News & Reports

A nationwide rail strike by RMT union staff has caused cancellations of services and train departures across the UK. A limited CrossCountry service will operate until the end of the day, and passengers are advised to check their journey carefully and expect all services to be busy. Advice:

• Avoid non-essential travel with CrossCountry.
• Expect extended journey times and crowded conditions on the rail network.
• Consider alternative types of transportation options.
• Check updates via CrossCountry website. (https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/travel-information/disruption/latest-travel-information).

 

Budapest Keleti Railway Station has officially closed today and will remain shut until 20 September while undergoing extensive renovation work. During the closure, long-distance trains will be rerouted to Nyugati Station, Kelenföld, and Kőbánya–Kispes. Advice:

• Avoid planning departures or arrivals through Keleti until 20 September.
• Use only the official Hungarian Railways website to plan your travel route (https://www.mavcsoport.hu/en

 

Wildfires are spreading across California, threatening communities, damaging large areas of land, and forcing evacuations. Authorities warn that wildfire and air quality alerts will remain in effect through September 1. Fires have already destroyed thousands of acres in multiple counties, including Napa County, Kern County, San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara, prompting local states of emergency and widespread evacuation orders. Hot, dry, and windy weather continues to fuel the blazes, while the risk of new outbreaks remains high due to unstable conditions and lightning. Advice:

• Avoid travel to fire-affected areas.
• Expect traffic diversions throughout the fire-affected area.
• Follow evacuation orders and local emergency instructions.
• Limit outdoor activity in smoky regions and use masks if necessary.
• Monitor updates from national and local authorities; follow instructions from civil protection (www.fire.ca.gov).

 

📍 Location: Northern Thailand, North & Central Laos, Northeast Cambodia, North Coast of Vietnam, Southern China The Kajiki Typhoon caused multiple national weather departments across Southeast Asia to issue severe weather warnings until August 27. Over the coming days, the widespread heavy rain and strong winds will cause rough sea conditions, floods, landslides, falling trees, and damage to infrastructure. Affected Areas: * Provinces of north & northeast Thailand: Nan, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Uttaradit, Lampang, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun. * Provinces of north & central Laos: Luang Prabang, Xiangkhouang, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane. * Provinces of northeast Cambodia: Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie. * Provinces of the north-central coast Vietnam: Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa Provinces. * Provinces of South China: Hainan, Guangxi. Advice: * Avoid traveling to low-lying and mountain areas at risk of flooding or landslides. * Refrain from swimming, sailing, or other sea activities. * Expect transport disruptions on roads, ferries, and flights across the region. * Keep essential supplies and documents ready in case of evacuation.  

The Philippines Department of Health reports 37,368 HFMD cases in 2025 so far- seven times higher than the same period in 2024. Half of cases are among children aged 1 to 3. HFMD is highly contagious, spreading through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, vomiting, and blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth.   Advice: - Keep children with symptoms at home for 7–10 days until fever subsides and blisters heal. - Do not share personal items (blankets, utensils, towels). - Clean frequently touched areas with disinfectant. - Seek medical care promptly if symptoms worsen. - Follow updates from the Philippines Department of Health http://doh.gov.ph  

Severe thunderstorms have forced a ground stop at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). All departing flights bound for LAX are temporarily halted, and arriving flights may face significant delays or diversions. Passengers traveling today should expect disruptions across domestic and international routes connected to Los Angeles.   Advice: - Check real-time flight status with your airline before heading to the airport. - Allow extra time for connections; have essentials (snacks, water, medication) in case of long delays. - Consider rebooking or alternative airports in Southern California (e.g., Burbank, Long Beach, Ontario). - Follow updates from the FAA: https://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp and LAX Airport: https://www.flylax.com/  

A severe heatwave is impacting much of the U.S., with record temperatures expected. Phoenix may hit 44°C, Las Vegas 43°C, and Los Angeles up to 40°C. Heat indices in parts of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida could reach 49°C. Over 200 million people are under heat alerts, with heightened wildfire risks in California. Red Flag Warnings have been issued for Southern California, and cooling centers are available nationwide.   Advice: - Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, and use public cooling centers if necessary. - If outside, wear light clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses. - Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially during midday hours. - Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. - Never leave people or pets inside vehicles. - Monitor updates from the National Weather Service https://www.weather.gov and local authorities.  

China has activated a Level 4 emergency response as Typhoon Kajiki approaches Hainan. The National Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert, warning that Kajiki is expected to make landfall or come close to Hainan's southern coast by Sunday evening, August 24. Heavy to torrential rainfall is anticipated across Hainan, as well as the Xisha Islands and Zhongsha Islands.   Advice: - Avoid coastal and low-lying areas in Hainan Province and surrounding islands. - Mariners should remain in port and avoid sailing in stormy conditions. - Expect flight, ferry, and road travel disruptions due to heavy rainfall and strong winds. - Prepare emergency supplies and secure homes and property against potential flooding. - Follow updates from China’s National Meteorological Centre https://www.cma.gov.cn/en/.  

Severe flooding and debris flows from heavy rainfall have impacted Tharali in Chamoli district, with at least two people missing and extensive damage to homes, shops, and roads. Schools are closed, major highways are blocked, and rescue operations are ongoing. The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in Uttarakhand, particularly in Chamoli, Dehradun, Tehri, Bageshwar, and Nainital, until August 26.   Advice: - Avoid travel in flood-affected areas and along blocked highways. - Stay away from rivers, streams, and areas prone to debris near the Pindar River. - Monitor updates from the India Meteorological Department https://mausam.imd.gov.in/. - Keep emergency supplies and important documents secure and ready for evacuation. - Follow instructions from local authorities and move to safer areas if directed.  

Heavy rainfall is forecasted across Thailand this weekend as a tropical depression moves from the Philippines into Vietnam and Laos. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued warnings for 49 provinces, including Bangkok, with risks of flooding, strong winds, and storm surges. Very heavy rain is expected, particularly in the eastern and northeastern regions from August 24-27. In the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, waves may exceed 2 metres in stormy areas.   Advice: - Avoid travel in flood-prone areas and regions under heavy rainfall warnings. - Mariners should exercise caution and avoid sailing in stormy conditions. - Expect traffic disruptions and potential flooding in low-lying areas. - Prepare emergency supplies and secure valuables in waterproof containers. - Stay alert to updates from the Thai Meteorological Department https://www.tmd.go.th/en/ and local authorities.