News & Reports

On May 1, 2025, over 5,000 senior doctors represented by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) are participating in a 24-hour nationwide strike, protesting pay and working conditions. The strike affects all Health NZ hospitals and services employing ASMS members. Emergency and life-preserving services remain operational, including maternity care, intensive care, emergency departments, and ambulance services. ​   Advice: - In case of a medical emergency, call 111 or seek medical attention at the emergency department without delay.​ - Reschedule non-urgent appointments or procedures for after May 1, where possible. - Travelers with pre-existing medical needs should confirm the availability of care in advance or identify alternative facilities.  

As of the morning of April 30, 2025, officials have issued an advisory for potential flight delays at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport due to shifting wind patterns. Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) measures for flight arrivals are scheduled between 10:30 and 14:30 local time (05:00–09:00 GMT) to ensure safe operations.   Advice: - Check Flight Status: Before heading to the airport, confirm the status of your flight with your airline.​ - Allow Extra Time: Plan for additional travel time to and from the airport, considering possible delays.​ - Stay Informed: Monitor updates from Delhi International Airport's official channels and local news outlets.​ - Prepare for Delays: Bring necessary items such as snacks, water, and entertainment to stay comfortable during potential waiting periods.  

On April 29, 2025, relentless heavy rainfall in Medellín triggered severe flooding and landslides, particularly in the Altavista district’s Mano de Dios sector, La Buga area. One person has died, and a child remains missing. At least 225 people and 70 homes are affected, with seven buildings collapsed, compromising the local water supply network. A landslide and debris stockpile threaten further damage to the Altavista ravine.   Advice: - Continuous rain and landslides pose risks of further flooding, infrastructure damage, and health hazards. Avoid Altavista and other flood-prone areas like La Buga. - If in Medellín, stay indoors, avoid ravines or unstable slopes, and monitor local alerts. Ensure access to clean water due to aqueduct damage. - Consider delaying travel to Medellín or using safer routes to urban areas like El Poblado. - Follow updates from DAGRD (@DAGRDMedellin) or Mayor Gutiérrez (@FicoGutierrez) on X for real-time emergency information. - Stay informed via El Tiempo or Caracol Medellín, as conditions may deteriorate. - For assistance, contact DAGRD at +57 4 444 4141. Medical facilities like Hospital General de Medellín (+57 4 384 7300) are available if needed.  

On April 29, 2025, anti-tourism activists in Barcelona, led by the Assemblea de Barris pel Decreixement Turístic (ABDT), escalated protests by blocking a tourist bus near the Sagrada Família and spraying it with water pistols, chanting “Tourists go home!” The group demands “detouristification” to address soaring rents (up 68% in a decade), housing shortages, and strained public services, blaming mass tourism’s 12 million annual visitors. Mayor Jaume Collboni’s plan to ban 10,000 short-term rentals by 2028 and raise cruise passenger taxes has not quelled unrest. Organizers warn of a larger protest in June 2025 to curb global tourism’s impact.   Advice: - Protests may disrupt travel in Barcelona, particularly near tourist sites like Sagrada Família or La Rambla. Exercise caution and avoid protest areas, especially in June when larger demonstrations are planned. - If visiting Barcelona, book accommodations early, opt for hotels over short-term rentals, and use public transport to minimize exposure to disruptions. - Consider alternative destinations like Valencia or Bilbao, which face less overtourism, or visit Barcelona off-season (e.g., late fall) to reduce strain on local resources. - Monitor updates from Turisme de Barcelona (@BCN_Turisme) or ABDT on X for protest schedules and safety alerts. - Stay informed via El País or Euronews, as tensions may escalate. - For assistance, contact Barcelona’s tourist office at +34 932 853 834. Medical facilities like Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (+34 932 275 400) are available if needed.  

On April 29, 2025, the South African Weather Service issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, risking localized flooding and damage to mud-built homes. A Yellow Level 1 warning covers the southern Northern Cape for severe thunderstorms with hail and flooding risks. Very cold, wet, and windy conditions are expected in the southern Namakwa district (Northern Cape) and parts of the Western Cape (Cape Winelands, Central Karoo, Little Karoo). High UVB sunburn risks are noted in Gauteng and the Western Cape.   Advice: - Heavy rain and thunderstorms increase the risk of flooding and property damage. Avoid low-lying areas and flood-prone roads in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal and southern Northern Cape. - If in affected areas, stay indoors during storms, secure mud-based structures, and monitor local alerts. Dress warmly in the Western Cape and Namakwa due to cold conditions. - Consider delaying outdoor plans in KwaZulu-Natal or Northern Cape or sticking to urban areas like Cape Town with milder impacts. - Monitor SAWS updates on X or their website for real-time weather warnings. - Stay informed via News24 or The South African, as conditions may worsen. - For assistance, contact SAWS at +27 12 367 6000. Medical facilities like Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town (+27 21 404 9111) are available if needed.  

On April 29, 2025, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck at 13:16 UTC (8:16 PM NZST) off New Zealand’s South Island, 286 km southwest of Bluff, at a 10 km depth near the Puysegur Trench. No tsunami warnings were issued, and no immediate damage or injuries were reported due to its offshore location. The quake, monitored by USGS and GeoNet, follows a 6.8 magnitude event in the same region on March 25, 2025.   Advice: - Aftershocks may occur, though significant impacts are unlikely due to the quake’s distance from land. Exercise caution in coastal areas near Bluff or Invercargill. - If in the southern South Island, stay alert for potential aftershocks. Avoid unstable structures in case of minor shaking. - Continue normal travel plans, but avoid remote coastal areas near the epicenter until seismic activity subsides. - Check GeoNet (@GeoNet) or USGS on X for real-time seismic updates. - Follow Radio New Zealand or Stuff.co.nz for updates, as minor aftershocks may persist. - Contact Emergency Services at 111. Medical facilities like Southland Hospital in Invercargill (+64 3 218 1949) are available if needed.  

On April 29, 2025, Brussels Airport canceled 30% of departing flights, and Charleroi Airport suspended all departures due to a nationwide strike over austerity policies, affecting airlines like Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, and Lufthansa. The strike, involving security and baggage handlers, has caused significant disruptions, with Brussels Airlines scrapping 70 flights. Charleroi’s incoming flights continue, but delays are likely.   Advice: - Risks: Strikes, weather, and logistical issues (e.g., staffing or maintenance) increase flight cancellation and delay risks. Avoid non-essential travel to or from Brussels and Charleroi until May 1, 2025. - Actions: Check flight status via airline apps or airport websites (Brussels Airport, Charleroi Airport) before heading to the airport. Arrive 2 hours early for Schengen flights, 3 hours for non-Schengen at Brussels - Alternatives: Consider rerouting through nearby airports like Amsterdam Schiphol or Paris CDG, or use trains (e.g., Eurostar from Brussels Midi) for regional travel. - Rights: Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers may claim refunds or rebooking for cancellations, and up to €600 for delays over 3 hours if notified less than 14 days prior. Contact airlines directly, though processing may take months. - Monitor: Follow Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) and Charleroi Airport on X for real-time updates. Stay informed via Euronews or Reuters. - Assistance: Contact Brussels Airport at +32 2 753 7753 or Charleroi Airport at +32 71 251 211. Medical facilities like UZ Brussel (+32 2 477 41 11) are available if needed.  

Activists affiliated with the "Ligue de Défense Noire Africa (LANA)" group plan to stage a demonstration at the U.S. Consulate in Sandton between 11:00 and 14:00 local time (09:00–12:00 GMT) on April 30, 2025. The protest is expected to draw participants advocating for African rights and may cause disruptions in the area.​   Advice: - Steer clear of the U.S. Consulate area in Sandton during the scheduled protest hours to minimize exposure to potential disruptions.​ - Anticipate traffic delays and consider alternative routes if traveling near U.S. Consulate on April 30.​ - If you are in the vicinity, remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and follow instructions from local authorities.​ - Avoid engaging with demonstrators, maintain awareness of your surroundings, and leave the area promptly if tensions escalate or law enforcement intervenes.  

At approximately 07:00 local time (04:00 GMT) on April 29, 2025, five quarry workers were killed in a suspected al-Shabaab attack in Bur Abor village, Mandera East. Security forces have been deployed to the area, and investigations are ongoing.​   Advice: - Refrain from traveling to or through Bur Abor village and surrounding regions in Mandera East until authorities declare the area safe.​ - If you are in Mandera County, avoid non-essential travel and adhere to any curfews or directives issued by local authorities.​ Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.​ - Monitor official government channels for updates on the security situation.​ - Keep contact information for local emergency services and your country's embassy or consulate readily available.  

On April 29, 2025, unionized health workers are staging nationwide protests against a proposed law regulating where doctors can establish practices. In Paris, demonstrators gather at Place du Panthéon from 13:30 local time (11:30 GMT) and plan to march to Place Vauban at 14:15. Similar protests are occurring in other major cities. ​   Advice: - Avoid Protest Areas: Steer clear of Place du Panthéon, Place Vauban, and surrounding streets in Paris during the afternoon to avoid large crowds and potential disruptions.​ - Expect Transportation Delays: Public transport services may experience delays or rerouting due to demonstrations. Check with local transit authorities for real-time updates.​ - Plan for Healthcare Service Disruptions: Non-urgent medical appointments may be postponed or canceled. Contact healthcare providers to confirm appointments.​ - In case of unrest, calmly leave the vicinity and follow instructions from local authorities. - Follow police instructions and observe posted road signs regarding closures or detours in the area.