News & Reports

On April 14, 2025, protests in Engomadeira escalated into clashes after residents blocked Estrada das Barreiras, expressing outrage over the death of 19-year-old Luíza Silva dos Santos during a police operation on April 13, as reported by Correio. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters, who retaliated with what appeared to be bombs, causing fires and prompting Fire Department intervention. The unrest, intensified Monday night, has disrupted local transport, with bus services suspended in the neighborhood.   Advice: - Clashes and protests elevate risks of hazards and disruptions in Engomadeira. Refrain from traveling to or through the area until the situation stabilizes. - If in Salvador, avoid Estrada das Barreiras and Engomadeira until authorities confirm safety. Arrange private transportation to bypass protest zones. - Suggested alternatives include utilizing ride-hailing services such as Uber or coordinating hotel shuttles to connect with safer routes like the BR-324 highway. - Travelers should remain clear of protest areas to avoid exposure to tear gas or violence. Adhere to essential travel plans where feasible. - Stay informed through local sources such as Bahia Notícias for updates on unrest and road status. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 190 for immediate assistance if near the incident. Medical facilities such as Hospital Geral do Estado (+55 71 3117 6900) provide reliable care if required.  

Severe flooding occurred in Lanzarote over the weekend due to intense rainfall. The most affected areas include Costa Teguise, Arrecife, and San Bartolomé, where emergency services responded to over 300 incidents. Spain's Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued additional warnings for rain, thunderstorms, and hail in the region throughout the week.   Advice: - Before traveling, check the status of roads, especially those near coastal and low-lying areas. For real-time updates, check the attached link (https://www.viamichelin.com/maps/traffic/spain). - Check flight and public transport schedules in advance, as delays and cancellations are possible due to weather conditions.​ - Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges; floodwaters can be deeper and faster-moving than they appear​ - Stay informed through official channels, such as AEMET, in the attached link (https://www.aemet.es/es/portada) for real-time weather updates and advisories.​ - In case of emergency, contact Spanish emergency services by dialing 112.  

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued flood warnings today (April 14) for the Diamantina, Flinders, Georgina, and Thomson rivers and Eyre and Cooper creeks in Queensland. Continued heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding in low-lying areas, with affected locations including Birdsville, Marion Downs, Glengyle, Walkers Bend, Richmond, and Windorah. The Flinders River downstream of Richmond and the Cooper Creek at Windorah are experiencing significant flooding.   Advice: - Avoid travel through affected areas, especially near rivers and creeks experiencing major flooding.​ - Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges; floodwaters can be deeper and faster-moving than they appear.​ - Regularly monitor updates from the Bureau of Meteorology (http://www.bom.gov.au/) and NSW State Emergency Service (https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/) for the latest flood information. ​ - For emergency assistance, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).  

Thailand’s Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has issued a warning for possible landslides and flash floods due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast for April 14–15. More than 100 mm of rain is expected in some areas within 24 hours, significantly increasing the risk of dangerous conditions in mountainous and low-lying regions.   Advice: - Avoid travel through affected areas, especially near rivers and creeks experiencing major flooding.​ - Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges; floodwaters can be deeper and faster-moving than they appear.​ - Monitor real-time updates from the Thai Meteorological Department (https://www.tmd.go.th/) - For emergency assistance contact the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation hotline at 1784. In life-threatening situations, call 191.  

As of April 14, local sources reported that traffic was disrupted in the vicinity of Heuweloord and surrounding areas, including on the R55 route near Centurion, Gauteng Province, amid protests over prolonged power outages in the area. Protesters were blocking roads with bricks and other debris.​   Advice: - Refrain from traveling through Heuweloord and the R55 corridor until authorities confirm that the area is safe and roads are cleared.​ - Use alternative routes such as the N14 or R101 to bypass the affected areas.​ - If you must travel near the affected areas, remain vigilant, avoid confrontations, and do not attempt to cross barricades.​ - Monitor updates from local authorities and news outlets for the latest information on the situation.​ - In case of emergencies, contact local law enforcement or emergency services for assistance on 10111.  

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) issued a severe weather warning for isolated heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected across the country on April 15. The forecast indicates a heightened risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas and potential landslides, particularly in regions with saturated soils.   Advice: - Refrain from traveling through low-lying regions, riverbanks, and areas known for poor drainage during heavy rainfall.​ - If travel is necessary, utilize four-wheel-drive vehicles to navigate challenging terrains safely and confirm the safety of routes before departure.​ - Floodwaters may contaminate water supplies; ensure water is safe by boiling before consumption. - Monitor updates from the VMGD and local authorities for the latest weather information and advisories.​ - Keep battery-powered devices charged for possible power outages.  

Violent clashes erupted near Rome’s Olympic Stadium ahead of the Lazio–Roma derby match on April 13. Several hundred Lazio fans clashed with authorities; a water cannon and tear gas were deployed to disperse the crowd. Cars and street furniture were damaged on Via Flaminia, and a traffic light was destroyed near Via Pinturicchio. Firecrackers were also set off. At least 13 police officers were injured, and several weapons were confiscated during crowd checks.   Advice: - Avoid the areas surrounding Stadio Olimpico, particularly Ponte Milvio and Via Flaminia. - Expect heightened security, traffic diversions, and public transport delays. - Monitor local news and follow instructions from police and emergency services.  

A nationwide state of emergency has been declared through at least June 8, 2025, in response to escalating street violence and armed clashes between security forces and criminal gangs. The emergency includes a night curfew (hours vary by region) and grants security forces expanded powers to conduct searches, arrests, and raids without warrants. Advice: - Avoid all non-essential travel near regions with known gang activity. - Refrain from participating in or approaching protests, political gatherings, or security operations. - Carry identification at all times and comply with curfew restrictions to avoid detention. - Keep emergency contact information readily available and register with your embassy or consulate if staying long-term. - Follow all local security instructions, and stay informed through official channels and local media https://www.primicias.ec/noticias/sociedad/cantones-toque-queda-ecuador-eliminacion/  

Due to the presidential elections in Ecuador on April 13, the government has announced the closure of all land border crossings with Colombia and Peru until midnight between April 13–14. This measure applies only to land entries; air travel into Ecuador remains unaffected.   Advice: - Avoid all non-essential travel near border areas. - Travelers should avoid land crossings during the closure period and monitor flight schedules for any changes. - Follow all local security instructions, and stay informed through official channels and local media.  

Fiji’s Ministry of Health has announced a dengue fever outbreak in the Central Division, with 1,090 confirmed cases reported between January 1 and March 23. There has been a significant increase in cases in Suva, Navua, and Rewa over the past three weeks. Hospitals in Tailevu and Naitasiri are also experiencing a rise in patient admissions. One death has been confirmed as a result of the outbreak. Since January, the total number of cases reported nationwide has reached 5,128.   Advice: - Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants, especially during early morning and late afternoon. - Eliminate standing water near residences and accommodations to reduce mosquito breeding. - Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, or rash. - Travelers should monitor local health updates and follow Ministry of Health guidance.