News & Reports

A potential tropical cyclone is projected to make landfall along Mozambique's coast on Monday (Jan 13), affecting the provinces of Nampula, Zambézia, and Sofala with heavy rain and strong winds. Currently classified as a tropical depression, it is expected to strengthen into a cyclone by Saturday near Madagascar’s east coast, according to Mozambique’s weather office (INAM). Advice: Residents in affected regions should monitor official weather updates and prepare for possible flooding, power outages, and travel disruptions. Secure property, stock up on essential supplies, and follow guidance from local authorities regarding evacuations or safety measures. Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk areas during the storm.

Vanuatu will hold general elections on Jan. 16, with campaigning continuing until Jan. 13. Authorities have declared Jan. 16 a public holiday for voting, which will take place from 07:30 to 16:30. Results are expected within a week of polling. Increased security is likely at campaign events and polling stations, particularly in urban areas like Port Vila. Advice: Exercise caution near large campaign gatherings and polling stations to avoid potential disruptions. Plan for possible localized transport delays, especially in urban areas. Monitor local news for updates on election developments and avoid any protests that may arise.

Adverse winter weather is forecast across Belgium through Jan. 9 as a system moves in from France, bringing snow, sleet, and rain. Orange snow and ice warnings are in effect for Liege Province Jan. 9, with yellow warnings for snow, ice, and heavy rain elsewhere through Jan. 8-9. Hazardous travel conditions, including icy roads and reduced visibility, are likely. Luxembourg Province may experience localized flooding due to persistent rain. Authorities may issue updates as conditions evolve.   Advice: Minimize travel in affected areas and carry emergency supplies if driving. Exercise caution on icy roads, maintain safe distances, and allow extra time for journeys. For weather updates, check the attached link. https://www.meteo.be/en/belgium  

Adverse winter weather is forecast across Germany through at least Jan. 10. A mix of rain, snow, and sleet is expected in southern areas Jan. 8, with heavy snowfall in mountainous regions and thunderstorms in some locations. Persistent rainfall may occur in southwestern and western areas, while strong winds are expected in northern regions. Snow and sleet will likely impact central, eastern, and northern areas Jan. 9-10, with slippery roads and reduced visibility creating hazardous travel conditions. Flooding is possible in areas of heavy rainfall, and sporadic power outages are likely.   Advice: Exercise caution when traveling, especially in mountainous areas. Check road conditions before heading out and avoid unnecessary travel. Charge devices in case of power outages. For official weather warnings, check the attached link. https://www.dwd.de/EN/weather/warnings/warnings_node.html

Political activists aligned with Venezuelan opposition groups plan to gather at Madrid's Puerta del Sol from 18:00 Jan. 9. Attendance is expected to range from several hundred to a few thousand individuals. Authorities will likely deploy additional security to monitor the rally. Localized transport and road disruptions are probable near the protest site. The event is expected to proceed peacefully.   Advice: Avoid the area during the protest to minimize disruptions. Allow extra travel time if commuting through central Madrid and follow the directions of local authorities.  

Unionized rail workers employed by Hellenic Train plan a nationwide strike from 11:00-15:00 Jan. 9. A related protest will occur at Hellenic Train headquarters in Athens, likely overlapping with the strike period. Disruptions to passenger and freight rail services are likely during the strike, with residual delays possibly lasting into the evening. Protests may occur at rail hubs or other Hellenic Train facilities nationwide. Traffic disruptions and potential low-level confrontations between demonstrators and police are possible.   Advice: Confirm travel arrangements in advance. Plan alternative transport options and allow extra time for journeys. Avoid protest areas to minimize delays.  

A union representing university teachers (SYNES) continues an indefinite nationwide strike across public universities, launched Jan. 6 over unpaid allowances. Related protests are likely near universities and government buildings, particularly in urban centers such as Yaoundé. If students support the strike, demonstrations may increase in scale, raising the risk of confrontations with security forces.   Advice: Expect heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions near protest sites, especially near universities and government buildings. If there is any security disturbance, leave the area immediately. Monitor local news for updates and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.  

Campaign groups are planning separate protests in Paris on Jan. 11. Kurdish groups will gather at Gare du Nord from 10:00. Malian activists, led by the Panel of Democrats, will protest at Place de la République from 14:00-18:00. Participation could be significant due to France’s large Kurdish and Malian communities. Authorities will deploy additional police, and localized transport disruptions and heightened security are likely around both locations.   Advice: As a precaution, avoid protest areas. Plan alternative routes to mitigate delays and monitor local traffic updates.  

Activists with Extinction Rebellion (XR) plan to protest by staging a blockade on the A12 motorway in The Hague starting at 12:00 Jan. 11. Based on past actions, over 100 participants are likely. Authorities will likely increase security to manage the protest, and significant transport disruptions are expected on the A12 during the event. Confrontations between activists, law enforcement, or drivers cannot be ruled out.   Advice: Avoid the A12 motorway and nearby routes on Jan. 11. Plan alternative travel routes to minimize delays. Monitor local traffic updates and allow extra travel time if in the area.  

Adverse winter weather is forecast across Ireland through Jan. 10, with widespread severe frost, ice, and lying snow expected. Met Éireann has issued orange low temperature/ice warnings for most of Ireland except County Donegal from Jan. 8-9. Yellow low temperature/ice warnings are in place for County Donegal during the same period and nationwide on Jan. 10. Hazardous driving conditions, transport delays, and increased risks for pedestrians are likely.   Advice: Limit non-essential travel and drive cautiously, particularly on untreated roads. Check weather updates and warnings regularly. For updates, visit Met Éireann at the attached link.   https://www.met.ie/warnings-today.html