News & Reports

Operations at water treatment plants and wells across Panama have been disrupted due to electrical system issues as of March 16. This has led to a suspension of the drinking water supply until power is restored. The Chilibre water treatment plant is currently non-operational, resulting in a halted drinking water supply to Panama City and San Miguelito.   Advice: - Residents should conserve existing water supplies. - Prioritize water for essential needs like drinking and hygiene, and use only safe, treated water for consumption. - Follow official updates on restoration efforts https://x.com/EnergiaPma.  

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast thundershowers across multiple provinces, with potential for strong winds, heavy rain, and localized flooding planned for the 17th of March and 18th of March. Residents are urged to take precautions as adverse weather conditions may disrupt travel and infrastructure.   Advice : - Avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas to prevent accidents. - Secure outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds. - Check weather updates from SAWS and local authorities before traveling. - In case of emergencies, contact 112 for immediate assistance.  

Recent road safety measures have introduced 30 km/h speed limits in safety zones around schools, markets, hospitals, and trading centers. While these rules are intended to reduce accidents, travelers should take extra precautions for safer travel as this is according to safety specialists not enough.   Advice : - Drive Safely: Always adhere to the 30 km/h limits in designated areas, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid aggressive driving. - Choose Reputable Transport: Opt for licensed taxi services or reputable transport providers and verify that vehicles are in good condition such as working airbags and horns that are functional when hiring or buying a car. - Use Seat Belts: Ensure that you and all passengers are wearing seat belts at all times and avoid overcrowded vehicles. - Exercise Pedestrian Caution: When walking, use available crossings, be extra vigilant at intersections, and avoid walking near heavy traffic areas. - Stay Informed: Check local traffic reports and road condition updates before and during your travels.  

Emergency officials report that around 20 people have been evacuated from their homes in Santa Maria a Monte, Pisa Province, due to heavy rain and flooding concerns. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as rainfall continues.   Advice: - Avoid flooded areas and follow local evacuation orders. - Check weather updates from local authorities and emergency services. - ⁠Drive cautiously on wet roads, as flooding may cause hazardous conditions. - ⁠For emergencies, call 112 for immediate assistance.  

A large fire has been reported in the Mathare North area of Nairobi, with heavy smoke visible. Emergency responders are on-site, and efforts to contain the blaze are ongoing. The cause of the fire remains unclear at this time.   Advice: - ⁠Avoid the area due to heavy smoke and emergency operations. - ⁠Close windows and doors if nearby to reduce smoke inhalation risks. - ⁠Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency responders. - ⁠For emergencies, call 999 for fire and rescue assistance.  

Southern bandits detonated a 10-kilogram bomb under an electric pole at Nong Harn Bridge in Mae Lan District at 09:00 today, March 14, 2025, injuring nine police officers from Pattani Special Operations Unit 22, one seriously with an eye wound, while on teacher protection duty. The blast, linked to suspect Abdulleh Madae’s group, scattered shrapnel, wrecked three motorcycles, and forced Ban Khura School to close as police cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt.   Advice: - Bomb blasts mean danger’s near; stay clear of Nong Harn Bridge and Mae Lan roads now. - Avoid Muang Tia and school zones; attackers could strike again or hide nearby. - Watch for suspicious people or bags; local allies might be helping the bandits. - Do not travel through Pattani hotspots; Mueang and Nong Chik groups are active. - Keep a phone charged and know 191 or 1669; injured need help fast.  

Clashes between Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and Fano militants killed at least eight civilians in Debre Medhanit and Quarit districts of Amhara region since March 7, with fighting peaking from Monday to Thursday, residents told Addis Standard. The ENDF reports eliminating 1,025 "extremists" and seizing weapons across multiple zones this week, while locals say stray bullets, looting, and service disruptions are hitting civilians hard.   Advice: - Gunfire’s everywhere; stay indoors in Debre Medhanit and Quarit to avoid stray bullets. - Avoid travel near Mertole Mariam or Genet Abo; roads and villages are battle zones. - Do not go near schools or shops; both sides are looting and fighting there. - Watch for sudden attacks; clashes can flare up fast and hit markets or farms. - Keep a phone charged and know 911 or local lines; services are down in most areas. - Check Addis Standard or X posts; updates could warn of worse fighting today.  

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reports 31 deaths from over 1,500 cholera cases in Ethiopia’s Gambella region in the past month, worsened by people fleeing violence in South Sudan, where Akobo County has 1,300 cholera cases in four weeks. The cholera outbreak, spreading fast across western Ethiopia and Upper Nile since South Sudan’s epidemic declaration in October, thrives amid displacement and lost access to clean water and healthcare, MSF warns.   Advice: - Cholera spreads through dirty water; don’t drink or cook with untreated sources. - Avoid crowded spots in Gambella and Akobo; sick people could pass it on quick. - Wash hands with soap often; it stops the bacteria from spreading. - Look out for diarrhea or vomiting; get to a clinic fast if you’re hit. - Keep a phone charged and know local health lines; help is scarce in chaos. - Check MSF or WHO updates; this outbreak is growing across borders.  

A nationwide red alert hits Emilia Romagna today, March 14, with heavy rain flooding Bologna, Ravenna, and Ferrara, pushing rivers like Santerno past threshold 2, while Tuscany’s orange alert sees Florence and Sesto Fiorentino swamped by the overflowing Rimaggio torrent and a swollen Arno. Landslides threaten Modena and Parma’s hills, roads like the A1 are closed, and more rain is due, prompting 24-hour emergency operations across both regions.   Advice: - Floods from rising rivers like Santerno and Lamone are close; stay out of basements and low zones. - Avoid all travel in Bologna, Ravenna, and Florence; flooded roads and landslides block routes. - Keep clear of bridges and waterways; fast currents could sweep you away today. - Move to upper floors in Sesto Fiorentino or near the Arno; water’s already in the streets. - Stock food and water at home; power or supplies might cut out if floods worsen. - Charge your phone and know 112; rescue teams are stretched but ready. - Do not walk or drive through floodwater; even shallow flow hides dangers. - Watch Arpae, Civil Protection, or X posts; this storm’s set to peak this afternoon.  

Mexican health authorities confirmed 22 measles cases as of March 9, with 18 in Chihuahua near the U.S. border, following a deadly outbreak in the United States, officials reported Thursday. Of 416 suspected cases this year, these 22 include two imported from the U.S. and 20 linked to them, hitting mostly unvaccinated kids under nine. The U.S. outbreak, with over 200 cases and two deaths, has spilled over, especially from west Texas and New Mexico. Measles, a highly contagious virus causing fever, rash, and sometimes death, is spreading fast through the air.   Advice: - Measles spreads quick in the air; avoid sick people coughing or sneezing. - Watch for fever or rash, especially in Chihuahua; see a doctor fast if sick. - Stay out of crowded places near the border; unvaccinated kids are at risk. - Cover your mouth and wash hands often; it helps stop the virus. - Keep a phone charged and know 911 or local health lines; report cases soon. - Check health updates; more cases could show up any time.