News & Reports

On May 20, 2025, heavy rainfall caused low visibility at Juba International Airport, leading to the temporary disruption of air traffic operations. Two commercial flights operated by Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways were diverted to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, as reported by the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA). The diversions were made in collaboration with air traffic control to ensure passenger and crew safety, with all protocols followed per international aviation standards. The SSCAA is reviewing operations with airlines to enhance resilience against weather-related disruptions.   Advice: - Check flight statuses with Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, or Juba International Airport authorities before traveling to or from Juba. - Monitor updates from the SSCAA and local weather reports for real-time information on airport operations. - Allow extra time for travel plans due to potential delays or diversions caused by ongoing weather conditions. - Book flexible tickets to accommodate possible cancellations or rescheduling due to adverse weather. - Consider alternative regional airports, such as Entebbe, if flights to Juba are disrupted, checking airline availability. - Keep contact information for local emergency services and your country’s embassy or consulate accessible.  

On May 20, 2025, the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for portions of Arkansas, southern Illinois, western Kentucky, northern Mississippi, southeast Missouri, and western Tennessee until 8 p.m. CDT. The watch indicates a risk of strong tornadoes (EF-2 or higher), winds up to 75 mph, large hail, and flash flooding, particularly in Kentucky and Tennessee. Storms are expected to intensify by mid-afternoon, with a quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) bringing heavy rainfall and potential for significant flooding.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas, especially in eastern Arkansas, western Kentucky, and Tennessee, due to tornado and flooding risks. - Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local news for real-time tornado and flood warnings. - Seek shelter in a sturdy building’s lowest level, away from windows, if a tornado warning is issued. - Prepare emergency kits with food, water, flashlights, and batteries for potential power outages or evacuations. - Stay indoors and avoid driving through flooded areas to minimize risks from heavy rain and debris. - Keep contact information for local emergency services (911) and your country’s embassy or consulate accessible.  

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather advisory for intensified rainfall and thunderstorms across Thailand from May 20 through early June 2025, marking the full onset of the rainy season. A robust monsoon trough over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, combined with low-pressure systems, is driving heavy downpours, with risks of flash floods and landslides in northern, northeastern, central, and southern regions, including Bangkok. Above-average rainfall this May has raised concerns for agriculture and infrastructure, with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on standby for emergency response, including potential evacuations.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in flood-prone and mountainous areas, such as Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, and southern provinces, due to risks of flash floods and landslides. - Monitor updates from the TMD and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation for real-time weather warnings. - Secure outdoor items and clear drainage systems to mitigate flooding risks around homes and businesses. - Prepare emergency kits with food, water, and medical supplies for potential disruptions or evacuations. - Stay indoors during heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to avoid hazards from lightning and strong winds. - Keep contact information for local emergency services (1669 for disasters) and your country’s embassy or consulate accessible.  

Pro-Palestine activists plan to rally outside New Scotland Yard in London on May 21 at 6:30 PM local time. The demonstration, organized by groups including the Palestinian Forum in Britain, aims to demand the release of fellow activists arrested during a previous rally.   Advice: - Consider avoiding the vicinity of New Scotland Yard on May 21 during the protest to prevent potential delays or disruptions. - A heightened police presence is likely. Follow official instructions and maintain awareness of your surroundings. - Plan for potential delays or alterations in public transport services; check Transport for London (TfL) updates before traveling. - Avoid engaging in political discussions with protesters or bystanders. - If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

Heavy rainfall has caused significant disruptions in Bengaluru, Karnataka, including one fatality due to infrastructure collapse, widespread flooding, and power outages, as reported by the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall across southern India, including Karnataka, over the next 24 hours. An orange alert is in place for Bengaluru’s ghat sections until May 25, potentially exacerbating flooding and related hazards. Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in Bengaluru, particularly in flood-prone areas like BTM Layout and Sai Layout, due to ongoing risks of flooding and infrastructure damage. - Monitor updates from the IMD and local authorities for real-time weather alerts and safety advisories. - Prepare emergency kits with food, water, and medical supplies to manage potential power outages and flooding. - Stay indoors during heavy rainfall to avoid risks from collapsing structures, lightning, or floodwaters. - Check road conditions and plan alternative routes to avoid waterlogged areas and traffic disruptions. - Keep contact information for local emergency services, such as Bengaluru Municipal Corporation helplines (080-22660000), and your country’s embassy or consulate accessible.  

On May 20, 2025, heavy rainfall caused severe waterlogging at Pune Airport’s exit terminal and surrounding Viman Nagar roads, leading to significant flight delays and passenger disruptions after just one hour of rain. Lohegaon, the airport’s location, recorded 39.8 mm of rainfall. Social media reports indicate IndiGo passengers were stuck on the runway with no updates, though the exact numbers of delayed or canceled flights are unavailable. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued rain, lightning, and gusty winds until May 25, 2025, which may further impact airport operations.   Advice: - Check flight statuses via Pune Airport or your airline to confirm delays or cancellations. - Monitor updates from the IMD for real-time weather alerts affecting airport operations. - Allow extra time for travel to and from Pune Airport due to waterlogged roads in Viman Nagar. - Book flexible tickets to accommodate potential cancellations or delays caused by ongoing weather issues. - Consider alternative airports, such as Mumbai, if flights to Pune are heavily impacted, checking airline availability. - Keep contact information for local emergency services, such as Pune Municipal Corporation helplines (020-25501269), and your country’s embassy or consulate accessible.  

The Lima Regional Federation of Ministry of Health Workers (FERLIMA) has announced a 24-hour strike on May 20, affecting various hospitals, institutes, and health centers across Metropolitan Lima. The strike aims to demand a bonus for healthcare workers. Emergency services will remain operational during this period.   Advice: - Confirm Medical Appointments: If you have scheduled medical appointments on May 20, contact the facility in advance to confirm or reschedule, as non-emergency services may be disrupted. - Seek Alternative Care: In case of non-urgent medical needs, consider visiting private clinics or hospitals not affected by the strike. - Emergency Services: For emergencies, dial 116 for ambulance services or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department, as these services will continue to operate. - Plan Ahead: Anticipate potential delays or increased demand at unaffected medical facilities and plan accordingly.  

Intense thunderstorms have caused significant flash flooding in the Var region, particularly affecting the Cavalière area of Le Lavandou, La Môle, and Le Luc-en-Provence. Local authorities have activated crisis units in the affected areas. Météo-France has issued an Orange Warning for thunderstorms and rain-induced flooding in the Var department, effective until 12:00 AM CEST on May 21.   Advice: - Refrain from traveling through Le Lavandou, La Môle, and Le Luc-en-Provence in the next 48 hours. - 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.  

A network incident at Telefónica has disrupted landline services nationwide, impacting the 112 emergency number in several regions. The outage began around 02:00 local time and has affected areas including Aragon, Extremadura, the Basque Country, the Valencian Community, and Andalusia. Alternative emergency contact numbers have been activated in the affected regions, and Telefónica is working to restore service.   Alternative Emergency Contact Numbers: - Valencian Community: 963 428 000 - Basque Country: 900 112 088 - Aragon: 386 46 45 and 660 70 58 97   Advice: - Be aware of the alternative emergency contact numbers activated in the affected regions. - Use mobile phones as mobile networks may be less affected. - Monitor updates from local authorities for the latest information on the outage and restoration efforts. - If you require immediate assistance and cannot reach emergency services, contact MAGNUS Operational Desk on +972-50-889-9698 (via WhatsApp) or consider visiting the nearest police station or hospital.