News & Reports

Düsseldorf and Cologne-Bonn airports experienced significant disruptions due to 24-hour warning strikes by public sector employees. At Cologne-Bonn Airport, 106 of 168 scheduled flights were canceled, while Düsseldorf Airport saw approximately one-third of its 334 flights canceled. Further strikes are planned at Munich Airport on February 27 and 28.   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.  

The rainy season in Indonesia causes floods, landslides, and severe weather incidents. In Sisundung Village, a landslide on February 22 resulted in two deaths and destroyed two houses. Bandar Lampung City faced floods and landslides, leading to two fatalities and affecting 9,353 families. Strong winds in Bantul Regency on February 23 injured one person and impacted 27 families. Moderate to heavy rain is expected from February 24 to 27 in South Sumatra, Lampung, and most of Java island.   Advice: Avoid low-lying coastal areas and waterways to reduce flood risk. Exercise caution if traveling in affected regions. Check road conditions before traveling and refrain from driving through flooded roads.  

Severe flash floods across Botswana have resulted in seven fatalities, including three children, and have displaced over 1,700 residents following more than a week of heavy rainfall. The capital, Gaborone, experienced significant impacts, with overflowing dams leading to vehicles being swept away and properties inundated. Authorities have temporarily closed schools and restricted road access in affected regions.   Advice: Avoid travel to flood-affected areas. If you are in these regions, seek higher ground immediately and adhere to all local authority directives. Stay informed through official channels for updates and exercise caution due to potential hazards such as unstable structures and contaminated water.  

An explosion occurred inside the Russian Consulate in Marseille on February 24. Russian Consul General Stanislav Oranskiy confirmed the incident, stating there were no casualties. The Russian Foreign Ministry described the event as a "terrorist attack" and has demanded a thorough investigation by French authorities. The explosion coincides with the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.   Advice: Avoid the area surrounding the Russian Consulate in Marseille as authorities continue investigating. Remain vigilant, monitor local news for updates, and adhere to any security advisories issued by local officials. Report any suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately.  

Over the past two months, increasing methane gas emissions have been detected in the Awash Fentale area, accompanied by a series of earthquakes in Ethiopia's Rift Valley, including a magnitude 6.0 quake on February 14 near Metehara town. These events suggest potential volcanic activity, with over 55,000 individuals already displaced due to the seismic disturbances. The Ethiopian Geological Institute has reported steam emissions from the Dofan volcano, indicating possible eruptive behavior.   Advice: Consider non-essential travel to the affected areas until further notice. Ensure emergency preparedness plans are in place, including evacuation routes and communication strategies. Monitor official updates from local authorities and geological agencies.  

Nepali health authorities report that dengue infections have remained unexpectedly high during winter, with over 2,000 cases and 151 hospitalizations in the last two months. The outbreak has spread across 76 districts, and experts warn that underreporting may hide the crisis. Despite cooler temperatures, daytime conditions still support mosquito activity, raising concerns about a surge in cases as temperatures rise.   Advice: To avoid mosquito bites, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and ensure that your accommodations are air-conditioned. Stay informed by following updates from local health authorities, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, rash, or severe muscle pain.  

Pro-Palestinian march is scheduled for 19:00 on February 27 near Plaza Independencia, approximately 6.2 km from the Israeli Embassy. The event is expected to attract hundreds of participants. Enhanced security measures and localized disruptions may occur, and counterprotests are possible.   Advice: Avoid the protest area. Plan alternative routes if traveling nearby and allow extra time for your journey. Follow all official instructions and avoid engaging in politically charged discussions. Leave the vicinity promptly if tensions escalate.  

Eskom, South Africa's primary power utility, has escalated load shedding to Stage 6 as of early February 23, 2025, due to multiple generation unit failures at Majuba and Camden power stations. This level involves reducing 6,000 megawatts from the national grid, leading to more frequent and prolonged power outages 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 official Eskom channels and local news outlets for the latest information.  

On Saturday evening, February 22, more than 20 fishermen were killed and several others injured near a border point in Todonyang, Kenya. The shooting was carried out by suspected members of the Ethiopian Dassanech militia. In the attack, the assailants ambushed five boats and seized three firearms.   Advice: Avoid non-essential travel to the Todonyang area and border areas due to the risk of further attacks and rising tensions. Report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement immediately. Monitor official security updates and follow local authorities' instructions.  

Activists are set to rally outside the Russian Embassy in Madrid today, February 23, at 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT) to show solidarity with Ukraine ahead of the third anniversary of the Russian invasion. Advice: Avoid the area around the Russian Embassy in Madrid today due to potential disruptions and altercations. Consider alternate routes and allow extra travel time. Expect local disruptions and heightened security in these areas.