Flooding and landslides have taken a terrible toll on South and South-East Asia this past week, with at least 1,300 people dead and many hundreds more missing. The devastation in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, southern Thailand and northern Malaysia was caused by a deadly combination of multiple cyclones and heavy monsoon rains.
When events like these take place, dramatic images of individuals caught up in the chaos bring home to people anywhere in the world how severe the effects have been. That has certainly been the case over the past week, with photographers capturing the apparent disbelief of residents in Sri Lanka as they gaze at buildings that have collapsed because of mudslides. Other images show people struggling to make their way along roads that have turned into rivers.In this instance, satellite imagery too has vividly shown the impact of the floods, with vast swathes of green appearing to have become submerged with muddy water.
Flooding in the Indonesian city of Padang Pariaman after Cyclone Ditwah. AFP
The UAE has been helping in a major way, with President Sheikh Mohamed having issued a directive for assistance to be sent. Search-and-rescue personnel and 20 tonnes of supplies have been sent.
Experts have said that climate change is likely to have increased the amount of rain that has fallen: an atmosphere that is 1°C warmer can hold seven per cent more water.
Countries such as the UAE, which suffered severe flooding in April last year, are investing heavily in drainage to cope with the changed reality.
However, many nations lack the resources to adapt, so floods like those of recent days and weeks could have an ever-greater impact in the years and decades to come.
A municipal tanker spraying mist to curb air pollution in New Delhi, India. Getty Images
That air pollution causes damage to the lungs and cardiovascular system is well known, but new research has highlighted how much wider its impact can be.
Research in India has found that children raised in more polluted areas tend to have lower IQs than youngsters brought up in locations with cleaner air.
The research was based on an analysis of levels of PM2.5s, tiny pollutant particles that are suspended in the air.
Read more about the findings in Nick Webster’s report here.
An outdoor space designed by CBT Architects for the Abu Dhabi Climate Resilience Initiative. Photo: CBT Architects
Typically, when temperatures rise in the UAE, the air conditioning is cranked up, but that is of little help outdoors.
However, clever design features, often inspired by the Gulf’s traditional buildings and neighbourhoods, can do much to make time spent outdoors more comfortable.
According to Kishore Varanasi, a designer with CBT Architects in the US, a company that been involved with multiple projects in the UAE, it should be possible in the Gulf to enjoy being outside for eight months of the year.
Read more about Mr Kishore’s approach to design here.
The big fact
To reduce harmful health impacts, exposure to PM2.5 fine particulate matter in the air should be no more than 5 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre) when averaged over a year, the World Health Organisation states. When looked at on a national basis, just 12 countries meet this standard, according to research published in 2023.
Jargon buster
PM2.5 This is particulate matter, a form of suspended air pollution, with a diameter up to 2.5 micrometers. Sources include vehicles, industry and the burning of wood and coal. The tiny size of PM2.5s means that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to multiple effects on health.
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The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour Calendar 2018/19
July 29: OTA Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan
Sep 22-23: LA Convention Centre in Los Angeles, US
Nov 16-18: Carioca Arena Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Feb 7-9: Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mar 9-10: Copper Box Arena in London, UK
PROFILE BOX
Company name: Overwrite.ai
Founder: Ayman Alashkar
Started: Established in 2020
Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
Sector: PropTech
Initial investment: Self-funded by founder
Funding stage: Seed funding, in talks with angel investors
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues. Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
