Chad floods killed 503, 1.7 million affected: UN/node/2572280
Chad floods killed 503, 1.7 million affected: UN
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This photo posted by the Medicins Sans Frontieres on social media shows an aerial view of Koukou Angarana, a town in Chad's southeastern region of Sila, after the devastating floods on August 9. (X: @MSF_EastAfrica)
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Relief agencies distribute humanitarian aid to flood-displaced communities at the Milezi site in N'Djamena, Chad. (OCHA photo)
Floods have also destroyed 212,111 houses, damaged 357,832 hectares of crops and drowned 69,659 heads of cattle
Water minister says all provinces had been hit, urges that water from private wells be treated with chlorine before consumption
Updated 2 min 14 sec ago
N’DJAMENA: Severe flooding in Chad since July has claimed 503 lives and affected around 1.7 million since July, the United Nations said Saturday in its latest assessment of the disaster.
The floods have also destroyed 212,111 houses, flooded 357,832 hectares (885,000 acres) of fields and drowned 69,659 heads of cattle, said the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Chad.
All of the country’s provinces had been hit, Chad’s water and energy minister Marcelin Kanabe Passale told journalists Saturday morning, warning of more trouble to come.
“The waters of the Logone and Chari rivers have reached a critical height likely to cause obvious serious flooding in the coming days,” Passale said.
N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, is located where the Logone and Chari rivers flow into each other.
Passale recommended that all water from private wells be treated with chlorine before consumption.
A flood-monitoring committee had been set up to “assess the risks associated with the pollution of drinking water supplies and rising river levels,” he added.
The UN had already warned in early September of the impact of “torrential rains and severe flooding” in the wider region, particularly in Chad, calling for immediate action and funding to tackle climate change.
This summer has been the hottest ever recorded globally with a slew of record temperatures, heatwaves, drought and severe flooding.
Ten Hag bemoans Man Utd's lack of killer instinct in Palace stalemate
Updated 6 min 11 sec ago
AFP
LONDON: Manchester United must be more ruthless said Erik ten Hag after missing a host of chances in a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes hit the bar for the visitors in the first half as United dominated on a ground where they were thrashed 4-0 just four months ago.
But only a stunning double save from Andre Onana after the break denied Palace their first league win of the season.
A point leaves United down in 11th after winning just two of their opening five matches of the new Premier League campaign.
“I’m not content, we should have won,” said Ten Hag. “First half we left them alive, the second half was more balanced.
“We played very good (in the first half), total control of the game, the only thing was in the box and in the box is where the game is decided. We should be more clinical there.”
The humiliation of their last visit to Selhurst Park in May was the nadir of a troubled season for United.
Many wondered whether Ten Hag would even oversee another match but a shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City handed the Dutchman a second chance.
The Red Devils this time arrived in south London on a high after scoring 10 goals in the past week to dispose of Southampton 3-0 and smash Barnsley 7-0 in the League Cup in midweek.
Marcus Rashford had ended a barren run by scoring three times in those two matches, but he was surprisingly dropped to the bench by Ten Hag.
However, the decision to keep Garnacho on the left was inspired as the Argentine tore Palace to shreds early on without applying the final touch.
Former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson kept the Eagles in the game before half-time.
Garnacho did not get enough on his curling effort to beat Henderson with his first big chance before the England stopper denied Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.
United knew their luck was not in when the visitors then hit the bar twice in the matter of seconds.
Garnacho sprinted onto Diogo Dalot’s incisive pass to curl off the woodwork before Fernandes’ follow-up effort also clipped the bar.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner reacted with a double substitution at half-time which resulted in a far more competitive second half.
“In the first half we needed a great goalkeeper and fortunately we had one today,” said Glasner.
“In that second half it was more like a Crystal Palace team and that is what we need to be competitive against a team like Manchester United.”
Fernandes was inches away once more with an audacious outside of the boot effort that flew wide after a neat one-two with Joshua Zirkzee.
But only a moment of magic from Onana prevented United from slipping to a third defeat in five league games this season.
The former Ajax ‘keeper got down well to parry Eddie Nketiah’s strike from distance before leaping off the ground to prevent Sarr tapping in the rebound.
“It’s not so important (how I made the double save) because we didn’t win,” said Onana. “Unfortunately we didn’t score. It’s pitiful to go back home with the one point when you deserve to win.”
Palace had another huge chance to snatch all three points when Eberechi Eze side-footed wide with the goal gaping from close range.
A draw leaves Palace down in 16th, but it is United who will be more frustrated with the missed opportunity to gain some momentum with three wins in eight days.
Saudi leadership offer condolences to Bahrain king after death of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa
Updated 2 min 12 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince offered their condolences to Bahrain’s King Hamad on Saturday after the passing of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa.
In separate cables of condolences, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prayed that God have mercy on the deceased.
Israel’s military offensive drives Arab and Muslim vote in US presidential race, Arab-American convention confirms
Speakers were pressed by attendees on whether they would denounce Israel’s violence
Updated 15 min 53 sec ago
RAY HANANIA
DEARBORN, IL: Community anger over US support for Israel’s bombardment in the Gaza Strip spilled open among Arab and Muslim voters and activists during a convention organized by the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in Dearborn, Michigan last week.
The ADC’s Annual National Convention, which ran from Sept. 12-15, was hosted outside Washington for the first time — an intentional choice aimed at answering the Wall Street Journal’s accusations that Dearborn was the city of terrorists in the US, ADC Chairman Safa Rifka told Arab News.
Dearborn is a “city of fantastic citizens, proud American citizens” and “we wanted to make a statement that it is the capital of Arab America,” he said.
The majority of the nearly 1,000 attendees demanded that Democratic officeholders support the third-party candidacy of Dr. Jill Stein, who many believe is the only presidential contender to strongly criticize the actions of Israel’s government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
More than 50,000 Gazans have been killed during the near yearlong war, but independent sources banned by Israel’s government from entering Gaza contend the number is in excess of 150,000.
Speaker after speaker were pressed by audience members on whether they would stand up and denounce Israel’s violence.
“The Gaza war dominates our concerns,” Rifka said “Clearly the community is concerned about how the elected officials in this country will respond to the carnage.”
Several attendees, activists and elected officials told The Ray Hanania Radio Show that the US government needed to do more than simply criticize Hamas for its assault on Oct. 7, which provoked Israel’s invasion of Gaza.
A few attendees expressed support for Republican candidate Donald Trump and others said they were hoping for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris to not only condemn Hamas’ violence but also expand it to condemn the military campaign by Netanyahu’s government.
Michigan State Rep. Alabas Farhat said that when he and his colleagues called for a ceasefire, “dozens of representatives and elected officials” signed the letter.
“I think the Arab community right now has said very loudly, very clearly, they want a nominee for a ceasefire,” he said.
Many attendees believe it is still not too late for candidates to take action. With roughly six weeks until the election, Illinois State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid said that not only was the door open but there was a need for candidates to “change policy, protect lives and to earn the support of so many people who care deeply about this issue.”
“People need to vote in November and people need to engage with their elected officials to let them know where they stand,” he said.
Amid growing frustrating and political uncertainty, Georgia State Rep. Ruwa Romman said it was important not to give up.
Her biggest concern, she said, was the growing idea of “nihilism” and “cynicism” and “the idea that nothing matters, nothing will change, so there’s no point in trying.”
“That is making us surrender before we’ve even tried. My goal is to make sure nobody gives up,” she said.
The Ray Hanania Radio Show is broadcast on the US Arab Radio Network on Thursday at 5 p.m. EST and again on Mondays in Michigan on WNZK AM 690 radio. It is also broadcast on Facebook.com/ArabNews and on Youtube, and podcast at ArabNews.com/rayradioshow. For more information on the host, visit www.Hanania.com.
Trump says ‘too late’ for another debate against Harris
Updated 29 min 5 sec ago
AFP
WILMINGTON, US: US presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday rejected a proposal from Democratic opponent Kamala Harris to face off in another debate, saying it was “too late” to do so.
“The problem with another debate is that it’s just too late, voting has already started,” the Republican said at a rally in North Carolina, with early voting already underway in three states.
Riyadh exhibition celebrates Saudi heritage with art
Naila Gallery’s National Day exhibition is a visual journey of Kingdom’s past, present and future
Updated 39 min 55 sec ago
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: To mark the 94th Saudi National Day, Naila Gallery in Riyadh is inviting visitors on a visual and sensory journey that intertwines the past, present and future of the Kingdom.
Running until Oct. 5, the exhibition features a diverse range of both Saudi and international artists, a reflection not just of Saudi Arabia’s artistic growth but also a symbol of its global reach and influence.
As you step into the gallery, the atmosphere immediately immerses you in a world where colors blend with history, and every brushstroke tells a compelling story of the Kingdom.
The works on display span themes of resilience, nostalgia, unity and pride — emotions that tie in to the Kingdom’s national identity. (Supplied)
The space is decorated with paintings and sculptures that capture the essence of Saudi heritage. The works on display span themes of resilience, nostalgia, unity and pride — emotions that tie in to the Kingdom’s national identity.
Ameera Al-Zaben, the gallery manager, told Arab News: “This is more than an art display — it is a celebration of the nation’s soul. Every piece in this exhibition reflects the landscapes, traditions and dreams that make Saudi Arabia what it is today.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The featured works at Naila Gallery’s National Day exhibition range from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, capturing everything from the grandeur of Saudi landscapes to the intricacies of daily life.
• Saudi artists featured include Abdullah Al-Almaai and Alia Al-Harbi, all contributing to cultural dialogue through their own lenses.
“Art becomes a bridge connecting hearts, transcending borders and fostering unity through shared history.”
Whether it is the towering palm trees symbolizing Saudi resilience or depictions of the traditional mud houses that whisper the stories of Saudi ancestors, every artwork tells a tale.
Running until Oct. 5, the exhibition at Naila Gallery in the Kingdom’s capital features a diverse range of both Saudi and international artists reflecting Saudi Arabia’s global reach and influence. (Supplied)
As visitors move through the gallery, they are not just spectators but participants in a journey of reflection, nostalgia and pride for their homeland.
One of the most powerful pieces in the exhibition is Jackie Leger’s screen print “King with Philby — Gold Sandstorm,” which depicts the intersection of heritage and modern artistic innovation. This fusion of the past and present is a recurring theme in Leger’s work.
Leger, who has been photographing and documenting Saudi Arabia since 1999, reflected on the impact of historical photography on her art in an interview with Arab News.
“In the beginning, I was photographing and documenting mostly scenes going to the souq, finding joy, finding imagery ... then I started traveling to all the sites of battles and other historical notes that might be interesting for us ... and that’s where it all started,” she said.
In her pieces, Leger draws inspiration from iconic images of early explorers and photographers such as Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear, a British officer who documented key moments in Saudi Arabia’s early formation.
One of Shakespear’s most famous photographs of King Abdulaziz remains a powerful symbol of Saudi history. Leger said: “The first two most important pictures of the country remain today iconic. This brought me into the story ... and I thought it should be written about.”
The gallery is also presenting various Saudi artists contributing to cultural dialogue through their own lenses. From Abdullah Al-Almaai’s striking use of colors to express the vibrancy of Saudi landscapes to Alia Al-Harbi’s intricate designs that explore the intersection of modernity and tradition, these artists are at the forefront of the exhibition’s narrative.
International contributions come from artists such as Belgian painter Eva Claessens and Indian artist Vinny Venugopal, who provide a global perspective on Saudi culture, emphasizing the Kingdom’s growing influence in the international art scene. Their artworks also explore themes of cross-cultural exchange and global unity.
The featured works range from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, capturing everything from the grandeur of Saudi landscapes to the intricacies of daily life, reminding viewers of the powerful role art plays in shaping and preserving culture. Each artist, with their distinct style and vision, plays a pivotal role in celebrating the richness of Saudi culture.
One of the standout elements of the exhibition is the introduction of jareesh chocolate — a culinary creation by renowned Middle Eastern food artist Omar Sartawi.
Sartawi, known for his molecular gastronomic innovations, partnered with Diplomat Sweets to create a fusion of jareesh, a traditional Saudi dish made with cracked wheat and white chocolate.
By combining jareesh with locally handcrafted chocolate, Sartawi breathes new life into this age-old recipe, blending tradition with modern culinary techniques.
“Jareesh is kind of a 2,000-year-old ingredient, so how do you turn it into something modern?” Sartawi said. “It’s mild and mellow, and creating the perfect balance with chocolate was a challenge. But this creation allows people to take a piece of Saudi heritage with them anywhere in the world — it’s a cultural product, a celebration of who we are.”
Sartawi’s innovation perfectly embodies the spirit of Saudi Arabia’s modern vision, which embraces cultural preservation alongside bold steps into the future.
Another highlight of the exhibition is the launch of the cookbook “Cooking Heritage: Saudi Arabia,” a work that explores the Kingdom’s culture through its culinary traditions. Authored by five experts, the book captures the richness of Saudi cuisine, featuring authentic dishes from across the Kingdom, many of which have been passed down through generations.
Jacquline Jackman, one of the co-authors, told Arab News: “The idea behind participating in this exhibition at Naila Gallery is to celebrate Saudi National Day by honoring Saudi cuisine as an integral part of that celebration.
“This cookbook is a testament to the power of food in uniting people, and it allows readers to take home a piece of Saudi culture to cherish and share.”
The cookbook, much like the artwork in the gallery, reflects a deep connection to the Kingdom’s roots, but also its openness to evolution and exchange. Visitors are invited to browse the beautifully crafted pages, which include traditional recipes such as kabsa, jareesh and other regional specialties, offering a culinary journey through Saudi Arabia’s diverse provinces.
As Saudi Arabia continues its journey of growth and modernization, the exhibition serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the culture that has shaped its people.
