News & Reports

Heavy rainfall has caused significant disruptions in Bengaluru, Karnataka, including one fatality due to infrastructure collapse, widespread flooding, and power outages, as reported by the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall across southern India, including Karnataka, over the next 24 hours. An orange alert is in place for Bengaluru’s ghat sections until May 25, potentially exacerbating flooding and related hazards. Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in Bengaluru, particularly in flood-prone areas like BTM Layout and Sai Layout, due to ongoing risks of flooding and infrastructure damage. - Monitor updates from the IMD and local authorities for real-time weather alerts and safety advisories. - Prepare emergency kits with food, water, and medical supplies to manage potential power outages and flooding. - Stay indoors during heavy rainfall to avoid risks from collapsing structures, lightning, or floodwaters. - Check road conditions and plan alternative routes to avoid waterlogged areas and traffic disruptions. - Keep contact information for local emergency services, such as Bengaluru Municipal Corporation helplines (080-22660000), and your country’s embassy or consulate accessible.  

On May 20, 2025, heavy rainfall caused severe waterlogging at Pune Airport’s exit terminal and surrounding Viman Nagar roads, leading to significant flight delays and passenger disruptions after just one hour of rain. Lohegaon, the airport’s location, recorded 39.8 mm of rainfall. Social media reports indicate IndiGo passengers were stuck on the runway with no updates, though the exact numbers of delayed or canceled flights are unavailable. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued rain, lightning, and gusty winds until May 25, 2025, which may further impact airport operations.   Advice: - Check flight statuses via Pune Airport or your airline to confirm delays or cancellations. - Monitor updates from the IMD for real-time weather alerts affecting airport operations. - Allow extra time for travel to and from Pune Airport due to waterlogged roads in Viman Nagar. - Book flexible tickets to accommodate potential cancellations or delays caused by ongoing weather issues. - Consider alternative airports, such as Mumbai, if flights to Pune are heavily impacted, checking airline availability. - Keep contact information for local emergency services, such as Pune Municipal Corporation helplines (020-25501269), and your country’s embassy or consulate accessible.  

The Lima Regional Federation of Ministry of Health Workers (FERLIMA) has announced a 24-hour strike on May 20, affecting various hospitals, institutes, and health centers across Metropolitan Lima. The strike aims to demand a bonus for healthcare workers. Emergency services will remain operational during this period.   Advice: - Confirm Medical Appointments: If you have scheduled medical appointments on May 20, contact the facility in advance to confirm or reschedule, as non-emergency services may be disrupted. - Seek Alternative Care: In case of non-urgent medical needs, consider visiting private clinics or hospitals not affected by the strike. - Emergency Services: For emergencies, dial 116 for ambulance services or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department, as these services will continue to operate. - Plan Ahead: Anticipate potential delays or increased demand at unaffected medical facilities and plan accordingly.  

Intense thunderstorms have caused significant flash flooding in the Var region, particularly affecting the Cavalière area of Le Lavandou, La Môle, and Le Luc-en-Provence. Local authorities have activated crisis units in the affected areas. Météo-France has issued an Orange Warning for thunderstorms and rain-induced flooding in the Var department, effective until 12:00 AM CEST on May 21.   Advice: - Refrain from traveling through Le Lavandou, La Môle, and Le Luc-en-Provence in the next 48 hours. - Avoid low-lying areas, rivers, and streams, as flash flooding can occur rapidly. - Do Not Drive Through Flooded Areas; even shallow water can be hazardous. Seek alternative routes and adhere to road closure signs.​ - Monitor updates from Météo-France and local authorities throughout the day as conditions evolve. - Adhere to guidance from local authorities, including evacuation orders and safety advisories. - Charge electronic devices in advance and have flashlights and batteries ready.  

A network incident at Telefónica has disrupted landline services nationwide, impacting the 112 emergency number in several regions. The outage began around 02:00 local time and has affected areas including Aragon, Extremadura, the Basque Country, the Valencian Community, and Andalusia. Alternative emergency contact numbers have been activated in the affected regions, and Telefónica is working to restore service.   Alternative Emergency Contact Numbers: - Valencian Community: 963 428 000 - Basque Country: 900 112 088 - Aragon: 386 46 45 and 660 70 58 97   Advice: - Be aware of the alternative emergency contact numbers activated in the affected regions. - Use mobile phones as mobile networks may be less affected. - Monitor updates from local authorities for the latest information on the outage and restoration efforts. - If you require immediate assistance and cannot reach emergency services, contact MAGNUS Operational Desk on +972-50-889-9698 (via WhatsApp) or consider visiting the nearest police station or hospital.  

A significant incident disrupted Sydney's rail network on May 20, when a high-voltage wire collapsed onto a train near Strathfield Station, trapping approximately 300 passengers. The event caused extensive delays across multiple lines, including T1, T2, T3, and T8. Train services between Central and Homebush were suspended, leading to widespread cancellations and delays.   Advice: - Expect significant delays and limited services on affected lines. - Allow extra travel time and consider adjusting your schedule to accommodate potential delays. - Consider using bus services or ride-sharing options; note that surge pricing may be in effect. - Check the Transport for NSW website or local news outlets for any updates on service renewal. - For shorter distances, walking or using a bicycle can be efficient alternatives.  

A 24-hour national strike organized by the CGSP/ACOD union is underway across Belgium. The strike is causing significant disruptions to public transportation and government services nationwide. Protests are scheduled at Place Poelaert from 09:00 to 10:00 and at Tour du Midi at 10:30.   Transport Disruptions: - Brussels (STIB/MIVB): Only metro lines 1 and 5 are operational. Limited tram and bus services are available; travelers should consult the STIB website or app for real-time updates. - National Rail (SNCB/NMBS): Approximately 60% of trains operate. Intercity services are reduced, and many peak-hour trains are canceled. - Cross-border Trains: Services between Belgium and Luxembourg, including routes via Arlon and Gouvy, are disrupted.   Advice: - Anticipate significant delays and limited public transport options. - Check the STIB/MIVB website or local news outlets for the latest information on service resumption. - Allow extra travel time and consider adjusting your schedule to accommodate potential delays. - For shorter distances, walking or using a bicycle can be efficient alternatives. - While Brussels Airport operations remain unaffected, public transport to and from the airport may be disrupted; plan accordingly. - Steer clear of demonstration areas to avoid potential disturbances.  

Heavy rainfall has recently led to deadly floods and landslides across northern Vietnam. Casualties have reported in Lai Châu and Bắc Kạn provinces, significant damage to homes, roads, and agricultural land has also been reported in Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang, and Cao Bằng provinces. Vietnam's weather services forecast that another round of heavy rain is expected from May 22 to 25. This increases the risk of additional flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous and low-lying regions.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas, stay indoors during thunderstorms, and avoid sheltering under trees or near metal structures. - Stay alert for flash floods, landslides, and road closures, particularly in low-lying and mountainous areas. - Do not attempt to cross flooded streets or landslide-prone zones. If in the vicinity of a flooded area, move to higher ground and follow evacuation orders. - Check road conditions and travel arrangements to prevent disruptions and delays. - Keep mobile devices charged and have backup power sources ready in case of outages.  

On May 20, 2025, up to 500,000 online motorcycle taxi and taxi drivers are staging a nationwide protest in Jakarta, starting at 1:00 p.m. WIB, targeting Istana Merdeka, DPR/MPR, and the Transportation Ministry. Major roads, including Jalan Merdeka Barat, Jalan Sudirman, and Jalan Thamrin, are blocked, causing severe traffic disruptions. Transjakarta routes are adjusted, and authorities urge avoidance of protest areas to ensure safety.   Advice: - The driver protest increases hazards in central Jakarta. Refrain from traveling near Istana Merdeka, DPR/MPR, and the Transportation Ministry until the demonstration ends. - If in Jakarta, avoid Jalan Merdeka Barat, Sudirman, and Thamrin, using alternate routes like Jalan Toll Dalam Kota. Arrange accommodations in outer areas like Kelapa Gading with reliable transit access. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Bandung, accessible via trains from Gambir Station with Kereta Api Indonesia, pending station operations. - Travelers should check Transjakarta updates, avoid protest zones, and monitor traffic alerts. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Jakarta Transportation Agency (dishub.jakarta.go.id) or Indonesian National Police (www.polri.go.id) for traffic and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 112 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 19, 2025, a bomb threat prompted the evacuation of Salta’s Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport, with one person detained. Security protocols disrupted flights, causing delays and rescheduling, particularly for Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSMART. No suspicious items were found, but heightened security and police inspections continue, affecting airport access and surrounding roads like RN51.   Advice: - The bomb threat increases hazards in Salta. Refrain from traveling to Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport until security measures are lifted. - If in Salta, avoid the airport and RN51, using alternate routes like RN9 to Jujuy. Arrange accommodations in central Salta with reliable transit access. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Buenos Aires, accessible via buses from Salta’s Terminal de Ómnibus with Vía Bariloche, pending road operations. - Travelers should check flight statuses, comply with security checks, and monitor safety updates. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Argentine National Civil Aviation Administration (www.anac.gov.ar) or Salta Provincial Police (www.policiasalta.gov.ar) for security and travel updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 911 for immediate assistance if in danger.