News & Reports

A magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Tibet in the early morning hours of January 7. Substantial shaking was likely felt throughout central South Asia. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been confirmed, though assessments are ongoing. Aftershocks and potential tsunami warnings are possible in the coming days.   Advice: As a precaution, avoid multistory buildings in areas affected by the tremor until authorities verify their safety. Plan and prepare for the possibility of aftershocks and potential tsunami warnings in the coming days. Stay tuned to local media outlets and follow all official guidelines closely.  

Severe weather is forecast across eastern Peru through January 11, with heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms expected to affect the entire region. Flooding may occur in low-lying areas, while landslides are possible in hilly regions. Urban flooding could disrupt transport, utilities, and business operations. Travel disruptions are likely on roads, railways, and airports. Prolonged power outages may occur in areas hit with harsh weather conditions.   Advice: Verify all travel reservations and check road conditions before leaving. Allow for possible travel delays and supply chain disruptions in flood-affected areas. Avoid driving on flooded roads, and ensure battery-powered devices are charged in case of extended power outages. Follow local media outlets for further updates.  

Activists are organizing a protest at Pariser Platz in Berlin, scheduled to begin at 11:00 on January 9. Several hundred participants are expected. The protest and the accompanying law enforcement activity are likely to cause disruptions to traffic in the area.   Advice: As a preventive measure, avoid the demonstration site. Plan and prepare routes to bypass the area, and allocate extra time if traveling nearby. Adhere to all official guidelines.  

A significant pro-Palestine rally is currently (22:30 on January 6), taking place at the Palace of Westminster, London. Several hundred participants are attending. Heightened security measures and local transport disruptions are reported nearby, as well as small-scale scuffles between activists and police.   Advice: As a preventive measure, avoid the demonstration site. Plan and prepare routes to bypass the area, and allocate extra time if traveling nearby. Adhere to all official guidelines. Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions about the topic at hand. Immediately leave at the first sign of escalation.  

Events for the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene will take place through Jan. 9, with the main procession in Manila beginning at Quirino Grandstand and ending at Quiapo Church. Around 6.5 million devotees are expected to participate. Road closures will start at 21:00 Jan. 8, with heightened security involving 13,000 personnel. Authorities have banned firecrackers, guns, and liquor on Jan. 9. Localized disruptions to transport, businesses, and maritime activities are likely.   Advice: Plan for significant delays if traveling near procession areas. Secure valuables to avoid petty theft. Follow official instructions and respect security measures.  

Severe weather is forecast across eastern South Africa through Jan. 8, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The following warnings are in effect: - Orange Level 8 Warnings: Eastern KwaZulu-Natal Province - Orange Level 6 Warnings: Gauteng, western KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo Provinces - Orange Level 5 Warnings: Western and central Mpumalanga Expect flooding in low-lying areas, transport disruptions, and potential landslides in hilly regions. Advice: Avoid outdoor activities and seek shelter during storms. Stay away from rivers, low-lying areas, and slopes prone to landslides. Prepare for possible power outages by charging electronic devices. For the official weather warnings, please refer to the attached link. https://www.weathersa.co.za/  

Human rights activists are set to stage protests across Kenya on January 6. In Nairobi, demonstrators intend to disrupt major thoroughfares, including Jogoo Road, Lang'ata Road, Mombasa Road, Ngong Road, and Uhuru Highway. Additional protests may occur in cities such as Embu, Mombasa, and Karatina, potentially drawing thousands of participants. Heightened security measures are anticipated, including road closures and temporary movement restrictions. Significant disruptions to transportation services are likely, particularly around protest hotspots. There is also a risk of confrontations between protesters and law enforcement.   Advice: Minimize unnecessary travel throughout Kenya on January 6, mainly if operating in major cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa. Closely follow all instructions by local authorities. Avoid large crowds and gatherings. Plan and prepare for severe disruptions to transport and other public services.  

Severe weather is forecast across Botswana and northeastern South Africa through January 9, with heavy rainfall, scattered thunderstorms, and powerful winds expected to affect the regions above. Flooding may occur in low-lying areas as well as underdeveloped urban centers. Landslides are possible in hilly and mountainous regions. Prolonged power outages are plausible. The adverse conditions could disrupt transport, utilities, and business operations. Travel disruptions are likely on roads, railways, and airports.   Advice: Verify all travel reservations and check road conditions before leaving. Allow for possible travel delays and supply chain disruptions in flood-affected areas. Avoid driving on flooded roads. Ensure battery-powered devices are charged in case of extended power outages. Exercise caution in hilly and mountainous regions, as landslides pose a severe risk. Follow local media outlets for further updates and advisories.  

Pro-Palestine activists plan to hold a substantial protest at SF General Hospital in northeastern San Francisco, California, from 11:00 on January 6. Several hundred participants are expected to attend. Local transport disruptions and bolstered security measures are likely nearby, and small-scale counterdemonstrations cannot be ruled out.   Advice: As a preventive measure, avoid the demonstration site. Plan and prepare routes to bypass the area, and allocate extra time if traveling nearby. Adhere to all official guidelines. Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions about the topic at hand. Immediately leave at the first sign of escalation.  

A large security presence is ongoing in downtown Quito due to the start of Ecuador's presidential and congressional election campaign. Road closures near the Carondelet Presidential Palace and potential rallies, including one supporting President Daniel Noboa on Jan. 5, are causing transport and business disruptions. Advice: Avoid the downtown Quito area to minimize exposure to disruptions and heightened security measures. Plan alternative routes for travel and monitor local updates for developments related to the election campaign