News & Reports

The Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM) has issued an orange-level alert for strong wind gusts ranging from 75 to 85 km/h, expected to impact several provinces on Thursday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blowing dust may reduce visibility, and hazardous conditions could affect travel and outdoor activities.   Advice: - Secure loose objects and avoid outdoor activities in exposed areas. - Be cautious while driving, especially in open areas where strong winds may affect vehicle stability. - Check flight and ferry updates, as transport disruptions may occur. - Monitor weather alerts from DGM (www.marocmeteo.ma) for real-time updates. - For emergencies, call 19 for police, 150 for ambulance, or 15 for the fire brigade.  

A substation fire has caused widespread power outages in and around Johannesburg’s central business district. Authorities have warned that affected areas may remain without power until Saturday as repair efforts continue.   Advice: - Avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas, as traffic disruptions are likely. - Charge essential devices and keep flashlights or backup power sources ready. - Be cautious of increased security risks in darkened areas. - Check updates from City Power Johannesburg (www.citypower.co.za) for restoration timelines. - In case of emergencies, contact 10111 for police, 10177 for medical emergencies, or 112 from a mobile phone.    

Health officials in Uganda have reported a surge in Mpox cases, with the cumulative total reaching 4,342 and 31 deaths since the outbreak began eight months ago. The capital, Kampala, remains the epicenter, recording 12 of the 25 new cases reported in the past 24 hours. The Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has intensified preventive measures, including enhanced surveillance, case management, risk communication, and public awareness campaigns.   Advice: -The risk of Mpox for travelers is low, but general precautions are recommended. -Check if you can get vaccinated against Mpox. -Avoid close contact with infected individuals, practice frequent handwashing, and stay alert for official health updates. -Consult a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, rash, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes.  

Johannesburg’s CBD and nearby neighborhoods are experiencing a major power outage following a fire that destroyed infrastructure at the central substation. The outage began on March 18, and City Power has indicated that repairs may take until Saturday, March 22, to complete. City Power is exploring temporary back-feeding options but has not provided an estimated time for power restoration. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Affected areas include: -City and Suburban -Jewel City -⁠Marshalltown -⁠Selby -⁠Salisbury Claims -⁠Wemmer, and surrounding neighborhoods   Advice: -Unplug electrical appliances to prevent damage when power is restored. -Keep electronic devices charged and have flashlights and backup power sources available. -⁠Stock up on drinking water, non-perishable food, and essential medical supplies. -⁠Be cautious at night due to poor lighting in affected areas. -⁠Stay updated through official City Power channels: https://www.citypower.co.za/home  

On March 17, 2025, the President of Peru, declared a 30-day state of emergency in Lima and Callao, deploying the National Army to support police after a surge in violent crime. This follows the killing of a popular singer and a recent explosion at a restaurant that injured 11 people. Authorities can now restrict freedom of movement and assembly, and security forces are allowed to detain people without a judicial order. Increased checkpoints and a heavier security presence are expected throughout the city.   Advice -Avoid high-risk areas; stay away from San Juan de Lurigancho, San Martín de Porres, Callao, and parts of downtown Lima, where most recent violence has occurred. -Carry identification at all times; expect random police and military checkpoints, especially around major roads and transport hubs like Jorge Chávez International Airport. -Limit movement at night, particularly around nightlife districts like Miraflores and Barranco; while tourist areas are under patrol, they remain potential targets for crime. -In case of emergency, dial 105 for the police. Keep your phone charged and carry cash in case of service disruptions. -Stay updated; follow official government announcements and local news for any new restrictions or curfews. -Exercise caution near large gatherings or protests; security forces are empowered to disperse crowds, and arrests can happen without prior warning.  

Several youth climate protesters in Uganda were arrested by police on March 19 while marching toward Parliament to deliver a petition against the ongoing construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. This incident follows previous arrests of anti-EACOP activists, including the detention of 15 individuals in November 2024 for similar protests. ​   Advice: - Avoid the demonstration area and be involved in gatherings to ensure personal safety and minimize potential disruptions. - Traffic delays and road closures are expected along the march route. - Avoid engaging in political discussions with demonstrators or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety. - Follow official instructions and remain aware of your surroundings.  

Activists will rally outside the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro in Rio de Janeiro from 14:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on March 19 to denounce the public listing of the Rio de Janeiro State Water and Sewage Company (Cedae). A related demonstration will be held at the Águas do Rio office in the Saúde neighborhood from 16:00 (19:00 GMT) on March 20 to protest frequent water supply disruptions and high utility rates.   Advice: - To minimize potential disruptions and ensure personal safety, it is advisable to steer clear of the vicinity around the Legislative Assembly on March 19 and the Saúde neighborhood on March 20 during the specified times.​ - Expect increased traffic congestion and possible road closures near protest sites. Plan alternative routes or allow extra travel time.​ - Monitor local news for updates and be prepared for possible escalation. - If in the area, remain cautious and leave immediately if tensions rise.  

Public transport workers affiliated with the Al Cobas, ADL Cobas, Cobas Lavoro Privato, SGB, and CUB Trasporti unions have announced a 24-hour nationwide strike on March 21, 2025, to protest work-related grievances. The strike will affect local bus, metro, and tram services, with the extent of disruptions varying by region and time of day.​ - In Rome, services will operate normally from the start of service until 08:30 and from 17:00 to 20:00. Disruptions are expected outside these hours. ​ - In Milan, public transport services will be guaranteed until 08:45 and between 15:00 and 18:00. Expect interruptions outside these periods. ​   Advice: - If you rely on public transport on March 21, consider alternative travel arrangements, such as carpooling, cycling, or walking.​ - Anticipate delays and allocate additional time for your commute to accommodate potential service interruptions. - Regularly check updates from local transport authorities for real-time information on service availability and potential disruptions.  

Local media report that protesters, angered by a new mandatory insurance law, burned tires, threw rocks and bottles at police, and blocked the highway at Bethania Bridge in Zone 7, Guatemala City, starting around 09:00 today, March 18, 2025, halting traffic from the Historic Center toward El Naranjo.   Advice: - Protests are heated with rocks flying; steer clear of Bethania Bridge and Zone 7 entirely, as police clashes could escalate and trap you in sudden violence. - Do not try driving through Periférico near the bridge; burning tires and blockades mean you’ll hit gridlock or worse, breathe toxic smoke if you’re stuck too long. - Avoid confronting protesters or police; X posts show motorists shoving cops back, and past Guatemala, protests turned ugly fast when tensions spiked. - Keep off nearby streets like Avenida Petapa; blockades often spread quick in this city, and you do not want to stumble into a secondary flare-up blind. - Charge your phone and know 110 or 120 for emergencies; if tear gas drops or rocks hit, you will need a fast call-out with traffic paralyzed and help delayed.  

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly for six months due to a 14-month political crisis, appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator after the Supreme Court ruled the state lacked a functioning legislature since the Assembly’s demolition in December 2023.   Advice: - A state of emergency means tight control; avoid protests or gatherings in Port Harcourt or anywhere in Rivers, as security forces could clamp down hard to enforce order. - Do not expect normal government services soon; with the Assembly and Governor out, basics like road fixes or school funds might stall under the Administrator’s interim rule. - Stay clear of political hotspots like the old Assembly site; tensions from Fubara’s suspension and the 27 lawmakers’ reinstatement could spark sudden unrest there. - Keep your movements low-key and carry ID; military or police checkpoints might pop up fast, and they’ll be strict with no elected officials to buffer them. - Stock up on food, fuel, and a charged phone with 112 or 767 ready; disruptions could hit markets or power, and you’ll need to call for help if chaos breaks out. - Check Federal Gazette updates or X posts from Abuja hourly; this six-month shift’s just starting, and new rules from the Administrator could drop any day.