News & Reports

Parts of Johannesburg remain without running water following infrastructure failures. Authorities estimate that it will take up to three weeks to repair.   Advice:

• Residents and travelers in affected areas should store safe water for hygiene and drinking needs.
• Do not drink water from springs or parks as an alternative unless verified as safe by the health authorities, and boil it if needed.
• Avoid unnecessary water usage; prioritize essential uses.
• Monitor updates from Johannesburg Water for changes in restoration timelines (https://johannesburgwater.co.za/water-outages-and-burst-pipes-in-jhb-cbd/).

 

Following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Russia today and prompted tsunami warnings, the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a tsunami warning for this earthquake. Advice: * Stay out of water and away from beaches, harbors, and marinas. * Stay away from coastal areas. If you are in a coastal area, move inland. * Carry essentials and monitor alerts. * Stay informed via the US Tsunami Warning System  

A M7.8 earthquake has struck the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky region of Russia. An official tsunami warning has been issued for the area. No reports of casualties or significant damage have been received so far. Advice: * Stay away from coastal areas due to official tsunami warnings * Be prepared for possible aftershocks and follow local safety guidance. * Monitor updates from the regional seismic agency and local news

Heavy and persistent rain is expected over large parts of North West England, as well as Scotland and Ireland, this weekend. Strong winds are expected, and at times, thunderstorms. There is a risk of flooding of homes and businesses, and power outages. These weather conditions are expected to last until Sunday morning. Advice: - Road conditions may be difficult - avoid walking or driving on slippery or flooded roads - Localised flooding and water on roads may lead to some road closures - stay updated on transport apps for any changes. - Buses and trains may suffer delays or cancellations due to flooding or strong winds - stay updated on transport apps and news for the latest travel information. * Charge electronic devices and portable chargers in case of a power outage

Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology forecasts hot conditions with temperatures expected to rise significantly in the Saïss and Souss regions. At the same time, thunderstorms are anticipated in the High Atlas Mountains, possibly accompanied by gusty winds and localised heavy rainfall. Dust storms may occur in exposed southern and inland areas due to strong winds. *Advice:* *Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Saïss and Souss to prevent heatstroke. *Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and check on vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. *In the High Atlas, avoid hiking or mountain travel during storms due to risks of flash floods, hail, and lightning. *Stay informed via https://www.meteo.dz/home for real-time updates. *If experiencing heat-related symptoms or caught in a storm, seek shelter and contact health services (141) immediately.

Inca Rail has suspended all train services until further notice because of ongoing social protests and related restrictions. Significant travel disruption is expected for passengers traveling between Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Confirm travel plans with Inca Rail or alternative operators before heading to stations. •⁠ ⁠Allow for significant delays or cancellations and adjust itineraries accordingly. •⁠ ⁠Monitor local news and Inca Rail’s official channels (https://incarail.com/en) for service updates.  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported extremely heavy rainfall (≥21 cm) in Bihar over the past 24 hours, with very heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, West Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Tamil Nadu. Heavy rainfall was also recorded in Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Telangana, and coastal regions. These conditions pose risks of flash floods, landslides, and transportation disruptions.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid non-essential travel in flood-prone and hilly areas. •⁠ ⁠Monitor IMD (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/) updates and local advisories. •⁠ ⁠Be prepared for transport delays and possible power or communication outages.  

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) has forecast strong winds and a sharp temperature drop, increasing the risk of very high fire danger across multiple regions. Dry and windy conditions may lead to rapid spread of wildfires, while maritime disruptions are possible due to rough seas.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid activities that could spark fires, including outdoor burning or use of machinery in dry areas. •⁠ ⁠Travelers should monitor HNMS updates and follow local civil protection guidance. •⁠ ⁠Exercise caution near coastal and forested areas; prepare for possible transport disruptions.  

Protests broke out on September 16 after President Daniel Noboa announced the elimination of the diesel fuel subsidy. Demonstrations turned violent in Quito following clashes with law enforcement. Key roads in Carchi and Aloag remain blocked, and the president has declared a 60-day nationwide state of emergency.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid protest areas and major roads in affected provinces. •⁠ ⁠Expect heightened security presence, checkpoints, and possible travel disruptions. When you are in such areas and it escalates try to find the closest exit or try to get into a public building. •⁠ ⁠Monitor local news and official updates, including El Comercio Ecuador (https://www.elcomercio.com/), for real-time developments.  

Large demonstrations are planned in London on Wednesday, September 17, at 14:00 (local time). Protesters are expected to march from BBC Broadcasting House to Parliament Square. The demonstration is organized by the Stop Trump Coalition in opposition to the state visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, with grievances over human rights, immigration policies, and authoritarianism. Media and Metropolitan Police warn of possible road closures, transport disruptions, and heightened police presence. While the protest is expected to be peaceful, authorities caution that demonstrations can escalate unexpectedly.   Advice:

• Unless it's necessary, avoid the route and the surrounding areas of the protest.
• Adjust travel plans in advance to minimize disruption.
• Protest dynamics can change rapidly. Maintain a safe distance and follow all police instructions.
• If in the area, avoid any discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave immediately.