News & Reports

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts scattered showers, morning fog, and heatwave conditions across multiple provinces for the upcoming two days. While some areas face extreme heat, others may experience intense rainfall that could lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying or poorly drained regions.   Advice: - Stay Cool: Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours and stay hydrated. - Drive Safely: Use caution in foggy or rain-affected areas; reduce speed and turn on headlights. - Flood Risk Alert: Avoid flooded roads or areas prone to water accumulation. - Stay Informed: Follow updates and warnings from SAWS and local authorities.  

Heavy rainfall since March 26 has led to severe flooding in northern Paraguay, leaving communities isolated and causing significant damage. One person remains missing, while authorities continue search and rescue efforts in affected areas.   Advice: - Avoid Flooded Areas: Refrain from traveling through high-risk zones. - Follow Local Warnings: Stay updated on evacuation orders and emergency announcements. - Prepare for More Rain: Further rainfall is expected in the next 24 hours. - Stay Informed: Monitor updates from DMH Paraguay and local authorities.  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for several northern and central states, forecasting temperatures to soar up to 42°C (107.6°F) in the coming days. Delhi's maximum temperature is expected to reach this peak by April 7. ​ Advice: - Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid beverages that can cause dehydration.​ - Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, typically between 11 AM and 4 PM.​ - Wear Appropriate Clothing: Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and use hats or umbrellas when outdoors.​ - Use Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.​ - Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure that children, the elderly, and pets are kept cool and hydrated.​  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a heatwave across North India, including New Delhi, over the next six days, with maximum temperatures in the capital expected to hit 42°C by April 10, 2025. As of April 4, Delhi-NCR sees daytime highs of 39-41°C and minimums of 18-21°C, with southwesterly winds shifting to northwesterly at 16-25 kmph.   Advice: - New Delhi (April 4-10): Limit outdoor activity during peak heat (38-42°C), stay hydrated and seek shade, especially on April 7-8 when temperatures peak at 42°C. - General North India: Prepare for rising heat, avoid strenuous tasks from midday to late afternoon as maximums climb 5-6°C above normal. - Health Precautions: Watch for heatstroke signs (dizziness, fatigue), minimums of 18-23°C offer little nighttime relief; keep cool indoors. - Monitor IMD updates, as partly cloudy skies and shifting winds may slightly alter conditions but won’t halt the heatwave.  

Wildfires in Panchthar and Palpa districts have claimed three lives and injured four others as of April 4, 2025, with fires raging uncontrollably due to dry weather, strong winds, and challenging terrain, destroying community forests and property.   Advice: - Panchthar (Phidim, Kummayak): Avoid Jobari and Tamrakhu forests, and two women (Ushakala Rai Nembang, 47, and Pratima Sambahamphe, 22) died from burns; three others (Sapana, Sibana, Nirmaya Sambahamphe) are critical in Biratnagar’s City Hospital. Stay clear of Khalde, where Khagendra Bishwakarma, 31, was injured. - Palpa (Ribdikot, Rambha): Steer clear of Palung and Rimigha Danda forests, Tek Bahadur Sartunge Magar, 61, died in Ribdikot; over 150 hectares burned in Rambha due to an electric short circuit. Efforts by 200+ locals falter against wind and steep slopes. - General: Do not attempt to fight fires; strong winds and dry conditions make containment nearly impossible; protect homes near forests and monitor updates from police and ward officials as investigations continue.  

At least 40 people, mostly women and children, were killed in a series of suspected intercommunal attacks on villages in Plateau State, central Nigeria, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, according to updated reports from local government official Farmasum Fuddang and the Red Cross to AFP on Friday, April 4. The death toll rose from an initial 10, with 48 bodies recovered, including over 30 buried on Thursday.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Plateau State, especially rural villages, where ongoing violence between herders and farmers has escalated. Stay updated via local authorities. - Exercise caution in central Nigeria, attacks often target civilians, with risks of further unrest due to ethnic and land disputes. - Prepare for potential displacement if nearby, keep emergency supplies ready, as intercommunal clashes have historically displaced thousands in the region. - Monitor credible sources like AFP or Red Cross updates, as the situation remains volatile with possible underreported casualties.  

The National Weather Service warns of torrential rains and life-threatening flash floods across the Midwest and South through Saturday, April 5, 2025, following devastating tornadoes that killed at least seven and damaged communities in Tennessee, Missouri, and Indiana since Wednesday.   Advice: - Flood Risk Areas (Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky): Avoid driving in low-lying zones, flash floods in southeastern Missouri and western Kentucky could sweep cars away; Nashville reports ongoing water rescues. - Tornado-Affected Zones (Selmer, Lake City, Blytheville): Stay vigilant for more severe weather, and keep emergency plans active, as Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee urges, with entire neighborhoods “wiped out. - General Safety: Monitor weather updates closely, over 90 million from Texas to Maine are at risk; prepare for power outages and flooding with supplies from FEMA (food, water, cots). - Travel Caution: Expect disruptions in Memphis (1.3+ million at risk) and rural areas, and debris and damaged infrastructure (e.g., 60 homes in Mississippi, 22 counties in Arkansas) complicate movement. - Heed local emergency efforts, sandbagging and rescue operations are underway as storms persist.  

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of heavy rain across 27 provinces, with 12 southern provinces most affected, alongside rising temperatures up to 40°C, as of April 4, 2025. A weakened high-pressure system and moist winds are driving hot weather and thunderstorms nationwide.   Advice: - Bangkok & Vicinity: Expect hot weather (35-38°C) with a 10% chance of thunderstorms, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. - Northern Thailand: Prepare for extreme heat (up to 40°C) and isolated storms in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Tak, and limit outdoor activities. - Central & Eastern Thailand: Watch for thunderstorms in Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, and avoid open areas during storms; sea waves may exceed 2 meters. - Southern Thailand (East Coast): Brace for heavy rain and strong winds in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, and avoid coastal areas with waves over 2 meters. - Southern Thailand (West Coast): Anticipate heavy rain in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, and secure property and stay off the water, where waves may top 2 meters. - Monitor TMD updates, as this volatile weather pattern could escalate through the weekend.  

Nepal’s hospitals, including in Kathmandu Valley and Humla, report a sharp rise in seasonal illnesses, fever, cough, flu, skin diseases, snake bites, dengue, malaria, and waterborne infections—as of April 3, 2025, driven by warmer weather, air pollution, and contaminated water, with doctors warning of a looming epidemic season.   Advice: - Seek medical care promptly for fever, prolonged cough, rashes, or diarrhoea, and hospitals like Sukraraj and Patan report doubled patient loads (e.g., 700 daily in Kathmandu), with severe cases rising. - Protect against respiratory issues in polluted Kathmandu, wear masks, avoid outdoor exertion, and monitor vulnerable family members with underlying conditions. - To prevent mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, use repellents and nets, especially after a confirmed case. There were 41,865 infections and 15 deaths in 2024. - Ensure safe drinking water, boil or filter it to avoid waterborne diseases (diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera) amid poor sanitation risks. - Stay informed via the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, as surveillance ramps up for potential outbreaks nationwide.    

On April 3, at approximately 15:45, seven individuals were injured in a stabbing near Montello Avenue and Simms Place in Northeast Washington, D.C. They were taken to the hospital for treatment. D.C. Police have closed Montello Avenue between Mt. Olivet Road and Holbrook Terrace NE, as well as West Virginia Avenue in the same area. The investigation is ongoing, and road closures may change.   Advice: - Avoid the area around Montello Avenue and Simms Place to reduce exposure to the ongoing investigation. - Stay clear of any road closures and remain aware of potential detours. - If in the area, report any suspicious activity to local authorities and avoid engaging in the situation. - Monitor local news and official reports for further updates: https://x.com/DCPoliceDept