News & Reports

Greek authorities have announced that May Day (May 1) 2025 will be marked by widespread demonstrations and strikes across major cities, particularly in Athens. Major gatherings are scheduled at Syntagma Square, Koraï Square, and Klauthmonos Square from 10:30 a.m. Ferries will be docked nationwide, and significant transport disruptions are expected, including potential public transit strikes. Travelers should anticipate congestion, diversions, and delays near protest areas. Advice: - Avoid Demonstration Areas: Steer clear of central Athens, especially Syntagma, Koraï, and Klauthmonos Squares, due to large gatherings and potential unrest. - Transport Disruptions: Expect delays or cancellations in public transport. Confirm travel plans and use alternative routes where possible. - Stay Informed: Monitor local news sources and updates from the Hellenic Police for real-time information. - Safety First: If unrest escalates, remain indoors or in safe locations. Follow guidance from local authorities.  

Violent unrest is currently reported in Saha, Ambala (Haryana), where groups of demonstrators have vandalized and set fire to Muslim-owned shops following a protest related to the Pahalgam terror attack. Multiple shops and carts have been damaged.   Advice: - Travel Restrictions: Avoid traveling the Saha and Ambala regions until local authorities confirm stabilization. - If in the Area: Immediately seek shelter in a secure building. Lock doors, stay away from windows, and remain alert to developments. - Avoid Crowds: Stay away from protest sites and large gatherings. - Emergency Services: In case of any emergency, contact 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance.  

Fierce clashes between resistance forces and Myanmar’s military in the southern Tanintharyi Region have disrupted traffic on the key Dawei-Myeik highway. Skirmishes were reported near Banlaw and Ngapyawtaw villages, causing delays and a tense security situation. Civilians have been warned to avoid travel along the route.   Advice: - Travel Restrictions: Avoid traveling in the Dawei-Myeik area until the situation stabilizes - Stay Informed: Follow local sources like We Love Myaing, Myanmar Now, and security briefings from UN/INGO networks for situational updates. - Safety Measures: If already in the area, seek safe shelter indoors and avoid military checkpoints or conflict zones. - Emergency Contacts: In case of emergency, contact local police at 199 (Myanmar national police emergency number).  

On April 27, 2025, the Tunjuelito River overflowed, flooding at least 10 blocks around Carrera 17 and Calle 60 Sur in Bogotá’s San Vicente Ferrer neighborhood, Tunjuelito, affecting several homes, as reported by local authorities. Bogotá Firefighters and the Empresa de Acueducto y Alcantarillado de Bogotá (EAAB) are clearing the sewer system to reduce water levels, with traffic congestion reported in the Yomasa sector. The District Risk Management Institute (IDIGER) notes a decreasing river level but continues monitoring due to ongoing heavy rainfall.   Advice: - Flooding increases risks of hazards and travel disruptions in Tunjuelito. Refrain from traveling near Carrera 17 and Calle 60 Sur until floodwaters recede and roads are cleared. - If in Bogotá, avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding and use alternate routes like Avenida Boyacá or Autopista Sur to bypass Tunjuelito. Arrange accommodations in elevated areas like Chapinero. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to northern Bogotá or Cundinamarca destinations like Zipaquirá, accessible via private shuttles or TransMilenio to Portal Norte. - Travelers should wear waterproof gear, avoid wading through floodwaters to prevent contamination, and monitor traffic updates via apps like Waze. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Bogotá Mayor’s Office (www.bogota.gov.co) or IDIGER (www.idiger.gov.co) for flood and traffic updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 123 for immediate assistance if stranded or in danger. Medical facilities such as Hospital El Tunal (+57 1 405 0030) provide reliable care if required.  

  On April 28, 2025, at 4:46 a.m., Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon experienced a phreatic eruption lasting 24 minutes, producing a 4,500-meter ash plume, as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Ashfall affected Puting Sapa and Guruyan in Juban, and Brgy. Cogon in Irosin, with potential risks to additional barangays. PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 1, enforcing a 4-km Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and warning of possible further eruptions due to increased seismic activity reported last week.   Advice: - The phreatic eruption increases risks of ashfall and respiratory issues in Sorsogon. Refrain from traveling to areas near Bulusan Volcano, including Juban and Irosin, until ashfall risks subside. - If in Sorsogon, stay indoors, seal windows, and use N95 masks to avoid ash inhalation. Arrange accommodations in urban centers like Legazpi City with better air quality and healthcare access. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to destinations like Cebu, accessible via flights from Legazpi Airport with airlines such as Cebu Pacific. - Travelers should avoid the 4-km PDZ, carry water to rinse ash from skin or eyes, and monitor for respiratory symptoms. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as PHIVOLCS (www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph) or the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (www.ndrrmc.gov.ph) for eruption updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 911 for immediate assistance if experiencing health issues. Medical facilities such as Sorsogon Provincial Hospital (+63 56 211 2192) provide reliable care if required.  

On April 27, 2025, a measles outbreak in Ungwan Kanawa, Zaria, Kaduna State, has caused at least two confirmed deaths and infected over 20 children, linked to vaccine refusal in the community, as reported by local health officials. Some sources report up to five deaths, though unverified. The Kaduna State government, UNICEF, and WHO have initiated emergency re-vaccination campaigns to curb the spread, despite vaccine shortages, with health teams deployed to affected households. Advice: - The measles outbreak increases health risks in Zaria. Refrain from non-essential travel to Ungwan Kanawa and surrounding rural areas until the outbreak is contained. - If in Kaduna State, ensure measles vaccination (two MMR doses) and avoid unvaccinated communities. Arrange accommodations in urban Kaduna with access to healthcare. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Lagos, accessible via domestic flights from Kaduna Airport with airlines like Arik Air. - Travelers should wear masks in crowded areas, use hand sanitizers, and avoid rural zones with low vaccination rates. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (www.ncdc.gov.ng) or WHO (www.who.int) for outbreak updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 112 for immediate assistance if experiencing symptoms like fever or rash. Medical facilities such as Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria (+234 803 705 2525) provide reliable care if required.  

A wildfire emergency is underway at Table Mountain National Park, where crews are working to contain multiple fires in the Upper Tokai and Silvermine areas. Three fires ignited on Friday, April 25, likely due to human activity; two have been contained while a third remains active. As of April 27, evacuation orders are in place for both the eastern and western sections of Silvermine. For safety reasons, all hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails in Tokai are closed and will remain so until tomorrow.   Advice: - Avoid entering Upper Tokai, Silvermine, and nearby areas; trail access is prohibited until further notice. - Follow guidance from local authorities and be ready for possible evacuation orders. - Residents near the fire zone should stay indoors and wear masks if air quality declines. - Stay updated through official channels and contact local emergency responders for immediate assistance.  

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a weather advisory for April 27 to May 3. In the Kathmandu Valley, expect daily highs of 24°C to 30°C with afternoon thunderstorms. High-altitude areas, like Ngawal, will see temperatures ranging from 3°C to 9°C, with lows between -6°C and -2°C, along with cloudy and chilly conditions and possible rain or snow showers. Due to these conditions, rescue and evacuation operations may face challenges, especially in remote areas. Travelers should plan accordingly and stay in touch with emergency services.   Advice: - Be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snowfall. - Exercise caution during outdoor activities, especially afternoons when weather conditions change rapidly. - Ensure proper gear and supplies are available for cold and wet conditions.​ - Secure outdoor items to prevent damage from sudden storms. - Stay updated with the latest weather information from DHM and local authorities https://www.dhm.gov.np/meteorology-forecast/4  

Malawi will experience scheduled power outages on Sunday, April 27, between 6:00 and 17:00 due to maintenance works at Kapichira Power Station. A detailed outage schedule is available through ESCOM’s social media platforms.   Advice: - Charge essential devices and secure alternative lighting sources. - Limit the use of electricity to critical needs during service interruptions. - Keep refrigerators closed and store sufficient drinking water. - Monitor ESCOM’s social media channels for updates on the load-shedding schedule and service restoration. - Plan for any essential medical or business operations that may be impacted.  

The Peasant Development Committee has announced a Plurinational Strike scheduled for Monday, April 28. Mobilizations and roadblocks are planned at approximately 20 points across Guatemala to protest various political and social issues. Significant disruptions to vehicular traffic are expected throughout the country. Key Affected Areas: Escuintla, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu, Quetzaltenango, Totonicapán, Sololá, Chimaltenango, Quiché, Huehuetenango, Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Izabal, Petén, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Santa Rosa, San Marcos, and Guatemala City (Zone 1).   Advice: - Significant delays and travel disruptions are expected. Refrain from traveling through known protest zones. - If travel is essential, plan alternate routes and allow extra time for transit. - Exercise Caution near protest sites to avoid potential confrontations or security risks. - Follow local news and authorities for real-time road conditions and blockade updates.