News & Reports

Pro-Palestinian groups are set to stage a demonstration on Wednesday, September 24, to begin at 20:00 local time at Plaza de Castilla, Antequera. Organizers are urging supporters to protest the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the situation in Gaza. Advice: - Avoid areas around the mentioned place all day long. - Protest dynamics can shift unexpectedly. Maintain a safe distance and follow the directions of law enforcement. - If you are near protesters or near a protest site, keep a low profile and get to side streets away from the protest center as quickly as possible. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately.  

Relentless overnight rainfall has caused extensive waterlogging throughout Kolkata, leading to the electrocution deaths of at least three people. Major roads, residential neighborhoods, and critical intersections are underwater, resulting in severe traffic paralysis and leaving vehicles stranded for hours. Public transport is in disarray: Metro services are completely suspended between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan, with limited operations on other sections, while train services from Sealdah and Howrah remain heavily disrupted due to flooded tracks. Schools have been closed, and numerous offices report widespread absenteeism as staff struggle to commute. Heavy rainfall alerts are in place for South Bengal districts, with a new low-pressure system likely over the Bay of Bengal by September 25. Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel within Kolkata until floodwaters recede; expect severe delays and road closures on EM Bypass, AJC Bose Road, Central Avenue, and other key arteries. - Check Metro Railway Kolkata and Eastern Railway for updated service advisories. - Prepare for power and transportation disruptions - keep essential supplies and charged devices ready. - Monitor official IMD updates for ongoing rainfall alerts. - Stay clear of flood zones, mudslide-prone slopes, and fast-flowing streams, even if routes appear passable.  

Warnings of persistent heavy rain and thunderstorms have been issued for the next 10 days as the monsoon trough intensifies and Typhoon Ragasa, currently in the South China Sea, is set to pass near northern Vietnam later this week, further boosting rainfall in Thailand from Tuesday to Friday. Widespread flooding has been reported in at least 16 provinces, with rising water in Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Phichit. Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Tak, Kalasin, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani are expected to see downpours, while Bangkok faces a 60% daily chance of storms. Advice: - Avoid flood-prone and low-lying areas, especially northern and northeastern provinces, and be cautious on roads due to potential closures or delays. - Exercise caution when traveling by road; expect closures or delays in areas affected by flooding. - Avoid areas prone to landslides, particularly steep slopes, and coastal regions exposed to stormy seas. - Travelers in Bangkok should plan for waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and possible power outages. - Follow updates from the Thai Meteorological Department and local authorities. - Keep an emergency kit handy, including a power bank, and important documents in waterproof bags.  

All flights into and out of Denmark’s busiest airport, Copenhagen (Kastrup), have been halted starting at 20:26 local time due to multiple large drones observed in the airspace around the airport. Police confirmed 2-3 drones spotted; at least 35 flights have already been diverted. There is no clear timeframe for when operations will resume.   Advice: - Avoid traveling to Copenhagen Airport until authorities confirm it has reopened. - If you’re scheduled to fly, contact your airline about flight status or rerouting. - Monitor local police and airport social media for live updates. - Be prepared for delays and longer travel times if diverted to other airports. - Keep identification and travel documents handy in case of last-minute changes.  

Hurricane Gabrielle has rapidly intensified into a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds near 120 mph (≈191 km/h). It is forecast to pass east of Bermuda, avoiding a direct landfall and remaining over open water. Despite its distance from land, Gabrielle is generating significant ocean swells and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina northward, as well as in Atlantic Canada. Bermudans are experiencing gusty winds and showers as swells reach the island.   Advice: - Avoid entering the ocean along affected coastlines; strong rip currents and life-threatening surf are expected. - Heed marine warnings; small craft should remain in port where possible. - Stay tuned to updates from the National Hurricane Center and local weather agencies. - Prepare for possible coastal flooding if swells coincide with high tides.  

Shenzhen is set to evacuate about 400,000 residents from coastal and flood-prone zones, warning of “disastrous calamities” as Ragasa approaches between Shanwei and Wenchang. Heavy rain up to 280 mm and winds of 200–220 km/h are forecast across Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Jiangsu, and Anhui. Train services in Guangdong will be reduced from Tuesday and fully suspended on Wednesday before gradually resuming on Thursday.   Advice: - Evacuate as advised if you are in coastal, flood-prone, or low-lying areas, especially in Shenzhen. - Secure your home: board up windows, reinforce structures, remove loose objects that could become projectiles. - Follow official weather alerts daily and expect sudden shifts in conditions. - Avoid travel by train or road in affected provinces (Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, etc.) from Tuesday through Wednesday. - Prepare emergency supplies, including food, water, medicine, backup power; be ready for possible loss of power or communications.  

Tens of thousands of people joined nationwide demonstrations and a general strike in support of Gaza, with dockworkers blocking access to the ports of Genoa and Livorno and marchers rallying in major cities. In Rome, large student gatherings formed around Termini station; further protests were reported in Milan and Turin, among others. Authorities and local media reported transport disruptions, including delayed or cancelled regional services, while airlines were largely unaffected. Italy’s government has taken a cautious stance on recognizing Palestinian statehood as protests called for sanctions and an end to arms shipments to Israel.   Advice: - Avoid protest areas and port access roads around Genoa and Livorno; use alternate routes. - Check local transport updates in Rome, Milan, and Turin for delays or cancellations. - Allow extra time for city-center travel near demonstration routes and squares. - Follow police instructions and keep a safe distance from large crowds or any clashes.  

Due to heavy rain overnight and into the morning, at least 1,100 homes are reported without electricity across Villelaure, Avignon, Carpentras, Orange, and Pernes-les-Fontaines. In Loriol-du-Comtat and Morières-lès-Avignon, two people were slightly injured in rain-related incidents. The departmental road RD 950 is closed between Loriol-du-Comtat and Carpentras.   Advice: - Avoid travel on RD 950 between Loriol-du-Comtat and Carpentras; seek alternate routes. - Be prepared for delays and potential hazards (fallen trees, debris) near flooded or waterlogged roads. - Postpone travel in flood-affected areas until conditions stabilize. - Prepare for extended electricity outages; keep flashlights, batteries, and power banks ready.  

Pro-Palestinian groups are set to stage a demonstration on Saturday, September 27, to begin at 14:30 local time at Neptunbrunnen, Berlin. Organisers are urging supporters to speak out against Germany’s involvement in arms deliveries and demand a ceasefire in Gaza.   Advice: - Anticipate heavy crowds and possible traffic disruptions around Neptunbrunnen and central Berlin. - Protest dynamics can shift unexpectedly. Maintain a safe distance and follow the directions of law enforcement. - If you are near protesters or near a protest site, keep a low profile and get to side streets away from the protest center as quickly as possible. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately.  

Super Typhoon Ragasa, with winds over 200 km/h, is set to hit Hong Kong from late Tuesday through Wednesday. Authorities warn of hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, flooding, and storm surges.. All flights may be suspended from Tuesday 6PM to Thursday 6AM, a 36-hour shutdown. The Observatory has raised the No. 1 warning, possibly escalating to No. 3, with peak impact overnight Tuesday. Residents should secure homes, stock up, and stay indoors as the city remains on high alert. Advice: - Stay indoors during peak storm hours, away from windows and glass. Avoid coastal areas, piers, and low-lying districts at risk of storm surge and flooding. - Expect severe disruption. Reconfirm flights and do not go to the airport unless your airline confirms operations. Local transport (ferries, trains, buses) may be suspended. - Prepare at least 48 hours of essentials: water, non-perishable food, medications, a first aid kit, and hygiene supplies. Keep power banks and flashlights ready in case of outages. - Rely on the Hong Kong Observatory, government announcements, the airport authority, and your airline for verified instructions.