News & Reports

Greece is facing severe weather conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 41°C and very strong winds driving an extreme fire risk. Civil Protection has issued extreme fire danger warnings for Athens, Viotia, and Evia, while much of the eastern and southern mainland faces very high to extreme difficulty in controlling fires. Wildfires have already erupted near Keratea in eastern Attica and on Cephalonia, and gale-force winds have heavily disrupted ferry services between Athens and the Cyclades.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk fire areas until conditions improve. - Monitor updates from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service: https://meteo.gr and Civil Protection: https://civilprotection.gov.gr. - If in affected regions, be ready to evacuate quickly, avoid smoke-affected areas, and follow local authority instructions. - Reconsider ferry travel in the Aegean due to cancellations and delays caused by strong winds.  

Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology has issued an orange-level heat alert for August 8-12, warning of extreme temperatures fueled by hot Saharan winds. Maximum temperatures are forecast to exceed 46°C in many southern provinces, potentially reaching 48°C. Authorities warn of heightened risks of heat-related health impacts.   Advice: - Avoid outdoor activity during peak heat hours (10:00–17:00). - Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can accelerate dehydration. - Stay indoors in shaded or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. - Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors. - Monitor local advisories for heat updates (https://www.marocmeteo.ma/fr).  

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for intensified rainfall across Thailand from August 10 to 15, with very heavy downpours expected. The monsoon conditions may bring flash flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas. Authorities are urging people to take precautions and monitor official updates in vulnerable regions.   Advice: - Avoid travel to flood-prone or landslide-prone areas during the warning period. - Secure property and valuables, especially in coastal or low-lying zones. - Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities if issued. - Stay updated through the TMD (https://www.tmd.go.th/en/) and local government channels for real-time alerts.  

On August 9 at 16:00, pro-Palestinian groups are expected to hold a demonstration near the U.S. Consulate in Montreal, close to the Israeli Consulate. A large turnout is anticipated, given the reach of participating organizations.   Advice: - Expect road closures and heavy foot traffic near Saint-Catherine St. W and the surrounding areas. - Maintain a low profile, especially if visibly affiliated with Israeli or U.S. institutions. - Avoid the protest area and do not engage with demonstrators. - Follow local news and police advisories for updates on crowd activity and traffic conditions.  

Heavy rainfall on August 9 led to severe waterlogging in parts of Delhi, while in Himachal Pradesh, ongoing downpours triggered cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, blocking more than 400 roads. Authorities have issued an Orange Alert for August 11-12 in three districts and a Yellow Alert for the remaining areas. In Telangana, heavy rainfall warnings are in effect for 13 districts on August 10.   Advice: - Avoid travel in affected areas and monitor local advisories from the IMD (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/). - In Delhi, expect road closures and severe waterlogging in low-lying zones; plan alternate routes in advance. - In Himachal Pradesh, avoid hillside travel due to the risk of landslides, flash floods, and blocked roads. - In Telangana, prepare for possible flash flooding in heavy rain zones and avoid crossing swollen rivers or streams. - Keep mobile phones charged and carry essential supplies if traveling through affected districts.  

On Saturday, August 9, starting at noon, large-scale demonstrations are expected in London, including a Palestinian solidarity march from Russell Square to Whitehall, a counter-protest on Waterloo Bridge, and several pro- and anti-immigration gatherings outside hotels in multiple boroughs. Significant crowd activity is likely in central areas, with potential disruptions to traffic and public transportation.   Advice: - Expect delays and congestion around protest routes and affected boroughs. - Maintain a low profile and avoid engaging in political discussions in public. - Keep a safe distance from all demonstrations, as gatherings can escalate unexpectedly. - Carry valid identification and keep your mobile phone charged for emergency use. - Monitor local media for updates on road closures and transit disruptions.  

Severe thunderstorms have struck eastern South Dakota, producing large hail and wind gusts reaching hurricane force. The storms have caused localized damage to property, vehicles, and infrastructure, with power outages reported in some areas. Further storm activity remains possible into the evening.   Advice: * Seek shelter indoors and avoid travel until storms pass * Stay away from windows and secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles * Monitor alerts from the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov  

A large wildfire in Çanakkale Province has forced the temporary closure of the Dardanelles Strait to maritime traffic and the suspension of flights at Çanakkale Airport. Authorities are working to contain the fire, which is being fueled by strong winds, and have evacuated several nearby villages as a precaution.   Advice: * Avoid travel to or through Çanakkale until authorities declare the area safe * Monitor updates from Turkish authorities and the General Directorate of Meteorology: https://mgm.gov.tr * If in the area, be prepared to evacuate quickly and avoid smoke-affected zones  

Heavy rainfall in India’s mountainous Uttarakhand state has triggered landslides and flooding, causing significant damage to infrastructure and disrupting daily life in several communities. Authorities warn of continued risk in steep and river-adjacent areas as rain persists.   Advice: * Avoid travel to affected districts and routes prone to landslides * Follow official advisories from the India Meteorological Department: http://www.imd.gov.in * Keep emergency supplies ready and have an evacuation plan if staying in high-risk zones  

A strong cold front is bringing very cold weather, heavy rain, and severe thunderstorms to Gauteng, with a small chance of snow or sleet in some areas. The South African Weather Service has issued a yellow Level 3 warning for severe thunderstorms in Johannesburg and Tshwane, warning of strong winds, flooding, hail, and temperatures dropping to around 5°C. Emergency services in both cities are on high alert, urging residents to use heating devices safely to avoid fire hazards. City Power has also warned of possible power cuts due to high electricity demand.   Advice: * Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain or thunderstorms, and watch for flooding in low-lying areas * Use heating devices safely and never leave them unattended to prevent fires * Limit electricity use during peak hours (6–9am, 5–9pm) to reduce the risk of power outages