News & Reports

The IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Center (ICPAC) forecasts that extreme heat conditions will persist throughout March in South Sudan, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 40°C. These conditions pose significant health risks, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The Ministry of Education has extended the closure of all schools until March 17 due to heat-related illnesses.   Advice: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Stay indoors in well-ventilated or air-conditioned spaces when possible. Limit outdoor activities and avoid strenuous tasks during peak heat hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. Be vigilant for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness or nausea, and seek immediate medical attention.  

Tropical Storm Jude is intensifying and is set to affect 13 districts in Malawi's Southern and Central Regions, bringing heavy rainfall of over 100mm and damaging winds. The storm will make landfall in Mozambique between Beira and Nampula by early March 10, with impacts reaching Malawi within 12 hours. The districts facing the most significant risk include Mulanje, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Zomba, Blantyre, Balaka, Ntcheu, Machinga, Neno, Mwanza, Nsanje, and Chikwawa. Residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas of Southern Malawi should be on high alert for potential flooding.   Advice: Avoid non-essential travel in affected regions, as conditions may deteriorate rapidly. Do not attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters; instead, use alternative routes and stay updated on road closures. Ensure you have an emergency kit, including essential documents, medications, and supplies. In case of power outages, have alternative light sources and keep devices charged. If your home is at risk, seek shelter in public buildings or higher ground and follow official evacuation orders. For the latest updates, visit the DCCMS official website at the attached link. https://www.metmalawi.gov.mw/products/daily-forecast/weather-forecast-10th-march-2025/  

Pro-Palestine activists will hold a rally outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Manhattan, NYC, from 16:00 local time (20:00 GMT) on March 10. The demonstration is in response to the arrest of a Palestinian Columbia University student by ICE. Increased foot traffic and potential road closures are expected in the area.   Advice: Expect crowds and potential traffic disruptions around 26 Federal Plaza; plan travel accordingly. Monitor local traffic and transit updates for reroutes or delays. Avoid engaging in political discussions with protesters or bystanders. If tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

Southern Guatemala's Volcán de Fuego erupted on the night of Sunday, March 10, triggering an orange level alert for nearby residents and leading to some road closures. Although no evacuations have been ordered, residents are advised to prepare for possible rapid evacuations. The eruption produced pyroclastic flows and heavy ashfall in communities like Yepocapa and Alotenango. Authorities have restricted traffic on RN-14, banned hiking, and prohibited camping near the mountain's base.   Advice: Avoid the area around the Volcán de Fuego due to pyroclastic flows and volcanic debris risks. Falling ash may impact air quality. If you are in the affected area, wear a mask or face covering to minimize inhalation risks. Authorities have restricted traffic on RN-14, so expect travel disruptions and follow official guidance. Monitor updates from INSIVUMEH and local authorities, and be prepared for potential evacuations.  

Argentina has declared three days of national mourning after flash floods in Bahía Blanca left at least 16 dead and more missing. In a matter of hours, a year's worth of rain fell, submerging neighborhoods and causing power outages. Authorities warned of increased extreme weather due to climate change, highlighting the need for better preparedness.   Advice: Avoid floodwaters; currents can be dangerous. If in a flood-prone area, move to elevated locations and follow evacuation orders. Prepare for power outages; stock up on essentials such as food, water, medications, and flashlights. Follow updates from local authorities and emergency services for safety instructions and weather alerts. Call 911 for emergencies.  

The Verdi union is going on strike on Monday, March 10, which will cause significant disruptions at 11 airports across Germany. This strike is expected to result in approximately 3,400 flight cancellations, affecting around 510,000 passengers. The German Airport Association has described the scale of this strike as unprecedented.   Advice: Confirm cancellations or delays with your airline. Explore alternative transportation; Airlines may rebook you on different flights or provide train tickets for domestic routes. Expect ongoing disruptions; strikes may continue beyond Monday. Stay updated through official airport and airline channels for real-time information.  

The Kenya Meteorological Department warns of heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods in Nairobi, Kiambu, Marsabit, Machakos, Turkana, and nearby areas. Intense downpours exceeding 30mm in 24 hours will peak on March 10. Rainfall will spread to northwestern Kenya before tapering off after March 11. Authorities urge the public to remain cautious.   Advice: Avoid areas prone to flooding and seek higher ground. Stay indoors during storms and secure your windows. Keep drainage systems clear, as blocked drains can worsen flooding. Stock up on essential supplies such as food, water, medications, and flashlights in case of power outages. Monitor updates from local authorities for real-time weather information.  

Health authorities in São Paulo confirmed last Saturday the region’s first case of mpox. The patient, a 29-year-old woman from the São Paulo metropolitan area, had contact with a relative who recently arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mpox spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Officials are actively monitoring the situation to prevent further transmission.   Advice: Avoid skin-to-skin contact with individuals showing rashes or flu-like symptoms. Maintain good hygiene and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Monitor for symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions, seeking medical attention if they appear. Stay informed through official updates from Brazil’s Ministry of Health.    

Johannesburg is experiencing extensive power outages, with City Power reporting over 6,000 outage calls. The disruptions are primarily attributed to cable theft and recent flooding, which have severely impacted the city's electrical infrastructure. Residents are facing prolonged periods without electricity as repair teams work to address the issues.   Advice : Stay Informed: Monitor updates from City Power and local news outlets for the latest information on power restoration efforts. Exercise Caution: Be vigilant against opportunistic crime during outages; ensure security measures are in place. Prepare for Extended Outages: Stock up on essential supplies, including water, non-perishable food, batteries, and fuel for generators, anticipating prolonged power interruptions. Avoid Downed Power Lines: Stay clear of fallen or exposed electrical lines and report them to City Power immediately. For emergencies, contact local emergency services at 10111 Stay connected with community alerts and updates through official social media channels and local news broadcasts.    

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has brought heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and severe flooding to Southeast Queensland, leading to widespread power outages and disruptions. As of Sunday evening, approximately 316,540 properties are without power, with the Gold Coast being the hardest hit, accounting for over 112,000 outages. Authorities have issued major flood warnings for several rivers in the region, and emergency services are conducting rescue operations in affected areas.   Advice: Avoid unnecessary travel: Many roads are flooded or closed. Stay updated on road conditions through local news outlets and official traffic management websites. Stay informed: Monitor updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and local emergency services for the latest weather warnings and safety instructions. Prepare for power outages: Ensure you have essential supplies such as water, food, medications, and batteries. Follow evacuation orders: If instructed by authorities, evacuate promptly to designated shelters. Avoid floodwaters: Do not attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas, as water levels can rise rapidly and pose significant risks. For emergencies, contact local emergency services at 000. Stay connected with community alerts and updates through official social media channels and local news broadcasts.