News & Reports

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported extremely heavy rainfall (≥21 cm) in Bihar over the past 24 hours, with very heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, West Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Tamil Nadu. Heavy rainfall was also recorded in Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Telangana, and coastal regions. These conditions pose risks of flash floods, landslides, and transportation disruptions.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid non-essential travel in flood-prone and hilly areas. •⁠ ⁠Monitor IMD (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/) updates and local advisories. •⁠ ⁠Be prepared for transport delays and possible power or communication outages.  

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) has forecast strong winds and a sharp temperature drop, increasing the risk of very high fire danger across multiple regions. Dry and windy conditions may lead to rapid spread of wildfires, while maritime disruptions are possible due to rough seas.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid activities that could spark fires, including outdoor burning or use of machinery in dry areas. •⁠ ⁠Travelers should monitor HNMS updates and follow local civil protection guidance. •⁠ ⁠Exercise caution near coastal and forested areas; prepare for possible transport disruptions.  

Protests broke out on September 16 after President Daniel Noboa announced the elimination of the diesel fuel subsidy. Demonstrations turned violent in Quito following clashes with law enforcement. Key roads in Carchi and Aloag remain blocked, and the president has declared a 60-day nationwide state of emergency.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid protest areas and major roads in affected provinces. •⁠ ⁠Expect heightened security presence, checkpoints, and possible travel disruptions. When you are in such areas and it escalates try to find the closest exit or try to get into a public building. •⁠ ⁠Monitor local news and official updates, including El Comercio Ecuador (https://www.elcomercio.com/), for real-time developments.  

Large demonstrations are planned in London on Wednesday, September 17, at 14:00 (local time). Protesters are expected to march from BBC Broadcasting House to Parliament Square. The demonstration is organized by the Stop Trump Coalition in opposition to the state visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, with grievances over human rights, immigration policies, and authoritarianism. Media and Metropolitan Police warn of possible road closures, transport disruptions, and heightened police presence. While the protest is expected to be peaceful, authorities caution that demonstrations can escalate unexpectedly.   Advice:

• Unless it's necessary, avoid the route and the surrounding areas of the protest.
• Adjust travel plans in advance to minimize disruption.
• Protest dynamics can change rapidly. Maintain a safe distance and follow all police instructions.
• If in the area, avoid any discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave immediately.

 

A measles outbreak was confirmed in Opuwo after 20 suspected cases were recorded, with 10 testing positive. Health authorities emphasize that most confirmed cases involve unvaccinated individuals, and the Ministry of Health has initiated a district-wide vaccination campaign that will run until October 3rd.   Advice:

• Avoid unnecessary travel to areas with outbreaks unless you are vaccinated.
• Ensure children and at-risk adults are up to date on measles vaccinations.
• If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash (appearing 10-14 days after exposure), seek medical attention immediately.

 

Pro-Palestinian protests are scheduled to take place across Spain today. Activists are expected to gather outside the Israeli Embassy in Madrid and the Israeli Consulate in Barcelona to protest the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the situation in Gaza. Organizers are also preparing to respond if the Global Sumud Flotilla is intercepted. Demonstrations are anticipated at the following locations: - Civic Plaza, Barcelona at 14:00. - Israeli Embassy, C/ Velázquez 150, Madrid at 20:00. - Israeli Consulate, Gran Vía de Carlos III, 84, Barcelona at 20:00. Advice: - Avoid areas around the mentioned places, especially around Israeli embassies, all day long. - tensions may rise and spread rapidly. - Protest dynamics can shift unexpectedly. Maintain a safe distance and follow the directions of law enforcement. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately. - In case of emergency, call 112.  

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck on September 16, southeast of Kokopo at a depth of about 77 km. No reports of casualties or significant damage have been received so far. Authorities have not issued a tsunami warning, but aftershocks remain possible in the wider region.   Advice:

• If in coastal areas, stay alert for potential tsunami advisories.
• Be prepared for possible aftershocks and follow local safety guidance.
• Monitor updates from the regional seismic agency and local news https://earthquaketrack.com/p/papua-new-guinea/recent

 

KLM announced the cancellation of around 100 flights on September 17 due to a strike by ground crew scheduled between 08:00 and 12:00 (local time). Schiphol Airport has warned of significant delays and cancellations not only during the strike window but also before and after, as the disruption will impact aircraft rotations and schedules.   Advice:

• Check flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport.
• Arrive early at the airport and allow extra time for check-in, security, and boarding.
• If affected by cancellations, contact your airline for rebooking or refund options.

 

Train services on the main tourist route between Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo were suddenly canceled after protesters blocked the tracks with rocks in the Qoriwayrachina area. Thousands of travelers are currently stranded. According to media reports, at least ten people were injured during clashes when Peruvian National Police attempted to clear the tracks. Rail operators Ferrocarril Trasandino and PeruRail have announced an exceptional evacuation operation to move stranded passengers.   Advice:

• Avoid travel from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo by rail until further notice and adjust travel plans.
• If in the area, follow the operator's instructions for evacuation procedures.
• Anticipate delays, cancellations, and potential confrontations near railway tracks.

 

A severe cloudburst struck Dehradun on September 15-16, 2025, causing extensive flooding and landslides. The Tamsa River overflowed, submerging the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple and triggering flash floods in Sahastradhara. At least five people have been confirmed swept away, and over 500 are stranded in the city. Several roads, including parts of the Rishikesh-Dehradun highway, have collapsed, and a bridge on the Dehradun-Haridwar National Highway was washed away.   Advice: - Avoid travel to affected regions, particularly mountains and river valleys. Many roads are impassable, and conditions are hazardous. - Stay clear of flood zones, mudslide-prone slopes, and fast-flowing streams, even if routes appear passable. - Follow updates from the India Meteorological Department. - Prepare for power and transportation disruptions - keep essential supplies and charged devices ready.