News & Reports

On May 14, 2025, at approximately 1:51 a.m. local time (GMT +3), a preliminary magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck in the Eastern Mediterranean, 50 km north of Karpathos and 36 km south of Kasos Island, with a depth of 39-83 km, according to the USGS and other sources. Shaking was felt across Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and as far as Cairo, Israel, and Cyprus, but no immediate reports of damage or injuries have emerged. Posts on X indicate a magnitude range of 6.1-6.3, with tremors lasting up to 30 seconds in some areas. The region is seismically active, with Crete experiencing similar quakes in recent years.   Advice: - Avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas, including Crete, Karpathos, and Rhodes, until seismic activity stabilizes. - Follow guidance from local authorities and the Greek National Seismological Institute for updates on aftershocks. - Be prepared for potential aftershocks; secure heavy objects and know evacuation routes if in the region. - Monitor local news for real-time earthquake updates. - Keep contact information for local emergency services and your country’s embassy or consulate accessible.  

Ongoing armed clashes since May 9 between the Clan del Golfo and FARC dissidents in the La Llana and La Coposa villages of Valdivia, Antioquia, have displaced approximately 60 people from 14 families to the urban center, with initial groups seeking refuge in a local school. The conflict, involving the use of explosive devices, has heightened fears and caused significant humanitarian concerns, according to Mayor Carlos Molina.   Advice: - Avoid travel to La Llana, La Coposa, and the surrounding areas of Valdivia due to active armed conflict and risks from explosive devices. - Follow instructions from local authorities, including any evacuation or safety directives, and stay updated via the Valdivia mayor’s office or the Ombudsman’s Office. - Expect delays and restricted access to affected areas due to security operations and potential road hazards. - Monitor local news and official updates for conflict and humanitarian response developments. - Keep contact information for local emergency services and your country’s embassy or consulate accessible.

The 'Greer Fire' has prompted mandatory evacuations for all residents in Greer and South Fork, Eastern Arizona, after the blaze ignited around 11 a.m. Tuesday. The fire has already consumed 10 acres, destroyed multiple structures, and forced power shutdowns in the area due to extreme fire conditions. The region remains under a Red Flag Warning, indicating a high risk for rapid fire spread. Advice: - Evacuate Immediately: Follow 'GO' status orders and leave the area without delay. - Plan Your Route: Use pre-designated evacuation routes and avoid fire-affected roads. - Stay Informed: Monitor local alerts and updates from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. - Prepare for Power Outages: Expect extended power outages as utilities may remain shut off for safety.  

The National Weather Service (NWS) and Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MDEM) have issued a Flash Flood Warning for Allegany County, Maryland, effective until 5:45 PM Tuesday. Minor flooding is forecast for Wills Creek near Cumberland, with the water level expected to rise above the flood stage just after midnight tonight to a crest of 10.2 feet. Approximately 107,000 people, 42,900 households, are within the flood warning area. Advice: - Move to Higher Ground: Avoid low-lying areas near Wills Creek and relocate vehicles to higher ground. - Stay Informed: Monitor local radio, NWS updates, and emergency alerts for the latest information. - Avoid Floodwaters: Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas, as even shallow water can be hazardous. - Prepare for Power Outages: Consider having backup power sources, as flooding may disrupt electricity in affected areas.  

The Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has confirmed a train accident this evening at 10:05 near the Kawawa road crossing, involving a commuter train heading to Pugu. The train, carrying approximately 1,200 passengers in 12 carriages, derailed, resulting in 10 injuries, including two men and eight women. The injured have been taken to Amana Regional Referral Hospital for further treatment. Six of the 12 carriages sustained significant damage. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Advice: - Avoid the Area: Steer clear of Kawawa Junction as emergency responders work to clear the scene. - Use Alternative Transport: Consider using buses or taxis while train services are temporarily disrupted. - Check for Updates: Monitor TRC announcements for service restoration and safety advisories. - Emergency Contacts: Keep local emergency numbers, like 112 for medical emergencies, easily accessible.  

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office has issued a 'shelter-in-place' order for residents in the Kadden Way and Lonnie Lane area due to ongoing law enforcement activity. Authorities are advising the public to avoid the area until further notice. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Advice: - Follow Local Instructions: If you are within the affected area, stay indoors and keep doors and windows locked. - Avoid the Area: If you are not in the immediate area, avoid entering Kadden Way and Lonnie Lane to allow law enforcement to operate safely. - Stay Informed: Monitor local news and official channels for updates on the situation. - Emergency Contacts: Keep local emergency numbers, like 911 for police and medical emergencies, easily accessible.  

Volcanic activity has been reported for Fuego Volcano in Guatemala by the Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) on May 13, 2025, at 11:44 UTC. The affected area includes approximately 79,300 people. The eruption has resulted in significant ash emissions, with potential impacts on critical infrastructure, including airports and seaports. Advice: - Avoid Affected Areas: Stay clear of Fuego Volcano and surrounding hazard zones until local authorities declare them safe. - Protect Respiratory Health: Keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers if possible. - Emergency Preparedness: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies. - Monitor Official Updates: Follow updates from local authorities for real-time safety information. - Evacuation Readiness: Be ready to evacuate if authorities issue an order.  

A large fire broke out in a waste hall on Maassluissedijk, Vlaardingen. Firefighters are on-site with multiple firefighting vehicles. Roads, including Maassluissedijk and Deltaweg, have been closed to all traffic. Smoke is affecting nearby areas. No dangerous chemical levels have been detected, but smoke can still pose health risks. Advice: - Avoid Smoke: Stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and switch off ventilation systems. - Plan Routes: Use alternative roads and allow extra travel time due to traffic diversions. - Monitor Symptoms: If you experience breathing difficulties, eye irritation, or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly. - Stay Informed: Follow updates from local emergency services and authorities regarding fire containment and air quality conditions.  

At least 14 people have died and six others are critically hospitalized after consuming toxic liquor in five villages around 19 kilometers from Amritsar, Punjab. Authorities have arrested seven suspects involved in the distribution of the contaminated liquor, and local medics are actively monitoring the affected communities to prevent further casualties. Advice: - Avoid Local Liquor: Refrain from consuming locally manufactured alcohol, particularly in rural areas, due to the risk of contamination. - Seek Medical Attention: If you or someone you know shows symptoms of poisoning, seek immediate medical help. - Stay Informed: Follow local news for updates on the situation and potential further health warnings.  

The Ugandan Ministry of Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Uganda Police Directorate of Traffic, has suspended all operations of YY Buses for 15 days, effective 7 PM local time on May 13, 2025. This follows a series of serious road accidents, including a recent crash on May 6 along the Mukono–Katosi–Jinja road, allegedly caused by speeding.   Advice: • Alternative Travel: Consider using other bus companies or alternative transport modes until the suspension is lifted. • Stay Updated: Monitor the transport ministry announcements for updates on this suspension. • Plan Ahead: Expect potential delays or changes in travel plans due to reduced bus availability.