News & Reports

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Southwest Aceh District on Sunday, May 11, shaking surrounding areas for 10–15 seconds and causing minor structural damage. Three homes were reported damaged in Manggeng and Lembah Sabil sub-districts, and approximately 50 meters of road collapsed in Tangan sub-district. The quake was also felt in South Aceh, Gayo Lues, and as far as Medan, though no tsunami warning was issued. Local authorities and the BNPB have begun damage assessments and urge the public to remain alert for possible aftershocks.   Advice: - Remain alert for aftershocks, especially if located in Southwest Aceh, South Aceh, or nearby sub-districts. - Avoid damaged structures and affected roads, particularly in Manggeng, Lembah Sabil, and Tangan. - Monitor official updates from BNPB at http://www.bnpb.go.id - In an emergency, contact Indonesian emergency services at 112, or proceed to designated evacuation shelters if advised.  

A large-scale fire has been burning for over four hours at a warehouse in Lat Krabang District, eastern Bangkok. As of 11:20 PM local time, the blaze remains uncontrolled, and the structure is at risk of collapse due to heavy storage loads, visible floor cracks, and loud structural noises. Firefighters and rescue teams have retreated to surrounding areas for safety while continuing containment efforts. No casualties have been reported at this stage. In response, authorities have opened three emergency shelters for affected residents with beds and drinking water provided for evacuees: - Wat Thipphawas Gymnasium - Lat Krabang Industrial Estate Office Conference Hall - Wat Thipphawas   Advice: - Avoid the area around Soi Chalong Krung 55 to ensure emergency services can operate safely and without obstruction. - Do not approach the fire site, as the warehouse structure remains unstable and poses a serious risk of collapse. - Monitor official updates from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and emergency services for evacuation instructions or air quality alerts. - If nearby, stay indoors and close windows and doors to limit smoke exposure. - Be aware of possible traffic disruptions and detours in the Lat Krabang area due to emergency response operations.  

Following the Pahalgam attack earlier this month, tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated. On May 11, reports confirmed continued small arms fire and artillery shelling across multiple sectors along the Line of Control (LoC). Airspace restrictions are currently in effect over northern India, resulting in potential flight delays in New Delhi and Mumbai. Authorities have issued shelter-in-place advisories for residents in several border districts of Jammu & Kashmir due to the risk of unexploded artillery and further hostilities.   Advice: - Avoid all travel to areas near the Line of Control, including Uri, Kupwara, Poonch, and Rajouri, until further notice. - Remain indoors if already in affected districts, and avoid roads near military installations or border zones. - Monitor flight status closely if traveling via New Delhi or Mumbai, and allow for additional transit time. - Follow local authority guidance and Indian Armed Forces advisories as the security situation may change rapidly. - Remain alert for potential curfews, roadblocks, or sudden communication disruptions in northern India.  

The UK Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms on Monday, May 12, from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, affecting much of the country. While Greater Manchester is expected to avoid the worst conditions, regions including Cheshire, the Midlands, southern England, and large areas of Wales are forecast to experience heavy showers, intense rainfall, lightning, hail, and gusty winds. Rainfall could reach 20–30 mm in less than an hour, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 50 mm within two hours. Thunderstorms are expected to be fast-moving but may cause localized flooding, travel disruptions, and damage from lightning or hail. Conditions are expected to ease by late evening.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas during peak storm hours due to potential flooding and low visibility. - If driving, slow down and maintain safe distances; surface water and debris may create hazardous road conditions. - Secure outdoor items and avoid sheltering under trees or near unstable structures during thunderstorms. - Stay indoors during periods of lightning and hail, and monitor updates from the Met Office and local authorities. - Residents in flood-prone zones should check flood risk maps and prepare accordingly (e.g., move valuables to higher ground, keep emergency supplies ready). - Keep emergency contact numbers and mobile devices charged in case of power outages or service disruptions.  

Heavy rainfall on May 9 led to severe flooding in Mogadishu, resulting in 11 confirmed deaths, the collapse of nine homes, and major damage to six key roads. The storm, the worst in nine years, caused waist-high floodwaters in parts of the city. The main road to Aden Adde International Airport was temporarily blocked, disrupting public transport and airport access. Rescue efforts are ongoing.   Advice: - Avoid travel through flood-affected zones in Mogadishu, especially near damaged roads or low-lying neighborhoods. - Expect delays when accessing Aden Adde International Airport and consider contacting airlines in advance to confirm flight status. - Stay off flooded roads and walkways, as hidden hazards and unstable infrastructure may pose serious risks. - Follow local alerts and safety instructions from Mogadishu authorities and emergency services throughout the day. - If your residence is in a flood-prone area, stay prepared for additional rainfall or evacuation orders and move to higher ground if needed.  

A pro-Palestinian solidarity rally is scheduled at the British Museum in London on May 13, 2025, starting at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT). The demonstration is organized by activists advocating for Palestinian rights and may attract a significant number of participants. Similar events in the past have led to increased security presence and localized disruptions.   Advice: - Avoid the vicinity of the British Museum during the scheduled protest to minimize exposure to potential disruptions. - Plan for potential delays or alterations in public transport services; check Transport for London (TfL) updates before traveling. - A heightened police presence is likely. Follow official instructions and maintain awareness of your surroundings. - Avoid engaging in political discussions with protesters or bystanders. - If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

A pro-Palestine demonstration is scheduled to take place in Kraków's Main Market Square on Sunday, May 11, from 17:00 to 19:00 local time. The event has been authorized by local authorities, with an expected attendance of approximately 150 participants. Kraków Police will be present to monitor the demonstration and ensure public safety.   Advice: - Avoid the Main Market Square and surrounding areas during the demonstration period to minimize exposure to potential disruptions. - Expect increased police presence and potential traffic or public transportation delays near the protest. - If you are near the demonstration, remain vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid engaging with protesters or counter-protesters. - In case of emergency, contact Polish Emergency Services by dialing 112.  

Pro-Russia activists plan to hold a demonstration at the Monumento a Claudio Moyano in Madrid on May 11, 2025, starting at 12:00 local time (10:00 GMT), to commemorate Victory Day. The event may lead to increased security measures and traffic disruptions in the surrounding area.   Advice: - Avoid the area around the Monumento a Claudio Moyano during the demonstration hours to avoid large crowds and potential disruptions.​ - Public transport services may experience delays or rerouting due to the demonstration. Check with local transit authorities for real-time updates.​​ - Avoid engaging in political discussions with protesters or bystanders. - In case of unrest, calmly leave the vicinity and follow instructions from local authorities. - Follow police instructions and observe posted road signs regarding closures or detours in the area.  

Activists are scheduled to stage a protest in front of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum in Athens on May 12, 2025, starting at 12:00 local time (09:00 GMT). Previous protests on similar issues have led to increased security measures and localized disruptions.   Advice: - Avoid Protest Areas: Steer clear of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum and surrounding streets in Athens during the protest hours to avoid large crowds and potential disruptions.​ - Expect Transportation Delays: Public transport services may experience delays or rerouting due to the demonstration. Check with local transit authorities for real-time updates.​​ - Avoid engaging in political discussions with protesters or bystanders. - In case of unrest, calmly leave the vicinity and follow instructions from local authorities. - Follow police instructions and observe posted road signs regarding closures or detours in the area.  

Security has been tightened at 20 points along the 83-kilometer Nepal-India border in Bardiya due to concerns over potential cross-border infiltration, heightened by recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and escalating India-Pakistan tensions. Joint patrols by Nepal’s Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and India’s Sashastra Seema Bal are active in the no-man’s-land, with a focus on the high-risk Ganeshpur-Laukahi corridor adjacent to India’s Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and dense forests. Stricter entry protocols, including mandatory ID checks and recording of personal details (destination, purpose, return date, and contacts), have been enforced. Local reports indicate reduced cross-border movement to Indian towns like Laukahi and Balaigaun due to heightened security and public caution.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel to the Bardiya border areas, particularly the Ganeshpur-Laukahi corridor, due to increased security measures and potential risks. - Comply with local authorities’ instructions, including providing valid identification and detailed travel information at checkpoints. - Expect delays at border crossings due to enhanced checks and patrols; plan travel accordingly. - Keep contact information for local emergency services and your country’s embassy or consulate readily available.