News & Reports

The State Workers Association (ATE) has called on public sector workers to participate in a 24-hour nationwide strike on August 20. This action is in response to a series of vetoes made by President Javier Milei. A rally is set to take place outside Congress in Buenos Aires at 12:00 local time, and a weekly rally for pensioners is also scheduled at the same location, starting at 15:00.   Advice: - Avoid the Congress area and nearby streets in Buenos Aires during noon hours to minimize exposure to potential disruptions. - Expect road closures, public transport changes, and large crowds. - Refrain from engaging with demonstrators and political debates. - Plan for potential delays in transportation and services throughout the day.  

Air-e Intervenida will carry out preventive maintenance today (Aug. 20) at Juan de Acosta substation from 08:00 to 11:00 and at Riomar substation in Barranquilla from 06:00 to 16:00. Power outages are expected in urban and rural areas of Juan de Acosta, Piojó, Tubará, the Vía al Mar corridor, and various neighborhoods in northern Barranquilla, including La Campiña, Riomar, and Alto Prado.   Advice: - Prepare Backup Power: Charge devices in advance. Have flashlights and full batteries on hand. - Review Your Schedule: Plan around the outage window; shift activities or reschedule appointments considering the loss of electricity. - Protect Equipment: Disconnect sensitive electronics electronics; shut down non-essential devices during the outage. - Stay Informed: Monitor local news or Air‑e’s updates via social media or their website for real-time developments and restoration times.  

Destructive wildfires continue in northwestern Spain, particularly affecting Galicia and Castile & León. In Ourense province, areas like Bouses and Oimbra are heavily impacted, with Larouco burning approximately 49,400 acres. San Vicente de Leira has seen widespread home damage, affecting around 1,000 people. The fires have led to evacuations, road closures, and suspended AVE high-speed rail service between Madrid and Galicia. Portions of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail are also blocked.   Advice: - Avoid travel to fire-affected regions - especially Galicia, León, Zamora, Salamanca, and Extremadura. - Expect suspended rail services (click here for train service updates) road closures, and limited access to certain areas. - Stay alert to evacuation orders, especially if in or near rural or fire-prone zones. - Exercise respiratory precautions: wear masks if advised and limit outdoor activity. - Monitor updates from national and local authorities; follow instructions from civil protection and emergency services. - Contact 112 for emergencies.  

Heavy rainfall has caused major flooding in Vichada Department, affecting about 15,600 people and damaging 2,400 homes. The National Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) warns heavy rainfall will continue for the next 48 hours. Local authorities report traffic diversions, dangerous flooding, and slippery roads.   Advice: * Postpone travel in flood-affected areas until conditions stabilize. * Expect traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. * Avoid crossing flooded streets and roads. * Stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying areas in the region. * Ensure that emergency supplies, important documents, and valuables are kept in waterproof containers. * In case of an emergency, you can contact the Police by dialing 123.  

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) has confirmed the abduction and killing of a staff member in the North Gondar Zone. On August 14, a humanitarian worker was abducted near Cheneqe, about 15 km from Debark town, and was killed the following day. Two of his colleagues survived the attack. It is unclear whether the aid worker was targeted for his work. The incident follows a series of recent attacks targeting Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) staff and infrastructure.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel to North Gondar and surrounding areas due to heightened insecurity. - Humanitarian personnel should maintain low profiles and adhere strictly to movement protocols. - If caught in a similar incident, prioritize safety: seek immediate shelter and avoid confrontation. - Maintain coordination with local partners for real-time security updates and incident verification. - Prepare for potential evacuations by developing multiple exit strategies and identifying alternative safe locations.  

Local sources reported that on the morning of August 16, unidentified gunmen ambushed bank employees transporting cash by car from the Mulo branch to Addis Ababa. The attack left three bank employees and eleven security force members dead, while four others were injured. The incident is part of a broader pattern of armed attacks in Oromia, where vehicles - including public transport- have been repeatedly targeted.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel to Chancho and the surrounding rural areas until the security situation stabilizes. - If caught in a similar incident, prioritize safety: seek immediate shelter and avoid confrontation. - Reinforce protection protocols: ensure team members are registered, communication devices are functional, and movement plans are shared in advance. - Maintain coordination with local partners for real-time security updates and incident verification.  

The Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY) in Albany has been closed to all air traffic following an aircraft accident. Authorities have not yet confirmed when operations will resume. Passengers planning to travel through Albany should expect significant disruption, including cancellations and rerouting of flights.   Advice: - Contact your airline immediately to confirm flight status and alternative arrangements. - Consider rerouting via nearby airports such as Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) or Columbus Airport (CSG). - Monitor official updates from the airport and the FAA for reopening information.  

Strong winds linked to Hurricane Erin’s effects on the Caribbean coast have caused power outages in multiple neighborhoods of Santo Domingo. Downed trees and collapsed concrete poles have damaged electricity lines, leaving several sectors without service. The utility company Edeeste has activated its contingency plan and dispatched crews to restore power in the affected areas.   Advice: - Prepare for extended electricity outages; keep flashlights, batteries, and power banks ready. - Avoid downed power lines and report hazards to local authorities. - Stay updated on service restoration through Edeeste’s official channels and follow local emergency instructions.  

Carrasco International Airport will be closed from 9 a.m. Tuesday, August 19, until 9 a.m. Thursday, August 21, due to improvement works on its Instrument Landing System (ILS). The upgrade aims to enhance operations under poor visibility conditions. A second closure is scheduled from September 2–4 for completion of the works. Airlines are contacting affected passengers to arrange rescheduling free of charge.   Advice: - Confirm flight status with your airline before traveling. - Expect reroutings or delays and plan for alternative connections if needed. - For passenger inquiries, contact: ilscarrasco@aeropuertosuruguay.com.uy.  

Heavy rains in Sironko District have caused significant destruction, resulting in one confirmed death due to drowning in Nalugugu. The flooding has destroyed homes, washed away crops, and left hundreds of residents stranded without food or shelter. The floods have also cut off the Nalugugu Bridge in Bukise Sub-county, Paralyzing Traffic along the Sironko–Kapchorwa–Karamoja highway and the Kapchorwa–Mbale highway.   Advice: Avoid travel in and around Sironko District due to blocked highways and a collapsed bridge. There is a detour of approximately 1 kilometer to bypass the damaged road. Monitor local radio, government announcements, and Uganda National Meteorological Authority for real-time updates. Keep emergency supplies, important documents, and valuables in waterproof storage.