Flood Alert: Chenab River Surpasses Dangerous Levels

Flood Alert: Chenab River Surpasses Dangerous Levels

Released on, Aug. 27 — August 27, 2025 at 12:50 PM

Officials have released an urgent flood alert for the Chenab River near Khanki after water flow surpassed 1,000,000 cusecs early on Wednesday.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stated that the Khanki headworks were built with a maximum capacity of 800,000 cusecs, prompting worries that surplus water might harm the structures if the level keeps increasing.

The NDMA issued a warning that the rising waters present a significant danger to surrounding neighborhoods, particularly those located in low-areas near the riversides, and advised locals to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines.

Authorities highlighted that emergency crews are keeping a close watch on the river and are prepared to carry out search and recovery efforts to safeguard people and assets in impacted areas.

Authorities local are urging residents near the Chenab River to leave right away and go to specified secure areas and flood shelter centers to ensure their safety.

The NDMA also advised locals to assemble emergency supplies containing necessities like food, water, medication, and crucial papers, while steering clear of non-essential trips close to the overflowing river and its smaller streams.

International Bus Schedule: Long-Distance SLTB & Private Routes

Sri Lanka, August 27 – The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) along with local bus companies have started implementing a unified schedule for intercity travel.

The National Transport Commission (NTC) introduced this integrated system starting at the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Stand in Colombo to enhance service efficiency, minimize passenger wait times, and prevent overlapping routes.

The updated timetable will run along major routes such as Colombo to Chilaw, Puttalam, Anuradhapura, and Jaffna. At first, buses will follow a shared schedule between Jaffna and Colombo, Mannar and Colombo, and Talaimannar and Colombo using the Puttalam route, which serves as a primary link into Colombo.

Buses will begin operating at a particular hour and arrive at their destinations as scheduled, stated Transport and Highways Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena.

The Assistant Minister stated that every SLTB and private bus traveling via the Puttalam route will be tracked with GPS systems, as officials will be stationed to oversee when these vehicles are expected to arrive at particular destinations.

He mentioned that most public transportation buses across the nation are anticipated to follow a single schedule by December 31, 2026, with adjustments planned for the shared schedule based on passenger needs moving forward. Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena added that during this stage, surveillance and information gathering will occur at locations including Katunayake, Thoppuwa, Madampe, Palaviya, Puttalam, Saliyawewa, Anuradhapura New Bus Station, Medawachchiya, and Vavuniya. Measures have been implemented to equip all privately operated buses traveling on the Puttalam route with GPS systems. This move follows repeated reports of bus incidents along the same path.

JICA Sends 14 Tanzanian Scholars to Japan for Advanced Studies

Dar es Salaam. Fourteen Tanzanian specialists are scheduled to go to Japan to continue their education at the master’s and doctoral levels via the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Long-Term Training Programme (LTTP), representing the twelfth group since the program started. During the 2025 ABE/LTTP Reporting, Send-off and Networking Event organized on Wednesday, August 27, JICA Tanzania Head Representative Hitoshi ARA stated that the program seeks to develop upcoming leaders by giving them higher-level expertise and information to support Tanzania’s progress.”This program allows JICA to bring emerging leaders from Tanzania to learn at Japanese institutions for masters and doctorate programs, expecting them to apply what they gain for national advancement,” he mentioned, adding that more than 133 Tanzanians have previously gained advantages from this opportunity.The project corresponds with the TICAD structure, emphasizing young empowerment, lasting cooperation, and innovative expansion.The gathering had accounts from former participants such as Haji Rehani Omary, who pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Asia Pacific University from 2017 until 2019. He recounted that one major difficulty was dealing with linguistic obstacles and adjusting to Japanese traditions.”I made up my mind to do well; therefore, I took classes in Japanese, which helped me fit better into society and allowed me to create important connections,” he shared with The Citizen. “Those relationships led to big chances, and now I work for a Japanese firm located in Tanzania.”One among those newly selected is Maduhu Shija Sengerema, an officer within the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), who plans to get a Masters Degree in Water Engineering and Utility Management at TOYO University. He expressed intent towards gaining high level understanding to tackle ongoing issues like Non-Revenue Water (NRW).”Non-revenue water continues to act as a hidden problem affecting numerous water organizations, hindering attempts to reach sustainable development goal six about complete availability of clean water because of financial loss and lower delivery rates,” he clarified. Highlighting his present position, Mr Sengerema noted:”In our capacity at EWURA, we oversee utility services using technological and economical methods. It involves checking facilities, assessing drinking and waste-water standards, offering engineering advice when determining pricing structures, along with solving conflicts between suppliers and clients.”Mr ARA encouraged these incoming students to fully engage in their educational experiences alongside embracing Japanese customs and lifestyle, urging them to make friends and contacts beneficial for contributing toward Tanzania’s progression further ahead.The meeting also involved talks from Japanese firms looking into possible joint ventures with Tanzanian experts, showing how crucial the scheme is in enhancing personal relations and building enduring alliances across countries. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
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Ryanair Boosts “Gate Bag” Bonuses by 67% to Catch Rule-Breaking Passengers

Ryanair Boosts “Gate Bag” Bonuses by 67% to Catch Rule-Breaking Passengers

Ryanair intends to boost incentives for workers who identify travelers carrying large suitcases.

It follows that it was
Staff at the low-cost carrier have been found to earn as much as €80 (£68.98) per month solely through implementing the stringent regulations.

Currently, this limit is scheduled to be removed, with additional modifications underway.

The Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, stated that he has “no apologies” for identifying individuals who are “cheating the system.”

He declared during a news briefing in the center
London
that he intends to increase rewards for airport personnel who stop travelers from carrying large bags aboard.

Bonuses are expected to rise from €1.50 (£1.29) to €2.50 (£2.16) per bag starting in November.

Travelers flying with Ryanair must adhere to stringent baggage policies, resulting in charges as high as £75 when an extra-large suitcase is taken to the check-in counter.

Just a single tiny bag that fits beneath the forward-facing seat is part of the cheapest ticket options.


Mr. O’Leary stated, “I have absolutely no regrets about it at all.”

I desire for our ground operations staff to identify individuals exploiting the system.

He said: “I’m still puzzled by how many people carrying backpacks believe they can pass through the gate without us noticing their bags.”

We will, and you’ll have to pay for the backpack. You won’t be coming along unless it fits.

The head of Ryanair stated that approximately 200,000 travelers annually face baggage charges when they reach the airport terminals.

He stated, “We still have much work ahead to eliminate them.”

The low-cost carrier transported 200 million travelers during the fiscal period ending in March.

Mr. O’Leary added, “We expect everyone to follow the guidelines. If you adhere to the regulations, there will be no problems.”

We operate a highly effective, budget-friendly, and cost-efficient airline, and we aren’t allowing anyone to interfere.

It followed an income statement that was disclosed early this year, showing how a previous worker received a “bag fee reward” for pointing out luggage that exceeded the airline’s well-known strict dimensions.


A former employee stated that they kept approximately €1.50 (£1.30) for each large bag they documented, as reported by the Sunday Times, though they mentioned the monthly incentive had a limit.

Ryanair, which generated an impressive €13 billion in sales during the previous year, has stated that employees receive financial incentives for identifying luggage that violates regulations — resulting in travelers being billed as much as €75 per large bag discovered at the boarding area.

At that moment, a Ryanair representative stated: “We provide commissions to our agents who detect and bill for large luggage items, however, these charges apply to fewer than 0.1 percent of travelers who fail to follow our established baggage regulations.”

Our communication to the 0.1 percent of travelers is straightforward: kindly follow our flexible baggage policies, or face fees when checking in or at the boarding area.

For the 99.9% of our travelers who follow our regulations, we express gratitude and encourage them to continue flying without concern.

Ryanair has recently stated that it will expand the dimensions of complimentary cabin baggage to 40 x 30 x 20cm – aligning with new European Union regulations that prohibit carriers from imposing fees on compact personal items.

Read more

  • Which led to strong responses when Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary increased rewards for employees who identify large luggage items?
  • Is Ryanair’s rigid luggage policy causing travelers to incur excessive charges for small objects?
  • Is Ryanair considering expanding free luggage allowances, or is the present strict policy on large items merely an aggressive strategy to boost income?
  • Is Ryanair offering incentives for employees to catch passengers bringing large luggage onto planes?
  • Ryanair’s new baggage policy: What effect will the 20% larger free suitcase have on passengers who feel singled out and upset about unexpected charges?
5 Must-See Films Set in Athens That Will Inspire Your Next Adventure

5 Must-See Films Set in Athens That Will Inspire Your Next Adventure

From timeless stories to contemporary adventures, Athens has provided an impactful setting for many movies throughout the years. Such films not only showcase the city’s heritage and film-related importance but may also encourage you to explore its past and traditions personally.

Boasting a heritage rooted in more than 3,400 years of history, while simultaneously pulsating with modern innovation, it’s hardly surprising that filmmakers have continuously drawn inspiration from this place.
Greek capital
These five movies provide a compelling look at the various aspects of Athens.


Going to Athens? You might find these articles appealing:

  • I’m a travel writer — here’s how to experience an ideal 24 hours in Athens as a native
  • Thirty minutes away from Athens, this sparkling coastal town is where residents head to flee the summer warmth.
  • Athens: 5 hidden spots to explore the city beyond the tourist throngs


Monday
(2020)

Monday
starring Sebastian Stan, offers an unfiltered, bright-lit exploration of desire, disorder, and repercussions shot mainly on site within the core of Athens. Surrounded by historical remnants, pulsating nightspots, and intense coastal warmth, two expatriate Americans, Mickey (Stan) and Chloe, spark a thrilling summer love affair that develops quickly, impacts deeply, and defies conventions.


The Dual Aspects of January
(2014)

This sophisticated psychological mystery skillfully presents Athens as a central figure within the story. Taking place in 1962, the movie centers around an American pair, performed by Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst, who are fleeing from something and get involved with a fraudster, played by Oscar Isaac. The historic remnants of the Acropolis along with the bright-lit avenues of Plaka serve as a breathtaking yet oppressive setting, heightening the growing anxiety and suspicion as the three individuals move through a complex network of lies and threats beneath the ever-watchful gaze of a historically rich city.


My Life in Ruins
(2009)

Featuring Nia Vardalos, this lighthearted romantic comedy presents an appealing glimpse into Athens. The movie follows a tour guide who has lost her “kefi,” or sense of rhythm, but finds it again as she leads a humorous set of travelers through Greece. Notable sequences were shot at
iconic Athenian sites
including the Parthenon and the Roman Agora.


Boy on a Dolphin
(1957)

Among the initial significant Hollywood movies shot in Greece,
Boy on a Dolphin
Established a benchmark for how the nation is depicted in cinema. This romantic tale features the iconic Sophia Loren as a sponge fisher who uncovers an old sculpture of a young boy riding a dolphin. The movie highlights the enduring charm of Athens and its surrounding coastline, displaying the city’s historical monuments and the peaceful Saronic Gulf.


The Burglars
(1971)

This French-Italian criminal suspense movie is renowned for its thrilling and authentic action scenes shot on the streets of Athens. It features Jean-Paul Belmondo and Omar Sharif in an intense game of pursuit. Notably, the vehicle pursuits have become iconic, racing across the city’s environment, such as the bustling seaside area of Faliro and the narrow roads of Piraeus.