Author: boya2vi5hu

International Collaboration in Climate Research

Varna, located on the Black Sea, has become a focal point for international collaboration in climate research. President of the World Meteorological Organization and Director General of the National Center of Meteorology (United Arab Emirates) Abdulla Al Mandous recently emphasized the importance of such partnerships during an event marking the departure of Bulgaria’s naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421). This collaboration highlights how countries can unite to address pressing global challenges.

UAE’s Continued Participation in Antarctic Expeditions

The United Arab Emirates has been actively involved in the Bulgarian Antarctic expeditions for the second consecutive year. In 2024, the UAE’s first mission on the Ice Continent took place as part of the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic expedition. A seismologist and a meteorologist from the UAE deployed laboratory equipment for climate research. The partnership was further solidified in May 2025 when the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute signed a polar cooperation agreement with the National Center of Meteorology (UAE).

Al Mandous expressed his commitment to advancing climate research in one of the most sensitive regions of the planet. He highlighted that the UAE’s participation reflects a strong dedication to scientific exploration and understanding of climate dynamics.

Key Projects Under the UAE’s Polar Programme

Under the UAE’s polar programme, several key projects are underway. These include:

• Establishing field laboratories to support ongoing research.
• Operating a meteorological station to monitor climate and atmospheric dynamics.
• Implementing a sea level and wave monitoring system to study ice melt and provide early warning indicators for potential tsunami risks.

Additionally, UAE scientists are measuring methane emissions in various glacial layers and permafrost. This contributes significantly to the study of greenhouse gas behavior in polar conditions.

Enhancing Global Climate Prediction Models

The data collected through these initiatives aims to improve global climate prediction models and enhance international understanding of climate change impacts in polar regions. Al Mandous emphasized the importance of this data in shaping future climate policies and strategies.

Strengthening International Scientific Collaboration

The partnership with the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute serves as a strong model for international scientific collaboration. Last year’s successful installation and launch of the first Arab meteorological and seismological stations in Antarctica reflect mutual trust and a shared goal to advance climate research. This achievement underscores the potential of collaborative efforts in addressing global environmental issues.

Al Mandous noted that the partnership continues to grow through joint research, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building efforts. This collaboration stands as a positive example of how countries can work together to tackle global challenges effectively.

Preparing for COP30: Urgent Need for Climate Action

As the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) approaches, the World Meteorological Organization has released preliminary findings on the global climate. The full data and forecast for achieving the Paris Agreement objectives will be presented at the conference in Belem, Brazil.

Al Mandous highlighted the urgency of addressing the rapidly changing global climate. Rising temperatures, accelerated ice melt, rising sea levels, and an increasing frequency of extreme events are already affecting communities and ecosystems worldwide. Despite progress in global climate action, efforts still fall short of limiting warming in line with the Paris Agreement goals.

Recommendations for Policymakers and Societies

According to Al Mandous, policymakers must prioritize investment in climate observation systems, strengthen national meteorological and hydrological services, and expand early warning systems to protect all communities, especially the most vulnerable. Societies also play a critical role in supporting sustainable practices, promoting environmental awareness, and empowering youth to participate in climate innovation.

Collective responsibility and evidence-based decision-making remain the key to securing a safer and more resilient future for our planet. The ongoing collaboration between the UAE and Bulgaria exemplifies the power of international partnerships in driving meaningful climate action.

Saturn’s Mysterious Atmospheric Features Revealed by James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has uncovered two unprecedented atmospheric phenomena in Saturn’s upper atmosphere, challenging existing models of planetary dynamics. These findings, detailed in a peer-reviewed study, reveal the presence of enigmatic features that have no known precedent or theoretical explanation.

Unexplained “Beads” in the Ionized Upper Atmosphere

JWST’s observations focused on Saturn’s sub-auroral ionosphere, a region approximately 1,100 kilometers above the cloud tops. There, researchers observed a chain of dark infrared-absorbing structures between 55° and 65° north latitude. These formations, referred to as “dark beads,” were accompanied by faint halos of brighter emission and appeared only on one side of the planet.

These structures persisted for nearly 10 hours but showed subtle drift both in latitude and position, indicating potential movement within Saturn’s upper atmospheric flows. The beads are not co-located with Saturn’s known auroral zones and do not align with magnetospheric features associated with ring rain or the moon Enceladus.

According to the study, “these dark beads are most likely the result of thermospheric dynamics driven by ionospheric winds,” specifically interactions between super-rotating and sub-rotating flows in the ionosphere. One proposed mechanism is Kelvin–Helmholtz instability along the boundaries of these opposing wind regimes.

Yet, the beads have no known analog on other planets. “No known ionospheric planetary analog exists for these features,” the authors write, emphasizing their novelty. While similar dark spots have been seen on Jupiter, those were recently linked to magnetic field irregularities, which Saturn lacks at similar scales.

A Broken Six-Pointed Star in the Stratosphere

Below the ionosphere, in the upper stratosphere at approximately 600 kilometers altitude, the research team discovered a second anomaly. In a thin layer of fluorescing methane, JWST detected a six-armed star-shaped structure, dark against the surrounding brightness. Notably, two of the six arms were missing, leaving a skewed, asymmetric figure unlike anything previously recorded on Saturn or elsewhere.

The structure spans a broad latitude band—from 60°N downward toward 40°N—and is centered over a dark polar cap. The researchers mapped the feature using spatially resolved methane fluorescence, a measurement made possible only through JWST’s extreme sensitivity in the near-infrared.

The observed emission across a Saturnian day observed by JWST. Each panel shows a sequence of 26 dither-combined images at the North pole of Saturn. Credit: Geophysical Research Letters

The paper notes that “the upper stratosphere appears to have an atmospheric formation unlike anything previously known,” and that this malformed star is “again unlike anything previously observed at other planets.”

Some alignment was observed between the locations of the brightest “arms” of the star and several of the ionospheric beads above, raising questions about possible vertical coupling across atmospheric layers. However, the authors clearly state: “there is little evidence of the dark beads in H₃⁺ being driven by the underlying atmosphere.”

Magnetosphere and Ring Systems Unlikely to Be the Cause

The research team systematically evaluated known mechanisms behind Saturnian atmospheric activity and ruled out both auroral forcing and ring-particle precipitation as causes of the observed features. Notably, the ionospheric beads do not align with Enceladus’s magnetic footprint, and there was no detectable response in H₃⁺ emission from the E-ring’s expected contribution.

“The expectation was bands of ‘ring rain’ brightening and darkening within latitudes,” the study notes, “but no clear banding exists here.”

This disconnect was confirmed by the absence of auroral activity during JWST’s observations, which occurred six months before Saturn’s equinox—a period known for minimal solar-driven variability. This rare combination of low auroral activity and peak observational geometry gave scientists an unusually unperturbed view of Saturn’s native atmospheric dynamics.

What These Features Reveal—and What They Don’t

These discoveries push planetary science into new terrain. The features observed in Saturn’s ionosphere and stratosphere suggest the presence of highly localized, dynamically stable structures that exist outside the influence of magnetospheric drivers and deeper atmospheric weather systems.

The study emphasizes a significant unknown: the 400-kilometer region of Saturn’s atmosphere that lies between the fluorescing methane and the H₃⁺-dominated ionosphere. This layer has no known emissive species and remains essentially unexplored. It may hold the key to understanding how the bead and star patterns are sustained—and possibly linked.

Current global circulation models of Saturn do not account for such layered, asymmetric behavior at high latitudes. Nor do they explain why the structures would form only in certain longitudinal zones, without corresponding features on the opposite side of the planet.

A New Era for Sugar Production in Taraba State

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Lee Group are set to embark on a significant sugar production initiative in Taraba State. This project aims to boost local agriculture, create employment opportunities, and contribute to Nigeria’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production.

This announcement was made public through a statement released by the NSDC to PUNCH Online on Sunday. The news followed a high-level visit to Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, where a delegation led by the NSDC Executive Secretary and CEO, Kamar Bakrin, met with Governor Agbu Kefas and his administration to discuss the proposed project.

The Socio-Economic Impact of Sugar

In his address, Bakrin emphasized the importance of sugar as a socio-economic product. He highlighted that sugar is a key industry that employs around 100 million people across over 120 countries. Sugar estates, often located in rural areas, play a crucial role in driving local development without causing environmental harm.

“Sugar cultivation can actually contribute positively to environmental sustainability,” Bakrin stated. He also mentioned that the NSDC’s responsibilities go beyond just facilitating investments. The council is involved in capacity building through training, extension services, and sugarcane research.

Additionally, the NSDC supports investors by helping them secure financing, conduct feasibility studies, and access land for sugar projects. Bakrin revealed that a national study identified approximately 1.2 million hectares suitable for sugar cultivation in Nigeria, with Taraba being one of the most strategically positioned states.

Strategic Location and Credible Investors

Bakrin noted that Taraba State has met all the technical and environmental criteria required for sugar production. “We consider the state as one of the most promising locations for sugar investment in Nigeria,” he said. He also praised the Lee Group, noting that its subsidiary GNAAL Sugar has demonstrated both financial strength and technical expertise.

Lam Wing Ki Wilkins, the Project Director of the Lee Group, echoed these sentiments. He emphasized that Taraba offers immense potential for agricultural and industrial growth. “We are not here merely to present an idea; we are here to build a lasting partnership,” Wilkins said.

He added that the Lee Group has been operating in Nigeria for more than six decades, establishing a strong reputation in manufacturing, training, and agriculture. “With the continued support of His Excellency and the good people of Taraba state, we are confident that this project will become a model for sugar development in Nigeria,” Wilkins concluded.

Governor’s Support and Future Steps

Governor Agbu Kefas welcomed the initiative, assuring that his administration would provide a conducive environment for investors in the agricultural and industrial sectors. “Taraba is nature’s gift to the nation, with abundant natural resources and vast arable land suitable for agricultural ventures,” he said.

Kefas mentioned that previous security challenges have been addressed, making the state safe for both local and foreign investments. He encouraged investors to explore opportunities in sugar production, identifying Kurmi, Lau, and Ibi Local Government Areas as ideal for large-scale sugar cultivation and processing.

To move the project forward, the governor proposed the establishment of a tripartite committee comprising state officials, the NSDC, and the investors. This committee will work together to advance the project to the next stage.

Conclusion

The collaboration between the NSDC and the Lee Group marks a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s sugar production capabilities. With the support of Taraba State’s government and the strategic location of the state, this initiative has the potential to create jobs, boost the local economy, and serve as a model for future agricultural projects in the country.

Escalation of Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure

Ukraine is working tirelessly to restore power and heating systems following a series of Russian attacks targeting its energy infrastructure. The state-owned power provider reported that generating capacity had been reduced to “zero” after the strikes, causing widespread disruption across the country.

Russian forces have intensified their attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure in recent months, launching hundreds of drones at energy facilities overnight into Saturday. These attacks have significantly impacted electricity, heat, and water supplies in several cities. The state power company Centerenergo warned that its generating capacity was down to zero, with an unprecedented number of missiles and countless drones targeting thermal power plants that had only recently been restored after previous attacks.

Power outages are expected to last between eight and 16 hours daily across most regions of Ukraine on Sunday, as repairs are carried out and energy sourcing is redirected. The energy minister described this as one of the most difficult nights since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. Although the situation has somewhat stabilized, areas such as Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Chernigiv, and Sumy may still experience regular power cuts.

The Russian attacks included ballistic missiles, which are extremely difficult to intercept. The energy minister noted that it was hard to recall such a large number of direct strikes on energy facilities since the start of the invasion. Additionally, Russian drones targeted two nuclear power substations deep in western Ukraine, raising concerns about nuclear safety. The substations power the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear plants, located approximately 75 and 59 miles from Lutsk, respectively.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called for an urgent meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, urging them to respond to the risks posed by these attacks. He also urged China and India, major buyers of Russian oil, to pressure Moscow to stop its attacks.

Ukraine’s air force reported that it successfully shot down 406 drones and nine missiles out of the 458 drones and 45 missiles launched by Russia overnight. However, experts warn that the strikes on energy infrastructure could lead to heating outages as winter approaches.

Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power and heating grid throughout its nearly four-year invasion, destroying a significant portion of key civilian infrastructure. The attack overnight into Saturday marked the ninth massive assault on gas infrastructure since early October, according to Ukraine’s energy company Naftogaz.

A report by Kyiv’s School of Economics estimated that the attacks have shut down half of Ukraine’s natural gas production. Oleksandr Kharchenko, Ukraine’s top energy expert, warned that if the capital’s two power and heating plants were offline for more than three days when temperatures fall below minus 10C, it could result in a “technological disaster.”

Ukrainian cities, which rely heavily on central heating, must prepare contingency plans to prevent buildings from freezing if heating supplies are destroyed. In response, Ukraine has increased its strikes on Russian oil depots and refineries, aiming to cut off Moscow’s vital energy exports and trigger fuel shortages.

Fires broke out at a power plant in the western Kursk region and the southern Voronezh region following Ukrainian strikes, according to regional governors. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported severe damage to the electricity and heating supply network in the regional capital, leaving more than 20,000 residents without power.

In response to the attacks on refineries over the summer, Russian authorities extended a ban on petrol exports until the end of October to curb rising fuel prices. As the conflict continues, the question remains: will Russia’s energy-striking tactics leave millions of Ukrainians in the cold during a harsh winter?

Honoring Spiritual Leaders at Precious Cornerstone University’s Convocation

Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), a faith-based tertiary institution under The Sword of the Spirit Ministries, is set to celebrate its 4th Convocation and 7th Founder’s Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This significant event will honor five distinguished Nigerian clergymen with Honorary Doctorate Degrees in recognition of their exceptional contributions to spiritual leadership, humanitarian service, and national and global development.

The recipients include Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, Pastor Poju Oyemade, Pastor Jerry Eze, Apostle Joshua Selman, and Pastor Sola Osunmakinde. These individuals have been chosen for their transformative impact in ministry, nation-building, philanthropy, and the promotion of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.

Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Chancellor of PCU and National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and based on the honourees’ outstanding achievements. “These men of God have demonstrated transformative leadership through their teachings, conferences, and global outreach. The University’s Senate and Governing Council found them worthy of public recognition and the prestigious Doctor Honoris Causa awards,” he stated.

The ceremony will bestow various honorary degrees, including Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa), Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa), Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa), and Doctor of Liberal Studies (Honoris Causa).

Week-Long Convocation Activities

The week-long convocation activities, themed “The Trailblazer Set,” will also include the conferment of first degrees and prizes on 143 graduating students. This brings the University’s total number of graduates to 456 since its inception.

About the Honourees

Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, a gospel music minister and trumpeter, is renowned for the globally acclaimed Hallelujah Challenge, a viral online worship movement. He pastors The Oasis, the youth church of RCCG King’s Court, Lagos.

Pastor Poju Oyemade, founder of The Covenant Nation (TCN) and convener of the annual West Africa Faith Believers’ Convention (WOFBEC), is known for his profound teachings on faith, leadership, and societal transformation.

Pastor Jerry Uchechukwu Ezeis the founder of Streams of Joy International and convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), an online prayer movement with millions of daily participants worldwide.

Apostle Joshua Selman, founder of Eternity Network International (Koinonia Global), is widely celebrated for his deep spiritual teachings on intimacy with God and Kingdom principles.

Pastor Sola Osunmakinde, founder of Household of David Church and convener of the Mercy Conference, is known for his practical, purpose-driven messages. He currently serves as Treasurer of the PFN Lagos Chapter.

About Precious Cornerstone University

Established by The Sword of the Spirit Ministries and approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria on December 6, 2017, PCU is committed to academic excellence, moral integrity, and entrepreneurship. The University’s vision is to raise transformational leaders, original thinkers, and job creators through research-driven learning and faith-based education.

PCU continues to distinguish itself through innovative academic programs, entrepreneurial development, and a strong commitment to biblical values and societal impact.

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The Life and Legacy of James Watson

James Watson, a pioneering American scientist and co-discoverer of the DNA structure, passed away at the age of 97. His groundbreaking work with Francis Crick in 1953 unveiled the double-helix structure of DNA, a discovery that revolutionized the fields of biology and medicine. Their research illuminated how genetic information is stored and transmitted, earning them and Maurice Wilkins the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

At the time of their discovery, Watson and Crick famously declared, “We have discovered the secret of life.” This statement marked a turning point in scientific history, laying the foundation for modern genetics and molecular biology.

Watson spent much of his career at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in New York, where he led the institution for several decades. However, his legacy was marred by controversy following remarks he made about race and intelligence. In a 2007 interview withThe Times, he suggested that there were genetic differences in intelligence between races, stating, “I am inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa,” and adding that “all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours whereas all the testing says not really.”

These comments sparked widespread condemnation, leading to his resignation as chancellor of CSHL. He later issued an unreserved apology, but the damage to his reputation was significant. In 2019, further remarks linking race and intelligence prompted the laboratory to strip him of his remaining honorary titles. A statement from CSHL described his statements as “reprehensible, unsupported by science.”

The Discovery of DNA and Its Controversies

DNA was first discovered in 1869, but its role as the genetic material in cells wasn’t confirmed until 1943. The molecule’s structure remained a mystery until Watson and Crick built their model using X-ray images produced by Rosalind Franklin at King’s College London. These images were reportedly obtained without her consent, a fact that has been widely criticized in recent years.

Although Franklin died in 1958, she is now widely recognized for her crucial contributions to solving the DNA structure. At the time, however, her work was largely overlooked. Watson also faced criticism for sexist remarks in his 1968 memoir,The Double Helix, where he commented on Franklin’s appearance. Despite this, some former colleagues noted that he supported women scientists at Harvard in the 1950s and 60s, when few others did.

Personal Life and Later Years

Watson was born in Chicago in April 1928, the son of Jean and James Watson, descendants of English, Scottish, and Irish settlers. A gifted student, he entered the University of Chicago at 15, where he became interested in X-ray diffraction, a key technique in revealing atomic structures.

He later studied at Cambridge University, where he met Crick and began building models of DNA. After their discovery, he joined Harvard University as a biology professor. Watson and his wife, Elizabeth, had two sons. One was diagnosed with schizophrenia, which inspired Watson to continue research into the genetic basis of mental illness.

In 1968, he became director of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, transforming it into a leading global center for molecular biology research. It was the same institution that later confirmed his death.

Financial and Personal Struggles

In 2014, feeling isolated from the scientific community, Watson sold his Nobel medal for $4.8 million. The Russian buyer later returned it to him. This event highlighted the personal challenges he faced in the latter years of his life.

Watson’s life and work remain a complex mix of scientific achievement and personal controversy. His contributions to genetics and molecular biology have left an indelible mark on the field, while his controversial statements have cast a long shadow over his legacy.

The Hidden Dangers of Deep-Sea Mining

Drilling for minerals deep in the ocean could have significant consequences for the tiny animals that form the foundation of the vast marine food web, ultimately affecting fisheries and the food we consume, according to a new study. This research highlights the potential risks associated with deep-sea mining, which involves extracting “polymetallic nodules” rich in critical minerals like copper, iron, and zinc from the seafloor.

Although not yet commercialized, nations are increasingly pursuing deep-sea operations due to rising demand for these minerals in electric vehicles, energy transition technologies, and military applications. The study focuses on the environmental impact of waste generated during these mining activities.

What the Study Discovered

The University of Hawaii researchers examined water and waste samples collected from a deep-sea mining trial conducted in 2022. Their findings, published in the journalNature Communications, reveal that mining waste could affect a wide range of marine life, from tiny shrimp smaller than 2 millimeters to fish up to 5 centimeters long.

This is because, after mining companies bring the mineral-rich nodules to the surface, they release excess seawater, ocean floor dirt, and sediment back into the ocean. This process creates a murky plume of particles similar in size to naturally occurring food particles consumed by zooplankton at that depth.

Zooplankton make up more than half of the ocean’s zooplankton population. If these organisms consume the waste particles—referred to as “junk food” by senior study author Brian Popp—it can impact 60% of micronekton that feed on them. This undernourishment poses a problem since these tiny organisms serve as a crucial food source for higher trophic levels, including commercially important fish such as mahi mahi or tuna.

Michael Dowd, the study’s lead author and an oceanography graduate student, explained: “Surface fish can dive down deep into the water; they feed on organisms down at depth. If these organisms down at depth are no longer present because their food web has collapsed, then that can impact higher food webs and more commercial interests.”

Impact on the Water and Alternative Sources

While other research has highlighted the negative environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, much of the focus has been on the seafloor. This study, however, examines mid-water effects. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the appropriate quality and depth at which dirty water and sediment from sea mining should be returned to the ocean.

They noted that returning the excess directly to the ocean floor or at other depths could be just as environmentally disruptive as in the “twilight zone,” albeit in different ways. Brian Popp suggested that digging up the deep sea might not be necessary, pointing to alternative sources of metals such as recycling batteries and electronics or sifting through mining waste and tailings.

“If only a single company is mining in one single spot, it’s not going to affect a huge fishery. It’s not going to affect a huge amount of water. But if many companies are mining for many years and outputting a lot of material, this is going to spread across the region,” said Dowd. “And the more mining occurs, the more a problem it could be.”

Where Deep-Sea Mining Stands

It may not be feasible to simply halt ocean mining. The International Seabed Authority, which governs mineral activity beyond national jurisdiction, has already granted several exploration contracts. In the United States, former President Donald Trump expressed interest in deep-sea mining during tense trade negotiations with China, which has limited U.S. access to China’s supply of critical minerals.

In April, Trump signed an executive order directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expedite the permitting process for companies to mine the ocean floor. In May, the administration announced plans to consider selling leases to extract minerals off the South Pacific island of American Samoa. Last month, NOAA sent a draft rule to the White House to streamline operations.

Environmental groups have raised concerns about deep-sea mining, citing not only direct harm to wildlife but also the disturbance of planet-warming carbon dioxide currently stored in the ocean and on its floor.

Sheryl Murdock, a deep-sea postdoctoral researcher at Arizona State University who was not involved in the study, emphasized the broader implications: “It was well laid out in the study that the impacts wouldn’t necessarily be just the depth that the plume is released. The question being: Is it worth a few minerals to potentially destroy the way that the oceans function?”

Diva Amon, a marine biologist and postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Santa Barbara, praised the research for examining potential consequences. “All of this could lead to species illness, species movement, species death. And depending on the scale of this, that could have graver repercussions, like species extinctions,” she said. “There’s a lot more research that needs to be done to be able to make an informed decision about how to manage this industry, if it does start, in a way that will prevent, essentially, serious harm to the ocean and ocean ecosystem.”

Safety Management Plan Reveals Critical Flaws in Dismantling Process

On the 6th, an analysis of the ‘Safety Management Plan’ prepared by HJ Shipbuilding & Construction Co., the primary contractor involved in the dismantling of a boiler building at the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant, revealed significant discrepancies between the stated procedure and the actual implementation. The plan initially outlined that the structure should be dismantled “from the top down,” but the execution reportedly began from the bottom. This deviation has raised concerns among experts about the sequence of operations leading to the accident.

Experts emphasized that in blasting dismantling, protective measures on upper sections must be completed before weakening lower structures. However, according to the plan documents, the lower sections were removed first. This inconsistency has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into whether the incorrect work sequence contributed to the incident.

Risk Assessments and Countermeasures

According to the ‘Ulsan Thermal Power Plant Units 4, 5, 6 Safety Plan,’ obtained through the office of Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Kim Seong-hoe, the company acknowledged the risk of workers being buried due to structural collapse during dismantling. As a countermeasure, it recommended that dismantling proceed from the upper to the lower sections.

However, the detailed plan for the boiler building dismantling listed “removal of equipment and facilities within 10 meters of the lower boiler” as the first step. In practice, this meant starting the process from the lower section. Prof. Choi Myung-ki of the Korea Industrial Site Professor Group, who analyzed the report, stated, “Generally, structural dismantling should proceed from the top to the bottom.” He added, “Starting from the lower section inherently increases risks.”

Blasting Procedures and Industry Criticisms

The company planned to conduct weakening work after removing the lower section and to carry out protective measures at the final stage, with blasting as the last step. A representative from Koreacaco, the company responsible for the blasting, previously told this newspaper, “At the time of the accident, (the workers) had finished weakening the tower’s lower section and were heading up to perform protective measures,” emphasizing, “We followed the dismantling plan.”

A demolition industry official criticized the approach, stating, “It is a basic principle to complete protective measures before weakening work.” They added, “It is incomprehensible to re-enter a weakened structure for further work.” Prof. Choi also pointed out, “While not explicitly regulated by law, conducting protective work on a structure with a weakened lower section poses safety issues.”

Inconsistent Measurements and Potential Hazards

The plan contained numerous basic errors, including inconsistent measurements. The ‘Project Overview’ section described the boiler building involved in the accident as “12 stories, 63.4 meters high,” while the ‘Key Management Measures’ section listed its height as “56 meters.” The ‘Major Structural Dismantling Plan’ also stated 56 meters. Prof. Choi warned, “In the field, even a 10 cm or 1 meter error can lead to major accidents.”

These inconsistencies highlight a lack of precision and attention to detail, which could have serious implications for the safety of workers and the success of the dismantling project. The discrepancies in the plan suggest that there may have been lapses in communication and coordination between different teams involved in the project.

Conclusion

The findings from the analysis of the Safety Management Plan underscore the importance of adhering to established procedures and maintaining accurate documentation throughout the dismantling process. The reported deviations from standard practices raise serious questions about the safety protocols and the overall management of the project. As the investigation continues, it is crucial that all stakeholders take these lessons into account to prevent similar incidents in the future.