News & Reports

An Israeli yacht went missing in rough seas near Cyprus during Storm Byron, triggering a large search across the surrounding Mediterranean waters as the region experiences severe weather with high waves, heavy rain and strong winds. An orange marine alert is in place for swimmers and maritime traffic, with wave heights forecast to reach around 1.8 meters and hazardous conditions expected to persist over the next day, sharply increasing risks for small boats, private charters, ferry routes and anyone close to exposed piers and rocky coastlines.   Advice: - Avoid all non-essential sailing, yachting and small boat trips between Israel, Cyprus and nearby Greek ports while rough sea alerts remain in effect. - Stay away from breakwaters, piers, rocks and open sea swimming areas affected by Storm Byron. - Reconfirm ferry, cruise and island transfer bookings and be prepared for delays, rerouting or cancellations due to dangerous seas. - If you are already at sea, return to a safe harbor as soon as conditions allow and remain in port until forecasts show clear improvement. - Build extra flexibility into itineraries involving crossings between Israel, Cyprus and Greece, and monitor marine weather updates frequently before travel.  

Greek farmers intensified protests across the country, which affected the prefectures of Fthiotida, Viotia (Boeotia), Phthiotis (Domokos area), Thessaly, Karditsa, Thessaloniki, Evros (Kipi border crossing), Serres (Promachonas border crossing) in Greece, and Heraklion, Chania in Crete. Thousands of tractors are blocking major junctions, highways, and border crossings. Key routes affected include the Athens-Thessaloniki highway (A1 motorway) and the Igoumenitsa-Turkey highway (A2 motorway). In Crete, farmers stormed Heraklion Airport, throwing stones at police and causing flight disruptions. The protestors are planning to continue the disruptions for the next three days.   Advice:

• Adjust your travel plans and check flight status to prevent delays due to road closures, blocked crossings, and traffic caused by the protestors.
• If already in the affected areas, at the airport, or driving, make sure to carry enough food, water, medication, power banks, and documents in case of extended stoppages or delays.
• Do not engage with demonstrators, and remain aware of your surroundings.
• Monitor local police and traffic updates for route changes.

 

Police and military forces are deployed nationwide as authorities move to prevent protests planned for today, Tanzania’s Independence Day. The government has declared any demonstration today a coup attempt and ordered citizens to stay home. Security deployments are heaviest in Dar es Salaam, including checkpoints and roadblocks, but also in other major cities such as Dodoma, Arusha, and others.   Advice:

• Exercise extreme caution and limit movement anywhere in Tanzania and remain indoors.
• Avoid all government buildings, military facilities, and political gathering points.
• Adjust your travel plans and check flight status to prevent delays due to police and military executing road closures, blocked crossings, and checkpoints.
• Monitor local and international updates, as the situation may change quickly.

 

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck offshore on Monday, December 8th, and an immediate tsunami warning was issued in the prefectures of Aomori, Iwate, Hokkaido, Niigata, Ishikawa, Toyama, and Yamagata. Residents of coastal areas were urged to evacuate to higher ground, trains and public transportation were suspended, coastal roads were closed, and emergency services were placed on high alert as aftershocks continued. As for today, tsunami warnings were officially lifted, but authorities have issued an earthquake warning valid for the next 7 days, due to aftershocks or further quake activity.   Advice:

• In case of an active earthquake, immediately evacuate to higher and open ground far from beaches, ports, and low-lying coastal roads until authorities declare the area safe.
•  If in coastal areas, treat sudden sea withdrawal, unusually strong roaring from the ocean, or rapidly rising water as tsunami signs and leave the area immediately.
• Be prepared and confirm local evacuation routes, shelters, and keep a small go-bag including food, water, medication, flashlight, power banks, and documents.
• Expect transport disruptions, including flight cancellations, rail suspensions, and road closures.
• Monitor official updates and information from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA): https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/menu.html

 

Violent clashes have erupted between students of Dhaka College and Ideal College, despite a peace agreement signed less than a month ago. The confrontation is taking place in the New Market area, leaving several students injured. The police are involved and calming the tensions, but the situation remains unstable, and further incidents are possible in the coming days.   Advice:

• Avoid the New Market area until the end of the day.
• Expect local traffic disruption and police presence in the area.
• Follow police instructions and remain aware of your surroundings.
• Do not engage with demonstrators or approach dense protest areas, and avoid large gatherings.

 

M23 rebels have intensified their offensive in South Kivu, capturing the city of Luvungi and nearby villages. Fighting continues along the Uvira–Burundi border, triggering large-scale displacement. Civilians are fleeing toward Uvira and remote rural areas as shelling and road blockages increase. Despite a recent peace agreement, there is no sign of de-escalation, and instability is expected to continue in the coming days.   Advice:

• Avoid all travel to South Kivu Province.
• If in the region, prepare for evacuation, and ensure you have documents, cash, food, water, medications, etc.
• Adjust your travel plans due to road closures, blocked crossings, checkpoints, and ongoing military presence.
• Monitor local and international updates, as the situation may change quickly.

 

Severe weather is now causing major arrival restrictions at London Heathrow Airport. Flights face significant disruptions and lengthy delays. Expect schedules to shift suddenly, with widespread impact throughout the day.   Advice:

• Allow extra time to reach Heathrow, especially if traveling by public transport, to prevent unnecessary delays.
• Verify your flight status; flight times might shift quickly.
• Prepare for extended waiting times at the airport and carry enough water, food, and backup battery chargers.

 

Storm Bram is affecting large parts of the UK, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and localized flood risk. Gusts are expected to reach 80 -100 km/h, with higher speeds in coastal and exposed areas. Heavy and persistent rainfall on already saturated ground increases the risk of surface flooding, river flooding, and travel disruption. Transport disruptions, including rail delays, road closures, and flight disruptions, are expected. *Advice* : * Expect transport disruptions, including delays on roads, rail services, and possible flight cancellations. * Avoid coastal areas, open terrain, and flood-prone locations, especially during peak wind conditions. * Secure loose objects outdoors and stay clear of trees, scaffolding, and unstable structures. * Monitor updates from the UK Met Office and local authorities, and follow all safety instructions. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/