News & Reports

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the Tonga Islands at a depth of 71.3 km, felt over a radius of 483 km.

Thai authorities report a rise in melioidosis cases, with over 20 deaths linked to the outbreak. The disease spreads through contaminated soil and water, especially during wet conditions, and may cause severe infections.

Advice:

Avoid contact with soil and standing water, especially with open wounds.
Wear protective shoes and gloves in rural areas.
Drink only safe or bottled water.
Seek medical care if symptoms like fever or cough appear after exposure.

Health authorities have reported a rise in malaria cases in Gauteng Province. The regional conditions, including heavy rainfall and flooding across southern Africa, are creating favorable environments for mosquito breeding and increasing overall malaria risk. While Gauteng itself is not classified as a high-risk malaria area, the unusual increase in cases highlights the need for vigilance, particularly for travelers returning from or transiting through endemic regions. The situation remains under monitoring by health authorities.

UK counter-terrorism police are investigating an attempted arson attack in Hendon, where a suspect approached commercial properties carrying bottles containing flammable liquid. The incident caused minimal damage and no injuries, but is being treated as a suspected antisemitic hate crime. Authorities have linked this event to a broader pattern of similar incidents in North-West London in recent weeks. Police presence has been increased across affected areas, and investigations are ongoing into possible coordination between incidents, though no confirmed organizational link has been established.

A pro-Palestinian student demonstration is expected to take place at approximately 15:00. The event is organized by student groups and pro-Palestinian organizations and is expected to include speeches and public gatherings aimed at raising awareness of Palestinian prisoners and criticizing Israel. policies. While the expected number of participants is moderate, similar events in Italy have previously led to localized disruptions, including increased police presence, crowd congestion, and potential tensions. The situation may be fluid and may evolve depending on turnout and developments on the ground. *Advice:* * Avoid the demonstration area and nearby streets during the event hours * Expect increased police presence, road closures, and possible public transport disruptions * Remain vigilant in crowded areas and monitor surroundings * If encountering large gatherings or tensions, leave the area and move to a safer location * Monitor local updates and authorities’ instructions, as conditions may change

Hazardous and very unhealthy air quality levels have been recorded across multiple areas in Metro Manila following an ongoing landfill fire in Navotas that has been burning for over a week. Authorities have urged residents to wear masks and limit exposure, as prolonged inhalation of polluted air may lead to respiratory issues and exacerbate chronic health conditions. Air quality conditions may continue to fluctuate depending on fire containment efforts and wind patterns, with ongoing health risks expected in the coming days.

Thai health authorities have issued a nationwide alert following a rise in melioidosis (“soil fever”) cases, with 732 infections and 23 deaths reported since the beginning of 2026. The disease is caused by bacteria commonly found in soil and stagnant water, and infection may occur through open wounds, inhalation of contaminated dust, or ingestion of contaminated water. Authorities report that cases are increasing, particularly among agricultural workers and individuals with underlying health conditions, and warn that severe infections may lead to sepsis and life-threatening complications if untreated.

NamPower has issued an urgent flood warning for communities downstream of the Ruacana Power Station after opening a second floodgate due to heavy rainfall upstream in southern Angola. Authorities warn that water levels along the Kunene River may increase rapidly and without warning, posing a significant risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Lodges, campsites, and riverside communities are specifically advised to evacuate vulnerable areas and move equipment and livestock to higher ground.

A large-scale severe weather system is currently affecting wide areas of the central and eastern United States, including tornadoes, large hail, severe thunderstorms, and flash flooding, with continued heavy rainfall increasing the likelihood of flooding and transportation disruptions. At the same time, Super Typhoon Sinlaku has impacted the Northern Mariana Islands (including Saipan and Tinian) with winds exceeding 250-290 km/h. The storm caused widespread infrastructure damage, power outages, flooding, and dangerous sea conditions. Guam has also experienced tropical storm conditions, while emergency measures and shelters were activated across affected islands. *Advice:* * Avoid travel in affected Midwest regions, especially during active storm hours and tornado warnings * Monitor local weather alerts and emergency notifications continuously, as conditions may change rapidly * Stay indoors during severe storms and move to a protected area (basement/interior room) in case of tornado warnings * Prepare for power outages and disruptions to transportation, including flight delays and road closures * In Pacific islands, follow all local authority instructions and remain in secure shelter until conditions fully stabilize * Avoid coastal areas due to dangerous waves, flooding, and storm surge risk

Spain’s meteorological agency has issued a weather alert for multiple regions due to expected afternoon thunderstorms. Storms may bring heavy downpours, localized hail, and strong wind gusts reaching up to 80 km/h. Conditions are expected to intensify from approximately 16:00 local time and continue into the evening. While impacts are expected to remain localized, rapidly changing weather conditions may lead to short-term disruptions, particularly in outdoor areas and on roads.