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India Gazette
25-05-2025
- Climate
- India Gazette
Early arrival of monsoon in India brings worry for Nepal flood survivors as nation expects above-average monsoon
By Binod Prasad Adhikari Kavrepalanchowk [Nepal], May 25 (ANI): It is where Muna Tamang's house used to stand, along with four dozen others, till September 25, 2024. Now it has turned into an embankment covered with sand and rock, where the Roshi river carrying the murky water still flows through. (Drone shot has been named accordingly). Eight months since flooding disaster that struck the Himalayan Nation from September 26 to 28 flood survivors like Tamang are trying to live a normal life in Narke along the BP Highway in Kavrepalanchowk district. She lost her properties to the flood in the Roshi river, where her house and plots of land were swept away by the flood, bringing a drastic change to her life. 'Last year, before the flood and landslide hit, there had been incessant rainfall for a few days. We were inside our home only, at around 5/6 in the morning, the river had started flowing up to the level of the suspension bridge, the flood tore down the bridge, and then it started flowing through our homes. We rushed out to the heights, and we could not take out our belongings. All of our houses were swept away by the floods,' Tamang told ANI as she sat inside her general store, which serves as a dine-in hotel as well. Muna's worries has been aided by the early arrival of monsoon that has already hit the coast of India's southernmost state of Kerala on Saturday, eight days earlier than usual, marking the earliest arrival in 16 years. The early arrival of monsoon with a warning of above average rainfall this year comes as a bane for the flood victims like Muna, which delivers nearly 70 per cent of the rain that Nepal needs to water farms and replenish aquifers and reservoirs. 'We are living in fear; the trauma of last year's September still lingers in our memory. If there is rainfall in high-lying areas, then the river would be swollen, and recently, in the third week of May, the river was roaring, hitting the embankments. We are feeling safe temporarily for being near the market area as it lies in high areas,' Tamang told ANI further, as her area was again hit by intense floods in the third week of May. The September flooding not only swept away Muna's home and properties but also the sections of BP Highway, the shortest road connection to the Southern Plains of Nepal. Vehicles are now ferrying through the damaged sections of the major highway which took two decades to complete construction with the help of temporary embankment build along the riverside. Worries for Nepal's flood victims increase further as the Himalayan Nation is likely to witness above-normal monsoon rains for the second consecutive year, according to a regional consensus among South Asian meteorologists. Above-normal rains mean destruction and disaster in the Himalayan Nation. A statement issued by the 31st Session of the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum on April 29 indicated that most parts of South Asia are expected to receive above-normal rainfall during the 2025 southwest monsoon season, which spans from June to September. Monsoon onset typically occurs on June 13 and withdraws by October 2 but this year it has arrived early. However, some parts in the north, south, east, and northeast of South Asia may experience normal to below-normal rainfall. Nepal's monsoon relies on the weather pattern of the Bay of Bengal of India from where the monsoon clouds generates and bring rain to the Himalayan Nation. The regional climate outlook was jointly prepared by all nine National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of South Asia, with the assistance of international experts, during the Pune, India session. Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) in its latest seasonal outlook mentions that 'most parts of Nepal are likely to receive above-average rainfall during the upcoming monsoon season, which spans from June 1 to September 30 (Jestha 18 to Ashwin 14). The forecast indicates a 55 to 65 per cent probability of above-normal rainfall in the eastern Karnali, northern Lumbini, and most of Gandaki Province.' The outlook also predicts that the southern Sudurpaschim, western Lumbini, northeastern Gandaki, and northern parts of Bagmati and Koshi Provinces face a 45 to 55 percent likelihood of heavier monsoon rains. As per the outlook, regions such as the eastern and southern Madhesh Province and other parts of the country are expected to see a 35 to 45 per cent chance of receiving above-average rainfall. 'There is a 55 to 65 per cent probability of higher-than-normal daytime temperatures in the northwestern Sudurpaschim, northern Karnali and Lumbini, western Gandaki, western Madhesh, and central Bagmati regions,' the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecast stated. The department also reviewed last year's (2081 BS) monsoon performance, noting that the forecast of above-average rainfall proved accurate in most regions. Likewise, predictions of higher temperatures were reflected in actual recorded data. The DHM already has advised the public and relevant authorities to remain prepared for potential weather-related challenges, especially in flood- and landslide-prone areas during the peak monsoon period. The World Bank's recent Nepal Development Update noted that severe floods and landslides from September 26 to 28, last year, caused by unusually intense monsoon activity intensified by climate change, resulted in damage amounting to 0.8 per cent of the GDP. The total damage is estimated at Rs46.7 billion, affecting infrastructure, agriculture, and social sectors. As the Roshi river flows further down to the Southern plains, it had unleashed further terror. The devastating floods and landslides had swept away around a 10-kilometre-long road from Bhakundebesi in Kavre to Nepalthok of Sindhuli on September 27-28. The road was washed away in some places and was severely damaged in others. The Kavre section of the BP Highway was badly damaged in Mamtikhola, Kaldhunga, Boksikuna, Narkepul, Pinathalibesi, Dalabesi, Bhyakurekhola, and Mangaltar, among other places. The roads were swept away in these areas. According to the Road Division Office in Bhaktapur, 'diversions have been constructed in the affected area to resume transportation along the highway. It is suspected that it will take months, if not years, to reconstruct the disaster-ravaged highway to its previous condition.' 'After the Roshi flood, the major portion of the highway was destroyed. We have been deploying the excavator to construct embankments for the vehicles from Nepalthok to Kathmandu,' Homendra Kumar Yadav, Sub-engineer at the Road Division, Sindhuli, told ANI. The BP Highway, built with Japanese assistance, started on foot in 1995 and was completed in 2015, at the cost of NRs 21.5 billion. The single-lane 160 km highway links Banepa of Kavre to Bardibas of Mahottari through Sindhuli. The highway is the shortest route connecting eastern Tarai and hills with the Capital. Amrit Pariyar, residing in Khurkot, a centre point along the highway, still recalls the horrors of last September's monsoon mayhem. Having home about 500 meters upstream from the Sunkoshi River, Amrit bore witness to the destruction of the bridge that worked as lifeline for most of the people in Sindhuli as it connects Ramechhap and other adjoining districts. 'The bridge got swept away in between 10 to 11 AM on that day of September, I was near the area, the river was carrying wooden logs and debris which got stuck in the bridge and the force of water swept off the bridge,' Amrit told ANI taking break from his work at his home. The flood in Sunkoshi River that day swept one suspension bridge and a section of the bridge that connected Sindhuli with Ramechhap. The twisted metals and remains of the suspension bridge stuck onto the slopes across the river explain the velocity of the river that day. 'The bridge was vital connection for us. It was the only means for us to get across to fetch the fodder for our cattle's as well as to travel to Ramechhap District and its administrative capital Manthali, it was halted for few days. Thankfully, the bridge got constructed within days but the monsoon is bringing on worries,' Amrit added further. In case of return of river condition like of last year, the residents of Khurkot might not have an escape route as the BP Highway still remains in ruins with slightest pre-monsoon rainfall halting the movement adds on tension. The floods and landslides in mid-September damaged various sections of the BP Highway, and the reconstruction is expected to cost around Rs 9.66 billion. A post-flood study revealed that reconstruction would require a significant amount of money. The Division Road Office, Bhaktapur, estimates that the reconstruction will cost around NRs 9.66 billion for various locations along the BP Highway, from Bhakunde to Nepalthok. The floods completely damaged eight kilometres of the 12-kilometre road section from Chowkidanada in Namo Buddha, Kavrepalanchok, to Kaladhunga in Roshi Rural Municipality. The study has shown that there is need to construct three types of walls (RCC retaining, plum, and gabion walls) on this section of the road. Some areas along the highway require a bridge or install a wall. With monsoon set to kick in next month and the roads unprepared for the possible disaster it would be only possible to operate the vehicle after the water level recedes. 'If there would be pour down, more than average then it would be impossible for us to operate the vehicle but there is proper provision in the contract for the movement of the vehicle which is to construct the embankment whenever the current recedes and then only we will be able to operate vehicles,' Yadav said. (ANI)
South China Morning Post
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Who is Jensen McRae? Justin Bieber is a fan, Phoebe Bridgers reposted the singer's video
As the Covid-19 vaccine began spreading more widely in early 2021, singer-songwriter Jensen McRae joked in a tweet that fellow US singer Phoebe Bridgers would release a song in two years about 'hooking up in the car while waiting in line to get vaccinated at Dodger Stadium', a ballpark in Los Angeles in the US state of California. Advertisement Bridgers did not release the song, but McRae did. As the tweet took off, she threaded a video of herself singing 'a pre-emptive cover'. 'Immune', penned by McRae in Bridgers' contemplative style, was released in full within two weeks. 'It was a perfect storm,' McRae, 27, says. 'I was parodying Phoebe Bridgers who was becoming world famous in that exact moment … I was also writing about this topic that everyone was thinking about constantly because we were in lockdowns.' Bridgers reposted the video, writing simply: 'oh my god'. Phoebe Bridgers at the Coachella festival in 2023. A song penned by Jensen McRae parodied Bridgers' music style. Photo: AP The song preluded McRae's debut EP, released in 2021, and album, in 2022, which led to touring gigs with indie pop band Muna and singer-songwriter Noah Kahan. Last year, she signed with Dead Oceans, the same record label that represents Bridgers. McRae's second album, the folk-pop I Don't Know How, But They Found Me!, is out this week.
Khaleej Times
28-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
Muna British Academy Finds a New Home at Saadiyat Island
Aldar Education's much-loved flagship primary school, Muna British Academy, is preparing for a transformative new chapter. Set to relocate to a state-of-the-art, purpose-built campus in the prestigious Saadiyat Lagoons community, the school will open its doors in August 2025 — not only offering its signature nurturing environment for early learners but also extending its academic journey all the way to British Sixth Form. This strategic move is more than a change of location; it marks the dawn of a new era for one of Abu Dhabi's most respected schools. In an exclusive interview, Graeme Kinkead, Principal of Muna British Academy, shares the inspiration behind this move and the vision that will shape the future of education at Muna. A Vision for the Future 'The world is changing fast, and we're preparing children for a future that we can't entirely predict,' Kinkead explains. 'While we've achieved excellence on our current site, the new campus gives us the opportunity to take things even further. Purpose-built innovation spaces will empower us to fulfill our long-term vision of delivering world-class education from ages 3 to 18.' This expansion also addresses a long-standing limitation: previously, students would leave Muna at age 11. 'Now, we'll guide and inspire them all the way through their teenage years, until they graduate at 18 — ready to make a meaningful impact in the world,' he adds. A Campus that Inspires From the youngest learners to soon-to-be graduates, every student will benefit from expansive, cutting-edge facilities. The new campus promises larger classrooms for collaborative learning, vast outdoor spaces for FS1 and FS2, and a host of specialist facilities for academic and creative development. 'Imagine dark rooms for photography, dance studios, a fully equipped auditorium, soundproof music practice rooms — even a dedicated space for coding and robotics,' says Kinkead. 'It's a dream environment, built for excellence.' The Saadiyat Lagoons campus is designed with innovation at its heart. With robotics rooms, design technology (DT) labs, and advanced art studios, the school will foster hands-on learning with modern tools. One standout feature is the leap in sports infrastructure: from a single swimming pool to three, including a dedicated training pool for younger students. 'We're not just adding facilities,' says Kinkead. 'We're enhancing experiences. This space allows us to bring our STEM, arts, and sports programmes to life — in ways we couldn't before.' Elevating Extracurriculars Extracurricular activities are a cornerstone of the Muna experience, and the new location takes this commitment to the next level. With eight badminton courts, two full-size basketball pitches, outdoor tennis courts, paddle courts, and cutting-edge music production rooms, students will have unmatched opportunities to explore their passions. 'We're welcoming incredible subject specialists to lead high-level ECAs — including a UK-based art and design teacher with university-level expertise. It's about depth, breadth, and quality,' Kinkead explains. Moving a thriving school community is no small feat, and Muna is approaching it with care and collaboration. 'Our goal is to retain what makes Muna so special,' says Kinkead. 'We're working closely with families and staff to ensure everyone feels part of the journey.' Through parent workshops, staff buddy systems, and planned student induction days — including interactive 3D tours of the new site — the school is ensuring a seamless transition grounded in community spirit. Raising the Bar for Excellence According to Kinkead, the move to Saadiyat Lagoons is more than an upgrade — it's a reinvention. 'We've always provided world-class education, but in facilities that no longer matched our ambition,' he reflects. 'Now, with cutting-edge design, technology, and learning spaces at our fingertips, we're shaping a curriculum that reflects the future — from AI to 3D printing.' Importantly, well-being remains a priority. 'We're designing everything around the child — their needs, their interests, their potential,' he says. 'This is about shaping confident, curious individuals ready to thrive.' As the school looks forward to welcoming its first-ever Year 7 cohort in 2025, Kinkead shares an emotional vision for the years ahead. 'By 2030, those students will be our first graduating class,' he says proudly. 'They'll be 18, stepping into the world from the halls of Muna — not just as students, but as global citizens.' He adds, 'We're not starting from scratch. We're carrying forward a legacy — and making it even better. I hope that anyone reading this can see how committed we are to putting children first, and shaping a future-ready curriculum that empowers them to change the world.'
ABC News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
'Cross-cultural kids' on what it's really like to grow up in Australia
For children of migrants, growing up in Australia often means living between two worlds. 'Cross-cultural kids' Kevin Han and Muna Hamid were both born in Australia to migrant families but had very different childhoods: Kevin was raised in a tight-knit ethnic community, while Muna's family was more transient and had to actively build community wherever they went. Now as adults, they reflect on their identity-shaping experiences and share the struggles and strengths of their upbringings. Kevin on growing up in a 'bubble' Kevin Han says he and his family were "new types of people". ( Supplied ) Kevin was born in the mid-90s, and lived in Western Sydney with his brothers and mother, who came from a refugee background. "I had a very hardworking single mother who studied and worked and raised us as best as she could," he says. " My family was below the poverty line ... we were on the waiting list for public housing. " Kevin says he spent much of his time "obsessively watching TV" as a form of escapism from his "tumultuous" childhood. Kevin (centre) is the youngest of three boys. ( Supplied ) But television wasn't just entertainment — it's also how he learned to speak English as Chinese was the dominant language spoken in his community. "Everyone I knew was Asian. We very much grew up in Pauline Hanson's nightmare," he laughs. Kevin says he "felt fine" about his identity and did not experience racism because everyone looked like him, but when he got to high school it was more multicultural. "Everyone's ethnic, so ... everyone's sitting around roasting each other from a place of familiarity like you would a family member, you know?" he says. Kevin says he didn't know any white people for the first half of his childhood. ( Supplied ) Now, as a 30-year-old, Kevin has built a career as a comedian and says he has a "lot of pride" in his talent and what he's been able to achieve. "I come from poverty ... nothing was handed to me," he says. "I'm not saying that's the only way to reach funny, but it's the way I've reached it. "I feel very much that I am the master of my own destiny." Why Muna hid her 'beautiful' culture Unlike Kevin who grew up in a culturally homogenous area, Muna's family moved often for work, building a community from scratch each time, before eventually settling in Western Sydney during Muna's high school years. Muna says she did not feel a strong sense of belonging as a child and was considered an "outsider" due to her Bangladeshi heritage. "Being brown was not cool yet. It was actually kind of lame," she jokes. Muna says her family moved a lot and adapted to life in the country. ( Supplied ) At one school in regional Australia, she says many kids were hesitant to be friends with her. "The teachers had to have a conversation with my parents and be like, 'Look, I'm trying to make them talk to her, but it's not working'," she says. She was also made fun of for wearing henna on her hands for Eid, leading her to hide that part of herself from her peers. "For my entire high school, I never put henna on unless I knew I had a two-week break ... so I knew it would fade [before I saw anyone]," she says. " [Henna] is such a beautiful part of my culture that I had to give up. " Despite challenges at school, Muna describes her childhood as "rich and exciting" with her home life being an anchor. Muna uses fashion as a way to express herself and her heritage. ( Supplied ) Muna's parents were musicians and founded the first Bangladeshi music school in Australia. "Music was the pathway ... we created a community wherever we went," she says. Muna now works in the creative industries and says she would not be who she is without the "amazing experiences" her parents gave her. "Everything I do is about creating community, building bridges, and also educating," she says. Muna works in music and as a DJ, where she champions South Asian artists. ( Supplied ) However, the convergence of her family's conservative Muslim culture with her more progressive Western lifestyle hasn't been easy. Muna recalls having a conversation with her father as a teenager, which is when she understood her family was growing with her and she needed to give them grace. "That was a moment where I was like, 'I need to work with them'," she says. " The freer I am with [my parents], the easier it is for me to authentically be myself and blend my two worlds together. " Joining forces on diaspora representation Kevin and Muna have recently collaborated to create Westerners, a TV comedy pilot funded through ABC's Fresh Blood initiative, which follows three young diaspora adults navigating life in Western Sydney. It's a story close to both of their hearts, with the pair drawing from their own lived experiences navigating identity, belonging, and being caught between cultures. Kevin Han and Muna Hamid on the set of Westerners. ( Supplied ) Writer and co-creator Kevin says the project has been a "dream come true". "This is something that I genuinely am really appreciative of and believe in, which is the opportunity to push diaspora storytelling forward," he says. "It's Australia's time for us to kind of have our crack at that." Muna, who directed the pilot, says the experience has given her an acute appreciation for her cultural identity and upbringing. Kevin and Muna with the culturally diverse cast and crew on the set of Westerners. ( Supplied ) "I never thought that brown people would have the renaissance that they are having right now," she says. "People actually want my perspective and nobody knows my perspective on being a Bangladeshi migrant living here better than me. "That's where my confidence in my work comes from. "As I'm growing older, as cliché as it is, if you can't see yourself out there, build it for yourself. And that has become my entire purpose." To watch Fresh Blood: Westerners, .
Jordan Times
23-04-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Princess Muna College of Nursing lights candles for 25th graduating cohort
HRH Princess Muna, president of the Jordanian Nursing Council and patron for nursing and midwifery in the eastern Mediterranean region, on Tuesday attends the candle-lighting ceremony for the 25th graduating class of the Princess Muna College of Nursing (Petra photo) AMMAN — HRH Princess Muna, president of the Jordanian Nursing Council (JNC) and patron for nursing and midwifery in the eastern Mediterranean region, on Tuesday attended the candle-lighting ceremony for the 25th graduating class of the Princess Muna College of Nursing. The annual event, held at the college, marks the transition of students from academic life to the professional world. The symbolic act of lighting candles reflects the core mission of the nursing profession, to light the way of healing for those in need. The ceremony opened with verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a poetry reading and a short film highlighting the importance of nursing and Princess Muna's ongoing commitment to the field, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. In her remarks, Dean of the College Brig. Gen. Khuloud Matar praised the graduates for their 'perseverance' over the past four years. Princess Muna personally lit the candles for the graduates, who pledged to carry out their duties with professionalism, empathy and respect for patient confidentiality. This year's class adopted the Black Iris, Jordan's national flower, as their emblem, symbolising selfless service, generosity and giving without expectation. In recognition of Princess Muna's ongoing support for the nursing profession, the dean presented her with the Black Iris plaque.
