News & Reports

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Uttar Pradesh, India, has left at least 30 people dead and dozens injured. The incident occurred early Wednesday due to a crowd surge after barriers collapsed amid millions of devotees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences, and the government has launched an investigation.   Advice: Authorities have restricted vehicle movement in the area to manage crowds. Festival attendees should stay alert, avoid congested zones, and follow official instructions to ensure safety. If you are missing a family member, contact local emergency services immediately.  

On January 29, 2025, taxi drivers across Spain are holding a three-hour strike (11 AM – 4 PM) to protest soaring insurance costs, which have surged from €1,000 to over €4,000. Protests vary by region: Madrid faces road blockages, Malaga has a march, and Ibiza & Formentera are striking without demonstrations. Some cities are maintaining limited services.   Advice: Expect delays and transport disruptions. If traveling, plan alternative routes and check for updates from local authorities.  

A plane crash has occurred in Unity Oil Field, South Sudan, resulting in 19 deaths and 2 people in critical condition. The plane, carrying 21 passengers, was departing for Juba when the crash took place. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Authorities are working to gather more details, and the incident has raised concerns about aviation safety.   Advice: Stay updated on official reports and follow safety instructions in case of related travel disruptions.  

January 29, 2025, marks another day of protests in Tbilisi and other major cities across Georgia, starting at 17:00. Demonstrators are rallying against the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks. Key gatherings are scheduled throughout the evening near government buildings, city halls, and public squares   Advice: Avoid protest areas, anticipate transport disruptions, and follow local authorities’ instructions. Increased police presence is likely.  

Health officials in Katakwi District have confirmed a Monkeypox outbreak, with cases reported in Ngariam and Palam sub-counties. Three confirmed cases are in isolation, seven more samples are being tested, and 23 contacts are being monitored.   Advice: Avoid close contact with infected individuals, practice frequent handwashing, and stay alert for official health updates. Report any symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.  

Anti-Trump activists plan to protest at 3927 Buford Hwy NE in Atlanta, Georgia, from 14:00 on February 1. Approximately 1,500 participants are expected. Heightened security measures and traffic delays are expected nearby. Counter-protests are possible.   Advice: As a preventive measure, avoid the demonstration site. Plan routes to bypass the area and allow extra travel time. Adhere to all official guidelines. Refrain from engaging in related geopolitical discussions. Immediately leave at the first sign of escalation.  

Kampala Northern Bypass is set to be under repairs until at least late June 2025, severely disrupting nearby traffic, including some routes to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Local authorities have advised motorists to use alternative routes.   Advice: Avoid using Kampala Northern Bypass until further notice. If you must use it, plan and prepare for severe traffic delays. If traveling through EBB Airport, allocate extra time to reach it as congestion is expected nearby for the foreseeable future.  

Activists plan to demonstrate outside Ericsson House in western Budapest from 17:30 on January 29. Up to 2,000 participants are expected. Heightened security and transport disruptions are likely throughout western Budapest.   Advice: Avoid the demonstration site as a preventive measure. Plan and prepare routes to bypass the area, and allocate extra time if traveling throughout western Budapest in the aforementioned time frame. Adhere to all official guidelines. Leave at the first sign of potential violence.  

Due to scheduled maintenance work, fewer trains will operate to and from Brussels Airport railway station from February 1 to February 21. This will affect train connections between central Brussels, Zaventem, and Leuven, as well as InterCity (IC) trains between the airport and Namur and between Knokke and Liège-Guillemins. Travelers should expect reduced service availability and the possibility of delays during this period.   Advice: Plan your journey and check schedules for alternative routes or services. Allow extra travel time when heading to or from the airport. For more details about train schedule disruptions, check the attached link. https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/travel-info/current/ongoing-disturbances-and-works  

Due to an electricity supply fault, significant rail disruptions have been reported on services between London Paddington and London Heathrow Airport. Trains operated by Great Western Railway, Heathrow Express, and the Elizabeth Line may be canceled, revised, or delayed by up to 60 minutes. The disruption began at approximately 07:00 GMT and is expected to continue until at least 14:00.   Advice: Consider alternative transportation if you are heading to or from Heathrow Airport on January 28. Prepare for the possibility of congestion in other public transportation services.