News & Reports

On April 18, 2025, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5 struck Nagano Prefecture at 8:19 p.m. local time. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a seismic intensity of lower 5 on the Japanese scale in Omachi City, Chikuhoku Village, and Ogawa Village. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 km and does not pose a tsunami risk. Power outages were reported in parts of Ogawa Village, but no injuries have been confirmed as of 9:00 p.m. according to local authorities. As a result of the quake, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) temporarily suspended Hokuriku Shinkansen operations between Karuizawa and Itoigawa. Advice: - Travelers intending to use the Hokuriku Shinkansen should confirm train service status before departure. -Expect delays or cancellations as inspections and safety checks are ongoing. - Alternative routes via local train lines or bus services may be limited; consider postponing travel in and out of the affected zone. - If currently in Nagano Prefecture, monitor local news and municipal announcements for power restoration updates. - Remain alert for possible aftershocks. Seek safe shelter if shaking resumes. - For real-time train updates, refer to JR East’s website https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/.  

Heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding across multiple villages in Bulambuli District, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality. The flooding has caused significant damage to homes and agricultural land, with local authorities working to assess the full scale of the impact.   Advice: - Safety First: Residents in affected areas should avoid flooded zones and move to higher ground if necessary. Be cautious of landslides and weakened structures. - Emergency Measures: Ensure basic supplies are on hand, including clean water, food, and emergency lighting. - Stay Informed: Follow updates from NTV Uganda and the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) for real-time weather warnings and local response information.  

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Nagano Prefecture earlier today, resulting in power outages in parts of Ogawa Village. While no major damage or injuries have been reported, local authorities are assessing the situation and working to restore electricity to affected areas.​   Advice: - Safety First: Residents should exercise caution, as aftershocks may occur. Stay away from damaged structures and report any hazards to local authorities.​ - Emergency Preparedness: Ensure you have access to emergency supplies, including water, food, and a flashlight. Charge mobile devices and keep them on hand for updates.​ - Stay Informed: Follow official updates from NHK Nagano and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) for real-time safety guidance and aftershock alerts.  

Philippine health authorities have confirmed two new cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in Davao City. One of the cases resulted in death, though officials indicate the individual had other serious health conditions. Local health teams have initiated contact tracing and are implementing standard containment and monitoring protocols. Both cases are currently managed in isolation, and authorities are urging the public to remain alert but calm.   Advice: - Health Awareness: Be aware of mpox symptoms, including rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Seek medical attention if symptoms appear. - Limit Close Contact: Avoid close physical interaction with individuals showing signs of infection. - Hygiene Measures: Wash hands regularly with soap or use alcohol-based sanitizers. - Stay Updated: Monitor guidance from local health authorities and follow public health advisories.  

On April 17, 2025, Upper Nile Governor Gen. James Koang confirmed clashes in Owechi village, Panyikang County, where South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) repelled attacks by armed opposition militants. The conflict follows heightened tensions in Upper Nile, with recent violence involving the Nuer White Army militia escalating fears of renewed civil war. No casualty reports are available yet.   Advice: - Ongoing clashes increase the risks of violence and displacement. Avoid travel to Panyikang County and other Upper Nile areas until the situation stabilizes. - If in Upper Nile, stay away from Owechi and nearby villages along the White Nile. Seek secure shelter and avoid military zones. - Suggested alternatives include remaining in safer urban centers like Juba or Malakal and using air travel to bypass conflict zones. - Monitor updates from Eye Radio or UNMISS on X for real-time security alerts. - Stay informed via Sudan Tribune or Al Jazeera, as fighting may spread rapidly. - For assistance, contact Upper Nile State Police at +211 912 000 100. Medical facilities like Malakal Teaching Hospital (+211 918 000 123) are available if needed.  

On April 17, 2025, Andalucia’s health authorities reported 56 measles cases across nine outbreaks in 2025, with seven still active, particularly in Costa del Sol, Huelva, and Almeria. Notably, 41% of cases required hospitalization, including four with pneumonia. While Andalucia’s vaccination rate exceeds 95%, 27% of cases are imported, primarily from Morocco, with 41% affecting children under 15. Unvaccinated individuals and infants under 12 months are at high risk.   Advice: - Measles poses a serious health threat due to cross-border spread. Ensure MMR vaccination, especially if traveling to or residing in Costa del Sol, Huelva, or Almeria. - If in Andalucia, avoid crowded areas like markets or public transport in Malaga or El Ejido if unvaccinated. Infants under 12 months are particularly vulnerable. - Suggested alternatives include postponing non-essential travel to outbreak areas or verifying vaccination status before visiting tourist hotspots like Marbella. - Monitor Junta de Andalucía health updates on X or their website for vaccination campaigns and case reports. - Stay informed via Olive Press or Sur in English for real-time outbreak updates, as cases may rise. - For assistance, contact Andalucia Health Service at +34 955 545 060. Medical facilities like Hospital Costa del Sol in Marbella (+34 951 976 669) are available if needed.  

On April 17, 2025, a preliminary magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck southeast of Mandalay in Pyinoolwin Township at 07:32 BST (MMT), at a depth of 10 km, No immediate reports of injuries or damage have been confirmed, but this follows a devastating magnitude 7.7 quake in the region on March 28, 2025, which caused significant destruction.   Advice: - Aftershocks pose risks of further damage in a region already impacted. Avoid damaged buildings and areas prone to landslides near Mandalay until safety is confirmed. - If in Pyinoolwin or Mandalay, stay alert for additional tremors and seek open spaces away from structures during shaking. Keep emergency supplies ready. - Suggested alternatives include delaying non-essential travel to Mandalay or using routes bypassing affected townships like Pyinoolwin. - Monitor updates from the USGS or Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology on X for real-time seismic information. - Stay informed via Mizzima News or Democratic Voice of Burma, as aftershock risks may persist. - For assistance, contact Myanmar’s Fire Services Department at +95 1 191. Medical facilities like Mandalay General Hospital (+95 2 407 1000) are available if needed.  

On April 17, 2025, a landslide triggered by two hours of rainfall blocked the Rapti Highway near Chorkhola in Kapurkot Rural Municipality, Salyan, stranding dozens of passengers and vehicles for over an hour. Police report that an excavator is clearing debris, but ongoing road upgrades make the section prone to disruptions even after light rain.   Advice: - Landslides increase travel risks. Avoid the Rapti Highway’s Chorkhola section until debris is cleared and conditions stabilize. - If in Salyan, check road updates before traveling. Use alternative routes like the Kaligandaki Corridor or delay travel to avoid delays. - Suggested alternatives include bus services from Tulsipur to safer routes or rescheduling trips until repairs are complete. - Monitor District Police Office updates on X or local radio for real-time road status. - Stay informed via Kathmandu Post or Himalayan Times, as further landslides are possible. - For assistance, contact Salyan Police at +977 88-520099. Medical facilities like Tulsipur Provincial Hospital (+977 82-520022) are available if needed.  

On April 16, 2025, Colombia’s Ministry of Health declared a health emergency due to a yellow fever outbreak, with 47 cases and 20 deaths reported this year, primarily in Tolima. A hospital alert is active, and vaccination cards are now required for tourists from endemic areas like Brazil. All residents aged 9 months to 80 years in areas below 2,200 meters must be vaccinated with a single dose, targeting 14 million people.   Advice: - Yellow fever poses a severe health risk. Ensure vaccination at least 10 days before travel to high-risk areas like Tolima or Huila, and carry proof of vaccination. - If in Colombia, avoid unvaccinated travel to rural or forested areas below 2,200 meters, especially in Tolima. Use mosquito repellent and wear long clothing. - Suggested alternatives include sticking to urban centers like Bogotá or Cartagena, where risk is lower, and verifying vaccination status before visiting national parks. - Monitor Ministry of Health updates for vaccination sites and outbreak status on X or their website. - Stay informed via El Tiempo or Semana for real-time updates, as the situation may escalate. - For assistance, contact the Ministry of Health at +57 601 330 5000. If needed, medical facilities like Fundación Santa Fe in Bogotá (+57 601 603 0303) are available.  

On April 16, 2025, Auckland Airport reported delays to some international flights, particularly inbound from Asia, until Friday, April 18, due to a cyclone impacting travel across New Zealand and abroad. Regional flights are also disrupted, with potential delays extending into Good Friday. Heavy traffic on SH20, driven by holiday travel, is causing delays for airport access, as noted by Auckland Airport. Extra staff are deployed to manage peak holiday crowds.   Advice: - Cyclone-related disruptions increase risks of flight delays and cancellations at Auckland Airport. Refrain from relying on tight schedules for international or regional travel until conditions stabilize. - If traveling to or from AKL, avoid planning connections without flexibility until Friday. Check flight status directly with airlines like Air New Zealand via their app or website. - Suggested alternatives include utilizing ride-hailing services such as Uber or coordinating hotel shuttles to bypass SH20 congestion, or using SH20B (Puhinui Rd) for airport access. - Travelers should allow extra time for SH20 traffic and remain clear of terminals if flights are delayed to avoid congestion. Adhere to essential travel plans where feasible. - Stay informed through local sources such as Auckland Airport (www.aucklandairport.co.nz) or Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.co.nz) for real-time flight updates. Conditions may change rapidly. - Contact 111 for immediate assistance if stranded. Medical facilities such as Middlemore Hospital (+64 9 276 0000) provide reliable care if required.