News & Reports

On April 22, 2025, Uganda’s Ministry of Health reported a measles outbreak with nine confirmed cases in Nakivale and Oruchinga (Isingiro District) and Matanda (Kanungu District) refugee settlements, linked to refugees fleeing the DR Congo conflict. A vaccination campaign targeting children aged 6 months to 15 years vaccinated 105 children at Matanda on April 20. Active case searches and entry screenings are ongoing.   Advice: - Measles poses a high risk, especially for unvaccinated children. Ensure vaccination for those in or near Nakivale, Oruchinga, or Matanda before travel or residence. - If in affected areas, avoid crowded spaces and watch for symptoms like fever or rash. Seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear. - Suggested alternatives include delaying visits to refugee settlements or staying in urban centers like Kampala with lower outbreak risks. - Monitor the Ministry of Health updates on X or their website for vaccination and case updates. - Stay informed via New Vision or Xinhua, as cases may increase. - For assistance, contact the Ministry of Health at +256 800 100 066. Medical facilities like Isingiro Health Centre IV (+256 772 123 456) are available if needed.  

On April 22, 2025, The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack at Baisaran Meadow, Pahalgam, killing at least 26 people, including a Navy officer, and injuring several others, with some in critical condition. The remote area, accessible only on foot or horseback, complicated rescue efforts, with helicopters and local ponies used for evacuation. Delhi and Mumbai are on high alert, with increased surveillance at tourist and transport hubs.   Advice: - Heightened terror risks make travel to Jammu & Kashmir, especially Pahalgam, unsafe. Avoid the region until security stabilizes. - If in India, steer clear of crowded tourist sites and public transport in Delhi and Mumbai, where police are on high alert for potential follow-up attacks. - Suggested alternatives include traveling to safer southern states like Tamil Nadu or sticking to urban centers with heightened security like Bangalore. - Monitor updates from Anantnag Police (+91 9596777669) or the Indian Home Ministry on X for real-time security alerts. - Stay informed via The Hindu or India Today, as the situation may evolve rapidly. - For assistance, contact J&K Police at +91 1932225870. Medical facilities like GMC Anantnag (+91 1932223157) are available if needed.  

From April 22 to 26, 2025, the Indian Meteorological Department forecasts heatwave conditions in Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh), southern Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, with temperatures rising 2-6°C. Maximum temperatures may reach 44°C, with warm nights in Bihar. Conversely, Northeast India faces heavy rainfall until April 26, raising flood risks.   Advice: - Heatwaves pose health risks, and heavy rains increase flood hazards. Avoid outdoor activities in Central and Northern India during peak heat, and steer clear of flood-prone areas in the Northeast. - If in affected regions, stay hydrated, use light irrigation for crops in Central India, and drain excess water in Northeast fields. Use hail nets in Himachal Pradesh. - Suggested alternatives include rescheduling travel to cooler southern regions like Kerala or safer urban areas like Mumbai. - Monitor IMD updates on X or their website for real-time weather alerts. - Stay informed via The Hindu or India Today, as conditions may intensify. - For assistance, contact IMD at +91 11 2461 1824. Medical facilities like AIIMS Delhi (+91 11 2658 8500) are available if needed.  

From April 22 to 27, 2025, upper Thailand faces extreme heat with temperatures rising, alongside isolated thunderstorms. Summer storms from April 26–27 will bring heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and lightning. The South expects increased rainfall from April 23–27, with heavy rain and waves over 2 meters in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.   Advice: - Extreme heat and storms pose health and safety risks. Avoid prolonged outdoor activities in upper Thailand and stay hydrated during April 22–25. - If in the North or Northeast, seek shelter during storms on April 26–27, avoiding open areas or unstable structures. In the South, prepare for flash floods. - Suggested alternatives include rescheduling outdoor plans or traveling to less affected areas like urban Bangkok. - Monitor Thai Meteorological Department updates on X or their website for real-time alerts. - Stay informed via Bangkok Post or The Nation, as storm intensity may escalate. - For assistance, contact TMD at +66 2 399 4012. Medical facilities like Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok (+66 2 066 8888) are available if needed.  

On April 21, 2025, heavy floods in Nairobi’s informal settlements displaced over 500 families, destroyed homes in Mukuru Kwa Ruben and Mathare Phase 4, and killed three in Mathare after a wall collapse. Contaminated floodwaters pose health risks, worsened by poor sewerage. Intense rains are forecast through April 28, with rescue operations in Mathare but no aid yet in Mukuru Kwa Ruben.   Advice: - Floods and contaminated water increase the risks of injury and disease. Avoid flood-prone areas like Mukuru Kwa Ruben and Mathare, and do not wade through floodwaters. - If in Nairobi, seek higher ground or shelters in community halls. Use mosquito nets and boil water to prevent waterborne diseases. - Suggested alternatives include delaying travel to Nairobi or staying in safer areas like Westlands or Karen. - Monitor Kenya Meteorological Department updates on X for weather and shelter alerts. - Stay informed via Kenyans.co.ke or Citizen TV for flood and aid updates, as conditions may worsen. - For assistance, contact the Kenya Red Cross at +254 703 037 000. Medical facilities like Kenyatta National Hospital (+254 20 272 6300) are available if needed.  

On April 22, 2025, over 250 flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport faced delays averaging 24 minutes due to the closure of Runway 10/28 for an instrument landing system upgrade since April 8, compounded by unseasonal easterly winds. Only one runway (11R) handles arrivals, with two (09 and 11L) for departures, causing congestion. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) plans to reopen the runway in early May.   Advice: - Flight delays and congestion increase travel disruptions. Check flight status with airlines before heading to the airport and allow extra time for travel. If you are in Delhi, consider alternative travel options like trains from New Delhi Railway Station to avoid delays, especially for domestic routes. - Suggested alternatives include rescheduling flights after early May when the runway reopens or using nearby airports like Jaipur for less congested connections. - Monitor DIAL and airline updates on X or FlightRadar24 for real-time flight information. For assistance, contact DIAL at +91 124 479 7300. If needed, medical facilities like Fortis Hospital, Delhi (+91 11 4055 4055), are available.  

As of April 22, 2025, parts of southwestern France remain under an orange weather alert following significant flooding caused by heavy rainfall over the Easter weekend. The Dordogne, Corrèze, and Gironde departments were initially affected, with the alert now extending to Charente and Charente-Maritime. The Vézère River overflowed its banks, submerging streets and vehicles in towns like Le Bugue. Approximately 1,100 homes have experienced power outages, and several villages remain inundated. Emergency services have conducted multiple evacuations, and numerous roads are closed due to flooding. ​   Advice: - Avoid Non-Essential Travel: Refrain from traveling to the affected departments until authorities confirm it is safe.​ - Do Not Drive Through Flooded Areas: Even shallow water can be hazardous. Seek alternative routes and adhere to road closure signs.​ - Stay Informed: Monitor updates from Météo-France and local authorities throughout the day as conditions evolve. - Follow Official Instructions: Adhere to guidance from local authorities, including evacuation orders and safety advisories.  

As of April 22, 2025, a 24-hour nationwide rail strike is causing significant disruptions across Belgium. The strike, initiated by five trade unions protesting proposed government reforms, began at 22:00 local time (20:00 GMT) on April 21 and is scheduled to continue until 22:00 on April 22. The National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB/NMBS) has implemented an alternative service plan, but only 60% of Intercity (IC), Local (L), and Suburban (S) trains are operating. Peak-hour (P) trains are running on a limited schedule. While international services like Eurostar, TGV INOUI, ICE, and OUIGO operate as scheduled, approximately 25% of EuroCity and 50% of EuroCity Direct trains between Belgium and the Netherlands have been canceled. ​   Advice: - Check Train Schedules: Before traveling, verify the status of your train on the SNCB/NMBS website or relevant international service providers.​ - Consider Alternative Transport: Explore other modes of transportation, such as buses or car rentals, especially for critical journeys.​ - Plan for Delays: Allocate extra time for travel and be prepared for potential delays or cancellations.​ - Reschedule if Possible: If your travel plans are flexible, consider postponing your journey until after the strike concludes to avoid disruptions.  

On April 22, 2025, demonstrators are scheduled to rally outside Belgrade's Ministry of Education building at 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT). The protest is in response to the appointment of Professor Dejan Vuk Stanković as Minister of Education, with critics citing his support for repressive measures and dismissal of student demands. Given the recent history of large-scale protests in Serbia, significant student-led demonstrations, heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the Ministry during the protest period.​   Advice: - Refrain from traveling near the Ministry of Education tomorrow to avoid potential disruptions.​ - Expect traffic congestion and consider using alternative roads to navigate around the protest site.​ - If you are in the vicinity, remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and follow instructions from local authorities.​ - Avoid engaging with demonstrators, maintain awareness of your surroundings, and leave the area promptly if tensions escalate or law enforcement intervenes - Check with local transit services for any changes or delays in routes that may be affected by the protest. - Monitor local news outlets and official advisories for real-time updates on the protest and any associated disruptions.​  

As of April 21, 2025, the Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology issued a Red Warning for severe thunderstorms, lightning, and localized strong winds across the regions. These hazardous weather conditions will persist until 23:00 local time (17:30 GMT) today.   Advice: - Remain inside sturdy buildings during thunderstorms. Avoid open fields, tall trees, and metal structures due to the increased risk of lightning strikes and falling trees. - Prepare for potential power outages; keep essential devices charged and have backup lighting available. - Disconnect appliances to prevent damage from power surges caused by lightning strikes.​ - Be prepared for localized flooding. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. - Stay informed through official channels such as the Department of Meteorology at the attached link (https://www.meteo.gov.lk/) and local news outlets for real-time updates. ​