News & Reports

Typhoon Podul swept through southern Taiwan with winds up to 191 km/h, forcing the cancellation of all domestic flights and 129 international routes. China Airlines and EVA Air suspended flights from Kaohsiung and some from Taoyuan. Several Hong Kong-Kaohsiung flights were also canceled or delayed. Passengers are advised to check flight status before heading to the airport.   Advice: - Check your flight status frequently via the airline’s website or app before traveling to the airport. - Be prepared for possible rebooking or overnight stays; have essentials and any needed medications with you. - Follow updates from Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau  and updates from the Kaohsiung airport.  

Wildfires in Greece have claimed at least three lives and prompted the evacuation of thousands since Tuesday. Fueled by strong winds and extreme heat nearing 40°C, the fires are affecting areas near Patras and the islands of Zakynthos and Chios. In West Achaia, 20 villages have been evacuated, and alerts are in place for two more. The European Forest Fire Information System warns of very high to extreme fire danger across western Greece in the next 48 hours.   Advice: - Avoid travel to affected or nearby forested areas, including Patras, Zakynthos, and Chios. - Keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke exposure; use masks or cloth coverings if outdoors. - Have an evacuation bag ready with essentials. - Prepare for transport disruptions, including ferry delays or cancellations. - Report wildfire signs (smoke, flames) to emergency services immediately (199 or 112).  

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned for tomorrow at 18:30 in Munich. The protest is planned to take place in a central area near the Israeli consulate and several Jewish institutions, including the Ohel Yaakov synagogue and the Jewish Museum. The central location and proximity to these institutions increase the risk of spontaneous clashes or harassment of Jewish or Israeli passersby. The demonstration is expected to attract hundreds to a few thousand participants. At previous protests of this type in Munich, police have responded with heavy deployments, including special and mounted units and checkpoints, to maintain security.   Advice: - Avoid the area tomorrow to reduce the risk of unintentional involvement. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Check for changes in public transportation and main street closures. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and if tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned tomorrow at 7:00 in Piraeus. The protest is in response to the arrival of the Israeli cruise ship "Crown Iris" in Piraeus on August 14, and includes calls to boycott Israeli tourists, similar to actions observed at other tourist destinations in Greece. While the tone is critical, no violence is expected. Police will reinforce the area, and participation is likely to be high, as seen at previous protests in the area.   Advice: - Avoid the port area tomorrow to reduce the risk of unintentional involvement. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Remain onboard if advised by the ship crew; there may be delays or dock changes depending on protest activity. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and if tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned today at 17:30 in Arendal, in resistance to a pro-Israeli event. The aim is to signal that events perceived as promoting an Israeli agenda are not welcome. The demonstration is planned away from central areas, with no current indications of violence or disorder. However, police will maintain a heightened presence to ensure the situation remains peaceful. The expected turnout is several dozen participants.   Advice: - Avoid the protest area today to reduce the risk of unintentional involvement. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and if tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

A red weather warning is in effect, as of August 13, with inland temperatures expected to reach 45 °C from 11:00 to 17:00. Due to the high risk of forest fires, the public is urged to avoid activities that could ignite fires. The labor department has prohibited outdoor heavy and moderate work during these hours, and delivery services using two-wheeled vehicles must halt from 12:00 to 16:00 .   Advice: - Avoid outdoor activity between 11:00 and 17:00 in affected areas. - Follow all work restrictions to prevent heat-related illness and wildfire risk. - Stay hydrated, wear light and breathable clothing, and take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas. - Watch for heat stress symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, dark urine, or extreme fatigue. Rest and hydrate if you notice any. - Report smoke or flames immediately to the Forestry Department at 1407 or 12.  

The India Meteorological Department has warned of a low to moderate risk of flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim due to saturated soils and expected heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. Telangana is on high alert for very heavy rain from August 13 to 16, with additional heavy rainfall expected in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema on August 13 and 14.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in affected states; monitor IMD alerts (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/). - Stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying or landslide-prone areas. - Prepare for possible road closures, flash floods, and disruptions to transport. - In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, avoid sheltering under trees, billboards, or unstable structures. - Keep emergency supplies ready and mobile devices charged.  

Taiwan is preparing for Typhoon Podul, expected to hit near Taitung City around noon on August 13 and move along the western coast toward Fujian Province in China. Authorities have initiated large-scale shutdowns in southern and eastern Taiwan, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and thousands of evacuations. The storm's strong winds and heavy rain are likely to worsen severe flooding and landslides caused by recent storms.   Advice: - Avoid all coastal, low-lying, or mountainous areas; flash floods and landslides are highly likely. - Do not travel unless absolutely necessary; expect widespread transport disruptions, including flight cancellations. - Prepare emergency supplies, secure important documents, and keep valuables in waterproof containers. - Follow updates from Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau: https://www.cwa.gov.tw/V8/E/W/week.html.  

The Czech Republic is experiencing its highest hepatitis A case count in 15 years, with 1,053 cases reported in the first seven months of 2025, compared to 636 cases in all of 2024. Prague is the hardest-hit area, followed by the Central Bohemian Region and Moravian-Silesian Region. Health officials warn that the situation is dramatic, with transmission most likely in communal environments such as schools, childcare centers, and camps.   Advice: - Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or after using shared facilities. - Avoid consuming food or drinks from questionable sources. - Consider vaccination if you live in or are traveling to affected areas. - Seek prompt medical attention if you develop fever, stomach pain, nausea, or yellowing of the skin/eyes.