

    ‘COMPLETE DEVASTATION’

    Camp Mystic had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flooding.

    Katharine Somerville, a counselor on the Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, on higher ground than the Guadalupe River side, said her 13-year-old campers were scared as their cabins sustained damage and lost power in the middle of the night.

    “Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. I mean, y’all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen,” Somerville said in an interview on Fox News on Sunday.

    Somerville said the campers in her care were put on military trucks and evacuated, and that all were safe.

    The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters).

    A day after the disaster struck, the summer camp was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall.

    -Reuters

  • Death toll from Texas floods reaches 69, including 21 children

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas reached at least 69 on Sunday, including at least 21 children, as the search for girls missing from a summer camp entered a third day.

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said the death toll in Kerr county, the epicenter of the flooding, had reached 59, while another 10 had died elsewhere in Texas and 41 remained missing.

    Among the most devastating impacts of the flooding occurred at Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls camp, where 11 girls and a counselor are still missing.

    “It was nothing short of horrific to see what those young children went through,” said Abbott, who said he toured the area on Saturday and pledged to continue efforts to locate the missing.

    The flooding occurred after the nearby Guadalupe River broke its banks after torrential rain fell in the central Texas area on Friday, the U.S. Independence Day holiday. Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said earlier that 21 children have died in the flooding.

    Officials speaking at the press conference on Sunday afternoon said the destruction killed three people in Burnet County, one in Tom Green county, five in Travis county and one in Williamson county.

    Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio.

    “Everyone in the community is hurting,” Leitha told reporters.

    The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and advisories for central Texas that were to last until 4:15 p.m. local time (2115 GMT) as rains fell, potentially complicating rescue efforts.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency was activated on Sunday and is deploying resources to first responders in Texas after President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

    U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and planes are helping the search and rescue efforts, the department said.

    Trump has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government’s role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves.

    Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm.

    Trump’s administration has overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service’s parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, former NOAA director Rick Spinrad said.

    Spinrad said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency’s ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees NOAA, said a “moderate” flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system.

    Joaquin Castro, a Democratic U.S. congressman from Texas, told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous.

    “When you have flash flooding, there’s a risk that if you don’t have the personnel … to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy,” Castro said.

    ‘COMPLETE DEVASTATION’

    Camp Mystic had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flooding.

    Katharine Somerville, a counselor on the Cypress Lake side of Camp Mystic, on higher ground than the Guadalupe River side, said her 13-year-old campers were scared as their cabins sustained damage and lost power in the middle of the night.

    “Our cabins at the tippity top of hills were completely flooded with water. I mean, y’all have seen the complete devastation, we never even imagined that this could happen,” Somerville said in an interview on Fox News on Sunday.

    Somerville said the campers in her care were put on military trucks and evacuated, and that all were safe.

    The disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters).

    A day after the disaster struck, the summer camp was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall.

    -REUTERS