News & Reports

French health authorities have confirmed 42 locally acquired arbovirus cases in 2025, including 38 chikungunya and 4 dengue, with 15 new cases detected as of July 22. Affected areas include both traditionally impacted southern regions and, for the first time, Grand Est and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This marks expanded transmission zones for mosquito-borne illnesses.   Advice: - Use mosquito repellent (minimum 40% DEET) and wear long clothing, especially during the day. - Sleep in air-conditioned or screened accommodations. - Monitor for symptoms (fever, joint pain, rash) and seek medical care if unwell. - Prioritize travel to lower-risk regions if flexibility allows. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the French Ministry of Health https://sante.gouv.fr/

Heavy thunderstorms on July 23-24 triggered flash floods and landslides in the Passiria Valley, causing significant damage. Roads and construction sites were submerged, vehicles were swept away, and parts of an industrial area were buried under debris. Emergency services are working to clear blocked routes and control water flow. No casualties have been reported, but access remains restricted in affected areas.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel to the Passiria Valley until cleanup operations conclude. - Be aware of road closures and traffic controls; follow detour signage and local instructions. - Stay away from low-lying regions, riverbanks, and steep slopes prone to runoff or landslides. - Monitor weather and safety updates from local authorities and the Civil Protection Department.  

Resident doctors affiliated with the British Medical Association (BMA) are staging a nationwide strike from 7:00 p.m. on July 25 through July 30 due to an ongoing pay dispute. NHS London expects over 60,000 appointments to be affected, with non-urgent care postponed. Life-saving services like cancer and cardiac surgeries will continue, but delays and reduced access are expected across most hospitals.   Advice: - Expect delays or cancellations in non-urgent NHS services; confirm appointments in advance. - For urgent care, proceed to NHS emergency departments, which remain operational. - Monitor updates via NHS England https://www.england.nhs.uk and BMA https://www.bma.org.uk. - If in London, allow extra time for hospital visits and consider alternative providers where available. - Remain patient with healthcare staff; avoid confrontations near strike-affected sites.  

Extreme temperatures continue across Greece, and the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued a severe weather warning through the weekend. Daytime highs of 42–44°C and overnight lows of 28–29°C are expected in several areas, especially urban zones. Conditions are contributing to high thermal stress, with limited night-time cooling.   Advice: - Stay indoors during peak heat (10 AM–5 PM): seek air-conditioned or shaded environments in cities and rural areas. - Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. - Limit outdoor exertion: postpone strenuous activities, walks, or sightseeing until cooler hours. - Prepare for power stress and outages: charge devices, have backup batteries, and use cooling strategies. - Follow updates from EMY https://emy.gr/en?area=forecast and Civil Protection https://civilprotection.gov.gr/en/112/pote-pos-me-eidopoiei.  

Local activist group “People in Solidarity with Palestinians” has organised a demonstration at the Kyobo Book Centre, Gwanghwamun Plaza, on July 26, calling for an end to Israeli military operations and the siege on Gaza. The rally will start at 16:00, followed by a march toward the Israeli Embassy. Similar events in Seoul have drawn hundreds of participants in recent weeks.   Advice: - Avoid Gwanghwamun and routes to the Israeli Embassy on July 26 between 16:00-18:00 to reduce risk of crowd disruptions. - Expect public transit delays or rerouting: Metro lines and buses near Gwanghwamun Station may be paused or detoured. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Stay aware in crowds: While mainly peaceful, such protests can attract counter-demonstrators or unintended tensions. - Secure belongings to prevent pickpocketing in densely packed areas.  

Local sources report a large-scale, pre‑planned demonstration in support of Palestine at Christiansborg Palace between 14:00-16:00, coinciding with ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza. The rally is organized by groups like “Alle På Gaden For et Frit Palæstina” and is expected to draw hundreds to thousands based on past events.   Advice: - Avoid Christiansborg and central Copenhagen during 14:00-16:00 to minimize the risk of crowd-related disturbances. - Refrain from engaging in political discussions or photographing demonstrators. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Expect public transit reroutes or delays; buses and metro services may be affected in the downtown area. - Stay alert in crowds: protests are largely peaceful, but avoid direct engagement and remain vigilant for pickpocketing.  

The Transports de les Illes Balears (TIB) bus network will enter an indefinite strike starting July 25, following unsuccessful negotiations over pay, hours, and working conditions. Previous 24-hour strikes on July 18, 21, and 23 drew ~100% participation in Mallorca, with strong turnouts in Menorca and partial involvement in Ibiza.   Advice: - Expect severe service reductions or complete suspension of TIB interurban routes across the islands - check the TIB website for minimum service details. - Airport connections affected: Popular Palma Airport buses to Alcúdia, Cala Millor, Peguera, Cala d’Or, and others will operate sporadically or not at all. - EMT Palma urban buses (city, A1) remain unaffected and can be used for travel within Palma and to/from the airport. - Plan alternative transport: Consider car rental, taxi services, or private transfer groups. - Allow extra time and flexibility: Anticipate delays, detours, and crowded conditions on remaining buses.  

An armed conflict that began on Thursday between Cambodia and Thailand has led authorities to evacuate thousands from Preah Vihear province. Clashes near Ta Muen Thom have intensified, with Thai F-16 airstrikes reportedly targeting the Wat Kaew Sikkhakirivoraram Road amid artillery and troop engagements along the disputed border.   Advice: - Avoid border regions in both Cambodia and Thailand - Preah Vihear, Sisaket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani. - Travelers in Preah Vihear should evacuate immediately using alternate routes southwards. - Expect border closure: crossings remain shut; no passage allowed in either direction. - Air Travel: If you must travel between Thailand and Cambodia, prioritize air travel. - Stay Informed: Monitor travel advisories from your country's embassy or consulate and local authorities.  

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Armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops near Ta Muen Thom temple in Phanom Dong Rak District have injured two Thai soldiers. Cambodian forces reportedly used RPGs and airburst artillery, prompting Thai retaliation. Residents in the border red zone are urged to shelter in bunkers immediately, while others must evacuate to designated shelters, coordinating with village heads. Emergency response plans are active.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Phanom Dong Rak District due to ongoing clashes. - Stay in bunkers if in the red zone; evacuate as planned if outside. - Redirect to Ubon Ratchathani via buses from Surin with local operators, if roads are open. - Carry emergency kits and monitor alerts. - Stay informed via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mfa.go.th) or Royal Thai Army (www.rta.mi.th). - Contact 112 for emergencies.