News & Reports

Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in Solapur and neighboring districts, forcing mass evacuations and rescue operations. NDRF and local teams have rescued hundreds of stranded residents, while highways linking Solapur to Vijaypur and Pune were blocked, and train services were disrupted by waterlogged tracks. More rainfall may worsen the situation.   Advice: - Avoid road and rail travel through Solapur and Dharashiv until conditions stabilize. - Monitor local transport advisories for route closures and diversions. - Expect delays and cancellations if traveling within Maharashtra. - Keep flexible plans and allow extra time if onward travel passes through affected areas. - Follow weather alerts and safety instructions from local authorities.

Severe storms and heavy rain across the U.S. have led to widespread travel chaos, forcing 252 flight cancellations and numerous delays. Airlines including United, Republic, Cape Air, Cathay Pacific, and Air Canada were affected as ground operations halted in unsafe weather conditions. Boston Logan, New York, Philadelphia, Miami, and Phoenix saw the most cancellations, with ripple effects also disrupting flights in Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle. Advice: - Check your flight status before heading to the airport. - Allow extra time for check-in, security, and possible rebooking. - Be ready for diversions or rerouting via unaffected hubs. - Keep essential items in your carry-on in case of long delays. - Monitor airline apps and airport alerts closely for real-time changes.  

A Qantas Boeing 737 from Sydney to Auckland (Flight QF141) declared a mayday after fire warnings in the cargo hold. The aircraft landed safely at 11:47 a.m. with 156 passengers evacuated without injury. Emergency services responded with 16 fire trucks, though inspections later found no fire. While the incident was contained, minor delays occurred to departures and arrivals as safety checks and ground operations were temporarily disrupted.   Advice: - Check the status of flights to and from Auckland today, as some services may be delayed. - Allow extra time at the airport due to potential knock-on effects. - Monitor updates from your airline, especially Qantas and codeshare partners. - Be prepared for possible gate changes and short-notice schedule adjustments. - If connecting via Auckland, ensure flexible onward travel arrangements.  

Greece is bracing for the first major autumn storm after a prolonged dry spell. Strong northerly winds up to 7–8 Beaufort, a temperature drop of 5–8 °C, and heavy rainfall with thunderstorms are forecast from Saturday afternoon through Sunday, especially in Messinia, Ilia, Achaia, western Sterea, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia. Some areas may experience storms lasting over 24 hours, raising flood risks. Athens is expected to see only minor cloud increases and less direct impact.   Advice: - Avoid unnecessary travel in western regions during peak storm activity. - Monitor official updates from Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) https://emy.gr/en?area=forecast - Stay alert for possible flooding near rivers and low-lying areas. - Secure outdoor objects and be cautious of falling debris in strong winds. - If traveling by sea, check ferry schedules as services may be disrupted by rough conditions.  

A measles outbreak in East Java has infected more than 2,600 children and caused at least 20 deaths. Tens of thousands of vaccine doses are being distributed, but uptake is slowed by concerns that some vaccines contain pig-derived gelatin, viewed as haram by many Muslims. Religious leaders permit their use in emergencies, yet hesitancy persists, raising fears the outbreak could worsen.   Advice: - Ensure you are fully vaccinated against measles before visiting Indonesia. - Avoid nonessential travel to outbreak hotspots in East Java. - Monitor health advisories from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health and the WHO. - Be prepared for limited medical facilities in rural areas. - Carry essential medicines and supplies in case of disruptions.  

Protests erupted across Antananarivo as residents, mainly young demonstrators, took to the streets demanding relief from chronic water shortages and frequent power outages lasting over 12 hours daily. Authorities responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and arrests, while looting and arson struck a shopping mall and the homes of several lawmakers. In response, a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. was imposed until public order is restored. Neighboring districts also saw unrest as frustrations grew over basic infrastructure failures.   Advice: - Avoid travelling through Antananarivo or affected districts after dusk; the curfew is strictly enforced. - Reconsider nonessential travel to the city until stability returns. - Stay updated via local news outlets and embassy notices for curfew changes or extensions. - Be cautious around protest zones; large gatherings can escalate rapidly. - Keep travel documents, hotel information, and emergency contacts accessible at all times.  

Kolkata has been hit by its heaviest rainfall in nearly four decades, causing severe flooding, infrastructure breakdowns, and fatalities. At least 12 people have died, including nine in Kolkata (mostly from electrocution) and others from drowning in nearby areas. The deluge has paralyzed transport, cut power in several neighborhoods, and left roads submerged under waist-deep water. Businesses and households are struggling to cope with the aftermath, while the disaster has also disrupted preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja festival. Authorities warn that more rain may follow due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.   Advice: - Avoid unnecessary movement in flooded neighborhoods; water levels may conceal hazards. - Stay clear of submerged electrical wires and equipment to reduce electrocution risk. - Follow advisories from the India Meteorological Department and municipal authorities. - Expect continued disruption to air, rail, and road travel; confirm schedules before departure. - Travellers are advised not to attend Durga Puja events in Kolkata until conditions stabilize.  

Greek air traffic controllers have announced a 24-hour strike from 30 September at 9 p.m. local time until 1 October at 9 p.m. The action is expected to disrupt domestic and international flights across the country, though full details of the impact have not yet been confirmed. Travelers should anticipate possible cancellations, delays, or rerouted flights.   Advice: - Confirm your flight status with your airline well in advance of departure. - Be prepared for significant changes to both domestic and international flight schedules. - Allow extra time at airports and consider flexible travel arrangements. - Monitor updates from Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority and Eurocontrol for real-time strike information. - If traveling to or from Greece, consider alternative transport or adjusting travel dates where possible.  

A curfew has been imposed in Leh after violent protests demanding statehood for Ladakh turned deadly on September 24. At least four people were killed and over 80 injured when clashes erupted, with arson targeting vehicles and a political office. Security forces have detained around 50 people, and heavy police and paramilitary presence is reported in Leh, Kargil, and surrounding towns. Shops and transport remain shut, and further meetings between protest leaders and officials are expected in the coming days.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Leh, Kargil, and nearby areas until curfew is lifted. - If in the region, remain indoors, keep essentials stocked, and comply with security instructions. - Expect roadblocks, vehicle checks, and suspension of public transport. - Stay clear of protests, government buildings, and political offices. - Do not engage with protesters or security personnel; keep a safe distance from crowds to avoid potential clashes and injuries. - Monitor official announcements and reliable local media for developments.  

Nearly 1.9 million people have been evacuated in southern China as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches, with winds forecast at the top of China’s monitoring scale. Major cities, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou, have suspended schools, businesses, public transport, and highways. Hundreds of flights were canceled across regional airports, leaving travel severely disrupted.   Advice: - Avoid travel to or within Guangdong and nearby provinces until conditions stabilize. - If already in the region, remain indoors and stock up on food, water, and essentials. - Expect widespread flight cancellations; confirm directly with airlines before heading to airports. - Monitor local government advisories and the China Meteorological Administration for updates. - Be prepared for potential flooding, power outages, and limited access to services.