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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Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples. Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts. Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
Nick's journey in numbers
Countries so far: 85
Flights: 149
Steps: 3.78 million
Calories: 220,000
Floors climbed: 2,000
Donations: GPB37,300
Prostate checks: 5
Blisters: 15
Bumps on the head: 2
Dog bites: 1
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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.
Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors.
