News & Reports

Heavy monsoon rainfall has caused catastrophic flooding along the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa District. In the early hours of Tuesday, July 8, the swollen Lhende/Bhotekoshi stream swept away the Friendship (Miteri) Bridge - the principal trade link between Nepal and China - along with several vehicles. At least 18 people remain missing, and rescue operations are ongoing.   Advice: - Avoid the Rasuwa/Rasuwagadi corridor: Do not attempt to travel near riverbanks or damaged crossings. - Avoid low-lying, riverside, and foothill areas - especially near streams, drainage channels, and steep slopes. - Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or rivers, even if they appear shallow, as undercurrents may be strong. - Stay indoors during heavy rainfall and avoid areas near trees, slopes, or unstable terrain. - Expect border disruptions: Anticipate significant delays or suspension of trade and movement where bridge infrastructure is affected.  

Mass protests have been reported across the Tigray region as displaced Tigrayan communities demand the right to return to disputed territories, particularly areas along the borders with Amhara and Afar regions. Demonstrations are reportedly growing in scale, reflecting long-standing tensions over territorial control and displacement following the recent conflict. While protests appear peaceful, there is potential for escalation or clashes in sensitive areas.   Advice: - Avoid protest zones and areas near disputed border regions between Tigray, Amhara, and Afar. - Monitor local developments through trusted channels and humanitarian partners on the ground. - Expect transport disruptions and possible road closures in affected towns. - Exercise caution and maintain a low profile if operating in or near the Tigray region. - Follow guidance from local authorities and international agencies coordinating on displacement and security.  

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, spewing volcanic ash up to 11 miles (18 km) into the atmosphere, prompting the cancellation of at least 24 flights to and from Bali, a major Indonesian tourist hub. The eruption triggered aviation safety warnings and caused significant disruption to air travel in the region. Authorities are monitoring the ash cloud’s movement closely, and further flight delays or cancellations remain possible.   Advice: - Check with your airline or travel provider for the latest flight status if traveling to or from Bali or surrounding regions. - Monitor official updates from Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency): https://www.bmkg.go.id - Be prepared for potential airport congestion, rebookings, and extended delays. - Avoid proximity to the eruption site due to ongoing ashfall and health risks. - Travelers with respiratory conditions should take precautions and consider using masks if in affected areas.  

Budapest Airport has issued a warning that severe thunderstorms moving through Hungarian airspace may lead to flight delays and cancellations on July 7 and 8, based on information from HungaroControl, the national air traffic service.   Advice: - Check your flight status directly with your airline before traveling to the airport. - Allow extra time for airport procedures and rebooking, if needed. - Monitor updates from Budapest Airport: https://www.bud.hu/en and HungaroControl: https://www.hungarocontrol.hu - If transiting through Budapest, be aware of potential missed connections and arrange travel insurance accordingly. - Stay alert to further weather developments and official advisories over the next 48 hours.  

Météo-France has issued an expanded red-level wildfire warning for July 7-8 in the regions of Aude, Bouches-du-Rhône, and Var. This warning prohibits entry into forested and natural park areas due to extremely high fire risk conditions. The alert follows several large wildfires that erupted across southern France on July 5, prompting evacuations and the mobilization of significant rescue resources.   Advice: - Avoid all forested and natural park areas in the alert zones; access is legally prohibited. - Obey evacuation orders immediately if issued; don’t delay departure. - Expect road closures and heavy traffic, especially in fire-affected areas. Plan detours in advance. - Protect against smoke by keeping vehicle and home windows closed. Use masks or cover your mouth and nose if near smoke. - Refrain from using open flames - no barbecues, smoking, or spark-producing activities outdoors. - Monitor fire alerts via Météo-France and crisis channels, and follow local guidelines. - Report fires or emergencies by immediately dialing 18 or 112.  

Pro-Palestine protesters are planning to rally outside the White House in Washington, D.C., at 6:00 PM local time on July 7th to voice their opposition to the scheduled visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Similar protests have taken place during past visits, raising risks of arrests or crowd control measures.   Advice: - Avoid the White House area from late afternoon onward. Demonstrations may draw large crowds, flags, placards, and loud chants. - Anticipate road closures and transport disruptions around 16:00–20:00 if public transit is rerouted or stops near L’Enfant Plaza, Foggy Bottom, or the National Mall. - Use alternative routes or stations, such as Rosslyn, Dupont Circle, or Union Station, to bypass protest zones. - Maintain a safe distance from the crowd and avoid engaging with protesters or law enforcement. If tensions rise, leave the area quickly and calmly.  

Heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, and hailstorms have impacted northern Italy, particularly Lombardy, Liguria, Tuscany, and Piedmont, since July 5, causing floods and severe incidents resulting in casualties and damage. An orange-level weather warning for thunderstorms is in effect for Lombardy and Piedmont until early July 8, with fire services already responding to around 50 emergencies, including flooded basements and fallen trees.   Advice: - Postpone non-essential travel and outdoor activities until the warning period has ended. - Avoid areas with fallen trees or flooding- do not enter flooded underpasses, parks, or wooded zones. - Drive cautiously: roads may be slick, visibility reduced, and debris present. Keep your headlights on and allow extra time for potential delays. - Stay indoors during storms: avoid standing near windows; unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage from lightning strikes. - Be prepared for power interruptions: charge mobile devices in advance and have flashlights and batteries ready. - Monitor forecasts and warnings: follow updates from Italian meteorological services and local authorities for changing conditions.  

Significant anti-government protests are taking place today, coinciding with the anniversary of the Saba Saba pro-democracy demonstrations. Police used tear gas and warning shots to disperse crowds in Kitengela and along Thika Road in Nairobi, while major roads leading to the city centre were blocked with roadblocks and razor wire. Demonstrators set tires on fire on the Nyeri-Nairobi highway and obstructed traffic in Kirinyaga County. Anticipating the unrest, police increased their presence in Mombasa and Nairobi, leading to shop closures in the area.   Advice: - Avoid Nairobi city centre: Stay away from any protest or gathering, CBD, and government zones throughout the day, as tear gas may be deployed to disperse demonstrations. If caught near demonstrations, leave immediately. - Expect transport disruptions: Road closures are likely until evening; buses and private cars may be stopped at checkpoints; plan to walk or consider delaying travel. - Do not take alternative routes near protest zones: Checkpoints extend to feeder roads; travel via the unaffected periphery. - Emergency contacts: Have ID and emergency numbers on hand; expect enhanced police presence and checkpoints.  

Unionised healthcare and education workers plan to stage a protest today at 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT) outside the Parliament building. The demonstration aims to denounce the government's proposed fiscal and austerity measures, with expected participation from thousands of public sector employees.   Advice: - Avoid the area around Parliament from 10:30 until noon, as large crowds and potential disruptions are likely. - Expect traffic jams and road closures nearby- roads in central Bucharest may be blocked or rerouted. - Use alternative routes and transportation - consider using metros or buses that bypass central streets; check real-time updates via Bucharest's public transit apps. - If you're near the protest, keep a safe distance, and leave immediately if tensions escalate.  

The Belgian Association of Medical Unions (ABSyM/BVAS) has called for a one-day doctors' strike on Monday, July 7. A late meeting between unions, insurers, and the government failed to resolve key differences, prompting the strike to proceed. The action will see general practitioners and specialists cancel non-urgent appointments in both public hospitals and private practices. Emergency and urgent care services will remain available.   Advice: - Check and confirm non-urgent appointments on July 7: GPs, specialists, dentists, and hospitals may cancel or reschedule visits. - Use emergency services if needed: Dial the Belgian emergency number (112) for urgent medical needs - these services remain operational. - Plan ahead if you require medical support: Consider alternatives such as hospital emergency departments or telehealth consultations.