News & Reports

Around 1,000 protesters rallied in Antananarivo today, calling for President Andry Rajoelina to step down. Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, with barricades and burning tires reported in central districts. The unrest comes after weeks of protests over water and power shortages, now widened to demands for political reform.   Advice - Avoid all protest zones in Antananarivo, especially downtown areas and main thoroughfares. - Expect roadblocks, sporadic clashes, and heavy police presence. - Refrain from photographing or filming protests to avoid confrontation. - Stay indoors or in secure lodging during demonstrations. - Monitor local news and embassy advisories for evolving security updates. https://midi-madagasikara.mg/ - Adjust travel or transport plans, especially in and out of the capital.  

A “mega-storm” is forecast to hit Costa Blanca, especially around Alicante and coastal areas, bringing heavy rain, flooding, and high winds. Major airports like Alicante may see flight disruptions, delays, and cancellations due to adverse weather conditions.   Advice: - Expect delays or cancellations at Alicante Airport; check with your airline before traveling. - Avoid coastal roads, promenades and beaches during the storm. - Stay in safe, inland accommodation and avoid ground-floor rooms in flood-prone zones. - Delay non-essential travel until weather clears. - Monitor local weather alerts from Spain’s AEMET and municipal advisories. - Keep emergency supplies ready (flashlight, charged phone, first aid, food, water).  

A nationwide strike is scheduled for October 14 that is expected to severely impact air travel throughout Belgium. Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport may face full or partial shutdowns, leading to cancelled or delayed flights, staff shortages, and disrupted ground services.   Advice: - Check your flight status with airlines frequently in the days leading up to October 14. - Consider flying in or out through neighboring countries’ airports (e.g. Netherlands, Germany, France) as backups. - Arrive early at airports due to potential bottlenecks and staffing issues. - Expect limited ground services (baggage, check-in, transfers) and possible cancellations. - Be prepared to adjust travel plans, including accommodations, in case of extended disruptions. - Keep updated via local news, airline announcements, and Belgian government advisories. https://www.brusselstimes.com/  

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao early this morning, briefly triggering tsunami alerts across southern and eastern Philippines. Authorities have since lifted the warning, but aftershocks continue and some areas report structural damage, power cuts, and temporary road closures. Evacuations were carried out along the eastern coast, and schools and offices remain closed in several provinces.   Advice: - Avoid coastal areas in Mindanao and the Visayas until aftershocks subside and authorities confirm safety. - Stay away from beaches, piers, and low-lying zones near Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, and Eastern Samar. - Expect aftershocks and keep away from walls, glass, or heavy objects. - Do not enter damaged buildings or structures until cleared by engineers. - Anticipate disruptions to flights, ferries, and local transport across southern Philippines. - Keep emergency kits, flashlights, and communication devices ready in case of power outages. - Follow official updates from PHIVOLCS and PAGASA, and adhere to local authority instructions. https://www.gov.ph/ - Monitor local media for real-time information: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions  

Activist groups in Madrid have announced a pro-Palestinian demonstration taking place tonight, October 9. The march will commence at 20:30 local time from Plaza de Atocha, proceed through Claudio Moyano, Alfonso XII, and Calle Alcalá, and conclude around 22:30 at Plaza de Cibeles.   Advice: - Avoid the Route: Stay clear of the march route and surrounding areas during the scheduled time to minimize disruptions. - Expect Disruptions: Be prepared for potential traffic delays, public transport reroutes, and crowding near the march route. Follow the directions of law enforcement. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately.  

Two significant airport staff strikes scheduled for October 13 and 29, 2025, may cause disruptions at major airports: - On October 13, a four-hour strike is planned from 12:00 to 16:00 local time at Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino (Rome Airports). - On October 29, a 24-hour strike is scheduled at Milan Linate, Florence Amerigo Vespucci, and Pisa Galileo Galilei airports. The strikes are expected to disrupt check-in, baggage handling, and boarding services, potentially leading to delays and longer processing times.   Advice: - Anticipate Delays: Expect longer wait times and potential flight delays or cancellations. - Arrive Early: Allow extra time for check-in and security procedures. - Stay Informed: Monitor updates from Italian airport authorities and airlines, especially if traveling via Rome, Milan, Florence, or Pisa.  

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has announced a National Demonstration for Palestine on Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 noon. The assembly point is Victoria Embankment, with the march concluding at Parliament Square. This demonstration aims to raise awareness and demand action regarding the situation in Gaza.   Advice: - Avoid the Victoria Embankment and Parliament Square areas between 11:00 and 16:30 on October 11 due to expected large crowds and potential disruptions. - Expect significant road closures, public transport delays, and heightened security measures in central London. - Maintain a safe distance from the march route and follow the directions of law enforcement. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately.  

A coalition of unions and solidarity organizations has issued a call for a rally on October 10 in support of Palestine, in coordination with the Palestinian Community in Greece. The gathering is announced to take place at Klafthmonos Square at 13:00, among other demonstrations in solidarity actions across the country.   Advice: - Avoid Klafthmonos Square and the surrounding central Athens areas around the planned time. - Expect heavy traffic, road closures, and disruptions to public transport in the center. - Protest dynamics can shift and develop unexpectedly. Maintain a safe distance and follow the directions of law enforcement. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately.  

Heavy flooding continues to affect large parts of North Bengal, where the death toll has risen to 40 and thousands remain in relief camps. Several roads and bridges have been damaged, disrupting transport and access to remote areas. Authorities are carrying out rescue and relief operations as rivers remain above danger levels.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel to North Bengal, especially Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and surrounding areas. - Expect road closures, flight disruptions, and limited access to hill routes. - Stay in elevated areas and avoid riverbanks or flood zones. - Keep emergency supplies, drinking water, and essential medication on hand. - Follow local advisories and weather updates before planning intercity travel. - For updates, follow: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/  

Tropical Storm Nakri is moving northwest over the Philippine Sea and is expected to briefly enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday evening before heading toward Taiwan. The storm is not forecast to make landfall, but rough seas and heavy rainfall may affect coastal areas in Samar, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Cagayan. Authorities have issued marine warnings and advised small vessels to remain in port.   Advice: - Avoid sea travel in the Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, and Northern Luzon until weather conditions improve. - Expect possible flight or ferry delays due to strong winds and rough seas. - Stay away from beaches and coastal roads in affected areas. - Follow updates from PAGASA and local authorities for storm advisories. https://www.gov.ph/