Latest news with #southeastAsian
The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Unprecedented marine heat in the ocean around Australia
Unprecedented heat waves in the Southwest Pacific affected more than 10 per cent of the global ocean surface in 2024, damaging coral reefs and putting the region's last remaining tropical glacier at risk of extinction, the UN's weather body reported. Average 2024 temperatures in the region - which covers Australia and New Zealand as well as southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and the Philippines - were nearly half a degree Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 mean, the World Meteorological Organisation said in an annual report. "Much of the region saw at least severe marine heat wave conditions at some point during the course of 2024, particularly in areas near and south of the equator," said Blair Trewin, one of the report's authors. Extreme heat over the year affected 40 million square kilometres of ocean, and new temperature highs were set in the Philippines and Australia, the report said. Ocean surface temperatures also broke records, while total ocean heat content was the second-highest annual average, behind 2022. An unprecedented number of cyclones, which experts have attributed to climate change, caused havoc in the Philippines in October and November. Sea levels continue to rise more quickly than the global average, an urgent problem in a region where more than half the population live within 500 metres of the coast, the report added. The report also cited satellite data showing that the region's sole tropical glacier, located in Indonesia on the western part of the island of New Guinea, shrank by up to 50 per cent last year. "Unfortunately, if this rate of loss continues, this glacier could be gone by 2026 or shortly thereafter," said Thea Turkington, another of the report's authors. Unprecedented heat waves in the Southwest Pacific affected more than 10 per cent of the global ocean surface in 2024, damaging coral reefs and putting the region's last remaining tropical glacier at risk of extinction, the UN's weather body reported. Average 2024 temperatures in the region - which covers Australia and New Zealand as well as southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and the Philippines - were nearly half a degree Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 mean, the World Meteorological Organisation said in an annual report. "Much of the region saw at least severe marine heat wave conditions at some point during the course of 2024, particularly in areas near and south of the equator," said Blair Trewin, one of the report's authors. Extreme heat over the year affected 40 million square kilometres of ocean, and new temperature highs were set in the Philippines and Australia, the report said. Ocean surface temperatures also broke records, while total ocean heat content was the second-highest annual average, behind 2022. An unprecedented number of cyclones, which experts have attributed to climate change, caused havoc in the Philippines in October and November. Sea levels continue to rise more quickly than the global average, an urgent problem in a region where more than half the population live within 500 metres of the coast, the report added. The report also cited satellite data showing that the region's sole tropical glacier, located in Indonesia on the western part of the island of New Guinea, shrank by up to 50 per cent last year. "Unfortunately, if this rate of loss continues, this glacier could be gone by 2026 or shortly thereafter," said Thea Turkington, another of the report's authors. Unprecedented heat waves in the Southwest Pacific affected more than 10 per cent of the global ocean surface in 2024, damaging coral reefs and putting the region's last remaining tropical glacier at risk of extinction, the UN's weather body reported. Average 2024 temperatures in the region - which covers Australia and New Zealand as well as southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and the Philippines - were nearly half a degree Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 mean, the World Meteorological Organisation said in an annual report. "Much of the region saw at least severe marine heat wave conditions at some point during the course of 2024, particularly in areas near and south of the equator," said Blair Trewin, one of the report's authors. Extreme heat over the year affected 40 million square kilometres of ocean, and new temperature highs were set in the Philippines and Australia, the report said. Ocean surface temperatures also broke records, while total ocean heat content was the second-highest annual average, behind 2022. An unprecedented number of cyclones, which experts have attributed to climate change, caused havoc in the Philippines in October and November. Sea levels continue to rise more quickly than the global average, an urgent problem in a region where more than half the population live within 500 metres of the coast, the report added. The report also cited satellite data showing that the region's sole tropical glacier, located in Indonesia on the western part of the island of New Guinea, shrank by up to 50 per cent last year. "Unfortunately, if this rate of loss continues, this glacier could be gone by 2026 or shortly thereafter," said Thea Turkington, another of the report's authors. Unprecedented heat waves in the Southwest Pacific affected more than 10 per cent of the global ocean surface in 2024, damaging coral reefs and putting the region's last remaining tropical glacier at risk of extinction, the UN's weather body reported. Average 2024 temperatures in the region - which covers Australia and New Zealand as well as southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and the Philippines - were nearly half a degree Celsius higher than the 1991-2020 mean, the World Meteorological Organisation said in an annual report. "Much of the region saw at least severe marine heat wave conditions at some point during the course of 2024, particularly in areas near and south of the equator," said Blair Trewin, one of the report's authors. Extreme heat over the year affected 40 million square kilometres of ocean, and new temperature highs were set in the Philippines and Australia, the report said. Ocean surface temperatures also broke records, while total ocean heat content was the second-highest annual average, behind 2022. An unprecedented number of cyclones, which experts have attributed to climate change, caused havoc in the Philippines in October and November. Sea levels continue to rise more quickly than the global average, an urgent problem in a region where more than half the population live within 500 metres of the coast, the report added. The report also cited satellite data showing that the region's sole tropical glacier, located in Indonesia on the western part of the island of New Guinea, shrank by up to 50 per cent last year. "Unfortunately, if this rate of loss continues, this glacier could be gone by 2026 or shortly thereafter," said Thea Turkington, another of the report's authors.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
At monsoon relief camps, stress on precautionary measures to prevent Covid transmission, infectious diseases
Intensifying monsoon has aggravated the fears of infectious diseases outbreaks as well as increased transmission of Covid, especially in rain relief camps. The rains may not have a direct bearing on Covid transmission but the infection can spread like wildfire in closed settings such as in relief camps, where isolation or physical distancing between people will not work. The Health department has thus issued a special warning that all possible precautionary measures be taken in relief camps so that there are no chances of an enhanced transmission of Covid. Covid cases have shown a spike in the State, which is being attributed to the increased circulation of the Omicron JN.1 and its sub-lineages, LF.7 and NB.1.8, which has been responsible for the resurgence in Covid cases in southeast Asian nations such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. There are over 700 active cases of Covid in the State now, with most of the cases located in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Alapuzha While these virus variants may not cause severe disease, its transmission potential remains high, putting the vulnerable population – the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with comorbidities – at risk. Masking and hand hygiene are of utmost importance in preventing Covid and those in relief camps and these precautions are important to prevent Covid transmission in camps, Health department has said. Those in camps with any respiratory symptoms, including running nose, cough or breathlessness should necessarily wear masks and camp inmates who newly develop symptoms should inform the Health authorities. Those found to be having Covid will be provided protocol-based care. The threat of infectious diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis and Hepatitis A also becomes acute during the rainy season and this is something else that should be paid attention to in relief camps. The Health department has asked local medical teams to visit relief camps and to ensure that any sick persons are cared for and that medicines are provided. Relief workers as well as volunteers who are likely to be in contact with stagnant rain water should opt for doxycycline prophylaxis to prevent leptospirosis. The camp premises should not become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and should be kept clean. Only boiled water should be provided as drinking water in relief camps, the Health department has advised.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘People have right to know': CM urges special Parl session on Pak conflict
Kolkata: Calling on Centre to convene a special session of the Parliament to discuss the conflict with Pakistan, CM Mamata Banerjee said the people of India had "the foremost right to know... before anyone else". Banerjee, who has supported Centre on Operation Sindoor and the bilateral steps taken afterwards, said in a statement on X: "I am glad to see all-party delegation visiting various countries as part of India's global outreach against terrorism. As I have consistently maintained, the AITC ( Trinamool Congress ) stands firmly behind any step the Union takes in the national interest and in defence of our sovereignty." Posting the Indian national flag along with her statement, the CM added: "I urge the Union Government to convene a special session of Parliament upon the safe return of the delegation, as I believe the people of this great nation have the foremost right to be informed about the recent conflict and the evolving developments — before anyone else." Banerjee's statements came in the backdrop of Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee visiting Japan as part of a delegation, in the first leg of outreach to several southeast Asian countries. A Trinamool delegation, including senior Rajya Sabha MPs, is touring Poonch, Rajouri and Uri sectors near the India-Pakistan border, which saw multiple civilian casualties due to incessant shelling by the neighbouring country. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Trinamool Congress spokesperson Samir Chakraborty said: "CM Mamata Banerjee wishes success to the all-party delegations and has welcomed Centre's attempt to get the support of other countries against terrorism. Apart from this, she has sought a special Parliament session after their return for a discussion of their reports in the presence of the PM." Chakraborty added: "A parliamentary session should be called as soon as the teams return to explain the developments in detail. It is Trinamool Congress's request that politics should not be done over the sovereignty of the nation. We are saying this to all politicians, and even Centre. If one section politicises the issue, its rival will start countering it. At this time, the country's security and sovereignty come first. " Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said: "The CM's statement makes it clear that while Trinamool Congress is on the same page with Centre when it comes to issues of the nation's security and sovereignty, there is also a need for people to know the exact sequence of events during and after the conflict... Hence, the need for a special session of Parliament." "We also want to make clear that on these issues of national interest, there is no scope for politics. Having said that, people in the country have the right to know what happened before anyone else," he added. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Indian delegations meet officials in Japan, UAE
Two delegations of MPs from India on Thursday met high-ranking officials in Japan and the UAE to convey India's perspective on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the subcontinent and New Delhi's new approach to dealing with the same. The delegations also briefed country representatives on misinformation spread by Pakistan with regard to the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. A statement issued by respective Indian embassies in Japan and the UAE said the representatives of the two countries expressed support to India's fight against terrorism and appreciated its 'restraint' in the face of terror attacks. The two delegations which had their meetings on Thursday are headed by JDU's Sanjay Kumar Jha, which is visiting Japan and other southeast Asian countries; and Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde, which is visiting UAE and some African nations. Jha's delegation had a 15-minute meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who according to the Indian embassy, 'emphasised that terrorism cannot be justified in any form and expressed solidarity of Japan with India and with the world in the fight against terrorism'. A statement from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iwaya 'welcomed the agreement reached by India and Pakistan to suspend military operations'. The statement said Iwaya had spoken to foreign ministers of both countries 'during which he conveyed the importance of both countries taking responsible actions'. 'Minister Iwaya expressed the hope that dialogue will be pursued to resolve issues and ensure peace and stability in South Asia,' the statement said. In response to this, Jha is said to have 'conveyed that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a nefarious attempt to disturb development' and that 'through Operation Sindoor, India responded to the attack in a precise, targeted, proportionate and non-escalatory manner'. According to the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, Jha further conveyed India's zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and that it does not differentiate between terrorists and those supporting them. The delegation later met Yoshihide Suga, Former Prime Minister of Japan, currently Vice President of Liberal Democratic Party and Chairman of Japan-India Association; and Takashi Endo, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security, Japan. The delegation led by Shinde 'held meetings with UAE leadership and media (in Abu Dhabi) to brief on the significance of Operation Sindoor and reaffirm India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism' . UAE was among the first countries to issue a statement categorically condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said. The delegation met Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Co-Existence in the UAE. According to a statement by the Indian Embassy, the delegation highlighted the perpetration of cross-border terrorism and efforts to cause social disharmony in India by Pakistan. The minister is said to have told the delegation that 'India and UAE will tackle terrorism together. The UAE will always stand by India.' The delegation also held discussions with Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee of Federal National Council, and other senior Emirati parliamentarians. 'The delegation underscored the precise, measured, and non-escalatory nature of Operation Sindoor against the barbaric terrorist attack on the tourists in Kashmir on April 22,' the embassy statement said. Nuaimi is learnt to have said, 'Terrorism is against the whole of humanity and international community must act now.' The delegation also held discussions with Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, Director General, National Media Office and addressed concerns over misinformation campaigns emanating from Pakistan.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
India saw 164 Covid cases since May 12; Centre on alert amid fresh wave in Asia
The surging number of Covid-19 cases in southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong raised alarms in India, with health authorities conducting a review meeting and asserting that the situation in the nation was 'under control'. Experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Emergency Medical Relief division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research and central government hospitals, held a review meeting on Monday under the chairpersonship of the director general of health services. An official source, as cited by news agency PTI, said, "The meeting concluded that the current Covid-19 situation in India remains under control. As of May 19, 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257, a very low figure considering the country's large population. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required." However, the Union health ministry continues to proactively monitor the situation closely and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health. The rise in Covid-19 cases in southeast Asia are mostly triggered by the JN.1 variant, a descendant of the Omicron BA.2.86 variant. As per the World Health Organisation, the JN.1 variant has around 30 mutations, and among them are LF.7 and NB.1.8, the two most common versions among the recently reported cases. Covid cases in India: As per the data from the ministry of health and family welfare, India reported 164 cases since May 12. Kerala reported the highest number of cases at 69, followed by Maharashtra at 44 and Tamil Nadu at 34. Karnataka reported 8 new cases of Covid-19, while Gujarat accounted for 6 and Delhi 3. Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim reported one new case each. The ministry noted that the active cases in Kerala, however, was at 95, adding that "further reconciliation of mortality figures is ongoing". Currently, India has a total of 257 active cases of Covid-19. As many as 4,45,11,240 persons have been discharged and 5,33,666 deaths have been recorded, official data showed. The deaths of two Covid-19 patients at the civic-run KEM hospital in Mumbai sparked concerns over Covid-19. However, the hospital has clarified that the deaths were not related to coronavirus, but were due to co-morbidities. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had said in a statement that deaths of two Covid-infected patients, a 14-year-old girl and a woman aged 54, were reported at KEM hospital in Parel. However, hospital authorities said that they were due to serious diseases like nephrotic syndrome with hypocalcemic seizures and cancer. BMC clarified that there was no need for people to panic. It further said that Covid-19 is now considered as an endemic and ongoing health problem and very few cases of the virus are being found. "The Health Department of the BMC is constantly monitoring the spread of COVID-19. From January 2025 to April 2025, the number of COVID-19 patients has been found to be very low. But since the beginning of May, there have been some cases of COVID-19. However, the BMC administration is appealing to citizens not to panic in this regard," the civic body's statement read. BMC also said that it has made arrangements for the treatment of Covid patients, such as earmarking special beds and rooms in the municipal hospitals in the city. The capacity will immediately be increased if deemed necessary, it added. Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong are reporting an uptick in Covid-19 cases, with authorities urging people to keep vigil and take precautions. In a press release, the controller of Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection Edwin Tsui said, "After the resumption of normalcy, Hong Kong experienced cycles of active periods of Covid-19 in every six to nine months. We expect the activity level of Covid-19 to remain at a higher level for at least the next few weeks.' As per Nation Thailand, there were 31 severe cases of Covid-19 in Hong Kong in the week ending May 3, which is a 12-month peak in such cases. In Singapore, the ministry of health and the communicable diseases agency said that the estimated number of Covid-19 cases stood at 14,200 for the week of April 27 to May 3, rising from previous week's figure of 11,100, the Straits Times reported. Last week, Singapore's health minister Ong Ye Kung had posted on Facebook that periodic Covid-19 waves are "expected throughout the year". Meanwhile, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency extended its seasonal Covid vaccination period last month by two months, i.e., until end of June. It advised people aged 65 and above to get inoculated with the JN.1 shot from Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE. Reportedly, the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that positive test rates for Covid-19 in hospitals more than doubled in the five weeks leading up to May 4. Amid the rising concern over Covid cases in Asia, members of the World Health Organisation voted in favour of a global pandemic agreement. After Slovakia called for a vote on Monday, 124 countries voted in favour of the global treaty on improving pandemic preparedness. "Governments from all over the world are making their countries, and our interconnected global community, more equitable, healthier and safer from the threats posed by pathogens and viruses of pandemic potential," said Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The draft addresses structural inequities on drugs and vaccines after lessons were learned following the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be formally adopted on Tuesday during a plenary session at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. (with inputs from agencies)
