Latest news with #AbdullahAhmedAlMandous
Gulf Today
02-08-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Today
Earthquakes, tsunamis pose growing threat to human safety and global economies: WMO
Dr Abdullah Ahmed Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), stressed that earthquakes and tsunamis remain among the deadliest natural disasters, warning that their growing impact poses a serious threat to both human life and economic stability. He called for enhanced international and national efforts to improve monitoring and early warning systems. Dr Al Mandous highlighted major seismic disasters witnessed in past decades, including the 1960 Chile earthquake, the 2004 Sumatra earthquake and tsunami that claimed over 200,000 lives, and the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which triggered nuclear consequences due to the tsunami. He noted that over the past 50 years, more than 140 earthquakes exceeding magnitude 8 have occurred, the majority of which generated tsunamis-resulting in over 250,000 deaths and more than US$100 billion in economic losses. He also pointed to the recent 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, which triggered tsunamis several meters high. Early warning systems activated across various countries played a vital role in minimising the impact. This video grab from a handout footage released by Russia's Emergencies Ministry, shows emergency service specialists inspecting a damaged building following an earthquake. AFP Dr Al Mandous stated, "An alert cannot save lives if it doesn't arrive in time, or if there's no effective response on the ground.' He emphasised that early warning systems rely on international networks of seismic monitoring stations and ocean buoys that detect pressure changes deep beneath the sea. However, the effectiveness of such systems depends on fast data analysis, robust infrastructure, and community-level preparedness. In this context, Dr Al Mandous noted that the WMO places the "Early Warnings for All' initiative at the core of its mission. Launched by the United Nations, the initiative aims to ensure that everyone on the planet is protected by early warning systems by 2027. He said, "We are working closely with governments and global partners to make sure no region faces disaster without advance notice. Early warnings are a human right-not a luxury.' The United Arab Emirates is recognised as a regional leader in forecasting and early warning efforts, hosting several advanced research centers and initiatives that strengthen resilience across both regional and global communities. As part of its global mandate, the WMO also leads partnerships with UN agencies and research bodies to accelerate the deployment of early warning systems in island nations and developing countries-many of which are most vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. Dr. Al Mandous concluded with a strong call to action, stating, "We need collective commitment. Governments must fast-track investment in resilient infrastructure, improve legislation, and expand data-sharing cooperation. We urge institutions to support research and technology, and individuals to learn safety procedures and raise awareness in their communities. Every second between an earthquake and a warning builds resilience-or loses it. Every step we take today means a better chance of survival tomorrow.' WAM
Al Etihad
01-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khalifa University, National Centre of Meteorology sign MoU to strengthen scientific collaboration
1 July 2025 18:16 ABU DHABI (WAM) Khalifa University of Science and Technology announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to cooperate across a range of scientific, academic, and technical MoU was signed by the Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology and Permanent Representative of the UAE with World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Dr. Abdullah Ahmed Al Mandous, and the President of Khalifa University, Professor Ebrahim Al MoU facilitates collaboration in joint research, knowledge exchange, and the development of future initiatives aligned with mutual interests and national Al Hajri said, 'Khalifa University is proud to continue playing a key role in national initiatives that combine academic excellence with real-world impact. Through closer cooperation with the National Centre of Meteorology, we aim to deepen our contributions in areas such as climate science, polar research, and atmospheric technologies. This collaboration represents a step forward in aligning the scientific efforts of both institutions, reinforcing the UAE's ambition to lead in environmental research, innovation, and global collaboration.'NCM Director General, Dr. Abdullah Ahmed Al Mandous, said, 'This partnership with Khalifa University reflects our shared commitment to advancing scientific excellence and developing solutions to address climate and environmental challenges. By combining our operational expertise with the University's academic capabilities, we are paving the way for impactful research, technological innovation, and the development of national talent to support the UAE's long-term sustainability goals.'Through this MoU, Khalifa University and the NCM aim to explore opportunities for conducting joint scientific studies, exchanging expertise, providing consulting services, hosting academic and technical events, and implementing joint training and development University and NCM already collaborate in key research areas, including polar science, cloud seeding, and drone technology. Researchers from Khalifa University have actively participated in NCM-led workshops, and both entities are currently co-developing proposals that apply drone-based systems to environmental and meteorological research.
