News & Reports

Storm Claudia has passed, but flooding from swollen rivers is still affecting parts of southeast Wales. Monmouth town centre and nearby routes experienced heavy inundation, and some roads remain blocked while crews clear debris and restore utilities. Public transport is running with reduced services in certain areas, and recovery teams continue working to reopen key routes and assess damaged infrastructure.   Advice: - Avoid travel through Monmouth and nearby flood-affected areas until roads and pathways are fully cleared. - Expect some bus and rail services to run on modified schedules; check for updates before moving. - If staying locally, confirm access to accommodation and be prepared for temporary power or service limitations. - Keep distance from recently flooded zones and riverbanks since hidden hazards may remain. - Monitor local travel and weather updates for changes as cleanup continues. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/  

Large demonstrations are expected on Monday, November 17, in the city centers of Athens and Thessaloniki for the anniversary of the student uprising against the military regime. The demonstrations are expected to start in morning hours In Athens, a march will begin at the Polytechnic University and end at the US Embassy. Expect roadblocks and metro station closures downtown throughout the day. In Thessaloniki, the demonstrations are expected to take place in the area of ​​the US Consulate. Heavy traffic congestion and an increased police presence are expected in both cities. Advice: - Avoid city centers on the day of the demonstration and avoid entering protest sites and mass marches. - The dynamics of the demonstrations may change unexpectedly. Avoid protest sites and geopolitical confrontations with protesters or bystanders. If you feel tense, move away from the demonstration area immediately - Heavy congestion and transportation disruptions are expected, including metro station closures on the day of the demonstration. Plan your trip in advance, consider alternative routes, and allow extra time for your journey. - Stay updated with local news on the latest protest locations and any further changes.

Locally strong thunderstorms are expected tonight across several northern provinces. Forecast models indicate 30-50 mm of rainfall over the next 12 hours, with the potential for brief but intense downpours, strong winds, and localized flooding in low-lying or mountainous areas. The alert follows a series of Atlantic systems bringing unstable weather to the western Mediterranean, already affecting Spain and the Strait of Gibraltar with heavy rain and strong winds. Advice: - Avoid travel in affected northern provinces during the alert period, especially on rural or mountainous roads prone to flooding and landslides. - Stay clear of riverbanks, wadis, and steep terrain where flash flooding can occur suddenly. - Secure outdoor belongings and check drainage around homes and accommodations. - Expect localized power outages, poor visibility, and transport disruptions.  

Young activists and supporters of the so-called “Gen Z” movement marched on Saturday, November 15, to denounce cartel violence, impunity, and corruption. Organizers promoted the event across social platforms, and participants carried banners and placards calling for security and justice reforms. Authorities deployed a significant police presence; no major incidents have been reported yet. However, due to the history of similar activist actions, officials are prepared for potential subsequent riots or spontaneous civil unrest in the days ahead. Advice: - Steer clear of the route from Ángel de la Independencia to Zócalo during major gatherings, as heavy crowds and severe traffic disruption are likely. - Expect intermittent road closures, rerouted buses, and delays on nearby metro lines. - Do not engage with protesters or film up close; leave immediately if tensions rise. - Plan alternative routes and allow extra time if traveling through the city center.  

Pro-Palestinian groups have announced a rally at 13:00 on Saturday, November 16, at Hyde Park, Sydney. Demonstrators are expected to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for sanctions, disarmament, and an end to the blockade. Organizers have promoted the event widely on social media, with speeches and marches anticipated through nearby streets. Advice: - Avoid the Hyde Park area and adjacent roads from 12:00 onward due to expected congestion and possible route closures. - Anticipate heavy police presence, limited vehicle access, and delays in public transport through central Sydney. - Refrain from engaging in political discussions or filming protests up close; tensions may escalate rapidly. - If staying nearby, keep windows closed and avoid displaying political symbols.  

Severe rainfall from Storm Claudia has triggered high-level alerts. Several areas are now under red warnings for extreme rain and flooding. Up to 80 mm is expected within 12 hours. In some inland regions, 150-200 mm could fall over 24 hours. Rivers in Ávila (Castilla and León) and northern Cáceres (Extremadura) are rising rapidly. This has forced the activation of regional flood plans. Claudia is expected to stall over the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) until Sunday. Advice: - Do not travel into or through low-lying areas, riverbanks, or flood-prone roads. - Avoid crossing any flooded roads, especially under dark or stormy conditions. - Stay away from flooded streets, unstable trees, and construction areas affected by strong gusts. - Secure outdoor items and avoid forest tracks or exposed terrain if strong winds accompany the rain. - Stay updated through AEMET and regional authorities, and heed any evacuation orders.  

A major explosion has been reported at a chemical-materials facility within the Spegazzini Industrial Park near Ezeiza. Emergency teams are on-site, and the surrounding area has been cordoned off due to structural damage and potential chemical exposure. While the incident is contained to the industrial zone, its proximity to Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), the main gateway for international arrivals, may cause road diversions and increased congestion.   Advice: *If traveling to or from EZE Airport, allow extra time and check for road closures around Ezeiza Spegazzini. *Avoid the industrial area and stay clear of visible smoke plumes; keep windows closed if staying nearby. *Follow instructions from Argentine authorities and monitor local updates for changes in airport access or air-quality advisories.  

Ethiopia has confirmed its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD), with laboratory tests identifying nine cases in the southern region. Marburg is a highly infectious filovirus related to Ebola, with no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The World Health Organization and the Africa CDC have deployed rapid-response teams to contain the spread. All known cases are currently localized, but health systems in the region are under strain, and authorities warn of potential further transmission due to movement across nearby rural communities and border areas.   Advice: *Avoid non-essential travel to the affected districts. When traveling, avoid caves, wildlife habitats, and live-animal markets, as these environments increase exposure risk. *Minimize close contact with individuals outside your group and avoid touching personal items, bedding, or surfaces you don't know and that may have been exposed. *Maintain strict hygiene: frequent hand-washing, avoid all body-fluid exposure, and ensure medical care is from regulated facilities only. *Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing fever, severe headache, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding. Otherwise, keep a distance from medical facilities in the region unless urgently needed. *Follow updates from WHO and Ethiopian health authorities for real-time information.  

Severe flooding has been reported in South Wales after exceptionally heavy rainfall, with emergency services declaring a major incident around Monmouth and the River Wye. Water levels continue to rise, and authorities warn of a significant risk to life in the most affected areas. In England, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a widespread cold-weather alert from November 17-21, with temperatures expected to drop sharply. Travel delays, local evacuations, and disruptions to essential services are possible.   Advice: *Avoid travel to flood-affected areas in South Wales, especially around Monmouth and riverside zones. *Plan your travel ahead, choose alternative routes, and avoid low-lying or riverside roads that may flood. *Prepare for freezing conditions across England and ensure access to warm clothing, heating, and supplies. *Follow instructions from local authorities regarding flood safety and potential evacuations. *Monitor updates from the Met Office and UK authorities for real-time information.    

A protest march is planned in Iloilo City on November 17, with participants gathering at West Visayas State University at 3:00 pm. Demonstrators are expected to protest government corruption and call for legal action against public officials. Localized congestion, police presence, and minor traffic disruptions are likely along the march route and near WVSU.   Advice: - Avoid the protest area and nearby streets around 3:00 pm onward. - Expect traffic delays and increased security presence. - Stay aware of local updates and follow instructions from authorities. - Monitor local advisories for any changes in planned activities.