News & Reports

Kolkata has been hit by its heaviest rainfall in nearly four decades, causing severe flooding, infrastructure breakdowns, and fatalities. At least 12 people have died, including nine in Kolkata (mostly from electrocution) and others from drowning in nearby areas. The deluge has paralyzed transport, cut power in several neighborhoods, and left roads submerged under waist-deep water. Businesses and households are struggling to cope with the aftermath, while the disaster has also disrupted preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja festival. Authorities warn that more rain may follow due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.   Advice: - Avoid unnecessary movement in flooded neighborhoods; water levels may conceal hazards. - Stay clear of submerged electrical wires and equipment to reduce electrocution risk. - Follow advisories from the India Meteorological Department and municipal authorities. - Expect continued disruption to air, rail, and road travel; confirm schedules before departure. - Travellers are advised not to attend Durga Puja events in Kolkata until conditions stabilize.  

Greek air traffic controllers have announced a 24-hour strike from 30 September at 9 p.m. local time until 1 October at 9 p.m. The action is expected to disrupt domestic and international flights across the country, though full details of the impact have not yet been confirmed. Travelers should anticipate possible cancellations, delays, or rerouted flights.   Advice: - Confirm your flight status with your airline well in advance of departure. - Be prepared for significant changes to both domestic and international flight schedules. - Allow extra time at airports and consider flexible travel arrangements. - Monitor updates from Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority and Eurocontrol for real-time strike information. - If traveling to or from Greece, consider alternative transport or adjusting travel dates where possible.  

A curfew has been imposed in Leh after violent protests demanding statehood for Ladakh turned deadly on September 24. At least four people were killed and over 80 injured when clashes erupted, with arson targeting vehicles and a political office. Security forces have detained around 50 people, and heavy police and paramilitary presence is reported in Leh, Kargil, and surrounding towns. Shops and transport remain shut, and further meetings between protest leaders and officials are expected in the coming days.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Leh, Kargil, and nearby areas until curfew is lifted. - If in the region, remain indoors, keep essentials stocked, and comply with security instructions. - Expect roadblocks, vehicle checks, and suspension of public transport. - Stay clear of protests, government buildings, and political offices. - Do not engage with protesters or security personnel; keep a safe distance from crowds to avoid potential clashes and injuries. - Monitor official announcements and reliable local media for developments.  

Nearly 1.9 million people have been evacuated in southern China as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches, with winds forecast at the top of China’s monitoring scale. Major cities, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou, have suspended schools, businesses, public transport, and highways. Hundreds of flights were canceled across regional airports, leaving travel severely disrupted.   Advice: - Avoid travel to or within Guangdong and nearby provinces until conditions stabilize. - If already in the region, remain indoors and stock up on food, water, and essentials. - Expect widespread flight cancellations; confirm directly with airlines before heading to airports. - Monitor local government advisories and the China Meteorological Administration for updates. - Be prepared for potential flooding, power outages, and limited access to services.  

Tropical Storm Humberto has formed in the central Atlantic and is forecast to strengthen as it tracks northwestward over the coming days. While no coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect, the National Hurricane Center notes that parts of the Southeast U.S. coast could experience indirect impacts if the storm shifts closer.   Advice: - Travelers with plans along the Southeast coast (Florida to North Carolina) should monitor official forecasts. - No immediate disruptions expected, but consider flexible travel arrangements. - Stay updated through the National Hurricane Center - Prepare early by reviewing local storm readiness guides if traveling in the region.  

Eurocontrol reports that air traffic control (ATC) staffing shortages are causing flight regulations at both Nice and Cannes airports. Arriving flights are facing moderate to high delays, which may also disrupt departing schedules. Passengers traveling through either airport today should expect potential disruption and plan accordingly.   Advice: - Confirm flight status with your airline before traveling to the airport. - Allow extra time for check-in and security in case of delays. - If connecting through Nice or Cannes, prepare for missed or rescheduled connections. - Monitor Eurocontrol Network Updates for real-time information. - Have alternative transport or accommodation options ready if significant delays occur.  

Bus driver strikes in Manchester from September 30 to October 2 will disrupt Bee Network bus services. A previous strike last month suspended two-thirds of routes, and significant disruption to public transport is expected again. Advice: * Plan your journeys in advance. Allow extra time and consider alternative transport such as taxis, trains, or private cars. - Try to plan your journeys to include the services of other bus companies in the city - Arrive early at the bus station and allow flexibility in your travel schedule. - Stay informed through local news and public transport apps for updates on traffic arrangements or strike developments.

Typhoon RAGASA, currently hitting Southeast Asian countries, continues to expand and is expected to affect large parts of Vietnam. This is in addition to Tropical Storm OPONG, which is also expected to bring severe weather to Vietnam. The impact of these two storms is expected to bring heavy rains, flooding, landslides, strong winds, and dangerous travel conditions. The severe weather is expected to continue until September 29. Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel and outings over the next few days. Avoid driving on flooded or slippery roads. - Avoid mountainous and low-lying areas due to flooding and landslides - Stay indoors and sheltered during heavy rains and strong winds. Be prepared for power outages - pre-charge electronic devices and portable chargers, and be prepared with supplies of food, water, and medicine.

Tropical Storm OPONG continues to intensify, moving northwestward, and is expected to hit the Bicol region of eastern Luzon on September 26. The storm is expected to bring severe weather, strong winds that may damage weak structures, heavy rains that may cause flooding, rough seas, and high waves. The severe weather is expected to continue until September 28th. Advise: - Avoid coastal areas and sea travel during the storm. - Stay indoors and in strong, stable structures during the storm - Prepare for power outages due to the storm - Charge electronic devices and portable chargers in advance and be prepared with supplies of water, food, and medicine. - Stay updated on the storm's development and the list of areas at risk on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) website 

Drones were spotted over Aalborg Airport in Denmark. As a result, the airport was closed and the airspace around it was restricted. KLM flights were reported to have been cancelled or diverted to other airports in Denmark, and additional flights were rescheduled. Advice: - Expect significant changes to flight schedules, delays, and cancellations in the coming days. - Stay updated with information about your flight regarding delays, cancellations, or rerouting on the official websites and apps of the airlines. - Stay alert to regional aviation security advisories as investigations continue.