The Ministry of Information has urged the media and the press to abstain from publishing rumors and false information. The assistant undersecretary for the press, publishing and printing at the ministry, Lafi Al-Subaiee, called on all media outlets to adhere to professional norms and remain keen on credibility and national interests.

Some visual, readable and electronic outlets have recently broadcast false news about some measures taken by ministries and government departments, he said, indicating that legal action could be taken against such offenses. The offenders will be submitted, without warning, to the information offenses committee to take legal action.

In response to Kuwait's ongoing electricity shortage crisis, Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah convened a crucial meeting on Wednesday with the leadership of the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy. The conference, attended by Minister Dr. Mahmoud Bushehri and other senior officials, focused on addressing the crisis and devising effective solutions. The Ministry has announced that 63 areas might face programmed shutdowns if necessary.

Sources revealed to Al-Rai that ministry leaders presented urgent strategies to manage the crisis over the next ten days until several units under maintenance could be re-integrated into the electrical network. It is anticipated that 1,200 megawatts will be added by early July following the completion of maintenance at the Al-Zour South Station.

Officials have requested expedited approvals from relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Finance and the Audit Bureau, to proceed with maintenance tenders and joint cycle projects. These efforts aim to enhance the efficiency and capacity of production units.

Amid efforts to stabilize the network, a delegation from the Saudi Ministry of Energy visited to offer assistance and share expertise in electricity rationalization.

The Ministry has detailed its programmed cut-off plan, naming 63 areas where power will be cut during peak times from 11 am to 5 pm for one to two hours if needed. Recently, power cuts began in Wafra and Abdali Farms, as well as industrial areas including Port Abdullah, Al-Rai, and Sulaibiya.

The Ministry has avoided previous mistakes by announcing the affected areas beforehand, unlike the unannounced cuts on Wednesday that caused significant disruption.

Al-Rai has learned that Qatar has agreed to increase its electrical supply to Kuwait from 400 to 490 megawatts, with Saudi Arabia supplying an additional 200 megawatts. Kuwait is also expecting 300 megawatts of support from Oman.

Completion of the Gulf interconnection project with Iraq could further bolster Kuwait’s network by 1,200 megawatts, pending the enhancement of transmission lines and completion of a key substation.

On Wednesday, Kuwait’s electricity network faced a deficit of approximately 800 megawatts, prompting the Ministry to implement programmed power cuts across agricultural, industrial, and residential areas. The maximum load recorded was 16,810 megawatts, nearing last year’s peak of 16,960 megawatts.

The Ministry is coordinating with Shamal Al-Zour Company to reintroduce a production unit that has been out of service, potentially contributing an additional 290 megawatts.

Officials stress the need to expedite routine procedures to avoid future crises and call for swift approval of the Ministry’s projects by regulatory authorities.

International companies have proposed using floating power plants to supply Kuwait with the necessary electricity. The Ministry is currently evaluating these proposals to assess their feasibility and integration with the existing grid.

The ongoing crisis may also prompt a reassessment of electricity consumption tariffs for various sectors, aligning them with government subsidies. A committee has already submitted recommendations on this matter to the former Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Jassim Al-Stad.

The customer service sector has implemented power cuts through the smart meter project, disconnecting meters in schools from 12 noon to 5 pm and in mosques, with power restored 15 minutes before prayer times.

With scheduled power cuts and potential elevator malfunctions, it’s crucial to know how to stay safe and handle the situation effectively. Here’s a guide on what to do if you find yourself stuck in an elevator during a power outage.

1. Stay Calm and Avoid Panic
   The most important thing to do is remain calm. Panicking can lead to confusion and make the situation more stressful. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that help will arrive soon.
2. Press the Alarm Button
   Elevators are equipped with an alarm button for emergencies. Pressing this button will signal for help, alerting building management or emergency services to your situation.
3. Avoid Trying to Open the Elevator Door
   While it might be tempting to try and force the elevator door open, this can be extremely dangerous. The elevator could start moving unexpectedly, causing injury. It’s best to wait for trained professionals to handle the situation.
4. Call the Emergency Number 112 
   If the alarm button doesn’t seem to be working or if you have a mobile phone with you, call the emergency number 112. Provide them with your location and details about the situation. Emergency services are trained to respond to such incidents promptly.
5. Sit Down to Relieve Stress
   Sitting on the elevator floor can help reduce stress and conserve energy. It’s also a safer position to be in case of any sudden movements. Stay seated and wait patiently for help to arrive.

By following these steps, you can ensure your safety and make the best out of a stressful situation. Remember, the key is to stay calm and wait for professional assistance.

Approximately 40 areas across Kuwait experienced a power outage on Wednesday, attributed to some transformers being offline due to soaring temperatures. Among the affected areas are Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Abdullah Port, Andalus, Ardiya, Bneid Al-Gar, and many more. Citizens reported outages and expressed confidence in the Ministry of Electricity's prompt resolution.

The Ministry cited temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, escalating pressure on the electrical grid. Emergency teams were dispatched to repair faults and restore power swiftly. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department reported temperatures hitting 52 degrees Celsius, with hot winds exacerbating conditions.

In response to traffic light failures at intersections, the General Traffic Department deployed patrols for public safety. The Ministry of Electricity disclosed that a unit failure in South Zour Station caused the outages, emphasizing ongoing maintenance efforts.

Minister Mahmoud Bushehri assured stability in Kuwait's energy situation and urged energy conservation. During a visit to the National Control Center, he emphasized sustainable electricity usage and inspected operational rooms crucial for grid management.

Despite production exceeding peak consumption levels, concerns linger over network strain during high demand periods. Citizens are urged to conserve energy and water, especially during peak hours, by adopting energy-efficient practices.

The Ministry of Electricity has disclosed the cause behind the extensive power outage that impacted numerous regions across Kuwait. The outage was attributed to the shutdown of a key power station, which experienced increased pressure due to soaring temperatures and heightened energy demand. This disruption affected over 40 regions nationwide, with the restoration of the affected station estimated to take between two to four hours.

In response to the situation, the Ministry of Electricity promptly established an emergency response center to manage the resolution of defects, outages, and grievances. The ministry plans to release a comprehensive statement detailing the incident shortly.

Today marked a critical juncture for Kuwait as the nation grappled with a surge in power outages in residential areas. These outages affected segments of 15 regions, including prominent areas such as Yarmouk, Al-Oyoun, and Farwaniya. The disruptions were caused by several transformers going offline due to the strain on the electrical grid, exacerbated by rising temperatures.

Emergency teams from the Ministry of Electricity quickly mobilized to address the malfunctioning transformers and initiate repairs to restore service promptly.

Affected Areas:

• Al-Rai
• Khaitan
• Al-Yarmouk
• Abdullah Port
• Industrial Shuwaikh
• Al-Nuzha
• Sabah Al-Salem
• Al-Rihab
• Al-Oyoun
• Al-Waha
• Al-Surra
• Al-Rawdah
• Al-Shamiya
• Al-Khaldiya
• Al-Fintas
• Al-Bida’a
• Al-Salemiyah
• Hawally
• Al-Ardiya
• Salwa
• Al-Mangaf
• Al-Farwaniya
• Jaber Al-Ali
• Al-Jabriya
• Om Al-Haiman
• Saad Al-Abdullah
• Al-Qadsiya
• Al-Rumaithiya
• South Al-Surra
• Al-Salam
• Abdullah Al-Mubarak
• Sabah Al-Salem
• Al-Mansouriya
• Al-Fintas
• Al-Andalus
• Al-Dhahr
• Al-Adan
• Bneid Al-Gar
• Mubarak Al-Kabeer
• Al-Eshbilya

A government source disclosed to Al-Qabas that, in response to royal directives, families of the victims of the tragic Al-Mangaf building fire will each receive compensation totaling $15,000. This financial aid aims to provide support to the bereaved families during this challenging period.

According to the source, compensation payments will be processed and delivered to the respective embassies of the victims, which will then ensure the funds are distributed to the affected families. This method is designed to expedite the process and ensure prompt and efficient assistance to the victims’ families.

In a related development, the source emphasized the government’s stringent measures against housing violations. Workers residing in accommodations that fail to meet legal standards will face swift deportation within 3 to 4 days. This decisive deportation policy underscores the government’s commitment to upholding housing regulations and ensuring safe living conditions.

Additionally, the source clarified that no new shelter centers will be established for these workers. The existing shelter centers are deemed adequate to meet current needs, with the government believing that the current infrastructure can accommodate any displaced individuals resulting from enforcement actions.

This announcement is part of broader efforts to address the aftermath of the Al-Mangaf fire and uphold housing standards in the country. The government remains dedicated to providing immediate relief to affected families while ensuring prompt and effective enforcement of housing regulations.

Kuwait City has secured the 119th spot in Mercer’s Cost of Living City ranking for 2024, marking a significant rise of 12 positions compared to its 2023 ranking at 131st. Mercer conducted the ranking based on a comprehensive study covering 226 cities worldwide.

Among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, Dubai led the rankings, securing the 15th spot globally, followed by Abu Dhabi at 43rd, Riyadh at 90th, Jeddah at 97th, Manama at 110th, Kuwait City at 119th, and Doha at 121st.

Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan and a global leader in redefining work dynamics, retirement, investment outcomes, and enhancing health and well-being, released its 2024 Cost of Living City Ranking, providing crucial insights for multinational employers to plan compensation strategies for international assignees.

Hong Kong maintained its top position in this year’s ranking, with Singapore following closely behind. Swiss cities Zurich, Geneva, and Basel rounded out the top five most expensive cities globally. Yvonne Traber, Mercer’s Global Mobility Leader, highlighted the significance of staying informed about cost-of-living trends and inflation rates for organizations to effectively manage their impacts on employees.

Rising housing costs in numerous cities worldwide have posed challenges for talent mobility among employers. Volatile inflation trends have further reduced the purchasing power of international assignees, placing additional strain on their compensation packages. These challenges can impede employers' ability to attract and retain top talent, increase compensation and benefits expenses, limit talent mobility, and elevate operational costs.

The Interior Ministry recently conducted a comprehensive inspection of bachelor housing in Bneid Al-Ghar, resulting in the relocation of several expatriates residing under Article 20 to government shelters.

The inspection revealed that many expatriates on domestic worker visas (Article 20) were living in bachelor accommodations across Bneid Al-Ghar. According to Kuwaiti regulations, expat domestic workers are required to reside with their Kuwaiti sponsors, where they are employed as domestic workers.

These individuals were found living in apartment buildings, violating housing regulations. Considering the humanitarian implications, the affected workers were transferred to a labor shelter, ensuring they have access to all necessary amenities.

 Several bachelor expats in Bnied Al-Gar were abruptly evicted and left on the streets after authorities enforced building code violations. In a sudden move, officials cut off electricity and water supplies to three buildings during the scorching summer, where temperatures in Kuw

The eviction followed a crackdown on properties that failed to meet local regulations. Officials cited serious violations that posed health and safety risks, necessitating immediate action. The sudden disruption left many expats on the streets without shelter at night.

The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the treatment of expats and the enforcement of housing regulations. Community leaders are calling for more humane and transparent processes in handling such violations, advocating for a balance between regulatory enforcement and the welfare of expats.

On Sunday, the Kuwait Municipality announced they successfully extinguished a fire at the waste site located south of the seventh ring road using municipal equipment present at the scene.

Mohammad Sandan, Director of the Public Relations Department, stated in a press release that the recent high temperatures in open areas with flammable waste contributed to the fire's outbreak.

Sandan also reported a significant increase in the amount of rubble and waste removed from in front of commercial and residential properties across all six governorates over the past two days. The waste removed on Thursday and Friday amounted to approximately 568 tons, representing a 400 percent increase from the usual rate of 100 to 150 tons. Most of this waste was flammable and exceeded the site's capacity.

Kuwait Fire Force fighters had scrambled to the building that caught fire earlier in the week and helped save the lives of 135 people including 35 who were whisked out of the burning building on ladders. Instantly upon receiving information about the fire at the apartment building in Al-Mangaf, a fire force squad arrived at the scene in five minutes and successfully doused the flames in less than ten minutes, said Brigadier, Mohammad Al-Gharib, the public relations director and the KFF official spokesman, in an exclusive interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Regarding inspections on irregularities at properties and buildings, he said that the KFF inspection division of the protection sector, had issued, during 2023, up to 22,151 penalties against violations of safety and anti-fire measures, committed by landlords in all of the country’s governorates.

He added that the acting KFF chief, Lieutenant General Khaled Abdullah Fahad, had given instructions to increase the number of inspectors because of the mounting number of buildings, installations and shopping malls over the past two years. Lt. Gen. Fahad had told KUNA during the aforementioned campaign that within 48 hours, up to 225 non-abiding cases were pinpointed in Al-Mangaf, Mahboula, Khaitan and Jleeb Al-Shoyoukh, affirming the approach to coordinate with other government apparatuses to punish offenders. Up to 49 people had perished in Al-Mangaf building blazes, prompting the leaders to express solace to the victims’ next of kin, given prompt orders to the concerned officials to determine the causes of the tragedy and bring those responsible to account. (KUNA)

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Saturday exchanged congratulations and greetings with kings and presidents of Arab and Muslim countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. In the congratulatory cables, His Highness the Amir expressed sincere wishes for the Arab and Muslim nations and for them to enjoy security, stability and progress.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Saturday received cables of greetings from His Highness Chief of the National Guard Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on the holy occasion of Eid Al-Adha. In their cables, the senior sheikhs and officials wished His Highness the Amir everlasting well-being and the dear nation more progress and prosperity. In reply cables, His Highness the Amir thanked them and appreciated their sincere sentiments, expressing best wishes for them and the nation.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Al-Sabah on Saturday exchanged congratulations and greetings with kings and presidents of Arab and Muslim countries, as well as heirs apparent on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. In the congratulatory cables, His Highness the Amir expressed sincere wishes for the Arab and Muslim nations and for them to enjoy security and stability.

 The bodies of 45 Indian workers, who perished in a massive fire in Mangaf, were repatriated this morning. An Indian Air Force special aircraft landed in Kochi, Kerala, delivering 31 bodies of workers from three southern states before departing for Delhi with the remaining 14 bodies.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait reported that the victims included 23 from Kerala, seven from Tamil Nadu, three each from Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, two from Odisha, and one each from Bihar, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Haryana.

In Kochi, the bodies of workers from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka were handed over to their families and transported to their homes in ambulances.

Gonda MP Kirti Vardhan Singh, who rushed to Kuwait shortly after assuming his role as a junior minister in the foreign ministry, stated that the paperwork, which typically takes at least ten days, was expedited due to instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“I would like to thank the authorities for their full cooperation. Identification and paperwork were completed in a remarkably short time, which usually takes a week or more. On PM Modi’s instructions, the process was expedited,” said the minister, who returned today on the special aircraft.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan were also present at the airport.

A massive fire broke out in a six-story building in Mangaf city on Wednesday, claiming 49 lives. The bodies were charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA testing for identification. Authorities identified 48 bodies, including 45 Indians and three Filipinos, one body is still to be identified, according to Mr. Al-Sabah.

PM Modi, who reviewed the tragic incident, announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who died in the Kuwait fire.

The local administration in Kuwait is also investigating how more than 160 people were residing in the building.

Muhammad Sandan, Director of the Public Relations Department and official spokesman for Kuwait Municipality, reported a significant increase in the amount of rubble and waste removed from in front of commercial and residential properties across all six governorates over the past two days.

In a statement, Sandan revealed that the volume of garbage removed on Thursday and Friday was approximately 568 tons, marking a 400 percent increase from the usual rate of 100 to 150 tons. This surge was confirmed by supervisors and inspectors from the cleaning companies contracted by the municipality.

Sandan emphasized that hygiene departments in all governorates will strictly enforce penalties against violators who dispose of rubble and waste improperly in front of properties. He urged property owners to comply with municipal regulations, which require them to remove such debris themselves to avoid fines and penalties.

He also highlighted the municipality’s commitment to enforcing regulations and removing waste of unknown origin. The municipality teams are dedicated to their duties, ensuring the cleanliness and compliance of all areas by filing reports and issuing violations against those who do not adhere to the rules.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting on the fire tragedy in Kuwait in which a number of Indian nationals died and many were injured, at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi earlier today.

Prime Minister expressed his deep sorrow at the unfortunate incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He wished speedy recovery of those injured.

Prime Minister directed that Government of India should extend all possible assistance. MOS External Affairs should immediately travel to Kuwait to oversee the relief measures and facilitate expeditious repatriation of the mortal remains.

Prime Minister announced ex- gratia relief of Rupees 2 lakh to the families of the deceased India nationals from Prime Minister Relief Fund.

The Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar, the Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirtivardhan Singh, Principal Secretary to PM Shri Pramod Kumar Mishra, National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Shri Vinay Kwatra and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

 A devastating fire engulfed a six-storeyed building in the Mangaf block of Kuwait's Ahmadi Governorate on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 49 people, including 14 Malayalis.

Out of the 49 fatalities in the Al-Mangaf building, 42 were Indians, while the remaining victims were Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and Nepali nationals. The casualties also included people from other Indian states such as Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Currently, 35 individuals are under intensive care, with seven reported to be in critical condition. Five are on ventilator support. The injured are being treated in five government hospitals in Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra hospitals.

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, is traveling to Kuwait following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive. Singh's primary objectives are to assist the injured Indians and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased's remains. Authorities have announced that DNA testing will be conducted to identify some victims.

List of Keralites Who Perished in the Fire:

1. Akash S Nair (23) from Pandalam - Worked in Kuwait for 6 years.
2. Umarudheen Shameer (33) from Kollam Pooyappally - A driver in Kuwait.
3. Stefin Abraham Sabu (29) from Kottayam Pampady - An engineer.
4. KR Ranjith (34) from Kundadukam, Kasaragod - A store-keeper in Kuwait for 10 years.
5. Kelu Ponmaleri (55) from Kasaragod - A production engineer, survived by his wife K N Mani and two sons.
6. P V Muraleedharan from Vazhamuttom, Pathanamthitta - Worked in Kuwait for 30 years as a senior supervisor in the fabrication division.
7. Sajan George from Punalur, Kollam - A chemical engineer.
8. Lukose (48) from Velichikala, Kollam - Worked in Kuwait for 18 years.
9. Saju Varghese (56) from Konni.
10. Thomas Oommen from Tiruvalla.
11. Viswas Krishnan from Dharmadom, Kannur.
12. Nooh from Kootayi, Tirur, Malappuram.
13. MP Bahulayan from Malappuram.
14. Srihari Pradeep from Changanassery, Kottayam.

Other Indians Identified:

1. Thomas Joseph
2. Praveen Madhav
3. Bhoonath Richard Roy Anand
4. Anil Giri
5. Muhammad Shareef
6. Dwarikesh Patnaik
7. Viswas Krishnan
8. Arun Babu
9. Raymond
10. Jesus Lopez
11. Denny Baby Karunakaran

The Indian Embassy has set up a helpline at +965-65505246 (available for WhatsApp and regular calls) for family members seeking information. Regular updates are being provided through this helpline.

Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Gharib has warned against leaving mobile phones, portable chargers (power banks) and highly flammable materials like perfumes and others in vehicles in light of the extremely high temperature during summer in order to prevent fire. In a statement to the daily, Al-Gharib also clarified there is no truth to the allegation that completely filling up a vehicle’s fuel tank during summer could lead to fire or explosion due to the high temperature. He said “this is not dangerous, because vehicles have a safety system that protects them even if the fuel tank is full.

Car engines and fuel operating systems are specially designed to adapt to the hot climate.” He stressed the necessity of installing smoke and gas detectors in homes, performing regular maintenance on vehicles and ensuring their safety so that they are not exposed to fire; in addition to the importance of having a fire extinguisher in vehicles, homes and boats to immediately deal with fire emergencies and to extinguish the fire before the situation worsens.

He advised citizens and expatriates that if they go to beaches, waterfronts, chalets, farms or rest houses; they have to pay attention to children and not leave them alone to prevent drowning — Allah forbid — as it happened in previous years. He said those wishing to go on sea excursions must adhere to safe sailing procedures; such as wearing a life jacket, informing the Operations Unit by calling hotline number 112 about their location and the number of people, and ensuring that the weather condition is stable. He confirmed that all fire stations in the governorates are always ready to deal with fire reports quickly; wishing at the same time, for the safety of everyone.

In a recent press statement, Muhammad Sandan, the Director of the Public Relations Department and official spokesman for Kuwait Municipality, clarified that all services provided by the Funeral Affairs Department are entirely free of charge. These services encompass transporting the body, preparing it, washing it, shrouding it, and burial at the cemetery.

Sandan addressed misconceptions regarding the alleged mandatory purchase of a shroud for 30 dinars. He emphasized that this information is inaccurate and that purchasing a shroud is an optional service for those who prefer to handle the preparations at their own expense.

He reiterated that the service of preparing and purchasing a coffin has been available for years due to requests from citizens who wished to manage the preparation of bodies privately. To accommodate these requests, the Kuwait Municipality offers this service optionally. The municipality has also introduced a “barcode” system for easy payment through the official municipal website for those who opt to purchase the shroud and equipment, which costs 30 dinars.

Sandan underscored that these services are provided to facilitate citizens’ needs and that no compulsory fees are associated with the funeral services offered by the municipality.