News & Reports

Health authorities have identified malaria as the cause of a recent outbreak in Equateur Province, which has resulted in over 400 illnesses and more than 50 deaths since January 21. The World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with local officials to provide medical supplies and support to the affected communities.   Advice : - Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, and wearing long-sleeved clothing. - Seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, or diarrhea. - Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home. - Stay informed by following updates from local health authorities and reliable sources, including the Ministry of Health, Democratic Republic of Congo (http://www.minisanterdc.cd/) and the World Health Organization (WHO) (https://www.who.int/). - In case of emergency, contact local health services or dial +243 818 906 284 for immediate assistance.  

The Japanese government has released new guidelines advising residents to stay at home in the event of a Mount Fuji eruption, unless evacuation becomes necessary due to heavy ash accumulation. Authorities warn that volcanic ash could disrupt transportation, electricity, and water supplies, making preparedness essential.   Advice: - Remain indoors to avoid exposure to volcanic ash unless evacuation orders are issued. - Seal windows and doors to prevent ash from entering your home. - Stockpile at least two weeks' worth of food, water, and essential supplies. - Wear masks and goggles if going outside to protect against ash inhalation and eye irritation. - Follow updates from local authorities and reliable sources, including the Japan Meteorological Agency: https://www.jma.go.jp/ & NHK News Web (National Broadcasting Service): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ - In case of emergency, contact local services: Police: 110 or Fire/Rescue: 119  

Japanese authorities warn that approximately 76,000 homes are at risk of losing power if a wildfire in Imabari City damages electricity lines. Emergency crews are working to contain the fire, but residents are urged to prepare for potential outages.   Advice : - Avoid the affected areas and stay updated on evacuation notices from local authorities. - Charge essential devices and prepare backup power sources in case of prolonged outages. - Store sufficient water, food, and other necessities to sustain during an outage. - Follow updates from local authorities and reliable sources, including: Ehime Prefectural Government Official Website: https://www.pref.ehime.jp/ or NHK News Web (National Broadcasting Service): https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ - In case of emergency, contact local services the Police via 110 or the Fire/Rescue via 119.  

Turkish police have deployed tear gas to disperse large crowds protesting the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Demonstrations have intensified, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces. Authorities have not provided details on arrests or injuries, but it looks like the protests will continue for the upcoming days, and thus, heightened security is expected in the city.   Advice: - It is recommended to avoid central Ankara due to ongoing unrest and heavy police presence. If you need to go to the city-center, make sure that you are prepared and well-informed of the situation. - If exposed to tear gas, move to fresh air immediately, rinse your eyes with water, and avoid touching your face. - Follow updates from local authorities and reliable news sources like NBC News for the latest developments. - In case of emergency, contact local emergency services: Police: 155 or Ambulance: 112  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast significant weather changes across India from March 25 to March 28, 2025, including thunderstorms, rain, and lightning in northern states due to a western disturbance starting March 24 night, alongside rising temperatures and potential heatwaves.   Advice: - Northern States (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand): Prepare for thunderstorms, rain, and isolated snowfall from March 25-27, avoid outdoor activities in Jammu on March 26 and Kashmir during heavy rainfall and snow. - Arunachal Pradesh: Brace for heavy rain and possible snowfall on March 28-29, stay indoors during intense weather. - Heatwave Zones (Southwest Rajasthan, Gujarat, Interior Odisha): Stay hydrated and limit sun exposure on March 25 in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and March 29-31 in Odisha, as heatwaves are expected. - Coastal Areas (Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal): Expect hot, humid conditions on March 25 (Gujarat) and March 27-29 (Tamil Nadu, Puducherry), use light clothing and avoid midday heat. - Rising Temperatures (Northwest, Central India, Maharashtra): Anticipate a 2-4°C rise over 2-3 days, monitor health in Saurashtra, Kutch, and western Rajasthan under yellow alerts. - Keep updated with IMD warnings, as dynamic conditions may shift rapidly across these regions.  

The Canadian travel advisory, updated as of March 25, 2025, warns of serious security threats in Tanzania, including extremist violence and kidnapping risks within 10 km of the Mozambique border in the Mtwara region, where Tanzanian military operations are ongoing. A U.S. Embassy alert issued on March 25, 2025, further highlights potential terrorist activity targeting coastal regions and islands south of Kisiju, popular among tourists for their beaches and resorts.   Advice: - Mtwara Region: Avoid travel within 10 km of the Mozambique border and south of the A19 highway due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. - Coastal Areas South of Kisiju: Be cautious in tourist areas south of Kisiju, staying updated on potential terrorist threats. - Urban Crime: Secure valuables in crowded spots like Coco Beach and Stone Town to avoid pickpocketing and violent crime. - Terrorism: Stay vigilant at public events and avoid isolated border areas near DRC, Burundi, and Mozambique. - Road and Health: Drive carefully, avoid night travel, and carry medications with evacuation insurance. - Cyber and Water: Use secure Wi-Fi, check ATMs, and swim with reputable operators to avoid riptides.    

Authorities in Andong, approximately 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul, have issued an evacuation order for all residents on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as wildfires originating from Uiseong County continue to spread into the city, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions.   Advice: - Evacuate immediately to designated safe locations such as nearby schools, community halls, or gymnasiums, as ordered by Andong city officials, due to the rapid spread of wildfires threatening residential areas. - Avoid travel near Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, as the fire encroaches within 10 kilometers, potentially endangering this historic area and complicating access for tourists and residents. - Secure personal belongings and prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, and medications, as strong winds are accelerating the fire’s spread, increasing the risk of sudden displacement. - Stay away from forested or mountainous areas around Andong, where dry weather and wind speeds of up to 15 meters per second are making firefighting efforts difficult and increasing hazards. - Monitor disaster alerts from Andong city and the Korea Forest Service, as the wildfire, already scorching 8,490 hectares, remains only 55-60% contained and could worsen with ongoing dry conditions. - Exercise caution on roads, as smoke may reduce visibility, and previous highway closures in the region suggest potential travel disruptions, and check updates before moving.  

Civilian casualties are mounting in Ethiopia’s Amhara region as deadly clashes between government security forces and Fano militants, which began on Friday, March 21, 2025, persist into this week. Fighting has intensified across Central Gondar and North Gojjam zones, with residents reporting numerous deaths and ongoing violence as of March 25, 2025.   Advice: - Avoid travel to Central Gondar and North Gojjam zones, especially near Gondar city, Teda sub-city, Ayimba Kebele, and Merawi, where active clashes and militant control of rural areas pose severe risks to safety. - Stay indoors and away from windows in affected areas like Gondar and Merawi, as stray bullets have killed at least three civilians in Ayimba and others in crossfire, with fighting showing no signs of subsiding. - Refrain from using roads between Chilga and Gondar, as militants have attacked and burned fuel trucks, disrupting transport and signaling heightened insecurity along key routes. - Exercise caution around schools and public institutions in North Gojjam, particularly Merawi, where Fano militants have abducted and executed teachers from Colonel Tadesse Muluneh Secondary and Shinbra Primary schools. - Prepare for potential abductions or violence targeting civilians, as seen with the killings of a former mayor and a health insurance coordinator in Merawi, keep emergency contacts and supplies ready. - Monitor updates from the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and the Amhara Region Communication Bureau, as the ENDF claims to have crushed coordinated Fano attacks, yet residents report continued fighting and militant presence in areas like Teda sub-city and surrounding kebeles.  

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off New Zealand’s South Island on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at a depth of 33 km, approximately 160 km northwest of the Snares Islands. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is assessing potential tsunami threats and has issued a warning for residents of Southland and Fiordland to avoid beaches and marine areas due to possible strong and unusual currents.   Advice: - Stay away from beaches, harbors, rivers, and estuaries in Southland and Fiordland, as strong currents and unpredictable surges could pose risks to swimmers, surfers, fishers, and anyone near the coast. - Self-evacuate immediately to high ground or as far inland as possible if you felt the earthquake for longer than a minute or if it was strong enough to make standing difficult—no official evacuation order is in place, but act quickly as a precaution. - Avoid coastal sightseeing or water activities, as the situation remains under assessment, and a tsunami could arrive rapidly if generated. - Secure loose indoor and outdoor items, as aftershocks may occur, and over 4,700 people reported feeling the quake, with items falling and buildings swaying. - Monitor updates from NEMA and GeoNet, as the earthquake’s initial 7.0 magnitude was downgraded to 6.7, and tsunami risk evaluations are ongoing. - Prepare for potential disruptions by keeping emergency supplies ready, given New Zealand’s location on the seismically active “Ring of Fire.  

Forces loyal to South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have engaged in hostilities at the Wunliet military camp, a cantonment site for SPLA-IO, with reported shelling and gunfire on Monday evening, March 24, 2025. The situation remains tense as of March 25, with unverified reports of Ugandan forces involved in airstrikes.   Advice: - Avoid travel near Wunliet and surrounding areas west of Juba, including Terekeka County, as sporadic gunfire and potential airstrikes could escalate quickly, posing significant safety risks. - Residents near Nyamuni and Wunliet should stay indoors and away from military sites, as SPLA-IO and SSPDF movements may lead to further clashes following observed hostile formations. - Exercise caution if traveling through Juba, as increased SSPDF monitoring and potential security checkpoints could disrupt movement amid rising tensions. - Refrain from spreading unverified information about Ugandan involvement, as this remains unconfirmed and could fuel panic. Instead, rely on official updates from credible sources like Radio Tamazuj. - Prepare for possible communication disruptions or security lockdowns in the region, keeping emergency supplies and contact numbers for local authorities or international organizations like IGAD handy. - Monitor statements from SPLA-IO (Col. Lam Paul Gabriel) and SSPDF (Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang), as well as civil society leaders like Edmund Yakani, for signs of de-escalation or further warnings, given the fragile state of the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS).