News & Reports

An outbreak of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) in Ethiopia's Gambella Region has claimed nine lives and infected 136 people across four districts in the Nuer Zone: Akobo, Wantawo, Makuey, and Lare. Authorities report that 31 patients are currently receiving treatment, while 96 have recovered. The outbreak is believed to have spread from neighboring South Sudan.   Advice: Travelers to the Gambella Region should exercise caution and prioritize hygiene. Avoid consuming untreated water from local sources and ensure all water is boiled or purified before use. Practice regular handwashing with soap, especially after using the toilet or before handling food. Monitor updates from local health authorities and seek medical attention if symptoms of diarrhea develop.  

Police in East Kingston have imposed a crime-related curfew that will remain in effect until at least 6:00 PM local time (11:00 PM GMT) on February 18. This curfew requires residents to stay indoors unless they have authorization to be outside. The affected area is bounded by Mountain View Primary School, Cane River Falls, the bridge at 10 Miles Bull Bay, Flag Circle, and South Camp Road.   Advice: Stay indoors, follow law enforcement instructions, and report suspicious activity to authorities. Follow the local authorities and newspapers for further updates.  

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for heavy showers and severe thunderstorms expected from February 17 to 19, 2025, across central and eastern South Africa. Rainfall accumulations between 20 to 50 mm are anticipated daily, with the potential for damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail, and heavy downpours, particularly in the southern Free State and northern Eastern Cape.   Advice: Avoid low-lying coastal areas and waterways to reduce flood risk. Exercise caution if traveling in affected regions. Check road conditions before traveling and refrain from driving through flooded roads. Monitor local updates for any changes in the forecast.    

The Federation of Secondary Education Officers (OLME) has called for a demonstration today, February 17, at 1:00 PM in Syntagma Square, Athens. Furthermore, Greek secondary school teachers are also conducting a three-hour work stoppage today from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.   Advice: Due to the demonstration, expect significant disruptions in central Athens, particularly around Syntagma Square. Plan alternative routes to avoid delays. Public transport services may be affected; check schedules in advance.  

A suspected food poisoning outbreak in Italy has sickened more than 100 people and resulted in three deaths. The outbreak occurred across four nursing and residential care facilities (RSAs) in the Florence area, which share the same cooking center. Initial cases of gastroenteritis with diarrhea and vomiting were reported on February 9, with some requiring hospitalization. Authorities have temporarily suspended meal production at the cooking center as investigations continue.   Advice: Travelers and residents in the Florence area should exercise caution when consuming food from communal or institutional kitchens. Avoid eating at affected facilities until investigations are complete, and monitor updates from local health authorities. If you experience symptoms of food poisoning, such as diarrhea or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.  

A winter storm impacts the Great Lakes in New England, causing snow, sleet, and freezing rain that disrupt travel. This storm has resulted in at least nine fatalities, widespread power outages, and significant flight delays. By February 18, an Arctic blast with wind chills as low as -51°C will affect the Midwest and Northeast. A Pacific storm will bring heavy snow and rain, leading to hazardous travel in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas.   Advice: Stay informed by following official updates. Ensure emergency supplies, including flashlights, food, and warm clothing. Avoid unnecessary travel and stay alert for any transport disruptions. If a flight is scheduled, check your flight status before going to the airport. Be prepared for possible delays, and consider alternative travel plans if necessary.    

The Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul has issued a severe weather alert for the region as of February 17. Heavy rainfall is expected, leading to significant accumulation. Strong winds accompanying the storm may cause damage to structures and trees. Frequent lightning is anticipated. Due to the heavy rainfall, there is a heightened risk of flash flooding in low-lying and historically flood-prone areas.   Advice: Avoid unnecessary travel and check for transport disruptions. Ensure all doors and windows are securely closed to prevent water ingress and reduce wind damage. During storms, unplug electronic devices to protect them from power surges caused by lightning. Stay informed by monitoring updates from authorities- https://defesacivil.rs.gov.br/avisos-e-alertas?utm_source  

On Monday, February 17, significant protests are scheduled in the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico, involving transport workers and health sector employees. These demonstrations are expected to result in severe mobility disruptions in Mexico City (CDMX) and the State of Mexico (Edomex). The roadblocks in the State of Mexico will begin at 7:00 AM, and the mega-march at 8:00 AM. * Affected Roads: Access routes to Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), Periférico Norte at various points, Vía Adolfo López Mateos-Atizapán, Mexico-Querétaro Highway, Mexico-Pachuca Highway,Circuito Exterior Mexiquense, Mexico-Puebla Highway, Mexico-Texcoco Highway, Mexico-Toluca Highway and Tollocan Avenue, Texcoco-Lechería Highway, Central Avenue - Ecatepec, Gustavo Baz - Naucalpan Avenue, and Chimalhuacán Avenue. * Mega-March Starting Points: San Cristóbal Iron Bridge towards the Mexico-Pachuca Highway, Mexico-Querétaro toll booth near Tepotzotlán, Mexico-Cuernavaca toll booth heading towards CDMX, Ignacio Zaragoza toll booth at Cabeza de Juárez, and La Marquesa toll booth on the Mexico-Toluca Highway towards CDMX Advice: Anticipate significant traffic disruptions and plan alternative routes. Stay updated through official channels and local news for real-time information. Follow official instructions to ensure safe travel during these events and prioritize safety.  

A powerful winter storm is set to cause chaos across the eastern United States, bringing life-threatening temperatures and severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes. The storm has already resulted in at least two fatalities, with one person missing due to flooding in the Southeast on Saturday. This low-pressure system produces heavy rain across the mid-Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Valleys, with plans to move northeast into New England by Sunday evening. While the threat of flash flooding has impacted several Southeastern states, it is expected to diminish as the rain subsides.   Advice: Avoid driving through flooded areas. Stay informed through local news and official weather updates, and heed evacuation orders. Prepare for power outages with emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food. If under a tornado watch or warning, seek immediate shelter in a sturdy building away from windows and doors.  

  Denver Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire near 43rd and Cherokee Streets. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames at the rear of the house. They quickly gained access and managed to contain the fire, preventing further spread. Advice: Avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate efficiently. Follow updates from local authorities for further information.