News & Reports

On May 22, 2025, at 3:19 a.m. UTC (6:19 a.m. EEST), a M 6.1 earthquake struck 58 km NNE of Eloúnda, Crete, at a depth of 69 km. Tremors were felt across Crete, including Heraklion and Neapoli, and in parts of Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. No tsunami warning was issued, and no significant damage or injuries are reported. Aftershocks are possible, potentially affecting coastal roads and ferry services in eastern Crete.   Advice: - The earthquake increases hazards in eastern Crete. Refrain from traveling near Eloúnda, Neapoli, and coastal areas until aftershock risks subside. - If in Crete, stay away from unstable structures and avoid coastal roads like E75. Arrange accommodations in urban centers like Chania with reliable infrastructure. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Athens, accessible via flights from Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis Airport with Aegean Airlines, pending airport operations. - Travelers should secure heavy objects, monitor seismic alerts, and be prepared for aftershocks. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Institute of Geodynamics, National Observatory of Athens (www.gein.noa.gr) or Hellenic Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) for seismic and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 112 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 21, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m. EDT, a man and a woman were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., during an American Jewish Committee event. The victims were connected to the Israeli Embassy, with at least one confirmed as a staff member. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating, with a person of interest in custody. Police have cordoned off 3rd and F Streets NW, causing traffic disruptions near Penn Quarter.   Advice: - The shooting increases hazards near the Capital Jewish Museum. Refrain from traveling around 3rd and F Streets NW in Penn Quarter until the investigation concludes. - If in Washington, D.C., avoid the museum vicinity and use alternate routes like Massachusetts Avenue NW. Arrange accommodations in safer areas like Arlington, VA, with reliable transit access. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Baltimore, accessible via trains from Union Station with Amtrak, pending station operations. - Travelers should stay vigilant, comply with police directives, and monitor safety updates. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Metropolitan Police Department (mpdc.dc.gov) or FBI (www.fbi.gov) for investigation and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 911 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 21, 2025, authorities issued an orange alert for thunderstorms and a yellow alert for severe rain across Lombardy, including Milan, effective until 2:59 p.m. CEST on May 22. Expect heavy rainfall, strong winds up to 50 km/h, and potential flash flooding, particularly near the Seveso and Lambro rivers. Public transport delays and road closures are possible, with warnings to avoid underpasses and riverside areas.   Advice: - Thunderstorms and heavy rain increase hazards in Lombardy. Refrain from traveling in Milan and low-lying areas until the alerts lift. - If in Milan, stay indoors, avoid underpasses, and steer clear of Seveso and Lambro riverbanks. Use elevated routes like A50 and arrange accommodations in central Milan with reliable infrastructure. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Turin, accessible via trains from Milano Centrale with Trenitalia, pending station operations. - Travelers should carry waterproof gear, monitor weather alerts, and avoid flood-prone zones. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Italian Civil Protection Service (www.protezionecivile.gov.it) or Servizio Meteorologico (www.meteoam.it) for weather and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 112 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 21, 2025, taxi drivers are blocking Carrera Séptima at Calle 67, north-south direction, protesting a Bogotá Mayor’s Office measure banning taxis from the exclusive SITP bus lane. The demonstration is causing significant traffic disruptions in Chapinero, with congestion affecting nearby routes like Avenida Caracas. Authorities are managing the scene, urging drivers to use alternate routes to avoid delays.   Advice: - The taxi protest increases hazards in Chapinero. Refrain from traveling on Carrera Séptima between Calles 60 and 72 until the demonstration clears. - If in Bogotá, avoid Carrera Séptima and use alternate routes like Carrera 13 or Avenida Circunvalar. Arrange accommodations in less congested areas like Usaquén with reliable transit access. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Medellín, accessible via flights from El Dorado International Airport with Avianca, pending airport operations. - Travelers should check TransMilenio and SITP updates, avoid protest zones, and monitor traffic alerts. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Bogotá Secretary of Mobility (www.movilidadbogota.gov.co) or TransMilenio (www.transmilenio.gov.co) for traffic and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 123 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 22, 2025, a severe weather warning for strong winds is in effect from 12:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CEST for Poland’s western coastal zone, including Szczecin, Świnoujście, and Kołobrzeg. Winds from the northwest are expected to reach speeds of 55–70 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h, posing risks of fallen trees, power outages, and coastal flooding. Ferry services and coastal roads may face disruptions, with authorities urging caution.   Advice: - Strong winds increase hazards in Zachodniopomorskie’s coastal areas. Refrain from traveling to Szczecin, Świnoujście, and Kołobrzeg until the warning lifts. - If in the western coastal zone, stay indoors away from windows and avoid coastal paths or beaches. Use inland routes like A6 or S3 and arrange accommodations in urban centers like Gdańsk. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Warsaw, accessible via trains from Szczecin Główny with PKP Intercity, pending station operations. - Travelers should secure loose objects, monitor weather alerts, and avoid high-risk areas like piers. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (www.imgw.pl) or Polish Government Safety Portal (www.gov.pl/web/rcb) for weather and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 112 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 22, 2025, a severe weather warning for strong winds is in effect from 12:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CEST for Poland’s western coastal zone, including Szczecin, Świnoujście, and Kołobrzeg. Winds from the northwest are expected to reach speeds of 55–70 km/h with gusts up to 90 km/h, posing risks of fallen trees, power outages, and coastal flooding. Ferry services and coastal roads may face disruptions, with authorities urging caution.   Advice: - Strong winds increase hazards in Zachodniopomorskie’s coastal areas. Refrain from traveling to Szczecin, Świnoujście, and Kołobrzeg until the warning lifts. - If in the western coastal zone, stay indoors away from windows and avoid coastal paths or beaches. Use inland routes like A6 or S3 and arrange accommodations in urban centers like Gdańsk. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Warsaw, accessible via trains from Szczecin Główny with PKP Intercity, pending station operations. - Travelers should secure loose objects, monitor weather alerts, and avoid high-risk areas like piers. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (www.imgw.pl) or Polish Government Safety Portal (www.gov.pl/web/rcb) for weather and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 112 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

Local media report that protesters have blocked roads and set objects on fire in the Tierra Nueva neighborhood of Mexico City, during a demonstration over polluted water supplies. Video footage shows fires burning in the street as demonstrators demand urgent government action. The protest has caused significant traffic disruptions, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely. No injuries have been reported so far, but tensions remain elevated.   Advice: - Avoid the Area: Refrain from entering Tierra Nueva or nearby affected streets. - Plan for Delays: Expect detours and traffic congestion in the area. - Exercise Caution: Maintain distance from protest sites and avoid confrontations. - Stay Informed: Follow local news and official updates for developments. - MAGNUS is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.  

Brazil’s national meteorological agency has issued a red alert for parts of Recife and Paraíba, warning of potential landslides and river overflows due to sustained heavy rainfall. The alert remains in effect until 3:00 PM local time on Wednesday, May 21. Authorities report high soil saturation and rising water levels in vulnerable areas, significantly increasing the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying neighborhoods and hilly terrain.   Advice: - Avoid Affected Areas: Refrain from traveling through zones prone to flooding or landslides. - Follow Evacuation Guidance: Heed any official warnings or evacuation notices issued by local authorities. - Prepare for Power Outages: Have flashlights, batteries, and emergency supplies ready. - Stay Informed: Monitor updates from Brazil’s meteorological agency and civil defense authorities. - MAGNUS is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.  

The national meteorological service has issued a severe weather warning for Wednesday, May 21, due to expected heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and a low risk of tornadoes in parts of southern England and Wales. This comes after an extended period of unusually dry conditions. Forecasts indicate a strong contrast in weather between the south and north, with wet and unstable conditions more likely in southern areas. There is also potential for funnel clouds and brief tornado activity, particularly in eastern or southeastern regions. Unsettled weather is expected to persist throughout the week, possibly affecting transport, infrastructure, and outdoor activities.   Advice: - Stay Indoors During Storms: Limit outdoor exposure during periods of thunder and heavy rain. - Secure Loose Objects: Strong winds may displace unsecured items around homes or businesses. - Monitor Official Updates: Follow alerts from the national weather service for real-time information. - Prepare for Disruptions: Anticipate delays to travel and possible event cancellations. - MAGNUS is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.  

Since May 19, southeastern France has been experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms. These conditions have resulted in catastrophic flooding and widespread damage in the Var department. Infrastructure damage has been reported, including the collapse of roads, bridges, and a parking structure. Power outages have occurred, and water and wastewater services have been disrupted. Rail services between Bordeaux and Toulouse have been canceled due to damaged tracks. The La Môle–Saint-Tropez airfield is closed, and local roads remain impassable in several areas. Météo-France has issued a yellow warning for potential flooding in the Var department until 12:00 AM CEST on May 23. Despite some improvement, further rainfall in the next 24 hours may worsen the situation.   Advice: - Refrain from traveling to or within the affected areas until conditions stabilize. - Avoid low-lying areas, rivers, and streams, as flash flooding can occur rapidly. - Do not drive through flooded areas; even shallow water can be hazardous. Seek alternative routes and adhere to road closure signs.​ - Monitor updates from Météo-France and local authorities throughout the day as conditions evolve. - Adhere to guidance from local authorities, including evacuation orders and safety advisories. - Charge electronic devices in advance and have flashlights and batteries ready.​ - For those with travel plans involving rail or air transport in southeastern France, verify the status of services with the respective providers before departure.