News & Reports

A significant number of inmates escaped from Machava Maximum Security Prison (B.O) in Maputo Province earlier today. The situation is critical, with escapees reported on the streets. Authorities have heightened security and established checkpoints in the area to manage the situation and locate the escaped individuals.#   Advice: Avoid traveling near the prison and surrounding areas. Be cautious, anticipate possible delays due to checkpoints, and stay updated through reliable local sources. Follow all instructions from authorities.  

On Dec. 24, 2024, the Israeli Health Ministry confirmed a polio case in an unvaccinated 17-year-old from the Jerusalem area. Officials are conducting contact tracing and monitoring potential spread. This follows a recent polio outbreak in Gaza, underscoring the importance of preventive measures.   Advice: Ensure all household members, including adults, are vaccinated against polio. Vaccination is the most effective protection. Maintain proper hand hygiene and avoid contact with unvaccinated individuals to reduce the risk of transmission.  

On Dec. 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crashed at Aktau Airport while en route from Baku to Grozny. The plane carried 67-105 passengers, with six survivors confirmed. The crash, possibly caused by a bird strike, occurred after circling the airport. Delays and cancellations are reported at Aktau Airport.   Advice: Avoid the area to allow emergency operations and monitor official updates for further information.  

Protests have erupted across Mozambique after the Constitutional Council confirmed Daniel Chapo as the disputed election winner. Over 130 deaths, including 21 recently, have been reported amid escalating unrest. Demonstrators have attacked police stations, looted businesses, and set vehicles ablaze, especially in Maputo and Beira. Heightened security and roadblocks are causing severe disruptions.   Advice: Avoid areas with reported blockades and plan alternate routes to reduce disruptions. Monitor reliable local updates and follow authorities' instructions.  

American Airlines has implemented a nationwide ground stop for all its flights across the U.S. due to significant technical issues. The disruption is causing widespread delays at airports across the country on one of the year's busiest travel days.   Advice: Confirm flight schedules with airlines before heading to the airport and anticipate extended delays. Stay informed through updates on the airline's official website or social media channels. Consider alternative travel arrangements where possible.  

Severe heatwave warnings are in effect across parts of eastern, northern, and western Australia through at least Dec. 29. Temperatures exceeding 44°C (111°F) are likely. The Australian authorities have issued severe heatwave warnings across the Northern Territory (Carpentaria, Gregory districts), Queensland (Gulf Country, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, North West districts), and Western Australia (Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Central West, Lower West, Central Wheat Belt districts). Extended periods of high heat and dry conditions could heighten bushfire risks.   Advice: Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat, and monitor updates. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of heat stroke or dehydration.  

On December 22, local farmers were killed in an attack by armed militants in Qore Kebele, Gorka District, while they were herding cattle. Previous incidents in the region include the killing of three farmers in Sheko Village, Kereda Kebele, in October 2024. Additionally, in mid-September 2024, four farmers were abducted and later killed. These attacks are reportedly connected to militants crossing over from the West Guji Zone of Oromia Region.   Advice: Minimize travel in isolated and remote areas such as Kore Zone and nearby areas. If in the region, maintain heightened security awareness, limit your movements, travel in groups, and stay informed through reliable local sources.  

The Romanian weather authority has warned of snow and strong winds across much of the country through Dec. 25. Orange warnings for heavy snowfall and blizzards in the Carpathian Mountains are in place till Dec. 25. Yellow warnings for heavy snowfall, blizzards, rain, and strong winds are in place across most of the rest of Romania through early Dec. 25.   Advice: Avoid travel in affected areas. Check road conditions before traveling, and do not attempt to drive on flooded/blocked roads. Monitor weather updates and follow local advisories using the attached link.   https://www.inmh.ro/  

The Bulgarian weather authority has issued orange weather warnings across Gabrovo, western Kardzhali, Lovech, southern Montana, northern Sliven, Smolyan, northern Sofia, southern Targovishte, southern and central Veliko Tarnovo, and southern and central Vratsa provinces Dec. 25 and yellow snow, rain, and wind warnings across parts of northwestern and eastern Bulgaria Dec. 24 and the rest of Bulgaria Dec. 25. Flooding may occur in low-lying areas, while landslides and avalanches are possible in elevated terrain.   Advice: Avoid travel in affected areas. Check road conditions before traveling, and do not attempt to drive on flooded/blocked roads. Monitor weather updates and follow local advisories using the attached link. https://www.meteo.bg/en  

Emergency crews are battling a bushfire in the Grampians National Park area, which has grown to approximately 44,094 hectares (108,959 acres) due to a lightning strike. The fire remains out of control and is advancing northward. An Evacuation Advisory has been issued for Bellfield, Halls Gap, Pomonal, and others. Bellfield, Bellfield Settlement, Flat Rock Crossing, Fyans Creek, Grampians Junction, and Halls Gap are not safe to return. Bellellen, Black Range, Great Western, Jallukar, Lake Fyans, Londonderry, Moyston, Pomonal, Rhymney, and Willaura North are also affected. Residents must monitor conditions and be ready to evacuate.   Advice: Avoid affected areas and adhere to evacuation orders. Plan alternative travel routes. If outside evacuation zones, stay indoors with ventilation to avoid smoke. Monitor updates from VicEmergency at the attached link.   https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/