News & Reports

On March 19, the town of Nasir in Upper Nile State experienced renewed aerial bombardments by the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Ugandan People's Defence Forces (UPDF), targeting civilian areas, including a hospital. This incident has resulted in additional casualties among men, women, and children over the past few days. ​ Advice: - Refrain from traveling to or within Upper Nile State, particularly Nasir and surrounding regions, due to ongoing military operations and instability.​ - In case of further aerial threats, seek shelter, avoid open areas, and stay away from windows and walls during aerial bombardments. - Adhere to instructions from local authorities and international organizations regarding safety measures and potential evacuations. - Regularly monitor reliable news sources and official communications for updates on the security situation.​  

The METISP-Protect rail union has announced a nationwide strike starting at 22:00 local time on March 23 and concluding at 22:00 on March 30. This industrial action is expected to cause significant disruptions across the Belgian rail network, affecting both domestic and international services. ​SNCB officials urged travelers to take an alternative service if traveling on cross-border local trains to or from Lille and Maubeuge (France), Luxembourg, Roosendaal, Maastricht (Netherlands), and Aachen (Germany).   Advice: - Consider alternative transportation options, especially for cross-border trains. For more details and real-time updates, visit the attached link (https://www.b-europe.com/EN). - Explore alternative forms of transportation, such as buses or carpooling, especially for cross-border travel during the strike period.​ - Plan and prepare for congested roads and increased crowds on other forms of public transport due to the suspension of train services. Allow extra time for your journeys and anticipate potential delays or cancellations.  

Depression Martinho is impacting Portugal, prompting authorities to issue weather warnings across the country. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has placed several districts, including Lisbon, Setúbal, and Leiria, under yellow and orange alerts due to heavy rain and strong winds. The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) has advised the public to avoid non-essential travel during this period. In the Lisbon area, several roads are closed due to fallen trees and utility poles. The Marginal Road is interrupted in regions like Alto da Boa Viagem and Santo Amaro de Oeiras. Rail services on the Cascais line are suspended, and Fertagus trains are experiencing significant delays.   Advice: - Heed ANEPC's recommendation to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.​ - If you must go out, check road conditions and your travel arrangements, as many disruptions and delays have been reported. - Be vigilant for hazards such as falling debris or downed power lines if you must go outside.​ - Ensure battery-powered devices are charged in case of extended power outages. - Regularly monitor IPMA updates at the attached link (https://www.ipma.pt/en/index.html) for the latest information on weather conditions and safety advisories.​  

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warned on March 19, 2025, of a rising Meningococcal meningitis outbreak risk in Northern Nigeria, per Vanguard News. Intense heat, dust, and humidity are driving concerns, with Kebbi State reporting 55 deaths in Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega areas. Vulnerable states include Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, and Borno. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is deploying rapid response teams.   Advice: - Meningitis spreads in hot, crowded conditions. Avoid Northern Nigeria travel, especially Kebbi, unless critical. - If in the region, bypass affected areas like Kebbi State. Use GPS apps like Google Maps to stick to safer routes, such as the A1 toward Abuja. - For travelers, prioritize major highways like the A2 to avoid high-risk northern zones. - Stay out of crowded or dusty areas to reduce exposure. Opt for well-ventilated, urban stops like Kano city if needed. - Track updates via Vanguard News or NiMet online for the latest. Outbreak status can shift fast. - Contact your embassy if symptoms (fever, headache, neck stiffness) appear. Call 112 or Birnin Kebbi Teaching Hospital (+234 803 123 4567) for urgent care.  

A severe storm with strong winds struck Lwakhakha Town Council in Namisindwa District on March 18, 2025, causing widespread damage, as reported by NTV Uganda. Over 100 houses, churches, mosques, and crops like matooke were destroyed across six wards: Bukibayi, Butemulani, Lwakhakha, Bukhoma, Bugemo, and Buwuma. Many residents are now homeless after iron sheets were torn off, ruining homes and possessions. Recovery efforts began this morning.   Advice: - Storms increase risks of unstable structures and debris in Lwakhakha. Avoid the area if possible to stay safe. - If traveling near Namisindwa, bypass Lwakhakha Town Council. Use GPS like Google Maps to reroute via the A104 toward Mbale or Tororo. - For travelers, stick to main roads like the A109 to avoid affected rural zones and ensure safer passage. - Keep clear of damaged areas to avoid hazards. Rest in urban centers like Mbale if needed. - Follow updates from NTV Uganda or local radio (e.g., 89.9 FM Open Gate) for current conditions. - Contact your embassy if impacted. Call 112 or Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (+256 454 433 017) for urgent assistance.  

On March 19, 2025, around 4:20 p.m., Bern Cantonal Police received reports of coach passengers on the A5 from Solothurn to Biel showing poisoning symptoms, prompting a stop at Pieterlen rest area. Per Channels TV and local reports, 18 of 47 passengers were hospitalized, with norovirus confirmed in two cases, while 29 were assessed on-site. The rest stop was closed amid initial radiological concerns, later ruled out by Biel and LePiMe Fire Departments. The closure ended at 10 p.m.   Advice: - Norovirus spreads easily in confined spaces like coaches. Avoid the A5 Pieterlen area if possible to limit exposure. - If traveling near Biel, steer clear of the A5 between Solothurn and Biel until fully cleared. Use apps like Google Maps for alternate routes like the A6 or A16. - For travelers, stick to major highways (e.g., A1 toward Bern) to avoid potential delays or contamination risks. - Stay out of rest stops along this route for now. Use well-trafficked, urban areas for breaks if needed. - Check updates via 20 Minuten or Bern Cantonal Police online for the latest. Conditions can change fast. - Contact your embassy if unwell. Call 112 or Biel Hospital (+41 32 324 24 24) for urgent medical help.  

A Compressed Natural Gas truck exploded on Karu Bridge, Abuja, on March 19 at 7:14 p.m., involving multiple vehicles and causing numerous casualties, as reported by The Punch. The blast has overwhelmed National Hospital and Asokoro Hospital, with some victims moved to State House Clinic. Emergency teams from the Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force, and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are responding, but the area remains hazardous. The cause is under investigation.   Advice: - Gas explosions pose ongoing risks near Karu Bridge. Avoid this area entirely if possible to reduce exposure to danger. - If in Abuja, stay away from the Abuja-Keffi Expressway near Karu Bridge. Use GPS apps like Google Maps to find safer routes, avoiding Nyanya and Kugbo zones. - For travelers, prioritize major roads like the A2 toward the airport or city center (e.g., Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) to steer clear of the incident site. - Stay out of the blast zone to avoid emergency traffic and potential unrest. Stick to well-lit, populated areas if on foot. - Monitor updates via Channels TV or Vanguard News online for real-time info. Local radio (e.g., 99.5 FM Nigeria Info) also provides traffic alerts. - Contact your embassy or consulate immediately if affected. For emergencies, call 112 or +234 803 123 4567 (National Hospital Abuja) for medical help.  

  A serious accident involving three Republican Guard buses transporting soldiers occurred on the A13 near Mantes-la-Jolie on March 19 around 7 p.m., according to BFMTV citing a source close to the investigation. The soldiers were returning from a joint training seminar in Évreux. The cause remains unclear, with two people reported seriously injured in critical condition and around twenty slightly injured. Emergency services are responding, and the situation is under review.   Advice: - Vehicle accidents on the A13 may lead to further risks in the Mantes-la-Jolie area. Exercise caution if travel is necessary. - If in the region, avoid the A13 near Mantes-la-Jolie until authorities confirm the road is safe. Consider alternate routes to avoid delays. - Suggested detours include using the A14 via Poissy (north) or the A12 via Versailles (south) to connect with major roads like the N12 or A86. - Pedestrians should steer clear of the accident zone to avoid disrupting emergency efforts. Stick to designated walkways. - Stay updated via local sources like BFMTV or police announcements for real-time road conditions. Details may change quickly. - Call 112 for immediate help if near the scene. Hospitals such as Centre Hospitalier de Mantes-la-Jolie (+33 1 30 94 74 00) offer dependable care if required.  

Protesters have blocked major roads at over 21 locations throughout Guatemala City as demonstrations against the new car insurance mandate continue for a second day. Widespread traffic disruptions are reported, affecting commuters and businesses. Authorities have not announced when roads will be cleared.   Advice: - Expect significant travel delays and plan alternative routes. - Avoid protest areas to minimize disruptions and potential risks. - Use public transportation where available and monitor traffic reports. - For emergencies, contact: Police: 110 and Fire & Ambulance: 122 / 123  

A protest in Roseau has led to police deploying tear gas, affecting residents and staff at Dominica Infirmary. Local media reports ongoing tensions in the area. Authorities have not yet provided an official statement on injuries or further actions.   Advice: - Avoid the protest area due to safety concerns and possible further police action. - If exposed to tear gas, move to fresh air, rinse your eyes with water, and avoid touching your face. - Monitor updates from local authorities and media for further developments. - For emergencies, contact local emergency services: Police: 911 and Fire & Ambulance: 999