News & Reports

Pro-Palestine activists plan to hold a substantial protest at Piccadilly Circus in London from 17:00 on December 28. Several thousand 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.  

Severe weather is forecast across central Brazil provinces through January 2, 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.   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.  

Schiphol International Airport (AMS) in Amsterdam is experiencing severe flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, as of 1:00 local time on December 28. The disruptions are due to heavy fog and may persist until the end of the day.   Advice: Reconfirm all flight reservations at AMS. Plan and prepare for severe flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations.  

Severe weather is forecast in South Africa's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces through January 3, 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.   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. See the attached link for further updates. https://www.weathersa.co.za/  

Local media reports indicate that an explosion at a factory in Kadoma, near the city of Osaka, has injured at least three individuals. Emergency responders are on site and have set up roadblocks nearby.   Advice: Avoid the area until local authorities declare it safe. If operating nearby, plan and prepare for roadblocks and transport disruptions. Closely follow all instructions by local officials.  

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake struck central Ethiopia at approximately 10:30 on December 28, with its epicenter located approximately 111 km north-northeast of Nazret. The quake likely caused light tremors across central areas, including Addis Ababa. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged, and significant damage is considered unlikely. However, comprehensive damage assessments may take several hours, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible in the coming days.   Advice: Plan and prepare for possible aftershocks. Closely follow reliable local news outlets. Consider vacating unstable buildings.  

Activists are organizing a demonstration at Bab el Had Square in Rabat on December 29, starting at 10:30. Several hundred participants are expected. Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity.   Advice: Avoid the protest site as a precautionary. Adhere to all guidelines issued by local authorities and allow for additional time if traveling in the area.  

Emergency services are addressing a significant fire that broke out in the early afternoon of December 28 at multiple scrap warehouses within the Wajid Ali Compound in Mumbai. No casualties have been reported so far. Authorities may implement traffic restrictions in the vicinity as they manage the situation. Smoke from the blaze could negatively impact air quality in nearby areas. Evacuations may be carried out if the fire spreads.   Advice: Stay away from the impacted area until officials declare it safe. Use alternate routes and plan for extra travel time to reach nearby locations. Adhere to all directives from local authorities, including evacuation orders if issued. If possible, stay indoors to minimize exposure to smoke.  

Unionized workers in Madrid plan to protest on Dec. 28 at 12:00 on Francisco de Rojas Street, demanding better contracts in the audio-visual production sector. Hundreds are expected to attend, with increased security and potential road and transport disruptions. Violence is not expected.   Advice: Steer clear of protests as a precautionary measure. Allow for additional travel time in the impacted areas and follow directions from law enforcement officials.  

Mozambique faces widespread unrest after the Constitutional Council confirmed Daniel Chapo's victory in the October 9 election. Violent protests have erupted in major cities, causing casualties, vandalism, and service disruptions. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane disputes the results, urging ongoing demonstrations and vowing to take office on January 15. The unrest has led to fuel shortages, transport disruptions, and strained healthcare, particularly in Maputo. Heightened security measures and further protests, road blockages, and looting are anticipated nationwide.   Advice: Exercise caution in Mozambique through early January. Avoid gatherings, political events, and yellow clothing. Stay away from police, government sites, and unrest. Follow the news, heed authorities, and stay in contact with your embassy. Reconfirm plans, prepare for disruptions and stock essentials.