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  • Supreme Court rules wife’s right to maintenance begins from nikah – samaa tv

    1. Supreme Court rules wife’s right to maintenance begins from nikah  samaa tv
    2. Landmark SC ruling de-links wife’s rights from consummation  Dawn
    3. Wife’s maintenance not linked to Rukhsati: SC  The Express Tribune
    4. SC declares wife entitled to maintenance immediately after marriage  Dunya News
    5. Supreme Court Rules Wife Entitled to Maintenance Regardless of Consummation or Rukhsati  Mashriq News

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  • Measuring Electron Pulses to Create Laser-Like X-Rays

    Measuring Electron Pulses to Create Laser-Like X-Rays

    To image something as tiny as a virus, scientists use powerful X-ray lasers, but these machines are massive, stretching across kilometers. Now, a technique called laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) could shrink that setup to fit on a lab bench.

    The catch? LWFA creates ultra-short electron beams that are incredibly hard to measure.

    But an international team led by the University of Michigan, working at the U.K.’s Central Laser Facility, has developed a clever new method to fully map these fleeting beams, bringing tabletop particle accelerators one step closer to reality.

    In laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA), a powerful laser hits plasma and stirs up a wave of electric fields, like a surfer catching a perfect swell. Electrons ride this wave, accelerating into a tightly packed bunch that lasts less than the blink of a photon, shorter than the time light takes to cross a human hair.

    Scientists successfully accelerated electrons in a plasma wave

    Now, thanks to a clever new technique, scientists have managed to map the shape and behavior of these ultrashort electron pulses. Why does that matter? Because these pulses can be used to create laser-like X-ray bursts, the kind that let researchers watch molecules move, twist, and react in real time.

    From decoding chemical reactions to exploring the inner workings of cells and materials, this breakthrough opens doors across chemistry, biology, physics, and even clinical medicine. Imagine sharper imaging of soft tissues and organs, or tracking molecular changes with unprecedented clarity.

    This technique doesn’t just launch electrons at breakneck speed; it now lets scientists peek into their behavior in stunning detail.

    The trick? A laser pulse so fast it lasts just femtoseconds, a quadrillionth of a second. That’s quick enough to snap freeze-frame images of atoms dancing through chemical reactions, even in complex biomolecules like proteins.

    A clever algorithm to improve understanding of particle beams in accelerators

    Here’s how it works:

    A femtosecond laser blasts through a cloud of gas, stripping electrons from atoms. Some of these electrons hitch a ride in the laser’s wake, forming a tightly packed beam. The shape and structure of this beam determine the kind of X-ray pulse it can produce. If the electrons are bunched just right, the resulting X-rays can be used to image soft tissues or track molecular motion with quantum-level precision.

    Using their new technique, they mapped out where each electron was going and how fast it was moving, like tracking runners in a race. By dividing the beam into thin “slices,” they could measure the energy spread within each slice, revealing the internal structure of the pulse.

    Yong Ma, U-M assistant research scientist in nuclear engineering and radiological sciences, said, “The resolution of our method, in time, is approximately one femtosecond, which is better than the diagnostics available at state-of-the-art conventional radio-frequency accelerators.”

    At the U.K.’s Central Laser Facility, scientists used the Gemini laser to launch electrons with precision. As the laser accelerated the electrons, it left behind a wave-like imprint, like a fingerprint etched into the beam. But each electron had its own momentum, causing tiny deviations from the expected pattern.

    Cooling positronium with laser light for the first time

    The team deflected the beam onto a screen, sorting electrons by energy and measuring the angle at which each one landed. This clever setup revealed not just how fast each electron was moving, but also where it came from within the beam, like tracing sparks back to their source.

    To make sense of this complex data, they trained a machine learning algorithm to reverse-engineer the original laser pulse. The result? A detailed reconstruction of the beam’s inner workings, built from the subtle quirks of individual electrons.

    The insights from this study aren’t just academic; they’re a blueprint for building better, more compact X-ray facilities. By understanding the fine details of electron beams, scientists can fine-tune them to produce sharper, more targeted X-ray pulses.

    Journal Reference:

    1. Y. Ma, M. J. V Streeter, F. Albert et al. Single-Shot Reconstruction of Electron Beam Longitudinal Phase Space in a Laser Wakefield Accelerator. Physical Review X. DOI: 10.1103/sxqf-l6mp

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  • Dubai students propose crash-resistant airplane design with giant airbags

    Dubai students propose crash-resistant airplane design with giant airbags



    Dubai students propose crash-resistant airplane design with giant airbags

    A bizarre idea of making airplanes crash-resistant with airbags has been presented at this year’s James Dyson Award by two engineering students from Dubai.

    The two tech enthusiasts named Eshal Wasim and Dharsan Srinivasan from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Dubai campus, revealed that the idea stems from the Air India tragedy.

    An Air India plane crashed just after 32 seconds of taking off and resulted in the deaths of around 260 people on June 12, 2025.

    Eshel said, “The helplessness of the passengers who died in the Air India crash haunted us. My mothers could not sleep for days.”

    The proposed concept plans to use artificial intelligence to detect a crash before it occurs and activate smart airbags that wrap around the nose, belly and tail of the aircraft, impact absorbing fluids and reverse thrust mid-air.

    The idea named Project Rebirth would use AI
    The idea named Project Rebirth would use AI

    The tech whizzes hope to turn potentially fatal crashes into survivable landings. The duo submitted the idea in a bid to secure funding to convert their idea into a reality.

    The idea named Project Rebirth would use AI to monitor engine speed, altitude, direction, fire and pilot response to determine if airbags need to be inflated.

    James Dyson Awards offer a prize of £30,000 to the best project idea, with the global winner to be announced later in 2025.

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  • Canelo v Crawford: A Las Vegas super-fight and the battle for boxing legacy

    Canelo v Crawford: A Las Vegas super-fight and the battle for boxing legacy

    The city has a tangible buzz, a real big-fight weak feel. But this is not a fight born out of fan demand.

    Crawford began at lightweight; Alvarez has climbed as high as light-heavyweight. On paper, it didn’t make sense.

    Barely a year ago, Alvarez laughed off the idea of facing Crawford, saying he was too small, too risky and there was nothing to gain.

    So what changed? The real driver is money, and the power brokers behind it.

    This event marks the first marquee collaboration between Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh and UFC chief Dana White’s boxing venture.

    Alalshikh wanted Alvarez and Crawford to face each other, and – as he does – he got what he wanted. The cheque-book did the convincing.

    Alvarez will earn a reported purse of $150m (£111m). It’s the Hollywood treatment he’s come to expect, as he shows off his wealth at every turn – from his absurdly expensive watch collection to his fleet of luxury cars.

    Crawford, long frustrated by smaller purses, will take home at least $10m (£7.4m), with the total pot expected to top $200m. Reported purses are often inflated, but give a taste of the fortunes involved.

    Although Alvarez-Crawford has not been years in the making, special moments are built on special fighters.

    In an era of YouTube celebrities and exhibitions, this is a chance to show that boxing can still produce legitimate, high-stakes drama.

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  • Constitution amends, reports and awards underline 55th World Athletics Congress | PRESS-RELEASES

    Constitution amends, reports and awards underline 55th World Athletics Congress | PRESS-RELEASES

    A series of amendments to the World Athletics Constitution; reports from area associations, independent bodies, the World Plan Taskforce and the WCH Tokyo 25 LOC; and the presentation of titles and service awards underlined the second day of the 55th World Athletics Congress in Tokyo on Friday (12). 

    A total of 12 sets of proposed amendments to the Constitution were approved, including updates relating to the Executive Board, the Athletics Integrity Unit, and the Vetting Panel, editorial and clarificatory amendments, and an update reflecting World Athletics’ commitment to respect all internationally recognised human rights, among others. 

    Summary of some of the Council term limit clarification amendments:  

    • The terms served by the Athletes’ Commission’s Chair and Deputy Chair are not counted towards the maximum term. 
    • Having served terms in any capacity before being elected as Area President, that person can serve a maximum total of five terms on Council but only with a maximum of three terms as Area President. 
    • If there are insufficient candidates of one sex to fill the Vice President or Individual Council Member positions, then the position remains vacant and is treated and filled as a casual vacancy. 

    It was proposed that the time served on the Council by the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Athletes’ Commission does not count towards the maximum term spent by those individuals on the Council – for example, the maximum of three terms – to retain and promote elite athletes in our sport, given the important contribution they make. 

    “Serving on the Council in an athlete-specific capacity, which can be up to eight years, may time out applicants for any other role on Council, such as Area President, Council Member, Vice President or President,” said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.

    “As you know, many of my Council colleagues are former athletes with significant experience and knowledge. Allowing an athlete, who has served us well in their capacity of athletes’ representation, to continue their involvement in the administration of the sport on Council in another role will only benefit World Athletics and the sport as a whole.” 

    Area reports 

    Congress also received reports from each of the six Area Associations.  

    Confederation of African Athletics President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum reflected on a year that featured the African Athletics Championships in Douala and outstanding performances from African athletes. The association is focused on athlete development and education, and intensifying development activities across Africa to identify and nurture talent. 

    For Asian Athletics, President Dahlan Al Hamad highlighted the association’s strengthened governance, the expansion of opportunities for athletes due to new events, the awarding of hosting rights across Asia including World Athletics Series events, and the pathway for future growth and sustainability, including in development via programmes such as Kids’ Athletics. 

    European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov outlined his association’s strategic roadmap for 2024-2027. Three World Athletics Series events took place in Europe in 2024 – the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade and the World Race Walking Team Championships in Antalya. Speaking of his association’s successes, Karamarinov highlighted the European Championships in Rome, the digitalisation and innovation journey, and development and governance events. 

    Although 2024 was described as a year of challenge and growth for the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association, President Mike Sands explained how the association demonstrated resilience and commitment to excellence, setting the stage for significant growth in 2025. The Bahamas hosted the World Athletics Relays for the fourth time, while development programmes took place for safeguarding, gender leadership and grassroots technical development. 

    Oceania Athletics Association president Robin Sapong Eugenio reflected on a successful year for his association’s athletes, one that included the Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva. Gender leadership, safeguarding and wellbeing programmes were held, while Kids’ Athletics activations and masters and para athletics reflected the ‘sport for all’ philosophy. 

    President Helio Marinho Gesta de Melo delivered Atletismo Sudamericano’s report, highlighting stronger governance, competitions and participation. The association’s activity in 2024 included specialised commissions, the promotion of safeguarding policies, stable finances despite rising costs, and partnerships with governments. The year also featured the World U20 Championships, hosted in Lima. 

    Congress also received reports from four independent bodies: the Athletics Integrity Unit Board, the Disciplinary and Appeals Tribunal, the Election Oversight Panel and the Vetting Panel. 

    World Plan 

    The Congress received a report on the World Plan for Athletics 2022-2030, delivered by Taskforce Chair and Council Member Willie Banks, who explained how a “pivotal time” for the plan is beginning. 

    In his year three World Plan progress report, Banks reiterated the four pillars of the plan: more participation, more people, more fans, and more partnerships. While recognising that challenges remain, Banks highlighted some examples of success by member federations around the globe. 

    Honorary titles and service awards 

    The following honours were awarded: 

    Africa 

    Veteran Pin: Suren Ayadassen (MRI), Pieter de Jager (RSA), Aminata Sangare (MLI) 

    Plaque of Merit: Moses Bantsi (BOT) 

    Asia 

    Veteran Pin: Yuko Arimori (JPN), Roland Saade (LBN), Shiny Wilson (IND) 

    Plaque of Merit: Wang Nan (CHN) 

    Europe 

    Veteran Pin: Bernard Amsalem (FRA), John Cronin (IRL), and posthumously Galia Puhaleva (BUL) 

    Plaque of Merit: Sylvia Barlag (NED) 

    NACAC 

    Veteran Pin: Garth Gayle (JAM), Stephanie Hightower (USA), David Katz (USA) 

    Plaque of Merit: Vilma Charlton (JAM) 

    Oceania 

    Veteran Pin: Makelesi Bulikiobo (FIJ), Deanna Fuimaono Sanitoa (ASA), Bruce McAvaney (AUS)

    Plaque of Merit: Tony Green (PNG) 

    South America 

    Veteran Pin: Javier Chirinos Hoyos (PER), Sheryl Hermonstine (GUY), Felix Marrugo Torres (COL) 

    Plaque of Merit: Myrta Doldan (PAR) 

    The Congress closed on the eve of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, and Takeichi Takashi, Chief Executive Officer of the local organising committee, looked ahead to the global showpiece that will see the world’s best athletes return to the Japan National Stadium, this time in front of thousands of fans. 

    His report outlined the event look and feel, road event action and sustainability efforts as the championships strives for Platinum level certification. 

    The first day of Congress included the approval of the 2024 Annual Report and Accounts. 

    World Athletics

     

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  • Netherlands will not join Eurovision if Israel participates, says broadcaster – Reuters

    1. Netherlands will not join Eurovision if Israel participates, says broadcaster  Reuters
    2. RTÉ: Ireland threatens to withdraw from Eurovision if Israel participates  BBC
    3. RTÉ says Ireland will boycott Eurovision if Israel is allowed to compete  The Guardian
    4. Is Spain planning Eurovision 2026 boycott over Israeli participation?  Euronews.com
    5. Ireland won’t participate in Eurovision if Israel does  Dawn

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  • Netherlands joins growing list of countries boycotting Eurovision over Israel’s Gaza war – Al Arabiya English

    1. Netherlands joins growing list of countries boycotting Eurovision over Israel’s Gaza war  Al Arabiya English
    2. Netherlands threatens to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates  Al Jazeera
    3. Ireland won’t participate in Eurovision if Israel does  Dawn
    4. CD&V and Vooruit back calls to ban Israel from Eurovision, Belgian participation unclear  belganewsagency.eu
    5. Eurovision, Protests, and Hollywood: Entertainment Updates  Devdiscourse

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  • Punjab faces severe flood threat as Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab rivers swell

    Punjab faces severe flood threat as Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab rivers swell



    ANI |
     Updated:     Sep 12, 2025 17:04 IST

    Punjab [Pakistan], September 12 (ANI): Punjab is grappling with a relentless flood emergency as the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers continue to swell, inundating thousands of villages and displacing millions across the province, Dawn reported.
    The Pakistani media outlet claimed that the situation intensified after Indian authorities issued alerts for rising water levels at Ganda Singh Wala and Ferozepur two days ago, prompting renewed evacuations along the Sutlej River.
    At Panjnad Headworks on the Chenab River, water discharge surged to an exceptionally high level, crossing 668,000 cusecs. Between Wednesday morning and early Thursday, the flow increased by 100,000 cusecs, triggering mass evacuations in Alipur tehsil.
    In a late-night development, a protective dyke near Shujabad collapsed for a second time, inundating communities along the riverbank. Downstream pressure also impacted Sindh’s Guddu and Sukkur barrages, which continue to record medium flood levels with flows exceeding 400,000 cusecs.
    Authorities reported that in Rahim Yar Khan, 660,000 cusecs passed through Chachran Sharif, though no immediate threat to localities was identified. According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) data, Panjnad witnessed outflows of over 668,000 cusecs, while Guddu and Sukkur barrages recorded flows above 400,000 cusecs.
    However, Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej River near the Indian border registered a “medium” flood, Dawn reported.
    The PDMA River Flows report released at 6:30 pm showed Marala Headworks steady at 68,986 cusecs, Khanki Headworks rising at 82,411 cusecs, and Qadirabad Headworks steady at 84,440 cusecs. Chiniot Bridge saw rising flows at 57,463 cusecs, while the Rivaz Bridge gauge remained steady at 518 feet.
    Trimmu Headworks recorded a steady 140,007 cusecs, Head Muhammad Wala gauge fell to 412.38 feet, Sher Shah Bridge was steady at 393.20 feet, and Panjnad Headworks flowed extremely heavy at 658,845 cusecs.
    On the Ravi River, flows remained steady across locations, including Jassar at 19,500 cusecs, Ravi Syphon at 32,120 cusecs, and Sidhnai Headworks at 75,549 cusecs.
    On the Sutlej River, Ganda Singh Wala recorded 98,165 cusecs and Sulemanki Headworks 121,459 cusecs, while Islam Headworks saw falling flows at 113,956 cusecs.
    Tragedy struck in several districts. In Bahawalnagar, two people drowned after a Rescue 1122 boat carrying 23 evacuees capsized.
    In Jalalpur Pirwala, another boat carrying 25 people overturned, leaving five, including children, missing. In Muzaffargarh, three teenagers fell into floodwaters near Basti Jarah; one died and two were rescued.
    Authorities reported that thousands of people were fleeing their homes in Seetpur, Khairpur, and Bait Nabi Shah in Muzaffargarh, as well as in Jalalpur Pirwala, where 706,000 people across 148 mouzas have been affected. In Khanewal, 159,029 people were evacuated from riverbeds, while 128,658 acres of crops were submerged.
    Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javaid said, “More than 4,500 villages and 4.287 million people have been affected by floods across the province, with 2.262 million relocated.”
    He added that 396 relief camps, 490 medical camps, and 412 veterinary camps have been set up, while 1.696 million animals have been shifted to safer areas. A total of 79 people have lost their lives in the floods.

    Punjab Emergency Service Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer said over 13,600 people were rescued in Multan alone over the past three days, with more than 25,000 relocated. Across the province, more than 362,000 people have been evacuated using 139 rescue boats.
    PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said four helicopters and 2,000 tents have been deployed to Jalalpur Pirwala, where relief distribution continues with army support.
    Rahim Yar Khan Deputy Commissioner Khurrum Parvaiz told Dawn that rising water levels downstream of Panjnad prompted evacuation operations in Khanpur and Liaquatpur riverbed areas.
    “Around 12,000 people had been evacuated, six relief camps established and 1,800 tents distributed among flood-affected families,” he said, adding that all dykes in the district remained intact.
    Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had ordered the removal of the Assistant Commissioner of Jalalpur Pirwala over negligence after a rescue boat capsized.
    She noted that water levels at Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah bridges had fallen below critical levels, ruling out immediate breaching of dykes. Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman visited Panjnad Headworks, where the evacuation of low-lying areas continues with embankments under constant monitoring.
    Officials also confirmed that Mangla Dam is 90 per cent full, Tarbela 100 per cent, India’s Bhakra 90 per cent, Pong 99 per cent, and Thein 97 per cent, increasing downstream pressure.
    Meanwhile, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik said Pakistan is facing the final monsoon spell of the season, noting that floodwaters heading south were “losing steam,” Dawn reported.
    He added, “The water in our rivers came in two layers. The first is hitting Guddu Barrage, the other is at Panjnad. Based on this information, we expect that it will stabilise in the next two to three days.”
    Torrential monsoon rains in Balochistan over the past two days have triggered flash floods, prompting PDMA alerts. Officials said seasonal rivers and streams were already carrying heavy rainwater, with risks of severe flooding if showers continued.
    At Hub Dam, water levels rose rapidly to 338 feet, just one foot short of full capacity, with residents along the Hub River warned to move to safer locations.
    Balochistan government officials have completed arrangements along the left bank of the Indus River in anticipation of floodwaters arriving from Punjab’s Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers.
    Rescue teams, boats, and heavy machinery have been deployed across Nasirabad division districts, including Nasirabad, Usta Muhammad, Sohbatpur, and Jaffarabad.
    Balochistan Irrigation Minister Sadiq Umrani told the provincial assembly that preparations were in place to shift residents from vulnerable areas to safety, adding, “If over 1.1 million cusecs flow through the Indus, the chief ministers of both provinces will decide further action.”
    Balochistan PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan said 16 flood control centres had been set up across four districts of Nasirabad division, operating round the clock, with rescue and relief arrangements, including provision of essential goods, ready to assist displaced families. (ANI)


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  • Insomnia and Mental Health Outcomes After Catastrophic Disasters: Exam

    Insomnia and Mental Health Outcomes After Catastrophic Disasters: Exam

    Background

    Traumatic events, especially large-scale disasters, can have significant and lasting effects on mental health, often resulting in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep is frequently affected. For many who experience trauma, insomnia can become persistent long after the initial event.1 The Beirut Explosion which occurred on the fourth of August 2020 resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon; a small country in the eastern Mediterranean. The explosion was caused by the detonation of 2750 tons of ammonium nitrate, stored in the port, which caused massive damage to the city and hundreds of lives lost, thousand injured and tens of thousands displaced.2 This large-scale catastrophic disaster provides a context to examine the long-term psychological impact of such traumatic events. Research has consistently shown that trauma-exposed populations exhibit a high prevalence of sleep disturbances, including disruptions in sleep continuity, duration, and quality, which are also core features of PTSD.3–5 More severe PTSD symptoms have been strongly correlated with both shorter sleep duration6 and lower sleep quality.4 Prior research indicates that insomnia is not only a common symptom following traumatic experiences but can also become a chronic condition that affects overall health and quality of life: sleep disturbances not only persist as symptoms but are significant predictors of PTSD development. For example, pre-deployment insomnia among soldiers, was linked to an increased risk of PTSD onset and suicidal ideation following deployment.5 Sleep disturbances have also been found to predict harmful health-related behaviors, such as aggression, substance abuse, and increased alcohol consumption, in trauma-affected populations.4

    Trauma exposure can cause long-lasting disruptions in sleep by dysregulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and activating the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in chronic hyperarousal and impaired sleep regulation. Stress-induced activation of the HPA axis increases secretion of CRH, ACTH, and cortisol, contributing to persistent insomnia symptoms.7,8

    Similar long-term sleep disturbances have been documented following other catastrophic events. For example, in Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake, researchers found a sharp increase in insomnia prevalence (21.2% four months post-disaster compared to 11.7% pre-disaster) and associations with persistent psychological distress.9 Among survivors of the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami, material damage and financial hardship were linked to long-term sleep disturbances, while other forms of loss had less impact. Effective disaster response helped mitigate sleep problems.3

    Lebanon faces compounding challenges, including political instability, economic crisis, and under-resourced mental health systems, all of which amplify psychological vulnerability. Stigma, lack of policy, and limited access further restrict the use of mental health services, hindering help-seeking behaviors.10 Within this context, evidence on sleep behaviors in the Lebanese population remains scarce, highlighting the need for further research. In a cross-sectional study in Lebanon by Chami et al (2019), 44.5% of participants reported experiencing insomnia symptoms regularly, and 34.5% met the criteria for insomnia disorder. These symptoms were found to be more prevalent in women, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, and those with medical comorbidities.11 A more recent study found an insomnia prevalence of 47.1%.12

    On August 4, 2020, the Beirut port explosion devastated Lebanon’s capital, causing widespread destruction from the port, injuring over 6,000 people, and displacing approximately 300,000 individuals from their homes.13,14 In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, those seeking mental health support predominantly reported trauma-related symptoms, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.15 Several short-term studies have documented this acute psychological impact: among survivors presenting to the emergency department at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, nearly half exhibited symptoms of depression and two-thirds showed signs of PTSD.16 Within the first months following the blast, psychological distress remained high: two months after the explosion, 37% met criteria for PTSD and 80% screened positive for depression, with one-fourth categorized as moderately-to-severely depressed.17 At four months, 75–80% of participants in a cross-sectional internet-based study reported high levels of emotional distress.18 By six months, 75.8% still met criteria for PTSD, nearly half with severe symptoms, with predictors including unemployment, injury, and bereavement.19 A visual timeline of prior Lebanese studies on mental health outcomes following the Beirut explosion is provided in Supplementary Figure 1. While these findings highlight the acute burden of trauma in the short term, none of these studies specifically assessed sleep outcomes. Importantly, no studies to date have examined the long-term impact of the Beirut explosion on mental health and sleep quality, which is the gap addressed by the present study.

    This investigation is relevant as long-term sleep disturbances may reinforce the persistence of PTSD by disrupting memory, emotional stability, and trauma processing.20 This study aims to assess the long-term psychological impact of the Beirut explosion, focusing primarily on sleep disturbances and trauma. It also examines the relationship between proximity to the explosion site, social consequences, personal injury, and demographic factors with insomnia severity. Additionally, the study explores substance use changes related to proximity to the explosion site and their potential association with insomnia.

    Methods

    Study Design and Sampling

    This cross-sectional study targeted adults (18+) residing in Lebanon during the Beirut explosion, regardless of their proximity to the capital. Data were collected from December 2023 to September 2024, including participants from Beirut, nearby areas, other Lebanese governorates, and those abroad but present during the explosion. Data collection was halted in September 2024 due to the intensification of the war on Lebanon, which introduced new traumatic exposures that could have acted as confounding factors.

    A sample size calculation was conducted using the proportions of individuals expected to report insomnia symptoms in the two study groups: 70% among those residing within 6 km of the Beirut blast and 51% among those residing beyond this distance. Using a significance level (α) of 0.05 and a power (1−β) of 80%, and assuming equal group sizes, the minimum required sample size per group was calculated using the following formula for two independent proportions:


    Where:

    p1 = 0.51

    q1 = 1 − p1 = 0.49

    p2 = 0.70

    q2 = 1 − p2 = 0.30

    Δ = |p2 − p1| = 0.19

    K = 1 (equal sample sizes)

    Z1 − α/2 = 1.96

    Z1 − β = 0.84

    Calculating using our values:

    N1 = { [1.96 × √(0.605 × 0.395 × (1 + 1/1))] + [0.84 × √(0.51 × 0.49 + (0.70 × 0.30)/1)] }²/ (0.19)²

    N1 ≈ 103

    N2 = K × N1 = 103

    Therefore, the total sample size required is 206 participants, with 103 in each group. A total of 248 participants were included.

    Procedure

    Participants were recruited through flyers and social media posts with our contact details and a link or QR code to the consent page. After consent, they completed the survey. Eligibility was based on age, location, and presence in Lebanon during the Beirut explosion. Participants were divided into two groups: those within 6 km of Beirut and those from areas further away. The 6 km cutoff was selected based on reports of major damage within this radius, corresponding to a 3.3 magnitude earthquake.21

    Protocol Instruments

    The questionnaire was available in both English and Arabic. The questionnaire included:

    1. Demographics and personal data: Gender, age, marital status, employment status, medical history, mental health history, substance use, sedative or hypnotic use, personal injury, injury or loss of a family member or friend, and property damage.

    2. Insomnia Severity Index (ISI): A widely used, validated 7-item questionnaire that is designed to assess the nature, severity, and impact of insomnia, with responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Scores range from 0 to 28, with the following cut offs: 0–7 = no clinically significant insomnia, 8–14 = subthreshold insomnia, 15–21 = moderate clinical insomnia, and 22–28 = severe clinical insomnia. To categorize insomnia as a binary variable in our data analysis, we adopted a cutoff score of 14, which enhanced our ability to accurately detect clinical insomnia in a community sample, achieving high specificity at 98.3%.22 The scale is validated in Arabic.23 The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency in this study (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90).

    3. Patient Health Questionnaire for Anxiety and Depression (PHQ-4): A 4-item scale to screen for anxiety and depression, with scores categorized as normal (0–2), mild (3–5), moderate (6–8), and severe (9–12). A total score ≥3 for the first two questions indicates anxiety, and ≥3 for the last two indicates depression.24 The scale is validated in Arabic.25 In this study, the PHQ-4 showed high internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.936).

    4. Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R): A 22-item self-report measure (DSM-IV) assessing distress from traumatic events. Items are rated on a 5-point scale (0 = “not at all” to 4 = “extremely”). It provides a total score (0–88) and subscale scores for intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal.26 This scale is also validated in Arabic.27 The scale displayed excellent reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.959.

    Statistical Analysis

    Data normality was assessed using Shapiro–Wilk tests; non-normal distributions (eg, ISI, IES-R scores) prompted non-parametric tests. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics and prevalence rates of insomnia and PTSD. Insomnia, depression, anxiety, and PTSD were treated as dichotomous variables based on ISI, PHQ-4, and IES-R cutoff scores. Chi-square tests examined associations between explosion proximity and these conditions. Logistic regression assessed predictors (eg, proximity, gender, age, substance use) of insomnia (ISI > 14), calculating odds ratios while controlling for confounders. Before regression, chi-square tests identified significant demographic and lifestyle influencing factors. Clinically relevant factors were included to adjust for confounding. Spearman correlation analyzed relationships between insomnia severity (ISI scores) and PTSD symptoms (IES-R scores). Mann–Whitney U-tests compared ISI scores by PHQ-4 depression/anxiety status. Chi-square tests also examined proximity-related substance use changes. Cronbach’s alpha assessed scale reliability. Significance was set at p < 0.05. The data analysis was performed using Python 3 (Python Software Foundation, https://www.python.org/), with the help of relevant statistical libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and SciPy for data manipulation and statistical tests.

    Results

    Socio-Demographic Characteristics

    The socio-demographic characteristics of the sample are summarized in Table 1. The median age of participants was 31 years (IQR = 23.25–45.0), with 64.4% identifying as female and 35.6% as male. More than half were single (56.5%), and the majority were employed (66.2%). A larger proportion of participants lived more than 6 km away from the explosion site (57.9%) compared to those within 6 km (42.1%).

    Table 1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Sample Population

    Mental Health and Substance Use Outcomes by Proximity

    Mental health and substance use outcomes by proximity to the explosion are summarized in Table 2. Insomnia (ISI >14) was reported by 28.8% of participants within 6 km, compared to 16.8% living farther away (χ² = 5.13, p = 0.024). Similarly, increased alcohol use was more common among those closer to the blast (32.7% vs 21.7%, χ² = 5.68, p = 0.017), as was recreational drug use (10.6% vs 4.9%, χ² = 4.71, p = 0.030). No significant differences were observed in PTSD, depression, anxiety, nicotine use, or caffeine use based on proximity.

    Table 2 Cross-Tabulation of Proximity with Mental Health and Substance Use Outcomes

    Insomnia

    Descriptive Statistics

    When using a cutoff score of 8 on the ISI, which includes subclinical insomnia, the overall prevalence of probable insomnia in our sample was found to be 62.1% after the Beirut explosion (95% CI: 56.06–68.13). Table 3 shows the distribution of insomnia severity levels across the study population. Among participants located less than 6 km from the explosion, 65.4% scored above this threshold, as compared to 60.1% of those located more than 6 km away. This difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.401).

    Table 3 Insomnia Severity Levels in the Study Population

    Bivariate Analysis

    A chi-square test indicated a significant association between proximity to the explosion and insomnia (χ² = 5.13, p = 0.024). Additional chi-square tests confirmed significant associations between insomnia and:

    Gender

    Females had a higher prevalence (26.7%) than males (15.6%), χ² = 4.02, p = 0.045.

    Direct Exposure Variables

    • Defined as experiencing one or more of the following: personal injury, injury or loss of a friend or family member (social consequences), or property damage/financial loss (material consequences). This measure captures personal consequences of the explosion beyond geographic proximity.

    • Significant associations were found between insomnia and all categories of direct exposure: Personal injury (p = 0.010), social loss (p = 0.008), material loss (p = 0.007), and general exposure (p = 0.002) were all significantly associated with insomnia.

    No significant association was found between insomnia and age (p = 0.691), marital status (p = 0.089) or employment status (p = 0.194).

    A significant association was found between direct exposure and PTSD, χ²(1) = 4.33, p = 0.037, indicating that individuals who were directly exposed were more likely to meet criteria for probable PTSD. No significant associations were found between direct exposure and depression, χ²(1) = 0.00, p = 0.984, or anxiety, χ²(1) = 1.93, p = 0.165.

    Relationship with Other Mental Health Scales

    A significant association was found between insomnia and PTSD symptoms. The correlation between ISI and IES-R scores was strong (Spearman’s rho = 0.57, p < 0.001). Cross-tabulation showed that 65.9% of participants with probable insomnia (ISI > 14) met the PTSD threshold (IES-R ≥ 33), compared to 21.8% of those without insomnia (χ² = 29.48, p < 0.001), indicating a strong association between the two (see Table 4).

    Table 4 Chi-Square Test Results: Associations Between Insomnia and Sociodemographic Factors, Proximity, Exposure, and Mental Health Outcomes

    In addition, participants with higher scores for depression and anxiety on the PHQ-4 demonstrated significantly higher insomnia scores, as shown by the Mann–Whitney U-test (Anxiety: U = 2591.5, p < 0.001; Depression: U = 1986.5, p < 0.001; results not shown in a table).

    Multivariate Analysis

    Prior to conducting multivariate analysis, chi-square tests further demonstrated significant associations between direct exposure to the explosion and adverse mental health outcomes, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety (Table 5). The logistic regression analysis, taking the presence/absence of insomnia (ISI score >14 and <14, respectively) as the dependent variable, and adjusting for age, sex, nicotine use, caffeine use, alcohol use, substance use, psychiatric history, sleep disorder history, and hypnotic (sleep aid) usage, confirmed the association between proximity to the explosion and insomnia (OR = 2.17, p =0.025, 95% CI: 1.10–4.27), indicating that those closer to the explosion were more than twice as likely to report clinical insomnia. The analysis also revealed that females were more than twice as likely to experience insomnia than males (OR = 2.40, p =0.035, 95% CI: 1.06–5.42).

    Table 5 Chi-Square Test Results: Associations Between Direct Exposure and Mental Health Outcomes

    The logistic regression model confirmed significant predictors of insomnia, including proximity to the explosion (OR = 2.17), female gender (OR = 2.40), and hypnotic usage (OR = 3.19) (Table 6). Other variables did not show significant associations.

    Table 6 Logistic Regression Analysis of Factors Associated with Insomnia Symptoms

    PTSD

    Approximately 31% of participants had an IES-R score of 33 or higher, indicating probable PTSD. A chi-square test revealed no significant association between proximity to the explosion and the proportion of individuals crossing the PTSD threshold on the IES-R scale 4 years following the explosion (p = 0.717): Specifically, 29.5% of individuals within 6 km of the explosion exceeded the PTSD threshold, compared to 31.9% of those more than 6 km away (results not shown in a table).

    Direct exposure to the Beirut explosion was significantly associated with PTSD (χ²= 4.33, p=0.037), with 39.7% of affected individuals reporting PTSD compared to 25.6% of those not directly affected (see Table 5).

    Depression and Anxiety

    The presence of possible depression and anxiety was analyzed using the PHQ-4 questionnaire.

    No significant association was found between proximity to the explosion and long-term depression or anxiety symptomatology. The chi-square test also showed no significant difference based on proximity for either depression (p = 0.359) or anxiety (p = 0.537) (results not shown in a table).

    No significant association was found between direct exposure and the persistence of depressive symptoms (χ²=.00, p = 0.984) or anxiety symptoms (χ²= 1.93, p = 0.165) 4 years after the explosion, with 33.8% and 48.8% of affected participants reporting these symptoms, respectively, compared to 33.9% and 38.8% among those not directly affected (see Table 5).

    Substance Use

    The relationship between proximity to the explosion and substance use (nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs) was explored. A significant association was found for alcohol (p = 0.017) and recreational drugs (p = 0.03), with individuals closer to the explosion more likely to report increased use following the explosion. No significant associations were observed for nicotine (p > 0.05) or caffeine (p > 0.05).

    Discussion

    This study examines the long-term impact of the Beirut port explosion on mental health, focusing on sleep disturbances, which emerged as the most persistent outcome four years later. When using a cutoff score of 8 on the ISI, which includes mild (subclinical) cases of insomnia, we found the overall prevalence of insomnia to be 62.1% in our sample. This was notably higher than the 47.1% prevalence reported by Karaki et al (2017),12 and the 44.5% reported by Chami et al (2019).11 Several methodological differences, including the use of different insomnia measures and criteria, may account for these discrepancies.

    Beyond methodological differences, the context of our study offers an additional explanation for the higher prevalence of insomnia. Both Karaki et al (2017) and Chami et al (2019) examined insomnia in general populations prior to significant societal stressors. Chami et al collected data between March and May 2014, and Karaki et al between August 2017 and April 2018, both before the onset of Lebanon’s economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut explosion, which may all have partly contributed to the increase in the rates of insomnia observed in our sample. To account for these confounding factors and better isolate the potential impact of the Beirut blast, we introduced an additional level of analysis by examining differences in insomnia rates between individuals residing within the blast radius and those outside of it.

    The overall prevalence of insomnia using cutoff on ISI of 8 (subclinical insomnia) was higher among individuals located less than 6 km from the explosion, however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. When applying the stricter insomnia cutoff score of 14 on the ISI (clinically significant insomnia), which we used for the remainder of this study, we observed a significant difference between the two groups. Among individuals located less than 6 km from the explosion the prevalence of clinically significant insomnia was 28.8% as compared to 16.8% among those situated farther away (p = 0.024). The significant difference indicates that, although the overall prevalence of insomnia symptoms was elevated in both populations, the traumatic psychological impact of living in closer proximity to the explosion may be more pronounced. These findings of persistent insomnia are consistent with findings on the aftermath of major disasters, including the the September 11th attacks,28 the Chernobyl disaster,29 and the Great East Japan Earthquake,30 all of which documented prolonged insomnia among survivors. The observed odds ratio of 2.17, adjusted for confounders, indicates that individuals within the explosion radius are more than twice as likely to experience long-term, clinically significant insomnia.

    While the study found a high prevalence of self-reported past or present psychiatric diagnoses, adjusting for this variable in the logistic regression analysis did not reveal any significant influence on the outcomes, particularly insomnia. This suggests that, in our sample, psychiatric history did not substantially contribute to the outcomes in the context of proximity to the explosion.

    Direct effects of the explosion, such as personal injury, loss of loved ones, and property damage, were strongly linked to higher insomnia rates, consistent with a previous study.3,31

    Female participants were found to be twice as likely to experience insomnia compared to males (OR= 2.40, p =0.035). This is consistent with previous findings that women are disproportionately affected by sleep disturbances following traumatic events. The additional stressors associated with family obligations, work and gender role expectations most likely contribute significantly to the findings in women.32–35

    It is notable that twice as many females completed the survey than males. This gender disparity in our sample may have influenced our findings, particularly the elevated prevalence of insomnia. Prior research suggests that women are more likely to participate in health-related and online surveys,36 which could result in sampling bias and overrepresentation of female-specific experiences.

    Age was not a significant predictor of insomnia within this sample (p = 0.691), which is consistent with existing literature.37 However, it is important to note that the age distribution in our sample might not have fully captured the diversity necessary to test this association effectively. Given the sampling method and the mean and SD for age, it is possible that older adults were under-represented, limiting our ability to observe a potential age-related effect. Regardless of age, the type of trauma that one experiences has been identified as an independent predictor of insomnia.31

    Insomnia is the most common symptom in individuals with PTSD, affecting 80–90% of patients.38 Our findings show that those directly affected by personal injury, loss of loved ones, or property damage had significantly higher levels of insomnia and PTSD. Our analysis found no significant relationship between distance from the explosion and PTSD symptoms, in contrast to short term findings.17 PTSD was more prevalent among those closest to the blast initially, but over time, the psychological impact may have spread, evolving into a national trauma affecting individuals regardless of proximity, as seen in other large-scale disasters.39

    The increased PTSD and insomnia in individuals affected by the explosion may be attributed to the severity of the disaster, ongoing stressors, media coverage, inadequate government response, and lack of closure due to stalled investigations.

    No significant association was found between proximity to the Beirut explosion and depression or anxiety four years later, in contrast to short-term studies,16,17,40 suggesting that mood outcomes may spread or normalize over time as individuals adapt.

    These findings suggest that insomnia symptoms may follow different recovery paths compared to PTSD, depression and anxiety, which may improve or normalize over time. Insomnia may persist longer than other mental health symptoms following trauma due to its strong neurobiological roots. Neurobiological models of trauma-induced insomnia describe how trauma triggers sustained hyperarousal, driven by increased activity in stress-related neural circuits, that maintains insomnia independently of PTSD’s core symptoms.1 Disruptions in REM sleep, including frequent micro-arousals and fragmented REM, impair emotional memory consolidation and extinction processes, making it harder to “downregulate” trauma responses during sleep.41,42

    Targeting sleep disturbances in PTSD not only alleviates insomnia but also provides broader relief of PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of differentiated post-disaster mental health interventions that combine targeted sleep support with comprehensive psychological care tailored to symptom-specific trajectories.43

    Recent neuroimaging studies further elucidate the neural underpinnings of sleep disturbances in relation to mood disorders. Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) show distinct brain changes linked to sleep that predict treatment outcomes. Low sleep efficiency is tied to impaired white matter integrity and disrupted brain synchronization.44 REM sleep disturbances correlate with reduced interhemispheric connectivity, greater anxiety severity, and changes that track with symptom improvement over time.45 Similarly, baseline REM percentage predicts recovery through its effects on brain activity and blood flow.46 Resting-state activity in parietal and frontal regions also forecasts symptom improvement, with sleep efficiency mediating these effects.47 Overall, disrupted sleep, especially REM, emerges as a neural marker of disease course in MDD.

    The cultural context in Lebanon may also influence the prioritization of sleep and somatic complaints over psychological issues. The mental health stigma that is prevalent in Lebanon often deters individuals from seeking help, leading them to focus on somatic symptoms.48 In contrast, sleep issues may be perceived as less stigmatizing, prompting individuals to report these symptoms more readily. Alternatively, the lower depression and anxiety in our cohort may reflect the population’s resilience, supported by strong familial bonds and social networks, influenced by cultural factors in Lebanon during crises.

    Emerging evidence indicates that insomnia is a powerful independent risk factor for suicidal ideation and behavior, even in populations beyond depression, such as individuals with first-episode psychosis.49 This further highlights the urgent need for integrating sleep-focused interventions into post-disaster care not only to address insomnia itself but also to mitigate downstream risks to life.

    Finally, our analysis showed that participants closer to the explosion reported a higher increase in recreational substance use (p = 0.03), and alcohol consumption (p = 0.017) compared to those living further away. This suggests that the traumatic event may have led to maladaptive coping strategies, such as increased substance use. Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to traumatic events is often associated with increased substance use.50 The absence of increased caffeine and nicotine use suggests that not all substances are equally prone to misuse following trauma, noting that smoking (cigarettes/waterpipe) and caffeine use are already highly prevalent in Lebanon.51 Incorporating substance use prevention and treatment into post-disaster mental health services is crucial.

    In Lebanon’s low-resource setting, developing integrated, culturally sensitive interventions that address both sleep disturbances and substance use will be crucial for supporting long-term recovery and resilience in affected communities.

    Limitations

    The reliance on self-reported measures without clinical evaluations may introduce response bias, as some participants could overreport or underreport symptoms due to stigma in Lebanese culture. Additionally, the sample may not fully represent the broader Lebanese population, as those most severely affected may have been less likely to participate. Recruitment through social media platforms may have introduced selection bias, favoring younger, more educated, and tech-savvy participants. This could limit the generalizability of findings to older adults or less digitally connected populations, potentially underrepresenting groups with different exposure or symptom profiles. Furthermore, the overrepresentation of females in the sample could affect the findings and their applicability to the general population, despite adjustments for gender in the analyses. Lastly, although data collection occurred approximately 3 to 4 years after the Beirut explosion, this timeframe may not fully capture the long-term trajectory of psychological effects, which could evolve beyond this window.

    Conclusion

    The Beirut explosion had lasting mental health effects, with insomnia notably higher among those closer to the blast. Nearly 30% of participants within 6 km reported clinically significant insomnia, often linked to direct exposure. While PTSD symptoms were elevated, depression and anxiety showed no long-term association with proximity. Increased substance use near the site raises important public health concerns.

    These findings emphasize the need for early sleep health screening in post-disaster settings, as sleep complaints may serve as a culturally acceptable entry point for mental health interventions in Lebanon. Policymakers should prioritize integrating long-term psychological support, with a focus on sleep disturbances, into disaster response, especially in resource-limited regions. Beyond their immediate burden, chronic sleep disturbances have broader consequences for mental health, including increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Incorporating evidence-based sleep interventions into post-disaster care is therefore not only critical for reducing insomnia itself, but also for mitigating downstream psychiatric morbidity and suicide risk.

    Declaration of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Writing Process

    During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used QuillBot in order to paraphrase some sentences to enhance the clarity and style of language. After using this tool, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the published article.

    Research Data for This Article

    Due to the sensitive nature of the data collected, including participants’ location during the Beirut explosion and other personal details, raw data cannot be shared. Participants were assured of confidentiality, and their data will remain confidential.

    Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate

    This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the American University of Beirut (IRB ID: SBS-2021-0218), in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants prior to study commencement. No patient identifiable features are included in this paper.

    Consent to Publish

    Participants provided informed consent to participate in the study, which included acknowledgment that the results would be published in a peer-reviewed journal. No identifiable personal data is included in this paper.

    Funding

    This study was funded by a grant from the Faculty of Medicine at the American University of Beirut.

    Disclosure

    The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

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  • Enhancing Cholera Detection and Surveillance in Africa – Africa CDC

    Enhancing Cholera Detection and Surveillance in Africa – Africa CDC

    Background

    Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 73,806 cholera cases and 490 deaths (CFR: 0.66%) have been reported across 22 African Union Member States. In comparison, 2024 saw 169,801 cases and 3,056 deaths, with a fatality rate of 1.8%. Over recent years, several African Union Member States have faced severe and protracted cholera outbreaks, underscoring the vulnerability to the disease. To address this, multifaceted strategies have been recommended for the control and elimination of cholera. These strategies include enhanced surveillance, improved access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, social mobilization, effective case management, and the use of oral cholera vaccines. In response to these challenges, Member States and governments have called for strengthened preparedness, increased financing, climate-resilient programs, and strategies to enhance surveillance for early detection, all aimed at control and elimination of cholera in Africa.

    The Global Task Force on Cholera Control developed a Roadmap aimed at reducing cholera deaths by 90% and eliminating cholera in at least 20 countries by 2030. This will be achieved through: i) enhanced surveillance, early detection, and rapid response to contain outbreaks; ii) targeted, multi-sectoral interventions in ‘hot spot’ areas, focusing on improving WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and deploying oral cholera vaccines (OCV); and iii) effective coordination for technical support, advocacy, resource mobilization, and fostering partnership at local and global levels.

    Since 2023, Africa CDC, through the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), has collaborated with seven highly affected Member States—Nigeria, Cameroon, DRC, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique—as well as the African Public Health Foundation; researchers from John Hopkins University and Harvard Medical School; and Gates Foundation. Together, we established the Cholera Genomic Consortium in Africa (CholGEN), aimed at building local capacity and piloting the use of advanced tools such as genomic sequencing to provide crucial insights into the spread and evolution of cholera across the continent. As a major achievement, the initiative successfully provided genomic evidence of co-circulating lineages, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and cross-border transmission of cholera, offering critical data to inform regional public health interventions.

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