News & Reports

Mauritius has closed its international airport in preparation for the category three tropical cyclone forming in the Indian Ocean. The airport will close at 7:10PM local time (3:10PM GMT). According to meteorological authorities in the area, tropical storm Garance is intensifying and could make landfall.   Advice: Individuals in Mauritius should avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors during the storm. Monitor official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities. Secure property, including outdoor items, and prepare for potential power outages by charging devices and gathering emergency supplies. Stay clear of coastal areas due to the risk of storm surges and high waves. Follow evacuation orders if issued and assist vulnerable individuals when safe to do so. Travelers should check with airlines for rescheduled flights and remain updated on airport operations. We are monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as necessary.  

A multiple-vehicle crash has occurred on the main route to Atlantic, El Progreso. Five vehicles collided at 92km and were severely damaged, blocking traffic through the area. Thirteen people have been reported injured as a result of the crash.   Advice: Individuals near the crash site on the main route to Atlantic, El Progreso, should steer clear of the area around the 92km mark where five vehicles have collided and blocked traffic. Stock up on essentials in case delays stretch on, and watch out for hazards like debris or stalled vehicles if you must travel. Follow any instructions from local authorities to keep yourself safe and out of the way while they manage the scene.  

Pro-Palestine activists will hold a protest near the Archibald Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, Sydney, starting at 1:00 PM local time (2:00 AM GMT) on March 2. They are demanding a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and denouncing Israeli military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Heightened security measures and transport disruptions are expected in the area. Counter-demonstrations may also occur.   Advice: As a preventive measure, avoid the demonstration site. Plan and prepare routes to bypass the area, and allocate extra time if traveling nearby. Adhere to all official guidelines. Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions about the topic at hand. Immediately leave at the first sign of escalation.  

La Fraternidad, the railway union, has announced a nationwide 24-hour strike, including in Buenos Aires, scheduled for March 1, which coincides with Railway Workers' Day. This decision follows demands for higher salaries.   Advice: Plan alternative means of transport on March 1. Expect delays and allow extra travel time. Be prepared for potential congestion on other public transportation services.  

Pro-Palestine activists from Students for Palestine Western Australia (WA) and other organizations are planning to rally at and around the Murray Street Mall in Perth's central business district (CBD) on February 27, starting around 1:00 PM local time (5:00 AM GMT). The rally aims to express solidarity with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are likely in the area, and counter-demonstrations may occur.   Advice: As a preventive measure, avoid the demonstration site. Plan and prepare routes to bypass the area, and allocate extra time if traveling nearby. Adhere to all official guidelines. Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions about the topic at hand. Immediately leave at the first sign of escalation.  

Heavy rainfall in Ecuador continues to cause floods, landslides, and significant damage, increasing declared emergency provinces from six to eight. So far, nine people have died, and nearly 1,100 have been displaced. The worst-hit provinces include Azuay, Carchi, Esmeraldas, Pichincha, Santo Domingo, Los Ríos, Guayas, and Manabí, facing river flooding and road closures. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue across much of the country, particularly in the western and coastal regions.   Advice: Avoid affected areas and exercise caution on roads prone to flooding. Postpone non-essential travel. If driving, avoid crossing flooded roads. Keep battery-powered devices charged for possible power outages. Monitor updates from local authorities and weather services.  

Heavy rainfall in Malawi's Southern Region has raised water levels in the Shire River, causing silt build-up and damaging hydroelectric power stations. Consequently, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has started emergency load shedding, leading to daily power outages of at least three hours, though the reported outages are more prolonged. These disruptions have significantly impacted daily life and business operations across the country.   Advice: Prepare for extended power outages by keeping devices charged, securing alternative light sources, and planning activities around the load-shedding schedule. Stay updated through local news outlets for the latest information.  

Since February 19, heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding and landslides in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and multiple injuries. The most affected areas include the N2 at Murchison, Umbango Bridge, Nkongweni Bridge at Margate, and Isipingo on the N2 south of Durban. Numerous roads are impassable, and evacuations are underway. The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 2 warning, forecasting continued rainfall over the next 24 hours.   Advice: Residents in low-lying areas should move to higher ground immediately. Avoid travel in affected regions due to hazardous conditions. Stay updated through official channels and adhere to all safety directives.  

A tour bus in Prachinburi, 155 km east of Bangkok, overturned on a steep road due to brake failure, resulting in 18 fatalities and 23 injuries among 49 passengers. Emergency services responded promptly and are assisting with rescue operations. Authorities have charged the driver with reckless driving while an investigation is ongoing.   Advice: Exercise caution when traveling on Thai roads, especially on steep or unfamiliar routes, as road accidents and fatalities are common in Thailand. Ensure vehicles are well-maintained and meet safety standards. Avoid traveling during adverse weather conditions or at night.  

Since the morning hours of February 25, a massive snowstorm has been affecting western Georgia. The weather conditions have caused severe flight disruptions, including cancellations, at Batumi's airport (BUS). The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist until the early morning hours of February 28.   Advice: Plan and prepare for severe flight disruptions, including cancellations, at Batumi's airport (BUS). Confirm flight reservations before heading to the airport. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity and exercise extreme caution when driving throughout western Georgia.