RIYADH: The Kingdom’s embassy in the US issued an emergency advisory to Saudis in Florida and neighboring states as Hurricane Milton restrengthened to a Category 5 as it barreled toward the state on Tuesday.
The embassy asked Saudis to follow guidelines by state authorities in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
As of 3 a.m. Saudi time, the storm was more than 700 kilometers southwest of Tampa, with winds of 265 kph, and is expected to make landfall some time on Wednesday or Thursday.
Authorities have told millions to evacuate before it hits land as Milton is said to be the strongest storm in the Gulf of Mexico since 2005.
President Joe Biden, who postponed a foreign trip to Europe and Africa, also urged residents to flee what he said could be the worst natural disaster in the state for a century.
“It’s a matter of life and death, and that’s not hyperbole,” he said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed the Biden administration had provided all that he had asked for and said thousands of National Guard personnel will be activated to help during the crisis.
Last month Hurricane Helene, Category 4, hit the Big Bend region of Florida, killing more than 200 people and causing nearly $40 billion worth of damage. Helene was the deadliest to hit the US mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The embassy issued the following emergency numbers (202) 746-3555, (202) 746-0666, (202) 746-9777 and (202) 746-2888.
Saudi embassy in US issues advisory to citizens on Hurricane Milton
https://arab.news/8hvs4
Saudi embassy in US issues advisory to citizens on Hurricane Milton
- US President urged residents to “evacuate now, now, now.”
- Landfall is expected in the next 24 hours
Saudi, Korean experts discuss wastewater treatment solutions
- Innovative water reuse systems aimed at supporting afforestation projects
RIYADH: Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, met Moon Young-hak, chairman of the Saudi-Korean Society for Economic and Trade Promotion, in Riyadh.
The meeting focused on discussing potential partnerships with Korean companies and reviewing advanced greywater treatment and separation technologies for national parks, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The meeting, attended by senior center officials, focused on leveraging Korean expertise in developing small-scale and mobile wastewater treatment systems.
With more than 400 national parks across Saudi Arabia, the center has outlined strategic plans to optimize water use, especially as visitor numbers are expected to rise in coming years.
Implementing greywater separation and treatment technologies will enable water reuse for afforestation projects and the creation of artificial lakes, the SPA reported.
The Korean model uses advanced information technology-based control systems to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of treated water production.
The approach allows for doubling treatment capacity using existing infrastructure at just 30 percent of the cost of building new facilities within a swift eight-month timeline, according to the SPA.
It also extends the operational lifespan of these plants by 30 years, ensuring a cleaner environment and better public health standards.
The Saudi center remains dedicated to sustainable environmental initiatives, including land restoration, biodiversity enhancement, rangeland management and resource preservation.
Through these efforts, the center plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s environmental sustainability and quality of life improvements.
Al-Rumaila Mosque restoration highlights Riyadh’s Najdi heritage
- The project will use clay construction techniques and natural materials, primarily based on the Najdi style
- Phase one was completed in 2018, with 30 mosques restored in 10 regions
RIYADH: Historic Al-Rumaila Mosque in the Al-Dhahirah district of Riyadh is one of the oldest religious sites being restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Historic Mosques focuses on renovating and restoring religious and cultural significance, while preserving the ancient architectural style using sustainable, environmentally friendly methods.
The project will renovate the mosque in the Najdi style, expanding its area from 1,185 sq. meters to 1,556 sq. meters, and doubling its capacity from 327 to 657 worshippers.
Although the mosque’s exact construction date is unknown, the design will reflect its original form, showcasing the architectural style of old Riyadh mosques, the SPA reported.
The project will use clay construction techniques and natural materials, primarily based on the Najdi style, which adapts well to the local environment and hot desert climate.
Al-Rumaila Mosque is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two of the project. These include six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.
Phase one was completed in 2018, with 30 mosques restored in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts.
The project balances traditional and modern construction standards, ensuring the sustainability of mosque components while preserving heritage.
Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.
The project’s four strategic objectives include restoring historic mosques for worship, preserving architectural authenticity, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, and enhancing the religious and cultural significance of religious sites.
KSrelief brings Eid joy to orphans in Jordan
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief, in cooperation with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, launched a project distributing Eid Al-Fitr clothing to 1,000 orphaned children from underprivileged Jordanian and Syrian refugee families in Jordan.
The project aims to improve living standards by providing monthly financial support for essential needs and educational sponsorship, including school supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
It also organizes recreational activities during festive seasons to help integrate the children into local communities and boost their psychological well-being.
This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian commitment through KSrelief to support orphans and vulnerable groups worldwide.
Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed 3,398 food baskets and hygiene kits, benefiting 10,194 people in Tell Abyad, Raqqa governorate, Syria.
KSrelief also sent a new shipment of medical supplies to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to support hospitals and health care centers in Gaza, which are facing critical shortages.
The aid agency distributed 850 food baskets in Hayya village, Red Sea State, Sudan, benefiting 5,688 people.
In Lebanon, more than 800 food baskets were distributed in Sidon and Arsal, benefiting more than 4,000 people.
Kingdom arrests 25,362 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 25,362 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 18,504 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,004 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,854 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,533 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 30 percent Yemeni, and 5 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 62 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and nine were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
