News & Reports

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Meiktila in Mandalay Division at 8:55 a.m. (local time) on April 13, 2025, causing buildings and homes to collapse and forcing residents to evacuate into the streets in towns including Mandalay, Wandwin, and surrounding areas. The USGS and local seismic agencies have confirmed the quake’s shallow depth of 10 km, contributing to its strong impact. The National Unity Government and local authorities have issued warnings about possible aftershocks, especially in light of ongoing seismic activity following the March 28 7.7-magnitude quake, which has triggered over 120 aftershocks to date.   Advice: - Remain alert for further seismic activity and avoid damaged or unstable structures. - If indoors during a tremor, drop, cover, and hold; evacuate calmly once shaking stops. - Check homes and buildings for cracks or structural damage before re-entry. - Monitor local news and updates from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology or Eleven Myanmar on X (Twitter) for real-time information. - Keep flashlights, bottled water, and emergency kits accessible. Identify open areas away from buildings as safe gathering points.  

Healthcare workers across Senegal have launched a nationwide strike on April 13 and 14, affecting both public and private medical facilities. The strike, organized by the Federation of Health Unions (F2s), calls on the government to address a range of unresolved healthcare and social issues. The work stoppage is expected to disrupt non-urgent care, scheduled consultations, and administrative services across the country.   Advice: - Seek medical attention at emergency departments if care is urgently needed during the strike period. - Reschedule non-urgent appointments or procedures for after April 14 where possible. - Travelers with pre-existing medical needs should confirm the availability of care in advance or identify alternative facilities. - Stay updated through local health advisories and your embassy or consulate for the latest information on service availability.  

Authorities in Parsa District have imposed a temporary curfew in Birgunj following violent clashes between two communities during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations. The unrest included stone-pelting, vandalism, and shop fires, resulting in injuries to 43 individuals, including Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel, as well as 12 civilians. The District Administration Office has enforced a curfew from Saturday evening until 12:00 noon today to restore order and prevent further violence.   Advice: - Avoid travel to or within Birgunj until the situation stabilizes and curfew restrictions are lifted. - Remain indoors during the curfew period unless travel is essential or authorized by local authorities. - Monitor official sources such as the District Administration Office, Nepal Police, or local media for real-time updates. - If you are in the area, carry identification and avoid large gatherings, protest zones, or areas with heightened security presence. - Stock up on essentials if you are staying in or near the affected region, and be prepared for possible curfew extensions.  

A major storm system is expected to strike the UK starting April 17, bringing torrential rain, heavy snow, and an Arctic chill. The most severe conditions are forecast between April 17 and April 23, with up to nine days’ worth of rain falling in just three hours and temperatures plunging to -7°C in parts of Scotland. Low-pressure systems sweeping in from the Atlantic will trigger widespread downpours, hail, strong winds, and snow, especially where cold air is present. Snowfall of up to 5 cm per hour is likely in higher regions of Scotland. Advice: - Prepare for flash flooding; saturated ground and extreme rainfall may lead to localized flooding, especially in southwestern England and low-lying areas of Scotland. - Exercise caution while traveling; snow, ice, and poor visibility may impact road and rail networks, particularly between April 21–24. - Monitor updates; stay informed via the Met Office (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/) for live alerts, storm warnings, and road condition reports. - Secure outdoor property; gusty winds may accompany the storm fronts. Check that outdoor furniture, tools, and structures are secured. - Winterize gear and clothing; with temperatures forecast to plunge sharply, especially in northern regions, ensure adequate insulation and heating for homes and vehicles.  

On April 12, 2025, flooding damaged a diversion at Dumkibas, halting traffic on the East-West Highway’s Narayanghat-Butwal section. The diversion, built after a bridge collapse on January 10, was washed away by heavy rainfall. This follows a 21-hour blockage at Daunne, partially cleared on April 11. Authorities are awaiting lower river levels to rebuild.   Advice: - Road closures increase travel disruption risks. Avoid the Narayanghat-Butwal section until repairs are confirmed. - If traveling, check road updates and use alternatives like the Kaligandaki Corridor Road via Gaindakot or the Hongsi route, a 12-km detour from Dumkibas. - Suggested alternatives include rescheduling travel or using bus services from Butwal or Narayanghat to bypass affected areas. - Monitor updates from the Department of Roads or local news on X for real-time conditions. - Stay informed via Kathmandu Post for developments, as repairs may be delayed by weather. - For assistance, contact Nawalparasi Police at +977 78-520099. Medical facilities like Bharatpur Hospital (+977 56-520111) are available if needed.  

On April 12, 2025, Uganda’s Ministry of Health reported an anthrax outbreak killing three people—two in Buhweju and one in Moroto—linked to consuming meat from an infected cow sold at Chokolias market. Buhweju has 11 suspected cases, Moroto around 25, and Kabale seven. Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, spreads from infected animals or contaminated products.   Advice: - Anthrax poses serious health risks, particularly through contaminated meat. Avoid consuming or handling meat from unknown sources, especially in Buhweju, Moroto, and Kabale, until the outbreak is contained. - If in affected areas, refrain from visiting markets like Chokolias in Apetawoi village. Opt for verified food suppliers and ensure thorough cooking of meat. - Suggested alternatives include sourcing food from regulated stores in urban centers like Kampala or Mbarara, where inspections are stricter. - Monitor health for symptoms like fever or skin lesions and seek medical care immediately if exposed. Follow Ministry of Health updates on X for guidance. - Stay informed via Xinhua or New Vision for outbreak developments, as cases may rise. - For emergencies, contact the Ministry of Health hotline at +256 800 100 066. Facilities like Moroto Regional Referral Hospital (+256 393 224 101)    

On April 12, 2025, protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act turned violent in Murshidabad, Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts, with over 110 arrests in Murshidabad alone. Demonstrators set vehicles ablaze, pelted stones at police, and blocked roads, disrupting public order. West Bengal Police are conducting raids across these districts to apprehend suspects.   Advice: - Heightened unrest increases risks of violence and disruptions. Avoid protest-affected areas, including Jangipur in Murshidabad and sensitive zones in Malda and Hooghly, until calm is restored. - If in West Bengal, steer clear of public gatherings and monitor local news for updates on road and rail blockages. Use alternative routes to bypass affected areas like National Highway 12. - Suggested alternatives include traveling via train services from Kolkata to unaffected regions or coordinating private transport to avoid protest hotspots. - Stay updated through credible sources like PTI or West Bengal Police on X, as situations may escalate quickly. - For emergencies, contact West Bengal Police at 100. Medical facilities like NRS Medical College Hospital in Kolkata (+91 33 2286 0100) are available if needed.  

On April 12, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department issued its sixth warning for a summer storm impacting 45 provinces, with severe weather, including strong winds, hail, and lightning, expected in the North and Northeast through April 14. The storm, driven by a high-pressure system from China, coincides with the Songkran festival, increasing risks for travelers and outdoor events.   Advice: - Severe weather heightens risks of disruption and hazards. Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas, especially low-lying regions prone to flooding like Khon Kaen’s Mueang district or Bangkok. - If in Thailand, steer clear of outdoor festival activities during storms, particularly in Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, or Nakhon Ratchasima. Seek indoor venues for Songkran celebrations. - Suggested alternatives include rescheduling travel to southern provinces like Phuket, where storms are less intense, or using train services to avoid flood-prone roads. - Monitor updates from the TMD website or airlines on X and stick to essential travel plans. - Stay informed via Thaiger News or KhaoSod for real-time weather updates, as conditions may escalate. - For assistance, contact TMD at +66 2 399 4012. Medical facilities like Chiang Mai Ram Hospital (+66 53 920 300) are available if needed.  

On April 12, 2025, strong winds from a cold vortex originating in Mongolia disrupted Beijing Capital International Airport, canceling 413 flights. The China Meteorological Administration forecasts peak winds on April 12, potentially breaking historical records. Beijing issued an orange alert, the second-highest tier, for gales. Train services, including the airport’s express subway, and tourist sites like the Summer Palace are temporarily closed.   Advice: - Widespread cancellations increase travel disruption risks. Avoid non-essential travel to or through Beijing’s airport until conditions improve. - If in Beijing, confirm flight status before heading to the airport. Explore alternatives like bus services to nearby cities such as Tianjin. - Suggested alternatives include booking intercity buses via platforms like Ctrip or arranging private transfers to avoid affected rail lines. - Monitor airline updates on official websites or X and prioritize essential travel. - Stay updated via CCTV or China Daily for real-time weather and airport information, as conditions may worsen. - For assistance, contact the airport at +86 10 96158. Medical facilities like Peking Union Medical College Hospital (+86 10 69159159) are available if needed.  

On April 12, 2025, dust storms disrupted Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, delaying 205 flights by about an hour and diverting 50 others, causing congestion and stranding passengers. The IMD issued an 'orange' alert for thunderstorms in Delhi through April 12, with improving conditions but ongoing delays. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo advise checking flight statuses.   Advice: - Airport congestion increases risks of delays and cancellations. Avoid non-essential travel to or through Delhi airport until operations stabilize. - If in Delhi, confirm flight status before heading to the airport. Consider alternatives like train services from New Delhi Railway Station if flights are impacted. - Suggested alternatives include booking bus services like RedBus or arranging hotel shuttles to nearby cities like Jaipur or Chandigarh. - Monitor airline updates on X or official websites and stick to essential travel plans. - Stay informed via ANI or NDTV for real-time airport and weather updates, as conditions may shift quickly. - For assistance, call the airport helpline at +91 124 479 7300. Medical facilities like Fortis Hospital, Delhi (+91 11 4055 4055), are available if needed.