News & Reports

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers have been staging a sit-in demonstration outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram since February 10, demanding increased honorariums, retirement benefits, and improved working conditions. The protest has gained support from various political and social groups, with plans to intensify on March 8, International Women’s Day, by calling on more women supporters to join.   Advice: Expect increased congestion and possible road closures around the Secretariat area on March 8 due to the anticipated escalation of the protest. Plan your travel accordingly to avoid delays. Stay updated through local news sources and follow instructions from local authorities. If you are near a protest, remain calm and avoid confrontation.  

Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a Category 2 system, is moving toward the southeast coast of Queensland, with landfall expected between Brisbane and the Gold Coast late Friday or early Saturday. Evacuation orders are in place for several towns in northeast New South Wales, including Lismore and The Pocket, due to heavy rainfall and flooding risks. Severe weather has caused power outages for at least 10,000 homes between Tweed Heads and Bulahdelah, and major flood warnings are active along the Richmond River. Residents in coastal areas are advised to prepare for possible evacuations. Public transport in Queensland has been suspended, and many schools in northeast New South Wales are closed.   Advice: If you are in the affected regions, follow evacuation orders and stay updated through official channels. Secure your property against strong winds and potential flooding. Avoid non-essential travel, especially near coastal areas, as conditions may deteriorate rapidly. Ensure you have an emergency kit ready, including essential documents, medications, and supplies. In case of power outages, have alternative light sources and keep devices charged. For emergency assistance, contact local authorities. https://zoom.earth/storms/alfred-2025/  

Heavy rains have prompted an emergency declaration across parts of 18 coastal departments in Peru, covering areas like Chuquibamba, Ancash (Huari, Chavin de Huantar), and Cotabambas. Authorities predict potential flooding and landslides.   Advice: Persistent rain in Peru’s coastal zones can lead to sudden floods or mudslides, even if not yet reported—roads and towns could clog fast. Steer clear of travel near listed areas—avoid the Pan-American Highway around Ancash or mountain routes to Abancay; take Route 1S via Arequipa if moving south from Lima. Don’t risk driving through standing water; park high and wait it out. Pack a waterproof bag with passport, phone, charger, and a flashlight—outages loom if rain ramps up. In rural spots like San Pedro de Cachora or Longar, stay off low trails and watch for rising streams. Call Peru’s emergency line (105) if trouble hits. Authorities are tracking, with updates if predictions turn real.  

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of a summer storm hitting 40 provinces with heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and lightning starting today. The storm will strike northeastern and eastern regions first, then spread to other areas, while northern Thailand faces intense heat, with some northern and central spots reaching extreme highs.    Advice: Summer storms in Thailand bring sudden downpours, gusts up to 60 km/h, hail, and lightning—flooding roads and toppling trees fast. Avoid travel in the northeast (e.g., Udon Thani, Khon Kaen) and east (e.g., Chonburi, Rayong)—reroute via Highway 1 south through Bangkok or Highway 32 west from Nakhon Ratchasima if crossing regions. Don’t drive during heavy rain; pull over at a gas station or hotel, not under trees or near billboards—winds can snap them. Carry a waterproof bag with your passport, phone, and charger—floods hit quick. If outdoors, stay out of fields or under tall trees; find a solid building if thunder rolls. Call 191 for emergencies. TMD is tracking, with updates as the storm moves.  

Reports confirm flight delays at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) due to adverse weather conditions. Some flights are affected, with ground crews working to move aircraft safely and as quickly as possible. Specific weather details are unclear, but operations are disrupted.   Advice: Weather at YYZ—potentially rain, fog, or wind—can ground flights, delay takeoffs, and divert landings, stranding travelers. Don’t head to the airport without checking your flight status directly with your airline via their app or website (e.g., Air Canada, WestJet). Pack a charger, snacks, and water in your carry-on—delays could stretch hours. If driving to YYZ, take Highway 427 or 409, but expect slowdowns near terminals; park in Terminal 1’s short-term lot for quick access if dropping off. Avoid booking tight connections through YYZ today—reroute via Montreal (YUL) or Vancouver (YVR) if possible.  

Four crews from the Medellín Fire Department are battling a major fire that erupted in a commercial building on Calle 57 and Carrera 54, close to the Cisneros Metro station. The blaze has disrupted Line B of the Medellín Metro, with operations now limited to between Suramericana and San Javier stations. Local reports suggest the fire is intense, and efforts to control it are ongoing.   Advice: Large fires in urban areas like Medellín can spread smoke, block roads, and halt public transit, posing risks to travelers. Avoid the area around Calle 57 and Carrera 54—reroute via Avenida Colombia or Carrera 65 if heading through central Medellín. Don’t use Metro Line B near Cisneros; switch to Line A (Niquía-La Estrella) at San Antonio station or grab a taxi from Suramericana. Carry a mask or scarf for smoke, and keep a charged phone with Colombia’s emergency number (123) ready. If near the fire, stay upwind—head west toward Laureles if possible—and don’t linger near buildings or crowds. Metro and fire officials are monitoring, with updates expected as the situation evolves.  

Power constraints have been reported in Hursthill SDC, and customers are urged to reduce electricity consumption to prevent further strain on the system. Inclement weather may cause delays in restoration efforts. Crews have partially restored power in Craighall Park, but eight load centers remain offline, with teams on-site investigating the issue.   Advice: If you are in the affected areas, limit non-essential electricity use to help prevent further strain on the power system. Keep flashlights, power banks, and backup batteries charged in case of extended outages. Be cautious on the roads, as some traffic lights may not be functioning due to the power disruption. Crews are working on restoring power, but weather conditions may cause delays in repairs. Stay informed by following Hursthill SDC’s WhatsApp channel and report individual outages through City Power or their helpline.  

Heavy flooding has been reported in Johannesburg, with floodwaters inundating roads in the Newlands area. Local first responders have shared footage of submerged streets, warning motorists of hazardous driving conditions across the city. Additional flood-prone areas may see rising water levels as rainfall continues.   Advice: If you are in a flood-prone area, move to higher ground and avoid basements or low-lying structures where water can rise quickly. Do not drive through flooded roads, as even shallow water can sweep vehicles away; instead, use alternative routes and stay updated on road closures. Pedestrians should avoid walking through moving water, as currents can be stronger than they appear. If your home is at risk, seek shelter in public buildings or higher ground and keep emergency supplies like flashlights and charged phones ready. Stay informed through Johannesburg emergency services, or if you are in an emergency, dial 112.  

A large crowd has gathered in Syntagma Square for a new demonstration protesting the Tempe train crash. The rally is part of ongoing public outcry over railway safety concerns following the deadly collision. Increased security measures and potential traffic disruptions are expected in central Athens.   Advice: If you are near Syntagma Square, follow police instructions and be aware of crowd movement. Avoid the immediate area to allow emergency services and public transport to operate smoothly. Those needing alternative routes can use Evangelismos Metro Station (Line 3) or Monastiraki Station (Lines 1 & 3). Public transport delays and road closures are possible, so plan accordingly. Stay updated through local authorities and Athens public transportation services for real-time developments.  

A cholera outbreak in Yirol East and Awerial Counties has resulted in 22 deaths and 488 reported cases, according to health officials. While 461 people have recovered, new cases continue to emerge, particularly in island communities with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Health teams are working to provide safe drinking water, treatment, and vaccinations to control the outbreak.   Advice: If you are in the affected areas, drink only boiled or treated water and avoid consuming raw or unwashed food. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Seek immediate medical care if experiencing symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration. Authorities are preparing a vaccination campaign, and residents should follow health officials’ guidance for prevention and treatment. Stay updated through South Sudan’s Ministry of Health and WHO for further developments.