News & Reports

A post-Thanksgiving storm is sweeping the northern U.S., with Winter Storm Warnings from Montana to New York, impacting over 40 million people. Heavy snow (15-30 cm), strong winds, and freezing rain are creating dangerous travel conditions through the weekend. Major highways and airports, including Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis, are reporting delays and hazardous road conditions. Lake-effect snow and sub-freezing temperatures continue through Sunday, especially around the Great Lakes and upstate New York. Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel, especially during periods of heavy snow, strong winds, or poor visibility. If travel is required, check local conditions and road closures before departing. - Keep emergency supplies in vehicles (blanket, food, flashlight). Keep phones and power banks fully charged in case of outages. - Expect flight delays and power outages in affected regions.  

The Sri Lankan Defence Ministry has confirmed a massive national rescue operation across 25 districts, mobilised after severe cyclone conditions impacted over 44,000 families and damaged thousands of homes. A powerful response is underway, with 20,500 Army personnel, 32 Navy teams, and six Air Force helicopters deployed, having already rescued 4,766 people despite persistent storms. Meteorological officials warn of continued peril, forecasting up to 150 mm of rain, 80 km/h winds, and a rising Kelani River that threatens Colombo with flooding potentially worse than 2016. With over 50 major reservoirs overflowing and sea waves expected to surge 2-3 meters, the national operations centre at Army Headquarters is prioritising urgent life-saving evacuations and relief distribution. Advice: - Move to higher, safer ground immediately if in a flood-prone area. - Avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges and stay away from rivers and unstable structures. - Keep essential supplies ready (food, water, medication, power banks). - Fishermen and coastal residents should avoid going to sea until weather conditions improve. - Expect road closures, power disruptions, and limited access in affected regions.  

Storm “Adel” has triggered Greece’s highest “Red Code” alert in four regions. Since early Friday, Athens and the surrounding areas have been hit by continuous heavy rain, intense thunderstorms, and frequent lightning. These conditions have caused widespread flooding, major traffic disruptions, and hazardous situations for both drivers and pedestrians. Rainfall has reached Category 4 (“very significant”), and forecasters warn of possible large hail and two separate waves of storms expected to impact Athens throughout the day. The severe weather system is now tracking eastward toward Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, and the Dodecanese islands. Civil Protection authorities and emergency services remain on high alert, coordinating rapid response efforts across multiple regions, including the Ionian Islands, Peloponnese, and Central Macedonia. Advice: - Only travel if necessary during severe weather. - Stay indoors and away from flooded or low-lying areas. - Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges. - Secure outdoor objects and stay away from trees, power lines, and unstable structures. - Monitor local transport and airline updates if travelling via Athens or nearby airports, and allow extra time for diversions or delays.  

Health authorities have confirmed 123 infections caused by a single strain of Salmonella Enteritidis, which is suspected to be linked to the consumption of imported eggs. Most cases are in London, followed by the East of England and the South East. Several businesses have been connected to the same egg distributor. Some hospitalizations have occurred, but no fatalities have been reported. Symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever (12-72 hours after exposure). Most recover in 4-7 days, though severe cases may require hospitalization. Advice: - Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs. Do not consume cracked or visibly dirty eggs. - Wash your hands thoroughly after handling eggs or poultry. - Vulnerable groups (children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals) should avoid undercooked egg products. - Seek medical attention if you experience gastrointestinal symptoms, and inform your healthcare providers of potential Salmonella exposure.  

On Sunday, November 30, Honduras will hold general elections. Given the country's political tensions and allegations of corruption and political interference in the elections, there is serious concern about disturbances and violent demonstrations on election day. Mainly in the capital, Tegucigalpa, and San Pedro Sula. As a result, there may be widespread disruptions in transportation, roadblocks, and an increased presence of security forces in the area. Advice: - On election day, avoid city centers and government institutions, mainly in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula - Avoid approaching crowded places, rallies, and gatherings of a political nature. - The dynamics of demonstrations that are expected to take place may change unexpectedly. If you find yourself in a protest that turns violent, move away from the scene immediately and avoid contact with protesters or bystanders. - There may be extensive roadblocks, resulting in disruptions to transportation in cities. Be prepared for this in advance and plan your travel times accordingly.

Following a workers' protest in Italy, a general strike is expected across the country, causing significant disruptions to the public sector and public transport. The strike will start today, November 27, at 9:00PM and will last until tomorrow, November 28, at the same time. The strike will affect trains, buses, ferries, airports, the health system, and government offices. Public transport and all services will operate as usual during specified hours: 6:00AM-9:00AM and 6:00PM-9:00PM. Flights will depart as usual between 7:00AM-10AM and 6:00PM-7:00PM. Advice: - Expect major transport disruptions nationwide. Prepare for congestion and delays in public and medical services. - Plan your trip in advance. Before each trip, check the status of your train or bus. Consider alternative modes of travel, such as a private car or taxi - If you have a flight scheduled during the strike, check your flight status with your airline and pay attention to any changes in your flight status. - Stay up to date with local news for real-time information on disruptions

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered fatal landslides and floods in the central and southern hilly regions. At least 31 people have died, many are missing, and significant damage has occurred to homes, roads, and rivers. Train services and major roads in the area have been suspended. Advice: - Avoid travelling to Sri Lanka's hilly region for the next few days. - If you are in the flood zone, stay away from flowing streams and from buildings and roads at risk of collapse. - Avoid non-essential exits and travel or walk on flooded or slippery roads - Stay in an enclosed, sheltered, stable structure that is high off the ground. Make sure you have a supply of water, food, and medicine in your network. Make sure your electronic devices are charged.

Western Greece and the Ionian Islands continue to be hit by a severe weather system. Recent days saw intense rainfall that caused flooding, landslides, collapsed roads and damage to electricity and water networks. Now the forecast also calls for possible hail, strong winds and thunderstorms, raising the danger of further damage and making travel and mobility even more risky.   Advice: * Avoid travel to the affected areas as long as the storm warning is in effect. * Stay away from flood-prone zones, unstable slopes and riverbanks. * Do not attempt to drive on flooded or slippery roads; visibility may drop, and hail can create hazardous surfaces. * Expect potential disruptions in utilities and delays in emergency services. * Follow real-time updates from local civil-protection and meteorological services until the storm passes.  

Guinea-Bissau’s military has seized control of state institutions after a night of gunfire and clashes in the capital, Bissau. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been deposed and detained along with senior officials. Borders were temporarily closed, soldiers deployed across the city, and parts of the government apparatus were suspended. The political situation remains unstable, with uncertainty ahead as the military consolidates control and international bodies call for restraint and dialogue.   Advice: * Avoid all travel to Guinea-Bissau until the situation stabilises. If already in the country, remain indoors in a secure accommodation and limit movement. * Stay away from government buildings, military sites, and any gatherings or demonstrations. * Check the status of borders, airports, and flights before attempting to depart. * Follow updates from local authorities and international news outlets for real-time developments. * Keep your phone fully charged, carry a power bank, and save offline maps in case mobile networks or the internet go down. * Prepare for movement restrictions; stock up on essentials (water, food, medications) for several days in case curfews or roadblocks prevent you from leaving your accommodation. * Establish a check-in routine: inform someone outside the country of your location and set fixed check-in times, especially if communication becomes unstable. * Keep your passport, cash, and important papers together in a readily accessible bag in case rapid relocation is necessary.  

A recent volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has released a large ash cloud into the atmosphere, prompting aviation authorities to restrict flight operations over parts of Ethiopian airspace. The ash plume poses a serious risk to aircraft engines and visibility, resulting in flight suspensions, rerouting and operational delays for carriers that normally transit the region. Air navigation services are monitoring the ash movement, but disruptions may continue until conditions stabilize and flight paths are deemed safe.   Advice: - Expect flight delays and rerouting on routes that pass over Ethiopia. - Monitor airline advisories and NOTAMs issued for affected airspace. - If traveling through Ethiopia, check updated flight schedules before heading to the airport.