News & Reports

Large street protests are continuing in Bucharest and across multiple cities including Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, Sibiu, Brașov, Ploiești, Suceava, Galați, Oradea, Constanța, and Pitești, with gatherings concentrated around central squares and key judicial buildings. Travelers should expect heavy traffic, short-notice road closures, access restrictions around protest hubs, and delays for taxis, rideshares, and some public transport routes in affected city centers, especially in the evening.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel through central protest areas and choose alternate routes to hotels, stations, and airports. - Allow extra time for getting around, and expect taxi and rideshare pickup points to shift or be temporarily unavailable near crowd areas. - If you encounter a protest, keep moving, stay on well-lit main streets, and avoid bottlenecks near barriers and building entrances. - Keep your phone charged, carry ID, and confirm meeting points with your group in case of mobile network congestion. - Monitor local transport updates and adjust plans quickly if your route crosses a city center.  

Cold conditions are continuing with accumulating snowfall at higher elevations and periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms across multiple provinces, increasing the risk of hazardous driving conditions on mountain roads, reduced visibility, localized flooding, and last-minute transport delays or reroutes for intercity travel and outdoor excursions.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel on mountain routes and passes in affected areas, and postpone high elevation excursions if conditions deteriorate. - If driving, expect slippery roads and sudden closures; carry warm layers, water, a charged phone, and check road status before departure. - Stay away from riverbeds, wadis, and low-lying flood-prone areas during and after heavy downpours. - Build extra time into itineraries for road delays, detours, and slower travel speeds, especially on rural routes. - Reconfirm transport plans before travel, including buses, tours, and domestic connections, and keep a backup overnight option.  

A sharp rise in seasonal influenza activity is underway in the UK, with A(H3N2) the dominant subtype in recent surveillance and widespread circulation expected to continue. NHS England data shows flu-related hospital bed use has jumped significantly over a single week, increasing pressure on emergency departments and ambulance services, which can translate into longer waits for non-urgent care, tighter visiting rules at some facilities, and reduced flexibility for travelers who become unwell while in the country.   Advice: - Consider postponing non-essential visits if you are at higher risk of severe flu, especially older adults, pregnant travelers, and those with chronic health conditions. - Build buffer time into itineraries, and have a plan for care if you get sick, including travel insurance that covers medical treatment and trip changes. - Reduce exposure in crowded indoor settings by improving ventilation where possible, practicing hand hygiene, and masking in high-density spaces if you want extra protection. - If you rely on prescriptions, bring enough for the full trip plus extra days, and keep key medicines in carry-on luggage. - If you feel unwell, limit close contact and avoid traveling on public transport when possible.  

Extreme rainfall has pushed rivers to record or near record levels, triggering widespread flooding across parts of western Washington and creating fast-changing conditions for travelers. Low-lying areas have seen evacuations, and visitors should expect flooded roads, bridge and route closures, landslide risk on key corridors, and interruptions to rail and cross-border travel in the north, with detours limited in some river valley areas.   Advice: - Avoid all non-essential travel to flood-affected areas in Skagit County and Whatcom County and defer trips until conditions improve. - Do not drive through standing or moving water; turn around and use higher elevation routes. - Expect sudden road closures and long delays; check live road conditions before departing and build extra time into plans. - If traveling toward the US-Canada border or using rail between Seattle and Vancouver, reconfirm routing and service status before departure and have a backup plan. - Keep essentials ready in case you are delayed or stranded: a charged phone, power bank, cash, warm layers, water, and critical medicines.  

A nationwide strike in Portugal, called by major transport unions to protest proposed labor reforms, is causing severe disruption to air and urban travel today, particularly at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), where reduced staffing has led to numerous flight cancellations and delays across major carriers, while urban transport (metro, tram, bus) is also operating on a limited schedule, forcing travelers to anticipate long queues, luggage delays, and plan carefully for alternative transportation. Advice: - Monitor your flight status closely by checking your airline’s official website and Lisbon Airport updates before leaving for the airport, as schedules may change with little notice. - Be aware of your passenger rights: in the event of a cancellation, contact your airline immediately to ask about rebooking options or refund eligibility. - Plan your journey to the airport carefully, as public transportation may be limited. Allow extra travel time and consider taxis or rideshare services as more reliable alternatives. - Arrive well ahead of your scheduled departure, since possible staff shortages could lead to congestion at check-in and security screening.  

A strike by members of the socialist public service union ACOD is causing major disruption to bus and tram services operated by the Brussels public transport company MIVB. Picket lines have halted most operations, leaving only a limited number of bus and tram routes running on a reduced timetable. The Metro is operating normally. Advice: - Check MIVB's Website for the latest, real-time updates on which services are running before travelling. - Use the Metro as services are currently unaffected and are the most reliable option. - Allow Extra Travel Time, Expect significant delays and overcrowding on the limited running services. - Use alternative transport such as bicycles, shared scooters, or walking for shorter distances.  

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck offshore about 130 kilometers east of Kuji in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture on Friday, prompting the warning of possible tsunami waves up to 1 meter along the northern Pacific coast. Two small tsunami waves, around 20 centimeters high, were recorded in Erimo (Hokkaido) and Aomori, but no significant damage or nuclear facility abnormalities have been reported. This quake follows a stronger magnitude 7.5 event earlier in the week, and an advisory was issued, noting an elevated risk of another strong earthquake in the Sanriku-Hokkaido area for at least the next several days, through mid-December. Advice: - Stay away from coastal areas, ports, and river mouths in affected prefectures. - If you feel strong or prolonged shaking, evacuate immediately to higher ground. - Watch for tsunami signs: sudden sea withdrawal, unusual ocean noise, rapid water rise. - Prepare essentials: water, flashlight, charged phone, power bank, and documents. - Follow instructions from local authorities and monitor JMA updates closely.  

Significant disruptions have been reported at Gombe Airport, where widespread flight cancellations have triggered disorder among stranded passengers. Crowds have formed inside the terminal as airlines struggle to manage delays and capacity issues, leading to heightened tension and long waiting times. Authorities warn that knock-on delays may continue throughout the day.   Advice:

• Arrive early and prepare for long waits; carry water, snacks, and power banks.
• Confirm flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport.
• Follow airport staff instructions and monitor official announcements for updates.

 

Heavy rainfall caused landslides and flooding in areas experiencing intense monsoon rainfall. Saturated soils in upland regions are increasing the likelihood of slope failures, while rising river levels may cause flash floods and road closures. Local authorities may issue sudden evacuation orders as conditions change. Authorities expect this situation to persist for the next 72 hours.   Advice:

• Avoid travel through low-lying and mountainous areas, and riversides due to the risk of flash floods and landslides.
• Do not cross flooded roads or bridges; water depth and current strength can change quickly.
• Choose indoor activities and keep phones fully charged; carry water, food, medication, power banks, and documents in case of isolation.

 

Severe winds impact São Paulo, toppling trees and power lines and leaving large areas without electricity. The outages have also affected water pumping stations, and flight disruptions continue at both Congonhas and Guarulhos airports. Authorities warn that restoration is ongoing and that service instability will likely continue throughout the day and on December 13.   Advice:

• Expect continued blackouts; keep phones fully charged and store extra water, non-perishable food, basic medications, a flashlight, and power banks.
• If outside, be mindful of downed power lines and be aware of your surroundings.
• Adjust your travel plans and check flight status to prevent delays.