News & Reports

31

March 2025

Protest Alert

Informative

Country: Serbia

Location: The Student Square, Belgrade

A protest march is scheduled in Belgrade on March 31, starting at 18:45 local time (16:45 GMT). Demonstrators will march from Student Square to the Public Prosecutor's Office via Vasina, Kolarčeva, Ulica Kralja Milana, Resavska, and Nemanjina streets. The protest aims to condemn recent acts of violence, including the stabbing of the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš, and to support the university community.​   Advice: - The protest route encompasses major streets in central Belgrade. Expect road closures and traffic congestion in these areas during the demonstration.​ - To minimize delays, consider using alternative routes or modes of transportation. Public transport services may also experience disruptions along the protest path.​ - While the protest is intended to be peaceful, large gatherings can be unpredictable. Maintain a safe distance from the demonstration and avoid engaging with participants.​ - In crowded areas, remain vigilant and secure your personal belongings to prevent theft.  

Topics: Protests

31

March 2025

Travel Disruptions Alert

Caution

Country: Belgium

Location: Nationwide

Picket lines have formed nationwide during the morning, local time, as the FGTB and CSC unions initiate a general strike. In Flanders, half of De Lijn’s buses and trams are operational, with Antwerp and Limburg being the most affected areas. The TEC network in Wallonia has also been significantly disrupted. In Brussels, only metro line 1 is running, while tram and bus services are experiencing severe disruptions. The national rail service (SNCB) is similarly impacted, with only half of the intercity trains and a third of the local trains operating.   Advice: - Consider buses, carpooling, or other means, especially for cross-border travel. Be aware that increased demand may lead to congestion and delays.​ - Anticipate longer travel times and potential service cancellations. Allow extra time for journeys and have contingency plans in place.​ - If you have scheduled travel plans, confirm their status directly with the relevant providers before departure. - Be vigilant around picket lines and demonstrations. Avoid areas where protests are taking place to ensure personal safety.  

Topics: Strike ActionsTraffic

31

March 2025

Weather Alert

Caution

Country: Greece

Location: Nationwide, with heightened concerns for eastern regions, including the Cyclades, Crete, Dodecanese, eastern mainland (Attica and Evia), Thessaly, and the Sporades

Greece is under a red alert for severe storms from midday Monday, March 31, until Wednesday morning, April 2. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected, particularly affecting eastern regions. The Cyclades will experience intense conditions from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning; eastern mainland areas, including Attica and Evia, from Monday evening until early Tuesday; and Thessaly and the Sporades from early Tuesday through the night. The Dodecanese are also expected to see severe conditions throughout Tuesday. ​ Advice: - Postpone non-essential travel and outdoor plans, especially in areas prone to flooding or strong winds.​ - Do not attempt to walk, drive, or swim through flooded streets or areas.​ - Secure outdoor items and be cautious of falling trees or power lines during strong winds. - Ensure battery-powered devices are charged in case of extended power outages. - Regularly monitor updates from local authorities and trusted news outlets regarding weather developments and safety advisories.​  

Topics: Severe Weather

31

March 2025

Protest Alert

Informative

Country: Denmark

A demonstration is scheduled at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen on March 31 from 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM local time, protesting U.S. policies. Similar protests have recently occurred, with hundreds voicing opposition to U.S. actions regarding Greenland. ​   Advice: - Expect a heightened police presence around the U.S. Embassy during the demonstration.​ - To minimize disruptions, avoid the area surrounding the U.S. Embassy during the protest and consider alternative routes for your travel.​ - Be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to leave the area if tensions escalate.​  

Topics: Protests

30

March 2025

Earthquake and Tsunami Alert

Critical

Country: Tonga

Location: 100 km northeast of Tongatapu, Tonga

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Tonga's main island, Tongatapu, in the early morning hours of March 30. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued an alert, indicating that hazardous tsunami waves are possible within a 300-kilometer radius of the epicenter. Tonga authorities have activated tsunami sirens and are advising coastal residents to move inland to higher ground. As of now, there are no immediate reports of damage. ​   Advice: - If you are in a coastal area, move inland to higher ground without delay, following designated evacuation routes. - Remain in safe, elevated locations until authorities declare the area safe.​Stay away from beaches, harbors, and coastal areas.​ - Monitor local news outlets and official channels for updates and instructions from authorities.​ - Ensure you have essential items such as food, water, medications, and flashlights in case of power outages or evacuation orders.​ - Adhere to guidance from local emergency management agencies and do not return to evacuated areas until it is declared safe to do so.  

Topics: TsunamisEarthquakes

30

March 2025

Weather Alert

Caution

Country: Thailand

Location: Northeastern regions (including Bangkok)

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a summer storm warning, forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, hail, and lightning across 47 provinces. Bangkok is expected to be significantly affected, with up to 60% of the area experiencing heavy rain. Residents are urged to stay alert for flash floods, strong winds, and potential damage.   Advice: - Travelers should remain clear of storm-prone zones to avoid exposure to flooding or wind hazards. If you must go out, check road conditions and your travel arrangements - Ensure battery-powered devices are charged in case of extended power outages. - Follow real-time updates from the Thai Meteorological Department (www.tmd.go.th) for the latest weather warnings.  

Topics: Severe Weather

30

March 2025

Pro-Palestine Protest Alert

Informative

Country: United Kingdom

Location: Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX

A rally is scheduled outside Kensington Town Hall on April 1 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM local time. Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the protest demands that Kensington and Chelsea Council divest its pension fund from companies associated with Israel amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.​   Advice: - Avoid the vicinity of Kensington Town Hall during the protest to minimize potential disruptions. Anticipate road closures and increased traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.​ - Expect a heightened police presence in the area. Comply with official instructions and remain vigilant of your surroundings.​ - Check Transport for London (TfL) updates for any changes to bus routes or tube services affecting High Street Kensington Station and nearby lines.​ - To maintain personal safety, refrain from engaging in political discussions or debates with protesters or bystanders during the event.  

Topics: Pro-Palestinian Protest

30

March 2025

Severe Flooding Alert

Critical

Country: Bosnia & Herzegovinia

Location: Prijedor, Banja Luka, Gradiška, Kostajnica, Kozarska Dubica, Srbac

Heavy rainfall in recent days has caused significant flooding across Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to a sharp rise in river levels and prompting emergency warnings and road closures. Authorities in Sanski Most have urged residents to remain vigilant due to the risk of elevated water levels in the Sana River. Laktaši has declared a state of emergency due to the adverse conditions. In Banja Luka, the Trnski Bridge has been closed to traffic as a result of landslides, and the Vrbas River has exceeded emergency flood defense thresholds. Additionally, approximately 600 buildings remain flooded in Prijedor. Other affected areas include Kostajnica, Kozarska Dubica, and Srbac.​   Advice: - Avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas, as water levels can rise quickly.​ - If trapped in a flooded area, seek higher ground and call emergency services for assistance.​ - Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters, as currents can be stronger than they appear.​ - If in an affected area, secure essential supplies (food, water, medicine) and stay updated through local authorities and emergency broadcasts.​ - Follow official evacuation orders and be prepared for further rainfall and possible power outages.  

Topics: FloodsSevere Weather

29

March 2025

Earthquake Update Alert

Critical

Country: Myanmar

Location: Bangkok and all of Myanmar

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck northwest Myanmar near Sagaing at 12:50 local time on March 28, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The quake caused extensive damage across Myanmar and parts of Thailand, with reports of at least 1,002 fatalities and nearly 2,400 injuries in Myanmar. Mandalay experienced severe destruction, with many buildings collapsing, including those at Mandalay Airport and hospitals. Widespread power outages and communication disruptions were reported. In Thailand, Bangkok was affected, confirming 10 fatalities from the collapse of a building under construction, with up to 100 workers possibly trapped. All airports in Thailand are currently operating normally.   Advice: - Avoid affected areas due to unstable structures and ongoing rescues. - Stay alert for aftershocks and move to safe, open locations if shaking occurs. - Prepare for power outages and transport disruptions in impacted cities. - Check with airlines for potential flight delays or cancellations. - Follow local emergency services and health officials' advisories. - In emergencies: Myanmar - contact local services; Thailand - dial 191 (police), 1669 (medical), or 199 (fire and rescue).  

Topics: EarthquakesBuilding Collapses

29

March 2025

Measles Alert

Caution

Country: Argentina

Location: Buenos Aires

Health authorities have confirmed at least 11 cases of measles in Buenos Aires since late January, and contact tracing is still ongoing. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, cough, and a distinct rash. Vulnerable groups, such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are at a higher risk of experiencing severe complications.   Advice: - Ensure measles vaccinations are up to date before traveling to Buenos Aires. - Avoid areas with reported outbreaks and minimize exposure to crowded places with higher transmission risk. -  If symptoms like fever, cough, or rash develop, self-isolate immediately and contact local health authorities before seeking medical care. - Monitor updates from health officials for further guidance on outbreak containment.  

Topics: Health