News & Reports

Police and military forces are deployed nationwide as authorities move to prevent protests planned for today, Tanzania’s Independence Day. The government has declared any demonstration today a coup attempt and ordered citizens to stay home. Security deployments are heaviest in Dar es Salaam, including checkpoints and roadblocks, but also in other major cities such as Dodoma, Arusha, and others.   Advice:

• Exercise extreme caution and limit movement anywhere in Tanzania and remain indoors.
• Avoid all government buildings, military facilities, and political gathering points.
• Adjust your travel plans and check flight status to prevent delays due to police and military executing road closures, blocked crossings, and checkpoints.
• Monitor local and international updates, as the situation may change quickly.

 

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck offshore on Monday, December 8th, and an immediate tsunami warning was issued in the prefectures of Aomori, Iwate, Hokkaido, Niigata, Ishikawa, Toyama, and Yamagata. Residents of coastal areas were urged to evacuate to higher ground, trains and public transportation were suspended, coastal roads were closed, and emergency services were placed on high alert as aftershocks continued. As for today, tsunami warnings were officially lifted, but authorities have issued an earthquake warning valid for the next 7 days, due to aftershocks or further quake activity.   Advice:

• In case of an active earthquake, immediately evacuate to higher and open ground far from beaches, ports, and low-lying coastal roads until authorities declare the area safe.
•  If in coastal areas, treat sudden sea withdrawal, unusually strong roaring from the ocean, or rapidly rising water as tsunami signs and leave the area immediately.
• Be prepared and confirm local evacuation routes, shelters, and keep a small go-bag including food, water, medication, flashlight, power banks, and documents.
• Expect transport disruptions, including flight cancellations, rail suspensions, and road closures.
• Monitor official updates and information from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA): https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/menu.html

 

Violent clashes have erupted between students of Dhaka College and Ideal College, despite a peace agreement signed less than a month ago. The confrontation is taking place in the New Market area, leaving several students injured. The police are involved and calming the tensions, but the situation remains unstable, and further incidents are possible in the coming days.   Advice:

• Avoid the New Market area until the end of the day.
• Expect local traffic disruption and police presence in the area.
• Follow police instructions and remain aware of your surroundings.
• Do not engage with demonstrators or approach dense protest areas, and avoid large gatherings.

 

M23 rebels have intensified their offensive in South Kivu, capturing the city of Luvungi and nearby villages. Fighting continues along the Uvira–Burundi border, triggering large-scale displacement. Civilians are fleeing toward Uvira and remote rural areas as shelling and road blockages increase. Despite a recent peace agreement, there is no sign of de-escalation, and instability is expected to continue in the coming days.   Advice:

• Avoid all travel to South Kivu Province.
• If in the region, prepare for evacuation, and ensure you have documents, cash, food, water, medications, etc.
• Adjust your travel plans due to road closures, blocked crossings, checkpoints, and ongoing military presence.
• Monitor local and international updates, as the situation may change quickly.

 

Severe weather is now causing major arrival restrictions at London Heathrow Airport. Flights face significant disruptions and lengthy delays. Expect schedules to shift suddenly, with widespread impact throughout the day.   Advice:

• Allow extra time to reach Heathrow, especially if traveling by public transport, to prevent unnecessary delays.
• Verify your flight status; flight times might shift quickly.
• Prepare for extended waiting times at the airport and carry enough water, food, and backup battery chargers.

 

Storm Bram is affecting large parts of the UK, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and localized flood risk. Gusts are expected to reach 80 -100 km/h, with higher speeds in coastal and exposed areas. Heavy and persistent rainfall on already saturated ground increases the risk of surface flooding, river flooding, and travel disruption. Transport disruptions, including rail delays, road closures, and flight disruptions, are expected. *Advice* : * Expect transport disruptions, including delays on roads, rail services, and possible flight cancellations. * Avoid coastal areas, open terrain, and flood-prone locations, especially during peak wind conditions. * Secure loose objects outdoors and stay clear of trees, scaffolding, and unstable structures. * Monitor updates from the UK Met Office and local authorities, and follow all safety instructions. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Air Transat has begun gradually suspending flights due to a 72-hour strike notice issued by the pilots’ union. If no agreement is reached, pilots are set to strike on Wednesday, December 10, which could halt the airline’s operations entirely. The carrier will cancel all flights on Tuesday, December 9, to prevent aircraft, crew, and passengers from being stranded abroad if the strike begins.   Advice:

• Adjust your travel plans, check flight status frequently, and confirm directly with Air Transat before traveling to the airport.
• Prepare backup travel options or alternative airlines if your flight falls within the affected period.
• Monitor updates from Air Transat official website - https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/strike?ici=homepage&icn=linksrow_news_greve-piotes

 

Ferry services between Shanghai and the cities of Osaka and Kobe have been suspended indefinitely due to rising diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. According to Japan-China International Ferry, the operator of the Jian Zhen Hao route, the halt was made at the request of the Chinese over concerns that passenger safety could not be guaranteed. This marks the latest development in deteriorating relations between the two countries, following months of political and security friction. Advice:

• Adjust your travel plans and avoid planning travel by the Jian Zhen Hao ferry to Shanghai-Osaka-Kobe until further notice.
• Expect further transport disruptions between China and Japan if tensions escalate.
• Monitor updates from official transport authorities and international media for changes to the suspension.