News & Reports

Following Hurricane Lala, widespread power outages and localized water, communication and road disruptions remain in parts of Maui and Hawaii Island. Weather warnings have expired, but recovery operations are ongoing and some services and roads may remain affected. Advice: * Check road and local service conditions before travel. * Confirm accommodation and planned activities are operating normally. * Allow extra travel time in affected areas.

Heavy monsoon rain has caused landslides and road closures on several mountain routes, including roads leading toward major trekking areas. Additional rainfall in the coming days may trigger further landslides, sudden closures and travel delays. Advice: * Check road conditions before travel. * Avoid night travel on mountain roads during heavy rain. * Allow extra time and prepare for route changes.

An orange weather alert has been issued for five districts in Uttarakhand due to forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with intense downpours possible in some areas. The conditions may trigger flash floods, landslides and sudden road disruptions, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas. Other parts of Uttarakhand remain under a yellow weather alert.

A sudden rainstorm caused flash flooding and a landslide in the mountainous area near Ponferrada. Several access roads remain closed, including routes to Manzanedo de Valdueza, Peñalba de Santiago and Carracedo de Compludo.

Large areas of the southern Blue Mountains have been closed from August 16 through August 22 for aerial pest control operations. Closures include sections of the Katoomba Mittagong and K2K routes, Splendour Rock, Carlon Creek, Breakfast Creek and Mt Werong Campground. Kanangra Boyd National Park, Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve and Turon National Park are also affected by temporary closures. Entry restrictions are enforced.

Wildfire conditions continue to affect Germany’s western Eifel region. The major fire in Hürtgenwald is now under control, but firefighting operations and hotspot suppression are continuing. Meanwhile, a large wildfire in Belgium’s High Fens remains active close to the German border. Authorities in Monschau continue to monitor the situation and advise travelers to stay away from border areas due to possible smoke and changing fire conditions.

Heavy rainfall is affecting northern and northeastern Thailand, with conditions expected to intensify from August 18-21. Authorities warn that heavy to very heavy rain may cause flash floods, river overflows and landslides, particularly near waterways, foothills and low-lying areas. Travel disruptions and sudden road closures may occur in affected areas.

A large wildfire continues to burn on Skyros for a second day, after strong winds fueled its spread and prompted the evacuation of two communities. Firefighting forces have been reinforced, while a new wildfire has also broken out on Andros. Authorities have placed Skyros and several other parts of Greece under Category Very High Fire Risk due to dry conditions and strong winds.

 

Advice:
* Avoid wildfire-affected areas on Skyros and Andros and follow any evacuation or access restrictions.
* Avoid hiking, camping and other activities in forested or remote areas while the very high fire risk remains in effect.
* Keep access roads clear for emergency vehicles and do not approach active fire zones.
* Travelers on the islands should keep travel plans flexible and check local road and ferry conditions before departure.
* Monitor 112 emergency alerts and follow local authority instructions, as fire conditions may change rapidly.

Armed clashes were reported around Kobo on Sunday morning, near the border between the Amhara and Tigray regions. Fighting reportedly lasted several hours and temporarily closed the main Kobo–Alamata road, which has since reopened. The incident follows renewed armed tensions in northern Ethiopia in recent weeks. Further clashes could develop with little warning and may result in sudden road closures, checkpoints and disruptions to travel between northern Amhara and Tigray.

 

Advice:
* Avoid travel around Kobo and the Amhara- Tigray border area due to the risk of renewed fighting.
* Do not rely on the Kobo- Alamata road remaining open; check local conditions immediately before travel.
* If already in the affected area, avoid military positions and gatherings and remain in a secure location if fighting resumes.
* Follow local authority instructions and allow for sudden changes to road access and transportation.

A major wildfire is affecting the High Fens nature reserve, with evacuations reported in Liège Province and visitors being urged to leave affected areas. The fire has become the largest recorded wildfire in Belgium, while hot and dry conditions continue to increase the risk of further spread.