News & Reports

A rapidly strengthening winter storm is expected to impact large areas of the Southeastern United States from late Friday into Saturday. The system is forecast to intensify quickly offshore, producing heavy snowfall, blizzard-like conditions, and strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching hurricane force in exposed areas. Snow accumulations of 5-10 inches are possible across parts of North Carolina and Southern Virginia. Widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and infrastructure impacts are likely.

Singapore Airlines and aviation authorities warn of possible flight disruptions from January 30 to February 8 due to temporary airspace restrictions during the Singapore Airshow, Asia’s premier aerospace event. The airspace closure and associated schedule changes may result in flight cancellations, rescheduling, and delays for a range of Singapore Airlines services to/from destinations in Southeast Asia, such as cities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and more, with some changes already published. Travelers are being contacted directly about itinerary adjustments and should stay updated on flight statuses as changes continue.

Some airlines are adjusting Tel Aviv schedules due to regional airspace risk and security concerns. Lufthansa Group is continuing daytime only operations on Tel Aviv routes through February 3, with some night flights shifted to daytime where possible. KLM has also paused Tel Aviv services again, which can tighten seat availability on remaining carriers and increase disruption for connections via European hubs.

 

Advice:
– Check flight status directly with your airline before leaving for the airport and expect last minute cancellations or schedule changes.
– If your flight is cancelled, rebook as early as possible, daytime capacity can sell out quickly.
– Allow extra time for connections through European hubs, reroutes and missed links are more likely during network disruption.
– Keep essentials in your carry on for long waits: medications, chargers, snacks, water, and key documents.
– If your trip is flexible, consider postponing until schedules stabilise, disruption patterns can change quickly.

 

Passenger flights between Addis Ababa and cities in Tigray have been cancelled, affecting air access to the region, including Mekelle. Travelers should expect last minute schedule changes, limited rebooking options, and delays that can ripple into onward connections. Reports also indicate reduced access to cash in Mekelle, with some ATMs not working and shortages at bank branches, which can complicate payments for transport and accommodation.

 

Advice:
– Avoid non essential travel to Tigray until flight operations resume and the security situation stabilises.
– If you are booked on routes to or from Mekelle, check directly with your airline before heading to the airport and be ready to reroute via alternative destinations.
– Do not rely on ATMs or card payments in affected areas, carry extra cash and keep some funds in a separate secure place.
– Avoid overland travel into Tigray during heightened tensions, road conditions and checkpoint access can change quickly.
– Keep a power bank charged and download offline maps and key contacts in case mobile service becomes unreliable.

Severe flooding impacts are ongoing across parts of southern Mozambique, leaving some communities cut off and disrupting normal travel routes. Expect road closures and slow travel due to submerged roads, debris, and damaged infrastructure, with limited alternative routes in some areas. Access to safe drinking water remains strained in affected towns, and cholera risk is increasing where sanitation and clean water supplies are disrupted. Some local services have been suspended, including school closures in heavily affected areas, and travelers may face limited availability of accommodation, transport, and medical services outside major hubs.

 

Advice:
– Avoid non essential travel to flood affected parts of southern Mozambique, especially Gaza Province, until routes stabilise.
– Recheck road conditions frequently before moving, including main highways, and plan for long detours or turning back.
– Do not enter floodwater on foot or by vehicle, fast currents, hidden road damage, and wildlife hazards have been reported in flooded areas.
– Use safe water precautions: drink sealed bottled water, avoid ice of unknown origin, and brush teeth with safe water in affected areas.
– Reduce illness risk: wash hands often, eat well cooked food, and seek medical care quickly for severe diarrhoea or dehydration symptoms.
– Keep power banks charged, carry cash, and have flexible bookings, services and connectivity can be unreliable during flood recovery.

 

A severe snowstorm has led to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays in Toronto, with authorities urging residents to stay home.

An earthquake of 5.7 magnitude struck near the Indonesian island of Java, causing tremors felt in surrounding regions including Yogyakarta and Bali.

An earthquake of 5.7 magnitude struck near the Indonesian island of Java, causing tremors felt in surrounding areas including Yogyakarta and Bali.

Wildfires raging across central and southern Chile on Sunday left at least 18 people dead, scorched thousands of acres of forest and destroyed hundreds of homes, authorities said, as the South Americ… [+4042 chars]