News & Reports

African swine fever has been confirmed in wild boar near Bellaterra, with nine cases recorded. A 6 km exclusion zone is active around the detection area, with sections of Collserola closed and access controlled. EU veterinary teams are assessing the situation, and food-product rules are tighter because the virus can persist in processed meat. The disease does not affect humans, but park access and some rural movements are being managed to limit the spread.   Advice: - Stay out of closed areas in Collserola and any marked exclusion zones, and follow posted detours at park entrances. - Do not carry pork or cold meats on trails, and do not leave food waste in the countryside. - Check trail and park access before visiting the hills above Barcelona, and switch to urban parks if closures persist. - Expect occasional patrols and brief checks on roads near park entry points, and allow extra time when driving.  

Vietnam is among the hardest hit in the region, with weeks of heavy rain and some locations surpassing 1,000 mm of rain, causing recurring urban waterlogging, road closures, and slower rail and air operations. Rains are persisting as bands continue over the area, so expect intermittent power and patchy connectivity, plus short-notice changes to intercity transport.   Advice: - Defer non-essential trips in flooded districts, and rebook intercity plans if your route crosses low-lying corridors. - Avoid underpasses and coastal roads during downpours, and favor main arterials and elevated routes. - Reconfirm flights, rail, and buses on the day, and allow extra time for check-in and security.  

The remnants of Cyclone Ditwah continue to bring stormy weather to the south of the country and mainly in Tamil Nadu. Very heavy rains are expected with the possibility of flooding, traffic disruptions and flight disruptions. Advice: - Avoid driving or walking on slippery or flooded roads and stay away from low-lying areas or flowing tunnels. - Severe transport disruptions are expected. Plan your trips in advance and allow extra time for your journey. - Flight disruptions and delays are possible, especially in Chennai. If you are planning to fly, check your flight status with your airline and pay attention to any announcements regarding changes to your flight - Stay updated on weather apps and local news

A powerful winter storm is hitting New Jersey and New York and is expected to last for about 3 days. The storm is bringing heavy rain and snow. Due to the formation of ice, there is a high risk of slippery and dangerous roads, significant disruptions to transportation, flight delays and cancellations, and power outages. As a result of the storm, flight delays and cancellations are expected at JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia airports over the next few days. Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel and avoid driving or walking on slippery or icy roads. - If you must travel, expect significant traffic delays and disruptions in the wake of the storm. Be prepared for this in advance and allow extra time for your trip. - There may be power outages. Charge electrical devices in advance and make sure you have alternative heating means. - If you have a flight scheduled in the coming days, check your flight status with the airline and pay attention to any notifications about delays or cancellations of your flight. - Stay updated with weather apps and local news.

The Spanish Doctors' Association has announced a nationwide strike by public doctors in protest of working conditions. The strike is expected to be one of the largest in recent years and will take place from December 9 to 12. The strike is expected to affect health centers and public hospitals, causing a reduction in non-urgent services, disruptions, and long waiting times. Emergency services are expected to operate at a minimal capacity. Advice: - Expect delays and disruptions in public health services. - Contact private health services for non-urgent needs. - If you are taking regular medications, stock up in advance with enough to avoid delays in receiving a prescription. - Hospitals will continue to operate in emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, go to the hospital immediately, but be prepared for longer than usual response times.

Reports describe increased antisemitic incidents around Jewish sites and campuses, with visible security at synagogues and schools. Protest activity is causing periodic road closures and diversions in central areas. Bag checks and screenings are more common at community venues, and some events are shifting times or locations on short notice. Travelers should plan for extra time near campuses, civic squares, and major transport hubs.   Advice: - Avoid large demonstrations and nearby streets, and reroute around protest hubs and campus gates. - Use public transport instead of driving in central districts, and allow extra time for diversions and station crowding. - When visiting synagogues, museums, or community centers, bring photo ID, expect screening, and confirm opening times on the day. - Be discreet with photos and visible symbols near sensitive sites, and stay aware of your surroundings after dark. - Keep plans flexible, monitor local news and transit alerts, and adjust routes if conditions change.  

Cyclone Ditwah has stalled near the region, keeping rain bands parked over Tamil Nadu. Long-duration downpours are causing urban waterlogging, repeated flooding on low-lying roads and underpasses, slower highways, and delays to buses and trains. Short power interruptions and patchy mobile data are possible. Airport operations in Chennai may slow during heavier bursts, with schedule changes likely as new rain bands arrive.   Advice: - Defer non-essential trips within Chennai and rain-hit districts, rebook intercity travel if your route crosses flood-prone stretches. - Avoid underpasses, seafronts, and known waterlogging spots, use elevated routes and main arterials. - Keep phones and power banks charged, carry water, snacks, essential medicines, and some cash. - Reconfirm flight, rail, and bus timings before leaving, allow extra time for check-in and security. - Choose accommodation on higher floors, confirm backup power and reliable drainage before booking.  

A strong winter storm is moving through the region. Interior zones from the Poconos to eastern Maine are set for 5 to 10 inches with more on higher terrain. Coastal cities see more rain than snow, warnings and advisories cover Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, and some Pennsylvania interstates plan vehicle restrictions. Improvement follows after Tuesday night into Wednesday.   Advice: - Defer non-essential trips in interior areas, choose coastal or southern routes if travel is unavoidable. - Reconfirm flights and rail before leaving, expect rolling delays and cancellations. - If driving, slow down, avoid night travel on mountain corridors, carry warm layers and a power bank. - Check road and transit apps for live updates, adjust plans as conditions change.  

On December 2, 2025, Cuba is experiencing widespread power outages due to an energy deficit exceeding 2,000 MW. This situation is affecting daily life and could disrupt travel plans for visitors. Travelers should be aware of potential challenges in accessing services and transportation.

Political tensions between China and Japan have led to the cancellation of approximately 1,900 flights in December 2025, affecting over 40% of scheduled flights between the two countries. Travelers should anticipate significant disruptions and potential delays in travel plans.