News & Reports

La Fraternidad, the railway union, has announced a nationwide 24-hour strike, including in Buenos Aires, scheduled for March 1, which coincides with Railway Workers' Day. This decision follows demands for higher salaries.   Advice: Plan alternative means of transport on March 1. Expect delays and allow extra travel time. Be prepared for potential congestion on other public transportation services.  

Pro-Palestine activists from Students for Palestine Western Australia (WA) and other organizations are planning to rally at and around the Murray Street Mall in Perth's central business district (CBD) on February 27, starting around 1:00 PM local time (5:00 AM GMT). The rally aims to express solidarity with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are likely in the area, and counter-demonstrations may occur.   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.  

Heavy rainfall in Ecuador continues to cause floods, landslides, and significant damage, increasing declared emergency provinces from six to eight. So far, nine people have died, and nearly 1,100 have been displaced. The worst-hit provinces include Azuay, Carchi, Esmeraldas, Pichincha, Santo Domingo, Los Ríos, Guayas, and Manabí, facing river flooding and road closures. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue across much of the country, particularly in the western and coastal regions.   Advice: Avoid affected areas and exercise caution on roads prone to flooding. Postpone non-essential travel. If driving, avoid crossing flooded roads. Keep battery-powered devices charged for possible power outages. Monitor updates from local authorities and weather services.  

Heavy rainfall in Malawi's Southern Region has raised water levels in the Shire River, causing silt build-up and damaging hydroelectric power stations. Consequently, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has started emergency load shedding, leading to daily power outages of at least three hours, though the reported outages are more prolonged. These disruptions have significantly impacted daily life and business operations across the country.   Advice: Prepare for extended power outages by keeping devices charged, securing alternative light sources, and planning activities around the load-shedding schedule. Stay updated through local news outlets for the latest information.  

Since February 19, heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding and landslides in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and multiple injuries. The most affected areas include the N2 at Murchison, Umbango Bridge, Nkongweni Bridge at Margate, and Isipingo on the N2 south of Durban. Numerous roads are impassable, and evacuations are underway. The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 2 warning, forecasting continued rainfall over the next 24 hours.   Advice: Residents in low-lying areas should move to higher ground immediately. Avoid travel in affected regions due to hazardous conditions. Stay updated through official channels and adhere to all safety directives.  

A tour bus in Prachinburi, 155 km east of Bangkok, overturned on a steep road due to brake failure, resulting in 18 fatalities and 23 injuries among 49 passengers. Emergency services responded promptly and are assisting with rescue operations. Authorities have charged the driver with reckless driving while an investigation is ongoing.   Advice: Exercise caution when traveling on Thai roads, especially on steep or unfamiliar routes, as road accidents and fatalities are common in Thailand. Ensure vehicles are well-maintained and meet safety standards. Avoid traveling during adverse weather conditions or at night.  

Since the morning hours of February 25, a massive snowstorm has been affecting western Georgia. The weather conditions have caused severe flight disruptions, including cancellations, at Batumi's airport (BUS). The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist until the early morning hours of February 28.   Advice: Plan and prepare for severe flight disruptions, including cancellations, at Batumi's airport (BUS). Confirm flight reservations before heading to the airport. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity and exercise extreme caution when driving throughout western Georgia.  

A shooting incident took place at the Macedonia Bus Station in Thessaloniki earlier today, resulting in one person's death. Local media reported that the suspects, believed to be of Turkish nationality, arrived in a jeep and opened fire on two individuals in another vehicle. The investigation has been assigned to the organized crime unit. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, which has been cordoned off.   Advice: Avoid the Macedonia Bus Station area due to ongoing police activity and potential safety risks. Expect possible travel disruptions and increased security presence in the vicinity. Stay informed through local news outlets and follow any instructions issued by authorities.  

Police have deployed teargas to disperse Technical University of Kenya (TUK) students protesting at Jogoo House, the Ministry of Education headquarters in Nairobi. The demonstration occurred in response to the university's closure on February 3, following staff strikes due to delayed salaries. This marks the second protest since the institution's shutdown.   Advice: Avoid the Jogoo House area due to ongoing unrest and potential confrontations. Anticipate possible traffic disruptions and heightened security presence in the vicinity. Stay informed through local news updates and adhere to any directives issued by authorities.  

A tropical depression has formed over the Southwest Indian Ocean, approximately 555 km northwest of Réunion and 605 km northwest of Mauritius, with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h. Forecasts indicate that the system will strengthen into a tropical cyclone, potentially reaching maximum sustained winds up to 158 km/h, and is expected to pass between Réunion and Mauritius on February 27. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, rough seas, and storm surges are anticipated over Réunion, Mauritius, and eastern Madagascar in the next 48 hours.   Advice: Avoid low-lying coastal areas and waterways to reduce flood risk. Secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary journeys during adverse weather. Monitor local weather updates and adhere to advisories from authorities.