News & Reports

Heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding in northeastern Italy, leading to widespread disruption and emergency operations. Firefighters have conducted multiple rescues of stranded residents, while search teams are currently looking for two missing individuals following a mudslide in the region. Rising water levels, blocked roads, and localized landslides are impacting travel and access to several communities. Authorities warn that conditions may worsen with additional rainfall expected.   Advice: - Avoid travel to flood-affected areas in northeastern Italy. - Stay away from rivers, embankments, and landslide-prone slopes. - Monitor local emergency services and regional weather updates. - Follow evacuation orders and instructions from authorities if in the affected area.  

More than 15 major routes across Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni will be closed or experience severe traffic congestion this week as South Africa hosts the G20 Summit at Nasrec. Authorities have implemented extensive security measures, including road closures, restricted zones, and rolling traffic stoppages, which are expected to cause significant delays for commuters and residents throughout the summit period.   Advice: - Avoid affected areas and plan alternative routes where possible. - Allow extra travel time for essential trips across Gauteng. - Follow traffic advisories from local authorities and live updates from Gauteng Traffic Police. - Consider using public transport or delaying non-essential travel during peak disruption hours.  

Police are investigating a shooting incident at Bogaardplein in Rijswijk on the afternoon of November 17. Officers responded around 4:00 PM, finding an injured victim who had run into the KFC for shelter after the attack; he was transported to the hospital. Authorities have cordoned off Bogaardplein and Sir Winston Churchilllaan as an active crime scene. According to police reports, the suspects fled on a bicycle, and investigators are urging witnesses to come forward. A heightened police presence and area disruptions are expected as the investigation continues.   Advice: - Avoid Bogaardplein and surrounding streets until police clear the area. - Expect traffic delays and diversions due to cordons. - Follow police instructions and stay alert for official updates via local authorities.  

A nationwide transport strike is expected to begin on Sunday, November 23, at 10:00 PM as part of the union's fight against government reform. The strike is expected to cause widespread disruption to trains, metros, trams, and buses. There may also be disruptions at airports in the Brussels region due to staff shortages following the strike. The strike is expected to last until November 26 at 10:00 PM. Advise: - Public transport is expected to be disrupted on strike days. Check your travel route in advance and consider alternative travel options such as taxis or private cars. - Public transport disruptions may cause congestion on the roads. Allow extra time for travel during the strike. - Airports may be congested and delayed during the strike. Arrive at the airport well in advance.

Warnings have been issued that a strong high-pressure system moving from central China across southern China and northern Vietnam will reach upper Thailand on Nov. 18, bringing erratic conditions: thunderstorms and gusty winds in the North and Northeast, scattered storms in the South under a strengthened northeast monsoon, and rough seas in the Gulf with waves around 2 m. Expect cool mornings widely. Bangkok and surroundings may see storms in ~30% of the area with breezy conditions. Advice: - During thunderstorms or wind gusts, remain indoors, secure outdoor items, and steer clear of open ridges or isolated tall trees. - Double-check flights and ferries; marine routes in the Gulf could experience delays or cancellations. - Keep small boats docked. Always wear life jackets and refrain from boating in stormy conditions. - In mountainous or forested regions, be alert for falling branches and potential flash landslides following heavy downpours. - In urban areas (including Bangkok), anticipate short power outages or traffic jams. Pack rain gear and build in buffer time for travel. - If flooding occurs, avoid walking, swimming, or driving through floodwaters. Even shallow moving water can be dangerous.  

Fuel tanker drivers at Turners (Soham) Limited have resumed strike action, suspending fuel deliveries from 02:45 on Monday, November 17, through 23:59 on Tuesday, November 18, with further strikes planned for November 20-21. Airlines operating at affected airports may experience refuelling shortages, potentially leading to flight schedule changes, delays, or cancellations as contingency measures are put in place. Advice: - Reconfirm flight status with your airline before departing for the airport and monitor for short-notice changes. - If traveling, allow extra time at the airport and consider traveling with carry-on only in case of rebooking. - For connections, build in more extended layovers or consider flexible routing. - Expect possible gate/stand changes as airlines manage fuel availability. - Monitor official updates from your airline and airport operators during the strike period.  

Czech health authorities have reported more than 2,300 cases of hepatitis A and 28 associated deaths so far this year, making it one of the country’s most severe outbreaks in decades. While Prague and the Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) region remain the hardest hit, cases have now emerged in mountain communities, including the popular Boží Dar ski resort near the German border. Officials warn that the virus can spread quickly in communal spaces such as lodges, restaurants, and public restrooms. As a result, the resort is urging both residents and visitors to adhere to strict hygiene protocols and remain vigilant about food and water safety. Advice: - Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using restrooms and before eating. - Use hand sanitiser in public areas and avoid touching your face without first washing your hands. - Avoid unwashed fruits or vegetables and drink only bottled or treated water. - Seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms of sickness. - Travellers are advised to verify their hepatitis A vaccination status before visiting the Czech Republic or the border regions.  

Nearly 70 schools in the ACT have temporarily closed after tests detected asbestos in certain coloured play sand products used on campuses. Cleanup teams are removing the affected materials, and schools will reopen once each site is cleared. The issue is focused on specific sand products, and inspections are underway across the region.   Advice: - If travelling with children in the ACT, check directly with schools for reopening times or alternative arrangements. - Avoid using any coloured play sand recently purchased from major retailers until confirmed safe. - Expect minor traffic delays or limited access around some school areas due to cleanup work. - If staying locally, monitor ACT government updates for completion of inspections and school reopenings.  

A strong cold spell is settling across the UK, bringing some of the lowest temperatures since early spring. Parts of Scotland dropped to around –7°C, and many regions are experiencing frost, icy surfaces and a chance of snow on higher ground. Transport services in colder areas may run slower than usual, and recently affected regions in Wales and northern England are facing added difficulty as freezing conditions slow down ongoing cleanup and make roads harder to access.   Advice: - Expect icy roads, slow traffic and possible delays on rail or bus routes; check your journey before setting out. - Wear warm layers, gloves, hats and sturdy footwear when outdoors, especially in the early morning or late evening. - If travelling in rural or hilly areas, be prepared for reduced access where snow or ice settles on minor roads. - For those staying in recently affected regions, allow extra time for local services since freezing conditions may slow repairs. - Monitor local weather and travel updates, especially if moving through northern or upland areas. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/  

Sakurajima erupted with an ash plume reaching about 4.4 km, leading to ashfall across parts of Kagoshima city and nearby coastal areas. Several flights at Kagoshima Airport were canceled as crews work to clear ash from runways, and some ferry links around Kagoshima Bay are experiencing delays. Local roads in downwind zones are coated with ash, reducing visibility and slowing traffic. Cleanup operations are underway across the region and public transport may run on adjusted schedules while infrastructure is restored.   Advice: - Reconfirm flights to and from Kagoshima Airport due to ongoing cancellations and cleanup operations. - Avoid non essential travel around Sakurajima and areas experiencing ashfall until conditions improve. - Expect slower road traffic, limited visibility, and slippery surfaces if you are driving. - Keep windows closed in accommodation and limit time outdoors in affected areas. - Monitor local transport updates for changes to ferry and bus services during cleanup.