News & Reports

Intense monsoon rainfall and flooding have caused landslides, flash floods, power outages, road accidents, and disrupted water supplies. Over 400 roads, including key national highways near Pandoh Dam in Mandi, remain blocked. The IMD maintains a Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall - including Kullu, Mandi, Una, Shimla, and Kangra - through at least August 4 due to expected further showers.   Advice: - Stay indoors during heavy rain; avoid travel on flooded roads or low-lying areas. - Stay away from riverbanks and slopes, which are vulnerable to flash flooding and landslides. - Travel smart: expect road closures and transit delays. Check schedules before heading out. - Be prepared for power interruptions: charge mobile devices in advance and have flashlights and batteries ready. - Monitor official weather warnings through IMD  and follow any evacuation instructions.  

Rail officials have warned that Storm Floris, under a Yellow Wind Warning from 06:00 on August 4 to 06:00 on August 5 (UK time), may cause significant disruption in Northern England, North Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Major rail delays and cancellations are expected due to forecast gusts of up to 85 mph on coasts and 60-70 mph inland, along with debris hazards and flooding.   Advice: - Postpone non-essential travel, especially in Storm‑Floris‑affected zones. - Allow extra time for disrupted journeys; anticipate cancellations. - Check train schedules before travelling via National Rail or operator websites. - Avoid areas near sea fronts and high ground where wind damage may occur. - Stay indoors during the peak wind hours (Monday afternoon into night). - Follow weather updates from the Met Office.  

To manage traffic and enhance security during today's African Nations Championship (CHAN) football matches, Nairobi traffic authorities have closed key downtown roads: - Aerodrome Road is fully shut from Madaraka Roundabout to Bunyala. - One carriageway on Lang’ata Road (Madaraka to Lusaka) and Mombasa Road (Lusaka to Bunyala) has been closed. Security has been increased along these and surrounding routes in anticipation of thousands of football fans attending matches.   Advice: - Avoid the Aerodrome, Lang’ata, and Mombasa roads between Madaraka and Bunyala today. Use recommended diversion routes: -From Mombasa Road to CBD ➝ Likoni-Enterprise Road or Southern Bypass via Ole Sereni. -From Lang’ata toward CBD ➝ Raila Odinga Road or Muhoho Road (via Mbagathi Roundabout). -Access from Thika Road ➝ Eastern Bypass, Kiambu Road, or Limuru Road. - Allow for longer travel times, and comply with police directions at road checkpoints or diversions.  

The NSW State Emergency Service has reported over 1,450 storm and flood-related incidents due to a strong low-pressure system affecting the North Coast and Upper Hunter. Many are without power due to fallen trees and damage, and major flood warnings are active for towns along the Peel and Namoi rivers. Authorities caution about fast-flowing streams and road closures in flood-prone areas.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas: floodwaters, fallen trees, and road closures are widespread. - Stay off flooded roads; do not drive through standing water - Prepare for power outages: keep phones charged and maintain essential supplies at hand. - Stay informed via the SES website, and follow local emergency alerts. - For urgent help, call 132 500 (SES); in immediate danger, dial 000.  

According to the Amhara Association of America (AAA), at least seven civilians were killed and several others injured on July 30, 2025, in two separate incidents involving Oromo Prosperity Party regime forces and Qemant militants. Victims included three farmers in Kuabir-Lomiye Kebele and four individuals near Werki-Mikael Church in Metemma Woreda.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid non-essential travel to West Gonder Zone and surrounding parts of the Amhara Region. •⁠ ⁠Remain alert to the potential for further violence or military operations in contested areas. •⁠ ⁠If residing or operating in the area, maintain a low profile and have an emergency exit plan. •⁠ ⁠If operating in the region for NGO or research purposes, ensure contingency evacuation plans are in place.  

As of Saturday, August 2, Eurocontrol reports moderate to high delays at several major airports in Greece. The disruptions are linked to a regulated flow of arriving aircraft due to Air Traffic Control (ATC) constraints and limited aerodrome capacity.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Check flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport. •⁠ ⁠Allow extra time for airport procedures and possible gate or schedule changes. •⁠ ⁠If connecting through Greece, monitor layover times closely and consider rebooking longer transfer windows. •⁠ ⁠Have contingency plans in place for extended waits or rebookings. •⁠ ⁠Monitor Eurocontrol and airline alerts for ongoing updates throughout the weekend.  

Severe flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have killed at least 8 people and left 3 missing in the northern provinces of Lao Cai and Yen Bai. The disasters have destroyed homes, blocked roads, and disrupted local transportation and emergency services.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid travel to affected areas in Lao Cai and Yen Bai due to dangerous road and weather conditions. •⁠ ⁠Stay away from riversides, steep slopes, and known landslide-prone zones. •⁠ ⁠Follow local evacuation guidance and monitor weather alerts via Vietnam’s disaster management agency. •⁠ ⁠Emergency responders are actively conducting search and rescue operations; allow space for their work. •⁠ ⁠Monitor local news or https://news.az for further updates.  

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) in farmed ducks near Paarl. Authorities have culled the infected ducks and associated chickens to prevent further spread. Monitoring and containment measures are underway.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid visiting poultry farms or interacting with domestic birds in the affected area. •⁠ ⁠Poultry farmers should enforce strict biosecurity and report any unusual bird deaths. •⁠ ⁠Do not handle sick or dead birds; notify local veterinary services immediately. •⁠ ⁠No immediate public health threat has been reported, but standard food safety practices should be followed.  

Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted twice within five hours, with the second explosion occurring on August 2 after a powerful eruption on August 1. Ash and debris reached 18 km, covering nearby villages. Authorities extended the exclusion zone to 7 km, with no casualties reported, and the highest alert level remains in effect. This is Indonesia’s strongest eruption since Mount Merapi in 2010 and follows a similar blast weeks earlier.   Advice: - Avoid all travel within 7 km of Lewotobi Laki-Laki, especially in affected areas on Flores Island. - Monitor for ashfall and falling debris; stay indoors and use masks to prevent inhalation. - Expect flight disruptions across eastern Indonesia; check with local airlines before travel. - Follow updates from Indonesia’s Geological Agency (https://magma.esdm.go.id/v1/gunung-api/laporan-harian).  

Peru’s national weather service has issued weather warnings for August 1–3 following a massive sandstorm that hit southern coastal regions, caused by a strong South Pacific anticyclone. The storm generated widespread dust clouds, lowered visibility, and disrupted transportation and tourism. Authorities warn that strong downdrafts and airborne dust will likely continue along the coast through Sunday.   Advice: - Limit outdoor activity in Lima, Ica, and coastal regions due to dust inhalation risks and falling debris. - Expect travel delays on highways and possible route disruptions across Ica and southern Peru. - Use protective gear such as masks and eyewear when outdoors; secure loose objects near buildings. - Monitor official updates from SENAMHI (www.senamhi.gob.pe) and from the National Emergency Operations Center.