News & Reports

The India Meteorological Department has issued heavy rain alerts for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of the Northeast and South India. In Himachal Pradesh, over 400 roads remain closed due to landslides. Torrential rainfall is also affecting Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with flood-like conditions reported. Southern hilly regions in Kerala and Tamil Nadu may experience extremely heavy rainfall on August 5-6.   Advice: - In Delhi and Bihar, expect continued rainfall through August 7; avoid flood-prone zones and monitor local updates. - In Himachal Pradesh, avoid travel in landslide-prone districts such as Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla; check road closures before traveling. - In flood-affected parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, follow evacuation orders and avoid crossing overflowing rivers or submerged roads. - In Kerala and Tamil Nadu hill regions, take precautions against flash floods and stay clear of riverbanks and slopes. - Monitor IMD alerts (www.imd.gov.in) for real-time updates and advisories.  

On August 5, the Hong Kong Observatory issued its highest-level Black Rainstorm Warning due to ongoing torrential rainfall across the territory. The severe weather has forced the closure of schools, court services, hospital wards, and government register offices. The alert follows deadly flash floods in neighboring Guangdong province over the weekend, where five people died and over 1,300 rescuers were deployed in response.   Advice: - Remain indoors and avoid all non-essential movement; serious road flooding and traffic congestion are expected. - Do not attempt to travel through flooded areas or use underground pedestrian routes. - Expect delays in public services and plan for disruptions to government and health facilities. - Check live updates from the Hong Kong Observatory (www.hko.gov.hk) and follow local guidance. - Hong Kong International Airport remains operational, but travelers should monitor flight status and transport connections.  

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts rain and thunderstorms in 32 provinces over the next 24 hours, driven by a weakened southwest monsoon over Thailand and a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Northern and northeastern provinces- particularly Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, and Nakhon Phanom- may see storms in 30% of areas. Bangkok is expected to face high temperatures reaching 37°C, with limited rainfall. Coastal regions, including the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, may experience waves exceeding 2 meters during storms.   Advice: - Avoid outdoor activity during peak heat in Bangkok and central provinces; stay hydrated and seek shade. - Exercise caution in Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, and Nakhon Phanom due to possible flooding in low-lying areas. - Mariners near Phang Nga, Ranong, and coastal eastern Thailand should avoid stormy waters; small boats should remain ashore. - Monitor road and weather conditions before traveling in eastern and southern provinces. - Follow real-time updates from TMD (www.tmd.go.th) and be alert for localized flooding or wind damage during thunderstorms.  

Public transport workers from the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation are launching an indefinite strike beginning at 6:00 a.m. on August 5. The strike, driven by demands for increased wages and allowances, is expected to severely disrupt bus and road transport services across the state. No demonstrations have been confirmed, but disruption to travel is likely.   Advice: - Avoid relying on KSRTC and BMTC bus services until further notice. - Arrange alternative transportation, including private vehicles, taxis, or carpooling options. - Allow extra time for commutes, especially in and around Bangalore. - Monitor local news and transport authority updates for potential protest developments.  

Subway workers in Buenos Aires have called for a two-hour strike on August 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., affecting all six subway lines and the Premetro light-rail line. The union states the action is a response to the death of a worker from asbestos exposure and is being held in “self-defense.” Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid subway travel between 1:00–3:00 p.m. on August 4; expect overcrowding on alternative transport •⁠ ⁠Use buses, taxis, or rideshare services for travel across the city during the strike hours •⁠ ⁠Monitor local news or transport authority updates for any changes to service or escalation of labor actions

The Ethiopian Meteorology Institute warns of moderate to heavy rainfall throughout August, with increased risks of hailstorms, flash floods, and landslides, particularly in highland and low-lying areas. Agricultural zones may also face waterlogging and infrastructure damage.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid overland travel in affected regions during heavy rainfall; roads may become impassable or dangerous. •⁠ ⁠Carry waterproof gear, emergency supplies, and backup communication devices if operating in remote areas. •⁠ ⁠Identify nearby safe shelters or elevated locations in case of sudden flooding during fieldwork or transit.  

Heavy rainfall on August 3, 2025, triggered severe flooding in Niger State, submerging farmlands and threatening communities in Kafin Koro and Paikoro LGAs, and 18 communities in Lapai LGA, including Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, Kuchi Kakanda, Arah, Achiba, Rebba, Ebwa, Pele, Edda, Rigido, Gbami, Yawa, Baka, and Muye. The Niger State Government, via Special Adviser Jonathan Vatsa, urged riverine communities to relocate to higher ground, citing intensified rains and prior warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) about 15 high-risk LGAs. The Mokwa flood in May 2025, which killed over 500, underscores the urgency.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Kafin Koro, Paikoro, and Lapai due to flooding risks. - Move to higher ground; avoid rivers and floodplains. - Redirect to Minna via buses from Suleja with local transport, if roads are open. - Carry waterproof gear and essentials; monitor NiMet alerts. - Stay informed via Niger State Emergency Management Agency (nsema.ng.gov.ng) or NiMet (www.nimet.gov.ng). - Contact 112 for emergencies.  

Tens of thousands marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge in a pro-Palestinian "March for Humanity" organized by the Palestine Action Group, protesting the Gaza conflict despite heavy rain. NSW Police estimated 90,000 attendees, while organizers claimed up to 300,000. The Supreme Court authorized the march on Saturday, overturning police concerns about safety and traffic. Notable attendees included Julian Assange, former NSW Premier Bob Carr, and MP Ed Husic. Protesters carried pots and pans symbolizing Gaza’s hunger crisis and chanted for a ceasefire. Similar protests occurred in Melbourne and Adelaide, with Melbourne’s march blocked by police at King Street Bridge.   Advice: - Avoid Sydney’s central business district due to lingering transport disruptions. - Steer clear of protest sites to avoid delays; expect heavy police presence. - Redirect to Parramatta via trains from Central Station with Sydney Trains, if services are operational. - Carry umbrellas and essentials; monitor transport updates. - Stay informed via NSW Police (www.police.nsw.gov.au) or Transport for NSW (www.transport.nsw.gov.au). - Contact 000 for emergencies.  

Storm Floris, the sixth named storm of the 2024/25 season, is set to bring "unseasonably strong" winds of 80-90mph to Scotland, with an amber "danger to life" warning from 10am to 10pm on August 4. Gusts of 50-70mph are expected inland, with up to 100mph possible on exposed coasts and hills. A yellow wind warning covers northern England, Northern Ireland, and north Wales from 6am Monday to 6am Tuesday. Heavy rain may worsen disruptions. Rail services north of Newcastle and Preston are heavily impacted, with LNER and Avanti West Coast advising against travel, closing lines like Edinburgh to Fife and Perth to Dundee from noon. Ferries and Edinburgh festival events, including the Military Tattoo, are canceled. Authorities warn of flying debris, power outages, and road/bridge closures, especially for high-sided vehicles.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Scotland, especially north of the Central Belt. - Stay indoors; secure outdoor items like bins and furniture. - Redirect to Manchester via trains from London with Avanti West Coast, if services are operational. - Carry warm clothing, food, and a charged phone; monitor alerts. - Stay informed via the Met Office (www.metoffice.gov.uk) or Network Rail (www.networkrail.co.uk). - Contact 999 for emergencies.  

Krasheninnikov Volcano on Kamchatka Peninsula erupted on August 3, its first activity in 600 years, spewing ash 6 km high. The eruption began at 6 a.m. local time, with gas and vapor reported by Kronotsky Nature Reserve staff, who were evacuated. No towns are at risk from the ash plume. Authorities urge avoiding volcanic zones due to ongoing activity.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Kamchatka’s volcanic areas, especially near Krasheninnikov. - Steer clear of ash-affected zones; seek accommodations in safer cities like Vladivostok. - Redirect to Vladivostok via flights from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky with Aeroflot, if operational. - Carry masks for ash and emergency kits; monitor alerts. - Stay informed via the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations (www.mchs.gov.ru) or Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (www.kscnet.ru/ivs/kvert). - Contact 112 for emergencies.