News & Reports

Typhoon DANAS (formerly Bising) has intensified with sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts reaching 150 km/h. As of 10 AM, it was located about 385 km west-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. Strong to typhoon-force winds extend up to 330 km from the center. A Gale Warning is in effect, with sea conditions expected to be very rough to moderate in northern and western Luzon. DANAS may briefly re-enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) before exiting toward the East China Sea. Advice: - Avoid sea travel: All vessels, especially small boats and bancas, should stay in port due to dangerous waves up to 4.5 meters. - Monitor storm movement: Track updates from PAGASA every 6–12 hours for potential changes in direction and strength. - Prepare your home: Reinforce windows, bring loose objects indoors, and keep emergency kits ready. - Avoid coastal areas: Do not go near beaches, piers, or seawalls during storm surges or high tide events. - Emergency contacts: Dial 911 for emergencies in the Philippines, or contact the Philippine Coast Guard at 02-8527-3877.  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts, warning of flash floods, landslides, and infrastructure collapse. Rainfall has reached up to 204.4 mm in a day, with more expected through Sunday and early next week. Over 260 roads, including 176 in Mandi, are blocked, cutting off several communities. Damage to public infrastructure is widespread, affecting 300 transformers, 281 water supply systems, and key bridges. Since June 20, 72 people have died in rain-related incidents, including 45 from flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts. Advice: - Avoid travel: Do not venture into hilly areas, flood zones, or damaged roads—landslides and road collapses may occur without warning. - Keep away from rivers: Stay far from the Beas River and other water bodies with fast-moving or rising currents. - Secure your location: Stay indoors in stable buildings; avoid basements and vulnerable slopes. - Prepare emergency supplies: Store food, water, flashlights, charged power banks, and medications in a safe, easily accessible location. - Follow official updates: Monitor IMD warnings and SEOC advisories via trusted news or local alerts. - Emergency contacts: Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services anywhere in India.  

Heavy rains have triggered multiple landslides and flash floods in Puerres, Nariño—destroying bridges, damaging roads and homes, and cutting off at least dozens of families. One house in Loma Larga is at risk of collapse, and many crops have been lost. Municipal machinery is working, but continuous rainfall hinders relief operations. Authorities are conducting a census of affected families. Advice: - Avoid flooded roads: Even shallow water can carry strong currents and sweep away vehicles or people. - Follow evacuation orders: Leave early if local authorities advise; do not wait for nightfall or worsening conditions. - Prepare essentials: Store drinking water, food, batteries, phone chargers, and medications in a ready-to-go emergency kit. - Stay informed: Monitor official municipal channels and local radio for updates and weather warnings. - Have an Emergency Kit Ready: Prepare a kit with essentials such as water, food, a flashlight, extra batteries, medications, and important documents in case evacuation becomes necessary. - Emergency contacts: Call 123 for medical emergencies and police, 119 for fire brigade, and 132 for Red Cross support in Colombia.  

The National Hurricane Center has confirmed Tropical Storm Chantal off the Southeast U.S. coast, expected to make landfall in South Carolina on Sunday morning, July 6. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect from the South Santee River to Cape Fear. A storm surge of 1 to 2 feet, as well as rough surf and dangerous rip currents, are anticipated along the Carolina coastline this weekend. Though impacts are expected to be limited, localized flooding and travel disruptions may occur.   Advice: - Monitor Weather Updates: Stay informed through the National Hurricane Center and local authorities. - Avoid Coastal Waters: Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected- swimmers and boaters should exercise extreme caution. - Check Local Alerts: Follow local emergency management advisories and updates on possible evacuation routes or beach closures. - Prepare for Minor Flooding: Coastal residents should secure loose items and monitor conditions in flood-prone areas.  

Heavy downpours on July 4 caused significant flooding in informal settlements across Cape Town, displacing over 10,000 residents and damaging hundreds of homes. The Vygieskraal Canal overflowed, flooding roads in Athlone and Belgravia. Additional rain is forecast for the weekend, with warnings for disruptive rainfall still active. Road closures and power outages have been reported, including the closure of the Borchard's Quarry link from the N2.   Advice: - Avoid flood-prone areas, especially low-lying settlements and poorly drained roads. - Stay indoors during heavy rainfall. Secure valuables and elevate items at risk of water damage. - Motorists should drive carefully: use headlights, reduce speed, and keep a safe distance. Avoid flooded roads. - Stay updated with alerts from the South African Weather Service (https://www.weathersa.co.za/) and the City of Cape Town.  

The German Weather Service has raised the forest fire danger index in Bavaria to Level 5 (Very High Risk) for several areas, including Schonungen-Mainberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Kösching, and Lechfeld. Hot, dry weather and human activities are increasing the risk of fire outbreaks, and conditions are not expected to improve until early next week.   Advice: - Avoid Forested Areas: Refrain from hiking, camping, or outdoor activities in high-risk regions until the danger subsides. - Follow Local Instructions: Comply with restrictions issued by forestry departments or civil protection authorities. - Do Not Ignite Fires: Barbecues, smoking, or open flames are strictly prohibited in and around forests. - Report Smoke or Flames Immediately to local fire services. - Monitor Regional Updates: Track fire risk warnings on the German DWD (https://www.dwd.de/EN/Home/home_node.html) and local media.  

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued heavy rain and flash flood warnings from July 5 to July 8 for northern, northeastern, and eastern Thailand due to a low-pressure system and a moderate southwest monsoon. Thunderstorms are forecasted in the northern and northeastern regions, with localized heavy rain likely causing flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous and riverside areas.   Advice: - Stay away from low-lying regions, riverbanks, and steep slopes prone to runoff or landslides. - Avoid flooded roads and rivers, as strong undercurrents may be present. - Remain indoors and keep clear of unstable soil and falling tree risks. - Pay attention to warnings if you’re in the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand, as sea travel can be dangerous. - Regularly check for road closures and consider postponing non-essential travel. - Follow updates from the Thai Meteorological Department (https://www.tmd.go.th/en/) and local news outlets.  

Tensions are escalating in Melbourne following two violent anti-Semitic incidents on the evening of July 4. A man attempted to set fire to the historic East Melbourne Synagogue while approximately 20 worshippers were inside. Hours earlier, an Israeli-owned restaurant was attacked by protesters who stormed the venue, chanting “Death to the IDF”, causing extensive property damage.   Advice: - Stay alert in and around Jewish religious, cultural, and commercial sites, particularly during busy hours. - Avoid areas where protests are happening or are anticipated, especially near establishments associated with Israel. - Report any suspicious activity, hate speech, or threats to the Police or relevant authorities. - Jewish institutions and organizations should review their security protocols and work with local law enforcement as necessary. - Keep up with local news sources and Jewish community bulletins for updates and guidance.  

As of July 5, Tropical Cyclone Danas is about 320 km southwest of Taiwan and is expected to strengthen, potentially reaching peak winds of 150 km/h as it approaches the Taiwan Strait. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Taiwan, southeastern China, and parts of the northern Philippines over the next 48 hours, with hazardous sea conditions and wave heights up to 4.9 meters.   Advice: - Avoid all non-essential travel in affected coastal and low-lying areas of Taiwan, southeastern China, and the northern Philippines. - Expect flooding, dangerous surf, and possible landslides, particularly in mountainous or riverine terrain. - Prepare for evacuations, port closures, and power outages in areas along the projected path of Danas. - Follow all local emergency instructions and official alerts. - Track official updates from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html) and local meteorological agencies.  

Severe flash flooding in Central Texas on July 4 has resulted in at least 13 confirmed deaths and ongoing searches for missing individuals. A disaster declaration is in effect for 15 counties, and the State Emergency Operations Center is at Level II (Escalated Response). More rainfall is expected in the next 24 to 48 hours, with flood threats from San Antonio to Waco.   Advice: - Avoid Non-Essential Travel: Stay away from flood-affected or low-lying areas, as roads may be submerged or washed out unexpectedly. - Prepare for Disruptions: Stock up on essential supplies such as drinking water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, extra batteries, and phone chargers. - Move to Higher Ground: If you are in a flood-prone area, find a safer location. - Stay Informed: Pay attention to evacuation orders and alerts issued by local authorities and official state channels. Monitor Updates: https://disaster.texas.gov