News & Reports

Taiwan is preparing for Typhoon Podul, expected to hit near Taitung City around noon on August 13 and move along the western coast toward Fujian Province in China. Authorities have initiated large-scale shutdowns in southern and eastern Taiwan, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and thousands of evacuations. The storm's strong winds and heavy rain are likely to worsen severe flooding and landslides caused by recent storms.   Advice: - Avoid all coastal, low-lying, or mountainous areas; flash floods and landslides are highly likely. - Do not travel unless absolutely necessary; expect widespread transport disruptions, including flight cancellations. - Prepare emergency supplies, secure important documents, and keep valuables in waterproof containers. - Follow updates from Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau: https://www.cwa.gov.tw/V8/E/W/week.html.  

The Czech Republic is experiencing its highest hepatitis A case count in 15 years, with 1,053 cases reported in the first seven months of 2025, compared to 636 cases in all of 2024. Prague is the hardest-hit area, followed by the Central Bohemian Region and Moravian-Silesian Region. Health officials warn that the situation is dramatic, with transmission most likely in communal environments such as schools, childcare centers, and camps.   Advice: - Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or after using shared facilities. - Avoid consuming food or drinks from questionable sources. - Consider vaccination if you live in or are traveling to affected areas. - Seek prompt medical attention if you develop fever, stomach pain, nausea, or yellowing of the skin/eyes.  

Several wildfires have been burning in western Greece since Tuesday morning, forcing evacuations on the islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia and the area of Vonitsa in Aetolia-Acarnania. Firefighting crews are battling the flames under challenging conditions, with strong winds, high temperatures, and prolonged drought. The combination of heat, dryness, and strong winds is driving high fire risk, and authorities remain on high alert.   Advice: - Avoid travel to affected or nearby forested areas, including Zakynthos and Kefalonia, and other active fire zones. - Keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke exposure; use masks or cloth coverings if outdoors. - Have a go-bag ready in case of sudden evacuation orders. - Prepare and check for potential transport disruptions, including ferry delays or cancellations. - Report any signs of wildfire (smoke, flames) to emergency services immediately (199 or 112).  

Pro-Palestine protests are planned across the USA today against the Israel-Hamas war and alleged genocide in Gaza. The protests are expected to take place in the following cities: New York City, NY: 12:00-06:00 PM at the UN HQ and 05:30 PM at the NYT offices - Chicago, IL: 04:30 PM at the Daley Plaza. - Los Angeles, CA: 04:00 PM at the Fox 11 News Offices. - San Diego, CA: 06:00 PM at the 600 B Street. - Houston, TX: 04:00 PM at the KHOU 11 Office. - Dallas, TX: 03:30 PM at Main Street, Garden Park in front of the Dallas Morning News Offices. - Fort Wayne, IN: 05:00-06:00 PM at the Courthouse Green, 715 Calhoun St.   Advice: - During the rally times, avoid the areas due to possible unrest and crowd activity. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and if tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure your safety. - In case of emergency, call 911.  

A wildfire has broken out in Tres Cantos, which is located some 23km north of Madrid, as Spain continues to grapple with extreme heat. Emergency crews battled the blaze overnight. Extreme temperatures in several areas in Spain, such as Seville, Cordoba, Huelva, and Bilbao, are expected to last until at least Wednesday, with forecasts reaching up to 44°C. Firefighters were also tackling “fire whirls” in the north of Spain, which burned several houses and forced hundreds of residents from their homes.   Advice: * Avoid travel to affected or nearby forested areas, including Tres Cantos and other active fire zones. * Keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke exposure; use masks or cloth coverings if outdoors. * Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and wear light, breathable clothing. * Watch for heat exhaustion symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, dark urine, and extreme fatigue. If they occur, rest and hydrate. * Monitor official updates via AEMET * Report any signs of wildfire (smoke, flames) to emergency services immediately (112).  

A flood warning has been issued for the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers and their adjoining tributaries in Punjab, with heavy monsoon rains expected from August 13. Low-level flooding is possible at Ganda Singh Wala due to a likely water release from India. Scattered rain continues across Punjab, and very heavy rain is forecast in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.   Advice: - Do not travel to low-lying or flood-prone areas near rivers. Walking or driving through flooded areas is extremely dangerous-avoid at all costs. Be cautious of potential landslides. - Travel only if absolutely necessary. Roads may be blocked or dangerously slippery-proceed slowly and avoid all flooded segments. - Keep emergency supplies, important documents, and valuables in waterproof storage. - Stay informed through IMD for weather warning advisories.  

Pro-Palestine protesters are planning to rally outside the Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) headquarters in Geneva today, August 11, at 18:00 local time. They aim to denounce the recent killing of an Al Jazeera journalist in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza and to call for an end to what they describe as the company's bias towards Israel.   Advice: - Avoid the RTS building from 18:00 due to possible unrest and crowd activity. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and if tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

Student activists plan to stage anti-government demonstrations in Belgrade at the intersection of Batutova Street and Kralja Aleksandra Boulevard from 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT) on Aug. 11, and along Ustanička Street from 20:00 on Aug. 12.   Advice: - Avoid protest locations and surrounding streets during the announced times. - Prepare for heavy security presence: riot police may restrict access, enforce checkpoints, and use tear gas or water cannons if tensions spike. - Expect transportation disruptions: roads near the protest may be rerouted or closed; check local traffic updates. - Do not engage with protesters or security personnel; maintain a safe distance from crowds. Clashes escalated during previous protests.  

Pro-Palestine activists, organized by the Coordinación por Palestina Uruguay, are scheduled to hold a demonstration at Plaza Independencia in Montevideo today, August 11, from 18:00 to 00:00 local time. The rally aims to express solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.   Advice: - Avoid the Plaza Independencia area from 18:00 to 00:00 due to possible unrest and crowd activity. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and if tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.