News & Reports

On March 28, 2025, a rally by thousands of supporters of former King Gyanendra Shah demanding the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy turned violent near Kathmandu’s airport, as reported by AP News. Clashes with police resulted in two deaths—a television cameraman killed in a building fire and a protester who succumbed to injuries—along with several injuries among protesters and officers. Police deployed tear gas, batons, and water cannons after protesters breached barricades, prompting a curfew in Tinkune, Sinamangal, and Koteshwor areas.   Advice: - Violent unrest increases risks of injury and disruption near Kathmandu’s eastern edge. Refrain from traveling to or through affected zones until stability is restored. - If in Kathmandu, avoid the airport vicinity and protest sites until the curfew lifts. Arrange private transportation to bypass conflict areas. - Suggested alternatives include utilizing ride-hailing services such as Pathao or coordinating hotel shuttles to connect with safer routes like the Araniko Highway. - Travelers should remain clear of rally locations to avoid exposure to violence or police action. Adhere to established travel itineraries where feasible. - Stay informed through local sources such as The Kathmandu Post for updates on curfew and safety conditions. Developments may escalate quickly. - Contact 112 for immediate assistance if near the unrest. Medical facilities such as Grande International Hospital (+977 1-5159266) provide reliable care if required.  

Authorities report increased volcanic activity at Poás Volcano, located 45 km northwest of San José. Since late February, the volcano has experienced continuous eruptions with frequent gas emissions. Strong sulfur odors and sporadic ashfall have affected several surrounding communities. Costa Rica’s Civil Protection has issued a yellow alert, covering the cantons of Alajuela, Poás, Grecia, Sarchí, Naranjo, Zarcero, and Río Cuarto due to ongoing volcanic activity.   Advice: - Avoid affected areas, particularly near the volcano’s crater, where gas emissions pose respiratory risks. - Protect respiratory health by using masks or damp cloths if exposed to ashfall. - Follow official updates from Costa Rica’s Civil Protection and local authorities. - Stay prepared for potential evacuations if activity escalates.  

The Islamic Center of Africa is organizing a demonstration in solidarity with Palestine at the U.S. Consulate in Sandton on March 28, from 12:30 15:00 local time. A large turnout is anticipated, and there will be an increased security presence that may lead to potential disruptions in the area.   Advice: - Expect heightened police presence and possible traffic delays near the U.S. Consulate. - Avoid the protest area and plan alternative routes to minimize disruptions. - Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid engaging with demonstrators. - Stay informed through local news and official sources for real-time updates.  

As of March 27, the death toll from wildfires in South Korea has reached 28. The fires have burned over 38,665 hectares, making it the largest wildfire disaster in the nation’s history. While some blazes in Ulsan, Ulju, and Onyang are now out, major fires continue in other areas. Rain has helped slow the spread, but strong winds may worsen conditions.   Advice: - Follow evacuation orders and relocate to designated shelters immediately if directed. - Avoid forested or mountainous areas, where fire conditions remain volatile. - Secure essential supplies, including water, food, and medications, in case of sudden displacement. - Monitor updates from local disaster agencies and the Korea Forest Service for real-time information.    

The Palestine Action Group in Sydney is organizing a protest on March 29 at 13:00 to commemorate Palestinian Land Day and raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. A large turnout is anticipated, and there will be an increased police presence, which may lead to disruptions in the area's roads and walkways.   Advice: - Expect increased security measures, road closures, and delays in the Hyde Park area. - Try to avoid the protest zone and plan alternative routes to reduce disruptions. - Do not engage with protesters or bystanders. If tensions rise, leave the area immediately. -Stay informed by following local news and official sources for real-time updates.  

A stabbing incident near Dam Square on Sint Nicolaasstraat has resulted in five people being injured. Dutch police have arrested the suspect; however, the motive for the attack remains unclear and is currently under investigation. Authorities are expected to maintain a heightened security presence in the area as they continue their response to the situation.   Advice: - Avoid the areas around Dam Square and Sint Nicolaasstraat to allow emergency responders to do their work. - Exercise caution in crowded public spaces, as incidents can happen suddenly. - If you find yourself in such a situation, move away from danger, seek shelter, and follow instructions from law enforcement. - Stay updated by monitoring official sources for further information.  

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan issued an urgent warning on March 27, 2025, following the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar on Wednesday night, March 26, stating that the country is on the brink of catastrophic war. Escalating violence in Upper Nile State, Ugandan troop deployment, and Machar’s detention have unraveled the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, threatening civilians with ethnic violence and displacement.   Advice: - Avoid travel near Juba and Upper Nile State, where clashes near Rejaf, Wunliet, and Nasir, coupled with aerial assaults displacing over 60,000, signal rising risks of ethnic conflict. - Stay indoors and away from military zones, as indiscriminate attacks and foreign intervention (Ugandan troops and tanks) heighten civilian vulnerability nationwide. - Prepare for potential evacuation if near conflict zones, keep emergency kits with essentials like water, food, and documents, as political detentions and hostilities escalate. - Monitor UN, AU, and IGAD statements for updates, as diplomatic efforts intensify to enforce the peace agreement and protect civilians amidst fears of a repeat of 2013 and 2016 atrocities. - Exercise caution with information, misinformation, and hate speech are fueling tensions; rely on verified sources like UNMISS for safety guidance.  

The Ogun State government confirmed a Lassa fever outbreak on March 26, 2025, after a 25-year-old female National Youth Corps member, who fell ill in Ondo State, died on March 18 at a secondary health facility in Ijebu North LGA, as announced by Health Commissioner Dr. Tomi Coker. Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease with symptoms including high-grade fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding from body openings like the mouth, nose, or ears.   Advice: - Seek immediate medical help if you experience high-grade fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding, especially if fever persists after 48 hours of malaria or antibiotic treatment. - Avoid contact with rodents and maintain hygiene to reduce Lassa fever risk, as it spreads via contaminated food or surfaces. - Healthcare workers: Report suspected cases to your Local Government Disease Surveillance Officer or call the State Epidemiologist (0808-425-0881) or State Disease Notification Officer (0703-421-4893). - Stay vigilant in Ogun State, particularly near Ijebu North, as the outbreak response includes enhanced surveillance and community mobilization.  

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for upper Thailand, forecasting hot to very hot conditions with thunderstorms, gusty winds, and potential summer storms across 28 provinces, including Bangkok, from March 29 to April 1, 2025. As of March 27, a low-pressure system and shifting winds are driving hazy, hot weather with a 10% chance of storms in multiple regions.   Advice: - Upper Thailand (March 29-April 1): Prepare for summer storms, avoid open areas, large trees, and unstable structures in provinces like Chiang Mai, Tak, Loei, Kanchanaburi, and Bangkok due to risks of hail, lightning, and strong winds. - Health Precautions: Limit outdoor time in the heat (up to 41°C in the north) and stay hydrated, especially in hazy northern and northeastern areas with poor air quality. - Farmers: Secure crops and livestock ahead of storms, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Phetchabun, and Nakhon Ratchasima. - Southern Coasts: Exercise caution near the Gulf and Andaman Sea waves may exceed 1-2 meters during thunderstorms in Krabi, Songkhla, and Trat. - Bangkok: Expect hazy heat (34-38°C) and possible thunderstorms, monitor updates, and avoid risky areas. - Stay informed via TMD forecasts as conditions evolve rapidly with this weather pattern.  

Travelers at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport face significant disruptions on March 27, 2025, due to a strike by ground handling and customer service teams, compounded by an ongoing Finnair pilot union dispute. As of today, 15 flights are canceled and 64 delayed, with numbers likely to rise.   Advice: - Flight Status: Check updates with Finnair and other affected airlines (DAT, Freedom Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo, Iberia, Norwegian), expect more cancellations and delays as the strike continues. - EC 261/2004 Rights: Demand rebooking to your destination ASAP, even on other airlines, plus meals and accommodation for long delays, request refunds for canceled flights, including non-refundable tickets. - Pilot Dispute Impact: Watch for Finnair cancellations (1-15 daily) due to the union dispute, and compensation applies if within airline control, alongside Duty to Care. - Preparation: Pack essentials in carry-on, arrive early, and monitor airport announcements, as baggage handling and check-in are disrupted. - Legal Note: Finnair faces a lawsuit for denying EC 261/2004 claims; assert your rights firmly if affected.