News & Reports

A sequence of earthquakes, with main shocks of 5.8 and 5.7 magnitudes, struck Jutiapa Department, killing three and injuring 25. The tremors, felt in Guatemala City, prompted evacuations and affected 288 people, with 520 temporarily sheltered. The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) reported 16 emergencies, with assessment teams deployed to evaluate damage and humanitarian needs. The Jalpatagua fault’s activity raises concerns after a similar July 8 quake.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Jutiapa due to seismic risks and structural damage. - Follow evacuation protocols; stay clear of unstable buildings. - Redirect to Quetzaltenango via buses from Guatemala City with ADO, if routes are open. - Carry emergency kits and monitor alerts. - Stay informed via CONRED (www.conred.gob.gt) or INSIVUMEH (www.insivumeh.gob.gt). - Contact 123 for emergencies.  

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and slips in Bay of Plenty, closing State Highway 2 between Taneatua and Paerata Ridge Road and Wainui Road, cutting off access to Ōpōtiki from Whakatāne. One person was rescued from floodwaters. Tsunami surges from a Kamchatka earthquake may worsen flooding. Whakatāne District Council’s Emergency Operations Centre is active, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne due to flooding and road closures. - Stay off flooded roads like Wainui Road; seek accommodations in Rotorua. - Redirect to Tauranga via buses from Whakatāne with InterCity, if routes are open. - Carry waterproof gear and essentials; monitor alerts. - Stay informed via NZ Transport Agency (www.nzta.govt.nz) or MetService (www.metservice.com). - Contact 111 for emergencies.  

A magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, the sixth largest ever recorded, triggered tsunami advisories for California’s coast. Waves of 3.6 feet struck Crescent City, causing minor dock damage, while Arena Cove and Monterey reported 1.6 and 1.4 feet, respectively. San Francisco saw tidal swings of 2 to 2.5 feet, creating dangerous currents. No evacuations were ordered, but residents are urged to avoid beaches and harbors.   Advice: - Avoid Northern and Central California coastlines, especially Crescent City, due to tsunami risks. - Stay out of water and away from beaches, harbors, and marinas. - Redirect to inland areas like Sacramento via buses from Eureka with Greyhound, if routes are open. - Carry essentials and monitor alerts. - Stay informed via the National Weather Service (www.weather.gov) or California Office of Emergency Services (www.caloes.ca.gov). - Contact 911 only for emergencies.  

Following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, Chilean authorities issued a tsunami warning that impacted Rapa Nui. On the morning of July 30, residents and visitors on Easter Island were ordered to evacuate from beaches, dock areas, and other low-lying zones. Scheduled power outages and road closures were also implemented on the island. Initial tsunami waves were expected to hit at approximately 11:25 mainland Chile time, prompting a full maritime suspension across the island.   Advice: - Move immediately to higher ground - avoid beaches, docks, and shoreline access zones. - Stay indoors in secure buildings until authorities lift the warning. - Avoid sea travel of any kind during the alert period. - Follow official directives closely - remain in designated safe zones or shelters until authorities lift the warning.  

Tropical Storm Co-May made landfall today in Zhoushan, impacting Shanghai and nearby areas with strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding risks. Authorities have relocated over 280,000 residents, imposed speed limits on highways and rail, and suspended hundreds of flights and all ferry services. Emergency response was escalated to Level III in Zhejiang, with transport restrictions across the Yangtze River Delta. . Advice: - Avoid coastal and flood-prone areas until Co‑May subsides - remain inland or in elevated zones. - Expect major disruptions to transport: confirm flights, trains, and ferry plans directly with providers. - Remain indoors during heavy rain and wind, and stay away from windows and unsecured external areas. - Monitor weather alerts from the CMA and local news.

Japan is facing transport disruptions due to tsunami warnings after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. Over 900,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with waves up to 1 m observed in northern areas and multi-surge waves expected for several hours.   Transport & Infrastructure Impact: - Ferries suspended between Hokkaido-Aomori and from Tokyo and surrounding islands. - Train services halted on multiple routes in Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kansai, and beyond. - Road closures on expressways in Hokkaido and Miyagi prefectures. - Flights canceled or diverted at major airports including Sendai, Hakodate, Kushiro, and Misawa.   Advice: - Evacuate immediately from beaches, harbors, and coastal zones to higher ground. - Avoid all coastal travel (maritime, train, or road) until authorities confirm safety. - Check travel plans: expect delays or cancellations across transport services; contact operators for updates. - Stay indoors in safe locations, away from windows; avoid underpasses and shoreline access. - Stay tuned to official updates via Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency and local authorities.  

Officials evacuated residents from beaches, docks, and low-lying areas on the Galápagos Islands, including Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal, as of the evening on July 29, due to possible tsunami waves of up to 1.4 metres (4.5 ft) following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that hit off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Krai. Maritime activities were suspended on the Galápagos Islands.   Advice: - Move immediately from low-lying coastal zones, beaches, and docking areas to higher, inland terrain. - Avoid the coast entirely until further notice; ferry and tour boat services are canceled. - Heed local instructions: remain in designated shelters or safe zones until authorities declare all clear. - Stay alert for evolving tsunami threats, as waves may arrive in multiple series and persist for hours.  

On July 29, 2025, over 1,700 firefighters and 12 waterbombing planes are battling three major wildfires in Arouca, Ponte da Barca, and Penamacor, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds. The Arouca fire has burned 6,000 hectares, while the Ponte da Barca blaze, active since Saturday in Peneda-Gerês National Park, prompted evacuations. Five firefighters were injured in a road accident, and six others sustained minor injuries. A red alert for fire risk is in place nationwide.   Advice: - Avoid rural areas in Arouca, Ponte da Barca, and Penamacor due to fire and smoke hazards. - If in affected areas, stay indoors, seal windows, and monitor air quality. - Travelers should delay trips to northern and central Portugal; check www.ipma.pt for fire risk updates. - Follow evacuation orders and avoid using heavy machinery or open flames. - Stay informed via www.proteccaocivil.pt or @ProteccaoCivil on X for real-time alerts. - If exposed to smoke or fire, call 112 for emergency assistance.  

On July 29, 2025, heavy rains continued to batter southern Taiwan, forcing 3,000 evacuations and closing businesses and schools in Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung, and Chiayi. The Central Weather Administration forecasts up to 90 cm of rain in mountainous areas through Thursday, warning of flash floods and landslides. Nine injuries and 88 rescues from flooded buildings and cars have been reported.   Advice: - Avoid low-lying areas in Kaohsiung and Pingtung; move to higher ground if flooding begins. - Stay clear of mountainous zones prone to landslides, especially in Chiayi. - Travelers should delay trips to southern Taiwan; check www.cwa.gov.tw for updates. - Monitor local alerts via Focus Taiwan (focustaiwan.tw). Flood risks may escalate rapidly. - Keep emergency kits (food, water, flashlight) ready and avoid flooded roads. - If trapped in floods, contact emergency services (110) or local authorities immediately.  

On July 29, 2025, Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology forecasts hot weather with temperatures of 35–42°C in southeastern regions, southern provinces, and the High Atlas plains. Moderately strong wind gusts in the eastern region, the Atlas Mountains, and southern Morocco may trigger local dust storms. Low clouds and fog are expected near coasts, with slight to moderate sea conditions. Minimum temperatures will range from 25–31°C in the southeast and 18–25°C elsewhere.   Advice: - Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in southeastern regions to prevent heatstroke. - Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and check on vulnerable groups like the elderly. - Be cautious of reduced visibility from dust storms when driving in the Atlas or southern areas. - Travelers should use sunscreen and avoid coastal fog-prone roads early morning. - Stay informed via www.marocmeteo.ma for real-time alerts. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - If experiencing heat-related symptoms, seek shade and contact health services (141).