News & Reports

Pro-Palestine activists plan to protest at Stratford Walk, Olympic Park in London from 15:00 on February 22. Up to a thousand participants are expected at the event. Bolstered security measures and transport disruptions are expected throughout Olympic Park and its surrounding area. Altercations between activists and police are plausible.   Advice: As a preventive measure, avoid the demonstration site. Plan routes to bypass the area and plan for transport disruptions 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.  

A fire has broken out adjacent to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JIKA). The Kenya Airport Authority has declared that firefighters are on site and that normal operations will continue. According to airport authorities, the fire is contained in grassland areas and has not affected critical infrastructure.   Advice: Be aware that flights into and out of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport may be disrupted. Check flight status and avoid the areas adjacent to the airport if possible. Comply with directions from airport staff, emergency personnel, and local authorities if you are at or near JKIA.  

Multiple people were reportedly stabbed in an attack near the Holocaust Memorial and the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, which are located close to each other. The injured person was reportedly a man who was attacked in the field of steles at the memorial around 6 p.m. local time.   Advice: Avoid traveling and do not travel alone. Avoid the area around the scene. If you see any suspicious activity leave the area and report it to the police. Monitor police and emergency reports in the area.  

Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have continued to rise as of mid-February 2025, with multiple reports of harassment, vandalism, and violence. The U.S. Department of Education has launched investigations into five universities, including Columbia and UC Berkeley, over widespread antisemitic harassment under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Additionally, social media remains a significant platform for antisemitic activity, with nearly 70% of Jewish adults reporting encounters with online hate.   Advice: Exercise caution when visiting areas with ongoing tensions or campuses under investigation for antisemitism. Avoid public events where antisemitic rhetoric or demonstrations may occur and report any incidents to local authorities or civil rights organizations. Stay informed through reliable sources and consider additional safety measures when attending Jewish institutions or events.  

A tragic bus crash in southeastern Brazil has claimed the lives of 12 university students and injured 21 others. The collision occurred late Thursday near Nuporanga, São Paulo, when a bus carrying students from the University of Franca collided with a truck. The truck driver, who attempted to flee the scene, was apprehended and faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and causing bodily injury.   Advice: Avoid traveling near the accident site on highways close to Nuporanga as authorities continue their investigation. Exercise caution while driving in the region, and monitor updates from local officials for any road closures or disruptions.  

South Sudan is facing an extreme heat wave with temperatures of 42–43°C (107.6–109.4°F), prompting a two-week school closure starting today due to students collapsing. Public services are disrupted, with government offices on reduced hours, public transport delayed by overheating vehicles, and healthcare strained by power cuts and rising heat stroke cases. Juba’s faltering electricity grid is cutting water and cooling access, while the SSMS warns of persistent heat through February.   Advice: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat dehydration, as power cuts may limit access to running water and cooling. Seek immediate medical help if you experience dizziness or nausea, as healthcare services are under strain and heat-related illnesses are rising. Try to stay indoors as much as possible.  

Heavy rain on Wednesday night in south Durban caused four fatalities due to structural collapses in Folweni, KwaMakhutha, Demat, and Ensimbini. The eThekwini Municipality reports 184mm of rain in Amanzimtoti, leading to flooding in southern areas like Amanzimtoti, Morton, Clairwood, and Isipingo. Rescue operations continue in Adams Mission. Several beaches (uMdloti, Isipingo, Pipeline, Toti Main, Warner, Winklespruit, uMgababa) and roads are closed due to flooding and uprooted trees, with Prospecton access limited.   Advice: Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or canals, particularly near Isipingo and Prospecton. Keep away from damaged structures, check electricity safety during outages, and monitor traffic updates for alternative routes. Stay indoors if possible until conditions improve.  

Thailand is bracing for severe weather today, with thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, and hail expected in parts of the north and northeast. The south faces heavy rain and strong winds. A high-pressure system from China will bring cooler temperatures and unstable conditions from February 23-25, with increased rainfall in the south and a temperature drop in upper Thailand.   Advice: Stay indoors during thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds, especially in northern and northeastern areas where hail is possible. Avoid open fields and tall objects to reduce lightning risks. In the south, prepare for heavy rain by securing outdoor items, and avoiding flood-prone areas.  

UK Weather Alert: Two major snow storms are set to hit in March, with the first blizzard bringing 5cm per hour of snow to Yorkshire, the Lake District, and Lancashire in England, starting at 6am on March 3, fading by March 4. A second storm will strike across the UK on March 7, mostly subsiding by March 8. Meanwhile, from February 21-25, expect rain, strong winds, and showers across the UK, with severe gales possible in the northwest, including coastal areas.   Advice: Avoid unnecessary trips and check the weather updates before you leave. Drive carefully and ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions using the appropriate tires. Stick to main roads and treated surfaces to minimize the risk of slips and accidents. For official weather updates.  

A nationwide general strike is set for 24 hours on February 28, suspending all commercial flights and ferry services in Greece. Marking the second anniversary of the Tempe rail disaster, the strike will cause significant disruptions. Only emergency flights will operate during this time, and widespread protests may lead to additional transportation and public service interruptions.   Advice: Be prepared for potential flight and ferry cancellations or delays. Consider alternative transportation, as public transit disruptions may occur. Stay informed by following local news for updates on protests, and avoid areas where demonstrations should occur. Confirm with airlines and ferry operators for the latest updates and rebooking options. https://www.aia.gr/en/traveller/flights-at-airport?type=2