News & Reports

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in Limpopo and Mpumalanga on July 26, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. SAST. Expect heavy downpours, strong winds, excessive lightning, and possible hail, which may cause localized flooding of roads, low-lying areas, and informal settlements, as well as damage to infrastructure and disruptions to services.   Advice: - Avoid low-lying areas and river crossings in Limpopo and Mpumalanga to reduce flood risks. - Stay indoors during thunderstorms; secure outdoor items to prevent damage from strong winds. - Travelers should check road conditions via www.aa.co.za and delay non-essential travel. - Stay informed via SAWS (www.weathersa.co.za) for real-time alerts. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Be cautious of lightning; avoid open fields or tall objects during storms. - If flooding occurs, move to higher ground and contact emergency services (10111) if needed.  

On July 26, 2025, Gansu Province issued red alerts for flash floods and geological disasters due to heavy rainfall. At 6:10 a.m., the provincial water resources and meteorological bureaus issued a warning of flash flood risks in Pingliang and Qingyang, caused by intense rainfall. A second red alert for landslides, soil collapses, and mudslides was issued later by the natural resources and meteorological bureaus.   Advice: - Avoid low-lying and hilly areas in Pingliang and Qingyang to minimize risks of floods and landslides. - Follow evacuation orders and move to designated safe zones immediately. - Travelers should delay trips to Gansu and check road conditions via www.chinahighway.org. - Stay informed via the China Meteorological Administration (www.cma.gov.cn) for real-time alerts. Risks may escalate rapidly. - Prepare emergency kits with food, water, and flashlights for potential disruptions. - If trapped in floods or landslides, contact emergency services (110) or local authorities.  

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts heavy rainfall across 50 provinces on July 26–27, 2025, due to a strong southwestern monsoon and a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Loei, and Nakhon Phanom face risks of flash floods and landslides. The upper Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are expected to experience waves of 2–3 meters, with waves exceeding 3 meters in storms. Bangkok will see thunderstorms in 40% of the area.   Advice: - Avoid low-lying and hilly areas in Mae Hong Son and Loei to reduce flash flood and landslide risks. - Stay indoors during heavy rain; secure property and avoid waterways in Nakhon Phanom and Chiang Rai. - Travelers should carry waterproof gear, delay non-essential trips, and check road conditions. - Stay informed via TMD (www.tmd.go.th) for weather alerts. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand should avoid stormy areas; small boats should stay ashore. - If caught in floods, move to higher ground and contact emergency services (191) immediately.  

On July 26, 2025, Eurocontrol reported regulated arrivals at Athens International Airport (ATH), Chania (CHQ), Heraklion (HER), Kefalonia (EFL), and Zakynthos (ZTH) due to air traffic control (ATC) and aerodrome capacity issues, causing moderate to high delays. Departures may also be affected. No cancellations are confirmed, but disruptions are expected to continue.   Advice: - Check flight status via www.aia.gr (ATH), www.heraklion-airport.gr (HER), or airline apps before traveling. - Arrive at least 3 hours early for flights to account for delays at check-in or security. - Monitor updates from Eurocontrol (www.eurocontrol.int) or airlines for real-time alerts. - Avoid non-essential travel through affected airports until capacity stabilizes. - If delayed, contact airlines for rebooking or compensation under EU law (up to €600 for delays over 3 hours). - For emergencies or if stranded, call 112 or contact airport staff.  

On July 25, pro-Palestinian activists vandalized the Israeli mission to the UN in Geneva by spraying red paint on the building and tagging it with graffiti. Swiss police have opened an investigation. This incident is part of a global rise in attacks on Israeli and Jewish institutions amid increased tensions from the conflict in Gaza.   Advice: - Expect increased police presence and security cordons in the diplomatic zone. Avoid the area around the Israeli mission in Geneva if possible. - Exercise caution near Israeli or Jewish institutions in major cities, as they may be on higher alert. - Stay aware of your surroundings in public transit and large gatherings; avoid discussing political discourse - Report any suspicious behavior to local authorities.  

Mumbai is currently facing significant disruptions due to heavy monsoon rains. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for July 25-26, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the Ratnagiri and Raigad districts. Thunderstorms and strong winds are also expected in parts of Marathwada and the ghat regions of Madhya Maharashtra. These heavy downpours have caused city traffic, closed roads, and delays in local train services.   Advice: - Stay indoors during heavy rain unless absolutely necessary. - Expect train delays on the Western, Harbour, and Central lines and allow extra travel time. - Avoid using underpasses and low-lying roads that are prone to flooding. - Follow local updates from the India Meteorological Department (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/) and Mumbai Police. - Be prepared for additional rainfall and potential disruptions related to thunderstorms throughout the weekend.  

Tropical Storm Emong is strengthening the southwest monsoon, resulting in heavy rainfall across Luzon, particularly in Metro Manila, as well as in the Visayas and parts of Mindanao. There are significant risks of flash floods, landslides, and river overflows, especially in low-lying and mountainous areas. Localized flooding has already been reported in Metro Manila, and transportation disruptions are expected to increase through July 28.   Advice: - Avoid traveling in affected regions, especially Metro Manila and parts of Luzon. - Stay vigilant for warnings about flash floods and landslides, particularly near rivers, slopes, and low-lying urban areas. - Secure your property in high-risk areas and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. - Monitor advisories from PAGASA and local authorities: https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/  

Severe storms have flooded Baoding city in Hebei province with nearly a year’s worth of rain in just 24 hours. Over 19,000 people were evacuated as roads were submerged and access disrupted. Zhuozhou also faced heavy rainfall and transport issues. Authorities issued a red alert for Baoding and raised emergency response levels across Hebei province. Rain is expected to intensify in Beijing by Saturday morning, posing risks of flash floods and landslides.   Advice: - Avoid travel in affected regions, especially Hebei and Beijing - Monitor weather alerts from the CMA (http://www.cma.gov.cn/en/) and local news. - Stay away from rivers, bridges, and landslide-prone areas. - Prepare for road closures, power outages, and public transport disruptions. - Follow evacuation orders and guidance from local authorities. - In urban areas, avoid underground facilities and waterlogged streets.  

A significant heatwave is currently impacting large areas of the United States, with nearly 100 million people under heat advisories or warnings. Extremely high heat index values, reaching between 105°F and 110°F (40°C to 43°C), are expected in multiple regions. This situation is anticipated to persist at least until the end of July.   Advice: - Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10:00- 19:00). Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments during this time. - Drink water every hour, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol. - Wear loose, light-colored clothing to help keep cool. - Don't leave people or pets in parked vehicles. This can be extremely dangerous in hot weather. - Monitor local alerts and updates through local news and media.  

A nationwide strike by airport ground staff including baggage handlers and security workers is planned for Saturday, July 26, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The action may cause flight delays and cancellations across Italy. Simultaneously, Volotea pilots and cabin crew will also strike, potentially compounding disruption. Both strikes stem from labor disputes over contracts and working conditions.   Advice: - Check flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport. - If traveling July 25, arrive early, expect delays or cancellations, and stick to essential plans only. - Allow extra time for check-in, security, and baggage handling. - If affected by cancellations, contact your airline for rebooking or refund options. - Refer to ENAC https://www.enac.gov.it/ or the Transport Ministry https://www.mit.gov.it/ for updated strike information and guaranteed flights.