News & Reports

Severe flood warnings have been issued for the Hauts-de-France and Grand Est regions in northern France following several days of torrential rainfall. The warnings remain in effect until February 9. Authorities have identified the River Somme as the area at highest risk of flooding and have advised the public to avoid the vicinity.   Advice: Reconsider travel to the affected regions until conditions improve. If in the vicinity, stay clear of low-lying areas, flood-prone zones, and riverbanks, particularly areas near the River Somme, where the risk of severe flooding is highest. Exercise caution when navigating roads, as flooding may cause sudden closures or hazardous conditions. Follow all official instructions and monitor local updates for developments.  

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will gather outside 10 Downing Street to demand the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister and PTI leader Imran Khan while protesting alleged irregularities in the February 2024 Pakistani general election from 14:00 on February 8. The demonstration is expected to draw an increased police presence and may cause disruptions to traffic and pedestrian movement in the area.   Advice: To stay safe, steer clear of the demonstration site. Plan alternative routes and anticipate possible transport disruptions if traveling nearby. Follow all official directives and leave the area immediately at any sign of escalation.  

Recently, locals near Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José have expressed their dissatisfaction with booming tourism by throwing rocks at passing vehicles. One such incident resulted in a car crash, injuring two tourists. Authorities are addressing the situation but have yet to implement measures to ensure the safety of travelers in the area.   Advice: Exercise extreme caution when transporting to and from SJO. Consider transporting in buses to reduce the risk of harm. Plan and prepare for transport disruptions to and from SJO.  

Pro-Palestine activists plan to hold a major protest march from Whitehall to the U.S. Embassy in London from noon on February 15. Several thousand participants are expected. Severe transport disruptions and a substantial security presence are expected throughout southwestern London.   Advice: Avoid the demonstration site and exercise caution throughout southwestern London as a preventive measure. 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.  

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Guatemala in the early hours of February 5, 2025, with its epicenter in the Pacific Ocean near the coast of Suchitepéquez. While no fatalities have been reported, there was material damage in areas such as the National Hospital of San Marcos. A 4.5 aftershock was also recorded shortly after. Advice: Stay calm, activate your emergency plan if needed, and avoid using elevators. If driving during aftershocks, stop your vehicle in a safe location. Remain alert for potential aftershocks and follow instructions from local authorities.

A wildfire has been raging near El Bolsón, Río Negro, since January 30, claiming at least one life and forcing the evacuation of over 800 residents. More than 2,500 hectares have been burned, with several homes destroyed. Evacuations have also impacted hikers in the region, with the fire reaching mountain "refugios". Emergency services have been working around the clock to control the blaze. The fire danger remains high over the next 48 hours.   Advice: Residents and travelers in Patagonia should stay updated on evacuation orders and avoid affected areas. Monitor local news for developments and emergency updates. If you are in the region, follow local authorities' instructions and take precautions to protect yourself from smoke inhalation.  

The Naval Hydrography Service's Flood Prevention Center has issued a warning for a significant rise in the Río de la Plata's water levels. Projections indicate that during the early hours of Wednesday, February 5, the river will be approximately 1.10 meters above standard tide levels. This surge is anticipated to affect coastal and riverside regions, particularly Ensenada, Berisso, and the coastal areas of Buenos Aires City. Forecasts suggest water levels could reach up to 2.10 meters at the Port of La Plata and 2.30 meters in San Fernando, potentially impacting Tigre and the Paraná Delta's first section.   Advice: Avoid the area and reconsider travel until conditions improve. If nearby, stay away from low-lying areas and flood-prone zones. Follow all official instructions.  

Power outages have been scheduled in several neighborhoods of Bogotá on February 5 due to maintenance work by Enel Colombia. Affected areas include parts of Suba, Engativá, Usaquén, Chapinero, and Fontibón, among others. The outages are expected to last several hours, depending on the maintenance schedule.   Advice: Plan accordingly for potential disruptions to electricity-dependent services. Charge essential devices in advance, use alternative lighting sources if necessary, and avoid using elevators in affected areas.  

Authorities evacuated Clemenceau metro station in Anderlecht following reports of gunfire in the vicinity. The suspects reportedly fled the scene, and no casualties have been confirmed at this time. As a precaution, Brussels-Midi station was also evacuated, and metro services on lines 2 and 6 and tram lines 4 and 10 were temporarily suspended in affected areas. A police investigation is ongoing and heightened security measures remain in place.   Advice: Avoid the impacted areas and follow instructions from local authorities. Expect potential disruptions to public transport. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.  

Severe weather is forecast across Peru through February 11, with heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms expected to affect the entire region. Flooding may occur in low-lying areas, while landslides are possible in hilly regions. Urban flooding could disrupt transport, utilities, and business operations. Travel disruptions are likely on roads, railways, and airports. Prolonged power outages may occur in areas hit with harsh weather conditions.   Advice: Verify all travel reservations and check road conditions before leaving. Allow for possible travel delays and supply chain disruptions in flood-affected areas. Avoid driving on flooded roads, and ensure battery-powered devices are charged in case of extended power outages. Follow local media outlets for further updates.