News & Reports

Over 17,000 people have been affected by flooding in Sri Lanka's Hambantota, Nuwara-Eliy, and Polonnaruwa Districts caused by recent showers and thunderstorms throughout Sri Lanka over the past few days. Severe weather is forecast to persist throughout Sri Lanka until January 23, potentially worsening conditions in the districts mentioned above and creating new, hazardous conditions in other parts of the country.   Advice: Avoid the area and reconsider traveling there until the floods have settled. Avoid high-risk areas, such as low-lying regions, coasts, and underdeveloped urban centers, if operating nearby. Closely follow all instructions by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Plan and prepare for possible power outages and disruptions to transport. Follow reliable local media outlets for further updates.  

Chile is currently battling multiple forest fires across seven regions. The most severe fires occur in Los Sauces, La Araucanía, where over 4,000 hectares have burned, and in El Canelo, San José de Maipo, where more than 100 hectares have been consumed, prompting a red alert. Evacuation orders have been issued for El Canelo and El Canelo Alto residents. Authorities urge residents to comply with these evacuation directives and warn against approaching affected areas. Currently, 10 active fires have affected over 4,420 hectares nationwide.   Advice: Evacuate immediately if you are in an area affected by fires. Limit outdoor activities to reduce smoke exposure. Follow official instructions and use designated evacuation routes. Monitor local media for further updates and advisories.  

A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 PM on Monday to 6 PM on Tuesday for southeast Texas, including the Houston metropolitan area. Snowfall is expected to total between 3 to 5 inches, with ice accumulation of up to 0.1 inches leading to hazardous road conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses. George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airports will close at midnight Tuesday, with operations potentially resuming Wednesday based on weather. An arctic front will bring the coldest air of the season, and airlines are offering travel waivers to allow flight changes without fees.   Advice: Delay all travel if possible. Check your flight details and contact the relevant airline company for more information. Check travel reservations and road conditions before leaving. Expect potential delays and supply chain disruptions. Stay updated through local media.  

Volcanic activity has been reported at Santa Maria volcano in Guatemala as of January 19, 2025, with warnings issued for areas within 10 km (6 miles) of the volcano. The situation may impact air travel and safety for those in the vicinity.   Advice: Avoid travel within 10 km (6 miles) of the volcano and monitor updates from local authorities and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC). Be aware of potential air quality issues and disruptions to flights in the region. Travelers should check with airlines for updates on possible delays or cancellations.  

A Landslide Warning has been issued for the Cordillera Occidental region, southeast of Macará in Loja, Ecuador, due to heavy rainfall increasing the risk of landslides. The affected area includes mountainous terrain with vulnerable slopes, posing significant hazards to residents and travelers.   Advice: Avoid travel to the affected areas and exercise caution in nearby regions. Monitor updates from local authorities and weather agencies, and be prepared for potential road closures and disruptions. If residing in the area, stay alert to evacuation orders and ensure emergency supplies are readily available.  

The Ugandan Ministry of Health has identified five districts—Rakai, Kyotera, Isingiro, Kalangala, and Ntungamo—as high-risk areas for a potential Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak. This precaution follows an alert from the World Health Organization regarding a suspected Marburg outbreak in neighboring Tanzania, where nine individuals reportedly exhibited symptoms consistent with MVD, resulting in eight fatalities. In response, Ugandan health authorities have initiated public health communications and are actively monitoring for probable cases in these districts, emphasizing the importance of vigilance due to frequent cross-border movements.   Advice: Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk districts identified by health authorities, including Rakai, Kyotera, Isingiro, Kalangala, and Ntungamo. Practice strict hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Stay updated on the situation through the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.  

Police and explosives teams are responding to "threatening" messages at Graz train station in Styria, Austria. The station has been evacuated as authorities conduct a thorough search of the premises. Train services are currently suspended or rerouted, causing significant travel disruptions in the area.   Advice: Avoid the Graz train station and surrounding areas until authorities confirm it is safe to return. Check with local train services or the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) for updates on train schedules and alternative routes. If you are in the area, follow the instructions of local authorities and remain alert to further announcements.  

Cyclone Sean has intensified into a Category 2 system. It is expected to strengthen as it moves westward, parallel to the coast, but landfall is not anticipated. Areas under a warning include Whim Creek, Karratha, Dampier, Onslow, and Exmouth. Gale-force winds and destructive gusts of up to 150 km/h are forecast, along with heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding. Additionally, a storm tide may lead to minor flooding along the foreshore. Advice: Avoid coastal and low-lying areas, secure property, stay away from doors and windows, and keep an emergency kit nearby. Check the attached link for the latest weather advisories. http://www.bom.gov.au/  

Ongoing clashes between FARC dissidents and ELN militants in the Catatumbo region have resulted in at least 60 fatalities and displaced over 3,000 people, including 2,500 from Tibu. The violence has led to a state of emergency in Cúcuta, with Ecopetrol suspending activities in the area due to security risks. The Colombian army has deployed an additional 300 personnel in response to escalating violence. Authorities have accused armed groups of committing "war crimes," further intensifying tensions. Advice: Avoid travel to the Catatumbo region and surrounding areas. Monitor local news and follow instructions from authorities. If in affected areas, secure shelter and remain alert to potential armed clashes. Reconsider non-essential travel plans to Norte de Santander.  

Firefighters are battling a large wildfire spreading between Lampa and Santiago de Chile's northwestern neighborhoods. Reports indicate that several local roads have been cut off and that Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) may experience disruptions as firefighters battle to contain the blaze.   Advice: Avoid the area between Lampa and northwestern Santiago de Chile until the situation is under control. If you are in or near Lampa or northwestern Santiago de Chile, prepare for potential evacuations by packing essential items and following evacuation orders promptly. Limit outdoor activities to reduce smoke exposure, and use N95 masks or stay indoors with windows closed to protect your respiratory health. If traveling through Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL), plan and prepare for flight disruptions and reconfirm reservations. Monitor local media outlets for further updates and advisories.