News & Reports

On July 17, 2025, workers at Garrahan Children’s Hospital, Argentina’s leading pediatric facility, staged a 24-hour strike starting at 7 a.m., protesting government budget cuts and low wages. The action, backed by the ATE union, included a march from Congress to Plaza de Mayo, highlighting a 50% real budget reduction since December 2023 and salaries below the poverty line (around US$600/month for residents). Over 100 professionals have resigned due to poor conditions, threatening patient care.   Advice: - Avoid Garrahan Hospital for non-emergency care on July 17; confirm appointments in advance. - If in Buenos Aires, steer clear of protest routes (Congress to Plaza de Mayo) to avoid disruptions. - Travelers should stick to essential plans and monitor local news for updates on healthcare access. - Stay informed via Buenos Aires Herald or ATE for real-time updates. Further strikes may occur. - For medical emergencies, seek alternative facilities like Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez and call 107 for assistance. - Support striking workers by respecting picket lines and avoiding confrontations.  

The Valencia Region’s Emergencies Ministry issued an extreme forest fire risk warning for July 18–20, 2025, due to a heatwave with temperatures reaching 39°C in inland Alicante and Valencia, and strong westerly winds with gusts up to 45 km/h inland and 50 km/h on Valencia’s coast. Coastal Alicante may hit 39°C, while Castellón will be cooler by up to 10°C. Civil protection measures are activated to mitigate fire risks.   Advice: - Avoid outdoor activities in Alicante and Valencia, especially in wooded areas, to minimize fire risks. - If in affected regions, stay hydrated, avoid open flames, and report smoke immediately to 112. - Travelers should stick to essential plans, avoid rural areas, and monitor updates via AEMET (www.aemet.es). - Stay informed via Valencia Emergency Services for real-time alerts. Fire risks may escalate rapidly. - Be cautious of reduced visibility from potential dust storms in inland areas. - If near a wildfire, evacuate promptly and follow civil protection instructions.  

The Met Office issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for July 17–19, 2025. On July 17, Northern Ireland is expected to experience heavy showers and thunderstorms from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with 10–20 mm of rain possible in a few hours and up to 30–40 mm over several hours, heaviest in the west. On July 18–19, warnings cover northeast England, central and southern England, Wales, and southwest Scotland, with torrential rain (20–90 mm in some areas), lightning, and hail, potentially causing flash flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions.   Advice: - Avoid low-lying areas in Northern Ireland, northeast England, and Wales to reduce flash flood risks. - Stay indoors during thunderstorms, secure loose outdoor items, and prepare for possible power cuts with torches and batteries. - Travelers should check road and rail updates and stick to essential plans. - Stay informed via the Met Office for real-time alerts. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - If caught in a storm, avoid open fields or tall objects to minimize lightning risks. - If flooding occurs, move to higher ground and contact emergency services (999) if needed.  

Nepalese authorities will temporarily close the Pulghat checkpoint from the evening of July 21 to the morning of July 24, and the Jhulaghat checkpoint from July 25 to the morning of July 28, as Uttarakhand panchayat elections take place in India on July 24 and 28. Emergency crossings may be permitted.   Advice: - Plan ahead for July 21-28 if traveling between India and Nepal- expect border closures at the specified checkpoints. - Use alternate crossings or schedule travel on open days to avoid delays. - Account for longer travel when crossing before or after shutdown days. - In emergencies, request temporary border access through coordination between authorities.    

More than eight people, including three children, were killed, and six others were abducted during an attack allegedly carried out by Fano militants. According to local reports, the attack occurred on Monday, July 14, in Godo Kebele, located in the Chilga district of the Central Gondar Zone in the Amhara Region. The attackers reportedly set several homes on fire.   Advice: - Avoid the Chilga District and surrounding rural areas until security is confirmed stable. - Implement protection protocols: ensure team members are registered, communication devices are operating, and movement plans are shared in advance. - Prepare evacuation options: identify safe routes and staging areas outside the Gurage Zone. - Coordinate with local partners and monitors to obtain real-time security updates and incident confirmation. - If caught out in a similar situation, prioritize your safety by seeking immediate shelter and avoiding confrontation.  

Severe thunderstorms have hit Canada over the past 24 hours, causing disruptions at major airports, including Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montréal-Trudeau, and Calgary. Over 300 flights were canceled or delayed, with Toronto experiencing 342 delays and 50 cancellations, and Montréal reporting 183 delays and 68 cancellations. Environment and Climate Change Canada warns of continued instability through July 18, with more rain and strong winds expected.   Advice: - Confirm flight status with your airline before heading to the airport; delays are likely. - Arrive early, allowing extra time for check-in, security, and rebooking processes. - Pack carry-on essentials (medications, chargers, water) in case hold luggage gets delayed. - Monitor weather updates via Environment Canada - more storms are expected across Ontario, Quebec, and B.C. this week. - Stay updated through airline alerts and official airport websites for real-time changes.  

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, flash floods, and landslides due to a low-pressure system and the southwest monsoon, affecting 46 provinces today. Bangkok faces storms over 70% of its area; northern and eastern provinces are under similar alerts.   Advice: - Stay indoors during storms, especially in hilly or flood-prone areas. - Avoid unnecessary travel in flood-affected or low-lying area and underpasses; flooding may appear with little warning. - Stay away from riverbanks and slopes, which are vulnerable to flash flooding and landslides. - Expect transport delays or cancellations, particularly on rural routes and ferries. - Monitor updates from Thailand’s Meteorological Department and local authorities.  

Extreme rainfall in South Chungcheong has claimed two lives and forced the evacuation of over 1,000 residents. In Gwangju, sudden flash floods submerged roads and buildings, prompting school closures and infrastructure damage. Landslide alerts are now at their highest level in affected zones, with forecasts warning of continued heavy rain over the weekend.   Advice: - Avoid unnecessary travel in flood-affected or low-lying areas and underpasses; flooding may appear with little warning. - Stay away from riverbanks and slopes, which are vulnerable to flash flooding and landslides. - Travel smart: expect road closures and train disruptions. Check schedules before heading out. - Monitor official updates through the Korea Meteorological Administration or local authorities and follow any evacuation instructions.  

Anti-racism activists will march from Plaça Sant Jaume to Plaça Idrissa Diallo in Barcelona on July 17 from 19:30 (local time), protesting recent racist violence in Torre Pacheco (Murcia) and condemning far-right terrorism targeting migrant communities.   Advice: - Avoid the march route and adjacent areas from 19:00-21:00; expect road closures, disruptions to metro/tram services, and crowd congestion. - Plan extra time for commuting, especially during the evening march. - Be vigilant for changing crowd dynamics; if unrest begins, leave the area promptly. - Keep valuables secure in dense crowds; opportunistic theft may increase. - Follow police instructions: authorities may impose barriers or reroute foot traffic.  

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Sand Point on Popof Island in the central Alaska Peninsula on July 16, at 12:30 PM local time, at a depth of 22 miles (35 km). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a Tsunami Warning for most of the Alaska Peninsula and southern Alaska, including Anchorage. This major earthquake has the potential for significant damage, and the Tsunami Warning remains in effect for South Alaska and the Pacific coasts from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass.   Advice: - Tsunami Risk: Stay away from coastal areas. Follow local authorities for evacuation orders. - Stay Alert for Aftershocks: Be ready for more seismic activity. Check updates from local authorities and the National Tsunami Warning Center. - Caution for Tsunami Aftereffects: Watch for strong waves, flooding, and structural damage. - Do not return to coastal areas until authorities give the all-clear.