News & Reports

Eskom, South Africa's primary power utility, has escalated load shedding to Stage 6 as of early February 23, 2025, due to multiple generation unit failures at Majuba and Camden power stations. This level involves reducing 6,000 megawatts from the national grid, leading to more frequent and prolonged power outages 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 official Eskom channels and local news outlets for the latest information.  

On Saturday evening, February 22, more than 20 fishermen were killed and several others injured near a border point in Todonyang, Kenya. The shooting was carried out by suspected members of the Ethiopian Dassanech militia. In the attack, the assailants ambushed five boats and seized three firearms.   Advice: Avoid non-essential travel to the Todonyang area and border areas due to the risk of further attacks and rising tensions. Report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement immediately. Monitor official security updates and follow local authorities' instructions.  

Activists are set to rally outside the Russian Embassy in Madrid today, February 23, at 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT) to show solidarity with Ukraine ahead of the third anniversary of the Russian invasion. Advice: Avoid the area around the Russian Embassy in Madrid today due to potential disruptions and altercations. Consider alternate routes and allow extra travel time. Expect local disruptions and heightened security in these areas.  

Unionized education workers plan to rally today, February 23, outside Fundação Cásper Líbero, located at Avenida Paulista 900 in São Paulo. The rally is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM local time (4:00 PM GMT). Participants will advocate against the privatization of the public education system and demand higher salaries.   Advice: Avoid protest sites due to potential disruptions. Plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time. Expect local disruptions and heightened security in the affected areas.      

Health authorities report a significant rise in measles cases across several U.S. states. Texas is the most affected, with 90 cases primarily in Gaines County. New Mexico reports nine cases in Lea County. The majority of infections involve unvaccinated individuals, especially children and adolescents. The outbreak is attributed to declining vaccination rates and increased travel-related exposures. Health officials warn of potential further spread due to the highly contagious nature of measles.   Advice: Ensure you and your family are up-to-date with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. If you experience a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a red rash, seek medical attention promptly. Follow updates from local health authorities and adhere to preventive measures. For more information, check the attached link. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html  

Violent clashes are occurring between protestors and police forces outside the European Commission Building in Sofia as of 15:00 on February 22. Local media outlets reported cases of arson and injuries to several protestors and police officers. Severe transport disruptions are probable in the vicinity.   Advice: Avoid the area until police regain control of the situation. Closely follow all orders from local officials. Stay away from large crowds and gatherings. Plan and prepare for substantial transport disruptions if operating nearby.  

Adverse weather is expected to impact northern Mozambique through February 26, bringing heavy rainfall, strong thunderstorms, and powerful winds. Flooding is likely in low-lying areas, while landslides may occur in elevated regions. Urban flooding could interfere with transportation, essential services, and business activities. Travel disruptions are anticipated on roads, railways, and airports, with power outages also possibly occurring across affected areas.   Advice: Verify all travel bookings and assess road conditions before setting out. Plan for potential delays and allocate additional travel time, especially in areas impacted by flooding. Ensure mobile phones and other essential battery-powered devices remain fully charged to stay prepared for extended power outages. Stay informed by following local news and official advisories for real-time updates.  

A significant pro-Palestine protest is planned for 8:30 on March 3 at County Hall, London. Several thousand participants are expected to partake in the event. Bolstered security measures and transport disruptions are plausible nearby. Small-scale counterprotests cannot be ruled out.   Advice: To ensure safety and avoid disruptions, steer clear of the protest site. Plan alternative routes to avoid the area and allow extra travel time if passing nearby. Follow all official instructions and avoid discussing the political issues involved. Depart promptly if tensions arise.  

Peace activists are organizing a protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Rome, scheduled to begin at 15:00 on February 23. Several hundred participants are expected. The protest and the related law enforcement presence are expected to disrupt traffic in the area.   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.  

Temperatures across Western Australia are expected to exceed 44 degrees Celsius through at least February 25. The extreme heat and dry conditions significantly increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke. The intense heat is likely to drive a surge in electricity consumption due to intensive use of air conditioning, which could lead to localized power outages.   Advice: Remain indoors in air-conditioned environments during the daytime whenever feasible. If outdoor activities are unavoidable, take regular breaks in shaded spots and ensure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If signs of heat stroke or dehydration occur, seek medical attention immediately. Keep battery-powered devices fully charged to prepare for potential extended power outages.