Latest news with #Neda
Ya Libnan
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Panic in Tehran: Exodus as Israel strikes for a fourth day
Panic-stricken residents began fleeing Tehran on Sunday as Israeli strikes and air defense fire rocked the city, sending thick plumes of smoke into the skyline of a capital unprepared for war. The latest wave of Israeli airstrikes, which began at midday, followed hours after a warning from Israel's Ministry of Defense urging civilians to avoid areas near military and weapons facilities. The attacks have sparked deep anxiety across Tehran, a city already struggling under energy shortages and economic malaise before the conflict. 'I can't think straight. I'm packing as we speak. The whole city is under attack and the roads out are jam-packed with cars,' said Neda, a 37-year-old mother of two, struggling to hold back tears. 'My elderly parents are reliving the traumas of the Iran-Iraq war every time a missile lands,' she added. 'I have very little hope that the Islamic Republic and Israel will stop anytime soon. I just hope our home is still standing when and if we return.' Reported targets included the Justice, Intelligence, and Oil ministries located in densely populated residential and commercial districts. Multiple residential buildings were also struck during the ongoing daytime raids. 'The first two days were incredibly terrifying because there are so many military facilities near my home. A missile could land on us with no warning any minute. I'm praying for all this to end soon,' said Ladan, a 46-year-old housewife who lives in northeast Tehran, after reaching Mazandaran in the Caspian region. A video shared by @Vahid shows the moment an Israeli missile hits a building in Tehran's Sabounchi street, where the IRGC Intelligence Organization's building is located. Netanyahu earlier confirmed the deaths of the IRGC intelligence chief and his deputy in an Israeli attack. Bazaar shuttered Tehran's Grand Bazaar and many other businesses shuttered quickly as queues outside petrol stations grew longer. Authorities have now capped fuel purchases at 15 liters per private vehicle per day. While Iran's government has not released overall casualty figures, state media reported that ten children were killed overnight in a residential building in northeast Tehran. Arash, a 48-year-old engineer, said his entire family is preparing to flee. 'Israel struck several places near our neighborhood this morning. One explosion blew the windows open. We're heading to my parents' home in the Caspian region—but I'm not sure it's safe there either.' Ali, a 38-year-old teacher, said he was still looking for somewhere safe to take shelter. 'People with money have already left. For people like us, it's hard to survive more than a few days away from home.' Online, confusion and fear are spreading. 'Every [Telegram] channel that I check says to leave Tehran — but where exactly should we go when we don't have anyone [to stay with] or know any places [that are safe]?' @stillwjm97 posted on X. A large explosion shook Tehran's Mirdamad district in the city's north on Sunday, with thick plumes of smoke seen rising from the site, according to a video received by Iran International. Shelters, human toll Outspoken former lawmaker Mahmoud Sadeghi echoed the urgency in a post on X. 'The war has truly begun. Declare a state of war. Prioritize protecting people's lives. Let's minimize human casualties by preparing shelters and issuing warnings,' he addressed the authorities. 'So many missiles are landing in Tel Aviv and Haifa, but the human toll is not comparable to Iran.' Tehran has no dedicated, fully stocked public bomb shelters like those in Israel. Some neighborhood bunkers built during the Iran-Iraq War remain unused and unprepared, and no sirens have been sounded ahead of the recent attacks. The government on Sunday announced metro stations, mosques and schools would stay open overnight for shelter. But residents say that metro stations are not equipped as bomb shelters and lack basic amenities such as toilers. Some social media users are expressing concern that most mosques and schools may be as vulnerable to bombs and missiles as their homes. Iran Intl
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
R4.5b development plans for Witbank Dam catches everyone off guard
R4.5b development plans for Witbank Dam catches everyone off guard The news that the Nkangala Economic Development Agency (NEDA) is going to give Witbank Dam a facelift worth R4.5b has left everyone gobsmacked. The municipality was not aware of the plans to develop the dam into a world-class waterfront destination. They have written to all the role players to get more insight into the announcement that was made at the prestigious Africa Tourism Indaba 2025 in Durban earlier this month. The announcement was made by Dr Moeketsi Mosola, Chief Executive Officer of Neda, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) on May 14. Mosola said the development of the Witbank Dam and the nature reserve is the brain child of Executive Mayor, Hounable Cllr Thomas Ngwenya. Ngwenya requested Neda to develop a concept around what can be done. The board of Neda commissioned a concept study for the development and approved it. As a result, this was approved as part of the Mega Catalytic Projects to be pursued by the Neda. The concept document has been approved by Neda board for public consultation including stakeholders such as Emalahleni Municipality, the local communities, business, and workers. Mosola said Neda's plans include two hotels, a modern shopping and restaurant experience, luxury boat cruises and the reconstruction of the game reserve next to the dam. 'This development is not just about infrastructure; it's about restoring pride and excitement in our community while attracting investment,' said Mosola. With the MOU signed and sealed, Neda and the MTPA indicated that collaboration with stakeholders and environmental impact assessments will get off the ground. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with phased openings over the following years. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
