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10 injured in gas blast as mercury soars, power cut

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By B Izzak & KUNA

KUWAIT: Ten people were injured in an explosion at a commercial center in Fahaheel on Wednesday, resulting from a gas leakage, the fire department said. Fire brigades from Fahaheel and Ahmadi put out the resultant fire, the fire department said in a statement. The 10 injured people were handed to health authorities for treatment, it added. The leakage took place at a restaurant in the commercial center and some of those injured were workers at the restaurant.

Meanwhile, power cuts on Wednesday hit about 40 residential areas and about 10 agricultural and industrial areas as temperatures rose close to 50 degrees Celsius in most areas, accompanied with strong hot winds. The ministry of electricity and water said it has resorted to “programmed cuts” due to an increase in consumption and because some generating units were still under annual maintenance in preparation for the hot summer.

The ministry had already resorted to power cuts earlier this year as temperatures increased and because some units were under maintenance. The meteorological department recorded temperatures of 49 degrees Celsius in both Jahra and Abdaly in the north of the country, while temperatures of 48 degrees Celsius were recorded at Kuwait Airport and Nuwaiseeb on the southern borders with Saudi Arabia. Wafra recorded 47 degrees and Salmiya hit only 44 because of its proximity to the sea. The department is forecasting temperatures to remain unchanged on Thursday, but are expected to hit 50 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday in some areas.

As the country endures a significant rise in temperatures, the health ministry has called for heightened awareness and precautionary measures to safeguard public health — particularly for those most vulnerable to extreme heat. In a press statement issued Wednesday, Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad, the official spokesman for the ministry of health, underscored the importance of individual and community-level preparedness. He stressed the need for scientifically informed and well-planned preventive behaviors to reduce health risks associated with soaring temperatures.

Dr Al-Sanad warned that high temperatures can lead to a range of health complications, the most notable being heat exhaustion, which typically manifests as fatigue and dizziness caused by the loss of body fluids and salts. More severe cases may result in sunstroke — a medical emergency marked by a sharp rise in body temperature that can lead to loss of consciousness. He further explained that dehydration is another common condition triggered by extreme heat, often leading to headaches, fatigue and dry mouth.

The impact of heat on the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions can be more serious, potentially causing sudden drops in blood pressure and salt imbalances, which may disrupt nerve and muscle function due to disturbances in sodium and potassium levels. “Many of the fatigue and lethargy cases witnessed in recent days are physiological responses to the heat and fluid loss,” Dr Al-Sanad said. He noted that these symptoms indicate reduced blood flow to vital organs as a result of dehydration, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the muscles and brain, and causing weakness and mental exhaustion.

Emphasizing that such conditions are preventable, he urged the public to prioritize hydration. “Adults should consume around 2.5 to 3 liters of water daily — even in the absence of thirst — to compensate for ongoing fluid loss,” he advised. Dr Al-Sanad also recommended avoiding direct sun exposure between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm and wearing light-colored cotton garments that allow the body to breathe. He encouraged the use of hats or umbrellas during outdoor activities to mitigate heat absorption.

He cautioned against the intake of diuretic beverages such as tea, coffee and soft drinks, which contribute to fluid depletion, and advised limiting salty foods that may upset the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. Light physical activity, such as evening walks, could help the body gradually adapt to the weather, he added, while urging the postponement of intense workouts to early morning or after sunset hours.

On workplace safety, Dr Al-Sanad stressed the need for heightened professional responsibility in outdoor and field environments. He called for organizing work schedules to avoid peak heat periods, providing sufficient rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and ensuring a steady supply of cold drinking water. These steps, he said, reflect a humane approach that honors the dignity and well-being of workers.

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Indian Ambassador’s message on 79th Independence Day

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By Dr Adarsh Swaika, Ambassador of India to Kuwait

On the special occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin residing in Kuwait. I also take this opportunity to convey my profound gratitude to the leadership, government and people of Kuwait for their steadfast support for close and friendly ties between our two countries. India remains committed to further strengthening and expanding this long-standing and time-tested relationship.

Today, as we celebrate 79 years since our Independence, we take pride in India’s many achievements during these 8 decades. Our commitment to equitable development has been the cornerstone of our socio-economic policies. The principles of democracy, pluralism, and unity in diversity are deeply embedded in Indian society, guided by the ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), which also shapes our foreign policy.

India today is a land of a billion opportunities, with a robust economy that has made significant strides despite global challenges in an uncertain geopolitical environment. India has recently become the 4th largest economy in the world and is poised to become the 3rd largest economy in the next couple of years. Our ‘Atmanirbhar’ program through the flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative is not only designed to make us self-reliant but become an integral part of global supply chains.

Today we are known in the world for many things – Pharmacy of the World, leader in space technology, delivery of digital solutions worldwide by our IT companies, thriving startup ecosystem with exponential increase in number of unicorns, innovation and technological advancements and so. The recent events have also established us as a reliable manufacturer and exporter of state-of-art defense equipments. There has never been a better time to invest in India, with unprecedented momentum in modernizing our physical and digital infrastructure. India has made significant improvements in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, the Global Innovation Index, and is recognized as a key driver of the global economy.

India has been resolute in its ‘Zero Tolerance’ approach towards terrorism. The resolute stance against cross-border terrorism taken by India recently through ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the wake of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack shows the determination of India to fight this menace through its ‘New Normal’ approach.

On the international stage, India continues to play a vital role in promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity. India has taken leadership role on global issues of relevance and concern, including reforming multilateral institutions like the UN Security Council and issues of climate change, affordable energy access, food security etc.

An epochal event in our bilateral relations with Kuwait was the long-awaited visit of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to Kuwait in December, 2024. The visit was historic in many respects – conferment of Kuwait’s highest honor of the ‘Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer’ on Hon’ble Prime Minister by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and upgradation of our relationship to that of ‘Strategic Partnership’.

The back-to-back visits of Foreign Ministers of both countries prepared the agenda and successful outcomes of the high-level visit. Bilateral relations with Kuwait have become more broad-based in the last year with setting up of 7 new institutional mechanisms in areas of mutual interest. Bilateral trade and investments are growing and are expected to grow at a much greater pace. Our cultural connections resonate well with our Kuwaiti friends, and people-to-people contacts form the foundation of our bilateral relations. The Indian community continues to be the largest and the community of first preference in Kuwait.

The Indian Embassy considers the welfare and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait, as over-riding priority, serving as a ‘Home Away from Home’. I take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to Indian community associations, professional bodies, cultural groups, media representatives and all those who are making efforts to strengthen our bilateral relations with Kuwait in their own way and support the community members in distress.

On this proud and joyous occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, I wish every Indian in Kuwait and all friends of India in Kuwait, success, good health and happiness.

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Kuwait to experience extreme hot weather during the day and hot to warm weather with relatively high humidity at night

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 KUWAIT: The Meteorological Department said that the country will experience extremely hot weather during the day and hot to warm weather with relatively high humidity at night over the weekend. The director of the department, Dharar Al-Ali, said that the country will be affected by a hot and relatively humid air mass, especially in coastal areas and nearby areas, starting Friday, accompanied by chances of light fog during the late hours of the night and early morning in some areas, especially coastal areas.

Al-Ali added that the weather on Thursday will be extremely hot, with northwesterly to variable winds of light to moderate speed between 8 and 38 kilometers per hour, some high clouds, and maximum temperatures expected to range between 47 and 49 degrees Celsius.

The sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 5 feet. He explained that tonight’s weather will be hot to warm, with variable winds from the northwest at light to moderate speeds between 8 and 28 kilometers per hour, some high clouds, and expected minimum temperatures ranging between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius.

The sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 3 feet. He said that tomorrow, Friday, will be very hot and relatively humid, especially in coastal areas, with northwesterly to southeasterly winds blowing at light to moderate speeds of between 10 and 38 kilometers per hour.

There will be some scattered clouds, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 46 and 48 degrees Celsius. The sea will be will be calm to moderate with waves between 2 and 5 feet.

He added that tomorrow night will be hot to warm and humid, especially in coastal areas, with variable winds blowing from the southeast at light to moderate speeds of between 6 and 28 kilometers per hour.

There will be some scattered clouds with a chance of light fog, and minimum temperatures are expected to range between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius, and the sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 4 feet.

Al-Ali said that the weather on Saturday will be very hot and relatively humid, especially in coastal areas, with variable winds blowing from the southeast at light to moderate speeds ranging between 8 and 35 kilometers per hour. There will be some scattered clouds, and maximum temperatures are expected to range between 45 and 47 degrees Celsius The sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 5 feet.

He noted that Saturday night will be hot to warm and relatively humid, especially in coastal areas, with partly cloudy skies and variable winds blowing from the northwest at light to moderate speeds ranging between 8 and 30 kilometers per hour.

The expected minimum temperatures will range between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, and the sea will be calm to moderate with waves ranging between 1 and 4 feet. — KUNA

 

 

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Pakistan Embassy in Kuwait marks Independence Day

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KUWAIT: To commemorate the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence, the Embassy of Pakistan in Kuwait organized a flag hoisting ceremony at the Chancery on 14 August 2025. The ceremony was well attended by a large number of Pakistani community members, including women and children.

Special messages from the President, Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out before the audience.

Ambassador, in his remarks, felicitated all fellow Pakistanis and highlighted the significance of the Day. He paid his tribute to our forefathers, whose sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent. He also praised the valiant armed forces of Pakistan for their resounding victory against its arch enemy in Marka-e-Haq.

The Ambassador urged Pakistani community in Kuwait to work diligently and wholeheartedly towards the progress and development of Pakistan. He acknowledged the contribution made by Pakistani community in Kuwait towards the progress and development of both nations. Musical performances were also made by the children as well as Pakistani singers on famous national songs. A cake cutting ceremony also took place during the event.

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