News & Reports

24

March 2025

Pro-Palestinian Protest Alert

Informative

Country: Argentina

Location: Israel Embassy, Buenos Aires

Pro-Palestinian activists will protest outside the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires at 14:30 on March 24 to condemn Israel's military actions in Gaza. This event is part of the "Jews X Palestine" movement, with hundreds confirming their attendance through social media.   Advice: - Expect heightened security, road closures, and traffic disruptions near the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. - Avoid the protest area and plan alternative routes to minimize delays. - Refrain from engaging with protesters or bystanders. If tensions rise, leave the area promptly for safety. - Monitor local news and official channels for real-time updates on the protest and any related developments.  

Topics: Pro-Palestinian Protest

23

March 2025

Forest Fire Alert

Critical

Country: Chile

Location: Ercilla, Los Castanos (Freire), Gorbea, Araucania Region

On March 23, 2025, Chilean authorities issued evacuation orders for multiple areas in Araucanía due to the escalating threat from ongoing wildfires. The affected zones include Ercilla, Los Castaños in Freire, and Gorbea. A yellow alert has also been issued for Padre Las Casas. This comes after earlier wildfires in Collipulli, which caused significant damage and casualties.   Advice: - Evacuate immediately if you are in the affected areas of Ercilla, Los Castanos, or Gorbea. - For real-time alerts and evacuation information, visit https://senapred.cl/informate/alertas. - If you are in immediate danger or need assistance, contact the Chilean fire department at 132. - Follow all instructions from local authorities regarding evacuation routes and safety measures.

Topics: Wildland FiresFires

23

March 2025

Protest Alert

Caution

Country: Turkey

Location: Sarachane Park, Istanbul, Turkey

Since March 19, protests across Istanbul have been sparked by the arrest and removal of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. On March 23, Turkish police escalated their response, deploying pepper spray and charging at crowds near Sarachane Park. Demonstrators are voicing opposition to government actions, with hundreds arrested. Authorities have imposed protest bans in certain areas, and further arrests of opposition figures are expected.   Advice: - Avoid protest zones, especially near Sarachane Park. - If exposed to pepper spray, move to fresh air immediately. Flush the affected area with lots of water to remove contaminants, and refrain from touching your face. - Use reliable news sources such as Anadolu Agency http://www.aa.com.tr, Hurriyet Daily News http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com, and TRT World http://www.trtworld.com for updates. - If you are a foreign national, consider contacting your embassy for guidance on safety and assistance, particularly if you are in or near protest areas. - For emergencies, contact the police at 155.  

Topics: Protests

23

March 2025

Forest Fire Alert

Caution

Country: Japan

Location: Nagasawa, Imabari, Saijo, Ehime Region

On the evening of March 23, 2025, a forest fire broke out in the Nagasawa area of Imabari, spreading to parts of Saijo in the Ehime region. Emergency responders are working to control the fire, with the Japan Self-Defense Forces assisting in containment. While no significant property damage or casualties have been reported, the dry conditions have heightened additional fire risks.   Advice: -Avoid the Imabari and Saijo areas, staying clear of wooded or smoky zones for health and safety. -Keep windows closed and remain indoors in well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to minimize smoke inhalation risks. -In case of emergencies, dial 119 for fire and rescue assistance. -Follow the instructions from local authorities and stay updated on the situation. For further details, visit https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/.  

Topics: FiresWildland Fires

23

March 2025

Severe Weather Alert

Warning

Country: Spain

Location: Avila, Talavera de la Reina, Madrid, Cantabrian Coast, Andalusia, Pontevedra (Galicia), Ibiza

Storm Martinho is causing severe flooding across Spain, with red warnings issued for the Adaja River in Valdestillas and the Eresma River in Segovia due to rising water levels. Overnight, a bridge collapsed in Talavera de la Reina, although no injuries were reported. In Madrid, residents have been evacuated from flood-prone areas. Authorities have increased dam discharges following historic rainfall, raising concerns about further flooding in vulnerable regions.   Advice: -Avoid beaches, piers, and coastal paths, where waves up to 7 meters pose a serious risk. -Stay clear of collapsed or weakened bridges and avoid unnecessary travel near the river. -In Avila, avoid the AV-900 road and other low-lying routes near rivers due to flooding risks. -Follow evacuation orders in flood-prone areas and avoid underground garages or basements. -Prepare for potential power outages and have battery-powered devices ready. -Monitor weather alerts from AEMET at https://www.aemet.es/es/portada for the latest information on flood risks and safety instructions.  

Topics: FloodsPower Outages

23

March 2025

Severe Weather Alert

Warning

Country: Portugal

Location: Nationwide

Storm Martinho continues to impact the Iberian Peninsula, causing severe flooding and infrastructure damage across Portugal. As of March 23, Portuguese authorities have declared a state of emergency in the Santarém district due to severe flooding. The Baixo Tejo region is on alert as the Tagus River overflows near Almourol Castle, and a car park in Constância is submerged following increased discharges from the Castelo de Bode Dam. Riverside municipalities remain the most affected as heavy rainfall continues. Thousands of residents are without power, and authorities warn that further rises in river levels are likely as the storm persists.   Advice: -Follow the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) guidance and avoid non-essential travel. -If you must go out, check road conditions and travel arrangements, as many disruptions and delays have been reported. -Stay clear of rivers and low-lying areas, as water levels may rise suddenly. -Ensure essential devices are charged in case of power outages. -Monitor weather updates from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) at https://www.ipma.pt/en/index.html for the latest information.  

Topics: FloodsPower Outages

23

March 2025

Forest Fire Alert

Caution

Country: Guatemala

Location: San Miguel Petapa

On March 22, 2025, a forest fire in the Los Eucaliptos neighborhood, Zone 3 of San Miguel Petapa, has led to the evacuation of at least ten homes, as reported by Prensa Libre. The blaze threatens residential areas near Guatemala City, with emergency crews responding to contain it. The situation remains active as of 6:50 p.m. PDT today.   Advice: - Forest fires pose immediate risks near San Miguel Petapa. Avoid the Los Eucaliptos area to stay safe. - If in Guatemala City, steer clear of Zone 3, San Miguel Petapa. Use GPS like Google Maps to reroute via the CA-9 or CA-1 highways. - For travelers, stick to major routes like the Pan-American Highway (CA-1) to avoid fire-affected zones. - Stay out of smoky or wooded areas to reduce health and safety risks. Rest in urban centers like Guatemala City if needed. - Monitor Prensa Libre or local radio (e.g., Emisoras Unidas 89.7 FM) for updates. Conditions may change rapidly. - Contact your embassy if affected. Call 112 or San Juan de Dios Hospital (+502 2250 0100) for urgent assistance.  

Topics: Wildland Fires

23

March 2025

Severe Weather Alert

Caution

Country: Morocco

Location: Northern Morocco

The Moroccan Meteorological Directorate issued an orange alert on March 22, 2025, warning of heavy snowfall and strong winds this weekend, per Morocco World News. Snowfall up to 40 cm is expected in mountainous areas above 1,400 meters, like Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, Boulemane, Ifrane, and Sefrou, from midnight Sunday to 1:00 p.m. Monday. Areas above 1,700 meters, including Khenifra, Midelt, and Beni Mellal, may see 25 cm from 9:00 a.m. Sunday to 1:00 p.m. Monday. Winds of 70-85 km/h and dust storms are forecast for regions like Taourirt and Guelmim.   Advice: - Severe weather increases risks in Morocco’s mountains and windy zones. Avoid travel to affected areas if possible. - If in Morocco, steer clear of Al Hoceima, Ifrane, and similar regions. Use GPS like Google Maps to reroute via safer highways like the A2 toward Rabat. - For travelers, stick to major routes like the A1 to Tangier or Casablanca to avoid storm-impacted areas. - Stay out of mountainous and dusty zones to reduce exposure to hazards. Rest in urban hubs like Fes if needed. - Monitor Morocco World News or local radio (e.g., Radio Medina FM) for updates. Weather can shift rapidly. - Contact your embassy if stranded. Call 112 or Ifrane Regional Hospital (+212 535 567 000) for urgent assistance.  

Topics: Severe Weather

22

March 2025

Weather Alert

Warning

Country: Spain

Location: Jaen, Almeria, Levante, Granada, Inland Valencia, Ibiza Coastline

Aemet has issued yellow alerts for winds up to 70km/hr in Jaen, Almeria, Granada, and parts of inland Valencia, with rough sea conditions bringing force 7 gales and waves up to three meters along the coasts of Almeria and Granada, and up to four meters off Ibiza, effective until 6pm today, March 22, 2025.   Advice: - Secure loose outdoor items such as garden furniture, trash bins, or decorations in Jaen, Almeria, and Granada to prevent them from being blown away or causing damage by strong winds reaching 70km/hr. - Avoid coastal areas in Almeria, Granada, and Ibiza where force 7 gales and waves up to four meters could make beaches, piers, or low-lying areas dangerous for walking or recreation. - Exercise caution while driving in exposed areas like Cazorla, Guadix, or Valle del Almanzora, as 70km/hr gusts may affect vehicle stability, especially for high-sided or light vehicles. - Refrain from boating or water activities near Levante, Poniente, or Ibiza’s coastline, where rough seas with three-to-four-meter waves pose risks of capsizing or accidents. - Prepare for potential power outages in rural areas like Nacimient or Baza by keeping flashlights, batteries, or other essentials ready, as windy conditions could disrupt electricity. - Monitor weather updates from Aemet regularly throughout the day, as conditions in these alert zones may change before the 6pm expiration, particularly with local showers possible.  

22

March 2025

Clashes Alert

Warning

Country: Ethiopia

Location: Amhara Region (Multiple Zones)

Ethiopia’s army reported killing 317 Fano militia fighters and injuring 125 in two days of clashes across Amhara region ending March 22, 2025, accusing a Tigrayan general of aiding the group’s Operation Unity, raising fears of wider war as tensions with Eritrea also simmer.   Advice: - Fighting hit hard across Amhara; steer clear of rural zones and towns like Gondar or Bahir Dar, where Fano’s Operation Unity could trigger more deadly skirmishes any hour. - Avoid travel near the Ethiopia-Eritrea border; troop buildups there signal a possible new front, and you do not want to be caught if a cross-border fire starts up. - Do not go near military checkpoints or bases; with 317 Fano dead and the army on edge, they might shoot first and ask questions later if you look suspicious. - Stock food, water, and a flashlight at home; power cuts and supply disruptions could follow this chaos, especially with no clear end to the clashes in sight. - Keep your phone charged and know 911 or local emergency lines; if drones or gunfire trap you, you will need to call for help fast, and Tigrayan ties might complicate rescue.  

Topics: Security