News & Reports

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning for heavy to hefty rainfall, flash floods, and runoff risks across Northern and Northeastern Thailand. Bangkok and eastern provinces can expect isolated downpours. Coastal waters, including the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, may experience waves ranging from 1–2 meters, with heights exceeding 2 meters during storms.   Affected Areas: - North: Chiang Rai, Nan (mountain slopes, waterways, and low-lying zones) - Northeast: Multiple districts across Udon Thani, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani - Central: Bangkok, surrounding provinces – isolated storms   Advice: - Avoid flood-prone areas, especially near mountain runoff zones and low-lying riverbanks, as flash floods can occur rapidly. - Stay indoors during storms - avoid sheltering under trees or unstable structures to reduce risk from lightning or wind damage - Drive cautiously - wet roads and reduced visibility increase the risk of accidents; consider postponing non-essential travel. - Monitor water levels, particularly in Chiang Rai, Nan, and Ubon Ratchathani, and follow official evacuation orders if issued. - Prepare emergency supplies by stocking clean water, food, and medications, and ensure your phones are charged in case of a power outage.  

Clashes took place today, June 28, in central Belgrade as police confronted anti-government protesters near Kneza Miloša Street. Riot police responded to masked individuals who were throwing fireworks and bottles by using pepper spray and stun grenades. The confrontations continued as the protesters were pushed downhill.   Advice: - Avoid protest areas around Kneza Miloša, the London intersection, and the Constitutional Court, due to the elevated risk of violence and police use of force. - Expect road closures, disruptions, and a heavy police presence in central Belgrade. - Do not engage with protesters or security personnel; maintain a safe distance from crowds. - Be alert for the potential use of tear gas, pepper spray, and stun devices by law enforcement. - Allow extra travel time and monitor local media for real-time updates and reroutes.  

The Portuguese weather department has issued orange heat warnings for 12 districts, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C in some areas. Due to the extreme heat and dry vegetation, high fire risk conditions are present, especially in the North, Center, and Algarve. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture has banned the use of fire and agricultural or forestry machinery in high-risk areas until July 1.   Advice: - Stay in cool or air-conditioned places and avoid being outdoors between 11:00 and 17:00. - Use sunscreen and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. - Avoid strenuous outdoor activities and do not use agricultural/forestry machinery in restricted areas. - Monitor fire alerts and follow local guidelines; report fires or emergencies immediately. - Watch for heat-related symptoms, such as excessive sweating, fever, nausea, or a weak pulse. In emergencies, call 112. - Stay updated by following the IPMA: https://www.ipma.pt  

France is currently facing a severe heatwave, prompting Météo-France to issue alerts for 73 departments. Among these, 15 have been classified at the orange alert level, starting Sunday, June 29, at noon. The high daytime and nighttime temperatures are particularly affecting the Mediterranean region, the Rhône Valley, and the southeast. The heat is expected to intensify through Tuesday or Wednesday, July 1-2, with widespread temperatures reaching between 34°C and 40°C, especially close to the Mediterranean.   Advice: - Avoid being outside during peak heat hours, typically between 12:00 and 18:00. Stay in cool or air-conditioned places whenever possible. - Drink water regularly and continue to eat normally. Avoid consuming alcohol. - Limit intense physical activities, and if you must go outside, wear light clothing. - If you experience any concerning symptoms, reach out to medical services or local authorities for assistance. - Monitor updates from Météo-France for weather alerts and guidance: https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr.  

Rongjiang County in Guizhou Province is experiencing renewed flooding, just days after earlier floods claimed the lives of at least six people and led to mass evacuations. In response to the heavy rain that returned on Saturday morning,June 28, authorities have reactivated the highest level of emergency flood response (Level I), resulting in the evacuation of over 40,000 residents.   Advice: - Avoid traveling to Rongjiang County, as roads and infrastructure may be damaged or submerged. - Stay away from rivers, walkways, and low-lying areas, since even receding waters can rise rapidly again. - Expect severe disruptions; transportation and communication services may be cut intermittently. - Follow evacuation orders and seek higher ground if you are in the affected area. - Keep up to date with information from local emergency services and the Ministry of Water Resources.  

The nationalist group United Thai Power to Protect Sovereignty protested today, June 28, at the Victory Monument in Bangkok, blocking major roads like Phaya Thai, Ratchawithi, and Phahon Yothin. The demonstration, expected to end around 21:00, calls for the resignation of the Prime Minister over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia and criticism of the Thai military.   Advice: - Avoid protest areas from early afternoon onwards, as roads around Victory Monument may be congested or blocked. - Be aware that there is an elevated potential for violence or spontaneous clashes. Do not engage with activists or security forces. - Prepare for increased security measures, as a police presence is expected throughout the area. - Expect significant road congestion and disruptions. Allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes. - Stay away from crowds, as tear gas may be deployed to disperse demonstrations.  

On June 27, 2025, emergency officials are responding to widespread flooding across Belize, affecting Orange Walk Town, San Jose, San Juan, Trial Farm, and San Estevan, with rising waters along the Rio Hondo and New River. Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the Philip Goldson Highway near Belize City due to potential road flooding. Risks include impassable roads, property damage, and disruptions to travel, particularly in low-lying areas. Authorities urge avoiding flooded routes and monitoring updates.   Advice: - Flooding poses significant risks in northern Belize. Refrain from traveling to Orange Walk Town, San Jose, San Juan, Trial Farm, San Estevan, or along the Philip Goldson Highway until conditions improve. - If in affected areas, avoid driving through flooded roads and seek higher ground. Arrange accommodations in safer areas like Belmopan. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to San Ignacio, accessible via buses from Belize City with Williams Shuttle, pending road operations. - Travelers should carry emergency kits, monitor flood alerts, and follow local guidance. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the National Emergency Management Organization (www.nemo.org.bz) or the Belize Meteorological Service (www.hydromet.gov.bz) for flood and safety updates. - Contact 911 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On June 27, 2025, a preliminary magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck 60 miles southeast of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, at a depth of approximately 111 km. The quake was felt in Sarangani, General Santos City, and nearby areas, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties. PHIVOLCS warns of potential aftershocks but does not expect a tsunami. Travelers are advised to stay cautious, especially in coastal areas, and monitor updates from local authorities.   Advice: - The earthquake poses risks of aftershocks in Davao Occidental. Avoid travel to Sarangani and nearby coastal areas until the situation stabilizes. - If in the region, stay away from unstable structures and coastal zones. Arrange accommodations in safer areas like Davao City. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Cagayan de Oro, accessible via buses from Davao City with Super 5 Transport, pending road operations. - Travelers should carry emergency kits, monitor seismic alerts, and follow local guidance. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph) or the Office of Civil Defense (www.ocd.gov.ph) for earthquake and safety updates. - Contact 911 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On June 27, 2025, a flash flood warning is in effect until 10:00 p.m. EDT for portions of the Atlanta metropolitan area, impacting over 630,000 residents in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett Counties. Heavy rainfall, with 2–4 inches already fallen and up to 2 more expected, threatens urban areas, creeks, and roads like Peachtree Road and I-285. Risks include flooded underpasses, swift-water hazards, and potential power outages. Authorities urge immediate precautions and avoidance of flooded roads.   Advice: - Flash flooding poses life-threatening risks in Atlanta. Avoid driving through flooded areas and seek higher ground if in low-lying zones like Peachtree Creek. - If in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, or Gwinnett, stay indoors and avoid roads like I-285 or Peachtree Road. Arrange accommodations in elevated areas like Marietta. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Macon, accessible via buses from Atlanta’s Civic Center with Greyhound, pending road operations. - Travelers should carry emergency kits, monitor weather alerts, and follow evacuation orders. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the National Weather Service Atlanta (www.weather.gov/ffc) or Georgia Emergency Management Agency (www.gema.georgia.gov) for flood and safety updates. - Contact 911 for immediate assistance if in danger.    

A tanker truck fire near the PK12 district, close to Bangui’s northern border, triggered multiple explosions, burning several buildings along the road. The incident has disrupted traffic on the PK12 route, with risks of further explosions due to fuel spillage. Local media report ongoing chaos, but no official statement from authorities has been released. Emergency services may be delayed due to the area’s history of poor infrastructure. Travelers are urged to avoid the vicinity and stay alert for updates.   Advice: - The tanker fire poses significant risks near PK12. Refrain from traveling to or through Bangui’s northern districts until the situation stabilizes. - If in Bangui, avoid the PK12 route and use alternate roads like Avenue de l’Indépendance. Arrange accommodations in safer areas like downtown Bangui. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Mbaïki, accessible via buses from Bangui’s central terminal, pending road operations. - Travelers should carry emergency supplies, monitor local media, and avoid areas with smoke or fire. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Central African Republic Ministry of Interior (www.interieur.gouv.cf) or Bangui City Hall (www.mairie-bangui.org) for safety and emergency updates. - Contact 117 for immediate assistance if in danger.