Drought roiling China’s already evaporating economy

 The southern -west part of Sacheon is expected to expand the closing of the factory until Thursday, due to the heat wave and drought, and the latest global supply chain is expected to come from a country where the crisis is affected.

Foreign producers, including Apple and Toyota, and Chinese solar energy cell producers planned to resume production on Sunday after six days of closing. However, the local government declared a level 1 emergency and ordered the factory closed due to the inclement weather on Sunday.

About 16,500 businesses in Sichuan province were affected by power shortages after reservoir water levels dropped and hydropower production in the province was cut in half. Some Chinese media have said the problem could lead to more factory shutdowns in cities along the industry-rich east coast, but scientists believe a nationwide blackout last September will not be repeated this year.

Over the past two decades, China has built hydroelectric, wind and solar power plants in the western region to provide cheap electricity to industrial cities in the eastern region. Sichuan Province is located in the upper Yangtze River and has about 1,400 tributaries, so to supply 80% of its electricity consumption, many hydroelectric power plants were built and the surplus electricity was sold to neighboring provinces.

While much of the world is suffering from July's heat and dry weather, reservoirs in Sichuan are down 40 percent in July and 50 percent in August compared to a year ago. Sichuan State Power Company announced that its capacity has been cut in half due to recent hot weather and drought.

The National Meteorological Center of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued a red high temperature warning for at least four provinces that have recorded temperatures above 40°C for 28 consecutive days in the past 48 hours. .. between July 20 and August 17. From June 1 through August, the average number of days with high temperatures across the country was 12, the most since 1961. Typically, that figure is about seven days, the CMA says. On August 14, the Sichuan government ordered the closure of all factories and the shutdown of air conditioning in malls and public facilities between August 15 and 20 to prioritize local residents receiving electricity. On Sunday, it extended the closing date to August 25. Factories affected last week, according to media reports, include Taiwanese giant Foxconn, which makes iPads and Apple watches, and BOE Technology Group Co Ltd, a supplier of LCD and OLED flat panels for Apple. Japan's Toyota said it would be difficult to sell in mainland China unless production resumed. IT columnist Yuan Xilai said in an article on Saturday that the shutdown of Sichuan-based solar manufacturers including Tongwei, Contemporary Amperex Technology, JinkoSolar and GCL New Holding could disrupt global supply chains. Yuan said it was difficult for Sichuan to diversify into solar and wind power in the short term or rely on coal power. Li Junfeng, board member of the China Energy Research Society, told Yicai.com that it is not normal for the water level of the Yangtze River to drop significantly between late July and early August. Between November and April. . Lee said it was the fastest dry season since records began in 1951. Li said it is difficult for other regions to transfer electricity back to Sichuan because the power grid is designed and built to transfer excess power from Sichuan to other provinces.

He said that in a place where wind, solar and hydro are heavily dependent on electricity, its power can easily affect the weather. He said more energy storage facilities should be built to stabilize Sichuan's energy supply.

Sichuan Province and the neighboring Chongqing city experienced another extreme weather event in the summer of 2020 during the flooding of the Yangtze River. The disaster affected many residential and agricultural areas downstream and slightly deformed the 2.4km Three Gorges Dam across the Yangtze River in Hubei Province.

Water Minister Li Guoying said on Saturday that a drought in the southwest region and hot weather in China will continue next week. Li said the government has formed a drought response task force to provide water to cities along the Yangtze River. At the same time, he said, heavy rains will cause flooding in the northwest and upper reaches of the Yellow River, he said. According to media reports last week, parts of Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces ordered factories to partially shut down production to conserve electricity. It is unclear whether the order will be extended. Jin Xiangdong, spokesman for the National Development and Reform Commission, said on August 16 that the decline in hydropower production would create additional demand for coal-fired power.

Currently, China produces 60% of its electricity by burning coal. In July, electricity production increased by 4.5% year and coal production increased by 5.3%.

In September last year, China was influenced by the national energy crisis, and the power plant was devoid of the market stimulus in the middle of coal and electricity. For several months, the central government has stabilized for several months by stimulating domestic coal reserves and stimulating price hikes.

He said the university is a member of Gian University, Renmin and all state power engineering and all state power committees, and the government must follow Sichuan's electrical deficiency issues and regularly increase the number of coal suppliers.

Read more: https://asiatimes.com/2022/08/drought-roiling-chinas-already-evaporating-economy/

Europe’s drought could have a long afterlife

 Europe is burning. This summer is hot, the soil and crops are hot. The government did not create new problems such as floods and natural disasters due to lack of water.

In fact, those terrifying times were caused by past famines. However, it should be noted that climate change is contributing to this crisis. The previous cycle affects all processes. Imagine a drought in Central Europe in 1969. Roman history is the source of a great tragedy. Lego: "It's a very spiritual place." Money and food" is another random question because there is no water. Some of these "hot reserves" were used in civil wars against the Roman government. Vitellius faced the enemy and defeated the Germans. Vitellius and hundreds of thousands of civilians and soldiers were killed. The bad relationship between weather and storms doesn't end there. In 2018, the Economic Chambers found a strong statistical correlation between the construction of Olan-Tires and the death of the Roman emperor. We eat beef! Another new analysis studies the connection between drought and other phenomena. People suffer from high air and new pathogens. Migration helps explain the power of dead stars. The great depression of Europe was completed in 1930. According to researchers, the area lost its culture in 1341. In the early 1870s, the strongest winds in the past 100 years killed many people (the world's worst drought leading to suicide). They are very broken. For the Jews he did not have the first and last. The most terrible "drought" of the last century occurred in the summer of 1540 of the next century. Rivers, creeks and streams are dying. It is one of the deepest and largest lakes in Europe and loses enough water to meet the demands of an ancient island. digestion

What do French farmers do in extreme temperatures? In French literature: "Leaves and vines are like men." Now the whole continent is on fire. This publication was published in Switzerland in late July 1540. A forest building for cowards caught fire. 1540, 1540, etc. German Law I show you that Germany is not a state. Some witnesses claimed to have seen the sun and moon in the red storm. The fire was quickly extinguished. I am looking for a mysterious person. In many places, Protestants believed the Pope was dead. Many traditional victims were arrested by other local authorities. I have no hands, no beggars, no strangers. Advance control - "Chairman". Always red sky, heat, dry fruits and desserts. Despite the crisis, he was elected in 1921. Climate change in June predicted to be Europe's worst drought since 2003. Used to zoom in/out. Bad weather can lead to accidents for many reasons. Medium level.

Rs50,000 cash assistance among 1.5 million flood affected families

 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that the two tranches will pay Rs 50,000 in cash to 1.5 million households in the Balochistan region, where hundreds of flood victims have died and infrastructure has suffered the most. Flooding during torrential rains during the monsoon season.

These funds are provided through the Benazir Income Assistance Program in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority and other relevant agencies. At the launch of the flood cash programme, NDMA Chairman Prime Minister Sharif said cash payments would be completed within three days to help rain-affected people pay for food and other urgent needs.

He said the next step will be to conduct a joint survey with the province to assess damage to fields, homes, highways and bridges to make repairs. "We have allocated 37 billion lei for flood relief and we thank Finance Minister Miftah Ismail for allocating this fund," Sharif said. He said heavy rains leading to floods affected all the four states with Balochistan being the worst hit. "To deal with this situation, the entire nation must come together," Sharif said. “Federal and local governments work together. Our international partners and donors are also extending their support.” He explained that in the third phase, the government will work with international development partners to help redesign infrastructure to prevent future flood damage.

Beneficiaries from Jhal Magsi region watched through a video link during the launch ceremony to receive cash assistance. The program was initially launched in four regions of Balochistan: Jal Magsi, Khuzdar, Killa Abdullah and Lasbela.

Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, who chairs the Flood Committee, said Pakistan, one of the five countries most hit by climate change, must not only support its people, but also rebuild its infrastructure to avoid future losses. meeting. Poverty Alleviation and Social Services Minister Shazia Marri said BISP will provide cash payments.

Read more: https://paktribune.com/news-details/rs50-000-cash-assistance-among-1-5-million-flood-affected-families

Government commits to action against sewage discharges from storm overflows like those seen in Frome

 From River was the outlet for storm flooding, where raw sewage spilled onto the riverbank during storms, as seen in a video from last June.

The government is committed to ensuring the system is not abused by water companies, and in a strategic policy statement issued to Congress in February, water regulator Ofwat sets out our spending expectations over the next five years. cycle and many more. Ofwat and the water company state that measures to protect the environment must be a priority, ensure a resilient and sustainable water supply and significantly reduce the frequency and extent of flooding. We recently discussed stormwater runoff reduction plans that will fundamentally change the way water companies manage the amount of untreated wastewater. According to the government news agency, the plan proposes the most important infrastructure program for environmental restoration in the water company's history. Water companies face strict restrictions on the use of storm surges and must completely eliminate the environmental impact of wastewater discharges. Water Minister Steve Double said:

We are the first government to address sewage overflows. I explained that water companies cannot rely on overflow and their priority should be to significantly reduce the amount of sewage discharged. This adds to the wide range of actions we have already taken, including advice on improving water quality, and will be a powerful tool to deliver clean water and urge all water companies to go further and faster to to combat overcrowding.

Work is continuing to address the sewer overflow, with plans to be announced by the September 1 legal deadline. The Environment Agency has also significantly strengthened monitoring and:

The number of overflows monitored online has increased from 800 in 2016 to more than 12,000 in 2020. All 15,000 overflows will be resolved by the end of 2023. The company asked more than 2,000 wastewater treatment plants to install new flow monitors to see what's happening in the wastewater treatment process. This led to a full-scale investigation, which was announced in November 2021, and the EA requested further information from all wastewater treatment plants. Includes Defra, Environment Agency, Ofwat, Water Consumer Council, UK Water and Water Plan.

The AA will monitor the current situation and assist local authorities as necessary.

Read more: https://frome.nub.news/news/local-news/government-commits-to-action-against-sewage-discharges-from-storm-overflows-like-those-seen-in-frome-146915

Californians urged to conserve electricity amid heat wave

 Californians urged them to conserve energy to avoid a major power outage Wednesday when a heat wave hit the northern part of the state, triggering warnings that lightning, thunderstorms and dry vegetation could cause fires.

The heatwave was severe inland, mainly in the Central Valley, with temperatures reaching 105 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Celsius) in places. The risk of fires was concentrated in the northern states.

The California Autonomous System Operator, which manages the state's electrical grid, has requested voluntary power supply starting at 4:00 pm. By 9pm, when most people are said to go home to turn on the air conditioner, turn on the lights, and use the appliances. Late afternoon and early evening are the times when the grid is most stressed due to high demand, while solar energy production decreases.

Authorities have called for voluntary power outages to avoid power outages in recent years. Last year, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company cut electricity to about 37,000 people in central and northern California. Strong winds have cut down trees, overturned power lines, set fires and forced people to flee their homes.

Sacramento County has opened police stations, libraries, and other government offices for people seeking refuge from the triple-digit climate. A separate cooling center, where people can grab water and snacks and access electrical outlets to charge their phones, will remain open until at least Friday, said Jana Hines, a spokesperson for the Sacramento County Humanitarian Aid Agency.

"We have run our cooling centers several times this summer, and this is the worst and longest weather event we have seen so far this year," said Hines. He said social workers are going out and offering motel coupons to the most vulnerable homeless.

Tony Sainz, who oversees a group of construction workers in Sacramento, said his team of carpenters, painters and maintenance workers are working outdoors to avoid the colder temperatures. The crew members then work in their own stores, keeping the freezers full of frozen electrolyte contaminants, Sainz said.

Sainz said he's lucky his house is surrounded by trees and next to a river. He said his family keeps the air conditioner at 75 degrees (24 degrees Celsius).

Sainz said hot summers are part of life in Sacramento and something he has learned to tolerate. He said he planned to jog after work on Wednesday, even though the temperature was 97 degrees (36 degrees Celsius).

“I run in a running jacket, a refreshing T-shirt, a hat that keeps the sun out of my head and three bottles of water. I keep myself hydrated and have electrolytes, "he said.

"The heat is something I have no control over. "You can't fight it," he added.

Red flag warnings were posted on Wednesday about fire hazards in the North Coast Mountains, East Shasta County and Mount Lassen. The National Weather Service has warned of possible "massive lightning" and irregular bursts of thunderstorms.

"Lightning strikes can trigger the start of new fires, which combined with strong runoff winds can cause fires to grow rapidly in size and intensity," the Japanese Meteorological Agency said.

Read more: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-08-17/californians-conserve-electricity-heat-wave-7022716.html

Five key issues raised in 2022 NSW flood inquiry

 A report on devastating New South Wales floods in 2022 highlights a recurring problem: the dangers of being unprepared. 

 An investigation conducted by Mary O'Kane AC and former Police Commissioner Michael Fuller worked to find out what went wrong during the floods that killed nine people. 

 The request resulted in 28 amendments, all of which were approved by the state government. 

 The 335-page report covers a wide range of topics, but here are her five  key findings. 

  SES was not ready 

 A study found that the State Emergency Services (SES) has limited capacity  to respond to large-scale disasters "at best." 

 Its response to the floods fell short because it did not "go early and go big" — throw as many resources as possible at a disaster in the early stages. 

 This was because they were unable to deploy assets in a timely fashion and were "unprepared for events of the scale...seen in 2022", according to the report. "This was demonstrated by the many failures to give timely public warnings which led to the need for a high number of rescues, especially in the Northern Rivers, where community rescues significantly outnumbered SES rescues." 

 The SES had a limited emphasis on flood mitigation as, according to the inquiry, the organisation didn't have an adequate culture around emergency planning. 

 The SES told the inquiry that their poor preparation and response was due to unreliable forecasts, however, the inquiry hit back at this excuse. 

 "It is the inquiry's view that NSW cannot predict its way out of flooding events." 

 Other issues identified by the inquiry included: 

 Lack of training for volunteers, with members raising concerns about the usefulness of computer-based learning 

 Insufficient flood rescue technicians to service high-risk catchments 

 The SES didn't know it could call on certain government resources, including the Defence Force 

 Flood plans for the Northern Rivers area were not reviewed after the 2021 flood event. This is the responsibility of the SES Commission and the Local SES Controller. However,  SES proved to be underfunded to achieve the same performance results as institutions such as the Rural Fire Service (RFS), which receives four times the funding of  SES. 

 For this reason, he recommended providing additional funding to his SES and consolidating operational functions into his RFS.

Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-17/key-takeaways-from-2022-nsw-flood-inquiry/101342094

Odisha Braces for Possible Flood as Mahanadi Swells After Incessant Rain

 Officials say Odisha is dealing with a possible flood situation in some districts, with the  Mahanadi River rising after heavy rains in the catchment areas over the past few days. They said that as part of an effort to deal with the situation, the state government has closed eight more valves in the Hirakud reservoir. 

 Torrential rain in  upper and lower basins caused water levels to rise in all tributaries of the Mahanadi,  officials said. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), PK Jena, said a lot of water has entered the Hirakud Reservoir due to heavy rains in parts of the Chhattisgarh watershed. 

 The situation worsened when the Tel River overflowed more than 30,000 cusec into the Mahanadi River instead of the expected 1.5 lakh cusec, he said. We need to close the eight gates of the Hirakud Dam to moderate flooding in  the  medium term. Jena told reporters on Monday that the water was drained through 26 doors instead of 34 on Sunday. 

 As of 6 p.m. Monday, 10.41 lakh cusecs of water had passed through the dam and the volume is expected to increase further. The state government is trying to keep floodwaters below 10,500,000 cusecs near Cuttack, and so has no alternative but to close eight gates, the SRC said. In view of the impending flood situation, the authorities have asked the collectors of the affected areas and the engineers of the water resources department to stay alert and monitor the situation. Special instructions have been issued to officials in Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Puri districts to stay prepared for any eventuality. Officials said that although no major river embankments were breached, incessant rains flooded several areas in Sambalpur, Bargarh, Subarnapur, Boudh, Kandhamal and Cuttack districts. 

 Jena added that the Odisha government has increased the number of relief teams from 22 to 32  and that the National Disaster Relief Force, Odisha Disaster Response Force and firefighters have been mobilized to the areas vulnerable.

Read more: https://www.news18.com/news/india/odisha-braces-for-possible-flood-as-mahanadi-swells-after-incessant-rain-5758555.html

PMD's cyclone warning centre issues fresh alert: Depression 450km away from Karachi

 The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday warned that a tropical depression (a strong low pressure area) over the North Arabian Sea has moved in a southwesterly direction for the past 12 hours and is now located at a distance of 450 km. southwest of Karachi. . 

 In its Alert-III, the Met Office said  the system is likely to move further west through this evening, then turn back to the northeast and weaken. 

 Maximum sustained surface winds of 45 km/h with gusts of up to 55 km/h around the center of the system. “Currently, no coastal areas of Pakistan are threatened by this weather system,” the Met Office warned, adding that the PMD Tropical Cyclone Warning Center, Karachi, is closely monitoring the system and updates will be announced accordingly. 

 Accordingly, he mentioned that the sea conditions will remain very aggressive for the next two days and advised fishermen from Sind and Balochistan not to set sail until tomorrow night. 

 Heavy rain forecast until August 14 

  PMD  said  heavy rain is expected today and tomorrow as  low air pressure over the Arabian Sea becomes more intense. 

 The Met Office said  the capital could see heavy showers on August 13-14 under the prevailing monsoon system. He warned that monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal are infiltrating the central and lower parts of the country. 

 According to the forecast, rain will continue in the port city until the end of August 14.  PMD has warned that the city will also be affected by strong winds. 

 Torrential downpours hit the provincial capital early Saturday morning, leaving roads flooded, cars flooded and commuters struggling to reach their destinations.

Read more: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/981944-pmd-issues-fresh-alert-depression-450km-away-from-karachi