News & Reports

Farmers in northern India expected to continue their protests through late December. These protests took place at the borders of Punjab State and New Delhi, which has caused disruptions in statewide train services. Potential protest gathering sites include lawmakers' offices and residences, government buildings, public squares, transportation hubs, major thoroughfares, and interstate highways. There have been occasional clashes between activists and law enforcement, with police using significant force to disperse crowds. The farmers have scheduled a shutdown strike in Punjab State on December 30.   Advice: If there are signs of an upcoming protest, consider leaving the area. Be aware of potential local transport and business disruptions. Follow official security and transport advisories, and avoid protest roadblocks until police have cleared them.

Intense weather conditions, including heavy rain, isolated thunderstorms, and sporadic occurrences of snow and hail, are expected to impact western areas of Honshu, Japan's largest island, through late December 24. These conditions could lead to extended power outages, landslides in elevated and mountainous terrains, and flooding in coastal zones and low-lying regions like valleys.   Advice: Exercise extra vigilance in regions susceptible to landslides or flooding. Verify road conditions before traveling, and avoid attempting to drive through flooded areas. Charging battery-powered devices beforehand is advisable to prepare for potential power outages. Refer to the attached link for additional weather updates and guidance. https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html  

Brazilian authorities issued a flood warning for most of Sao Paulo state in the morning hours of December 21, in effect until at least the end of December 24.   Advice: If possible, avoid the area and reconsider traveling there until the flood warning is lifted. If operating nearby, avoid high-risk areas, such as low-lying regions, coasts, and underdeveloped urban centers. Closely follow all instructions by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Plan and prepare for possible power outages and disruptions to transport. Follow reliable local media outlets for further updates.  

Authorities have issued a warning about toxic fumes extending up to 10 kilometers from the site of a recent fire at a plastic factory in Bang Phli Yai, approximately 35 km southeast of Bangkok. Although the fire has been extinguished, the warning will remain effective until 7:00 AM local time on December 22.   Advice: Stay clear of the area until the risk of toxic fumes has been resolved. If you are in the vicinity, remain indoors in well-ventilated spaces and adhere closely to all official instructions.  

Unexpected power outages continue to affect Ecuador, with a nationwide blackout occurring early December 21. Authorities have since restored power, but widespread and prolonged power outages are expected in the coming days. Reports of vandalism and increased crime during power outages are standard, with some local police departments issuing stay-inside warnings during blackouts.   Advice: Avoid unnecessary travel and exercise increased caution during power outages, especially at night. Consider pre-charging battery-powered devices in case of prolonged power outages. Prepare for disruptions to essential services such as public transport, communications, ATMs, etc.  

Following a substantial protest march with an estimated 20,000 participants on December 20 outside the US Embassy in Havana, further protests and rallies are expected over the coming days to demand the removal of Cuba from the US's terrorism-sponsoring countries list. Substantially elevated security measures and localized transport interruptions are expected throughout northern Havana. Altercations between police and activists are plausible.   Advice: As a safety measure, avoid the area and plan routes to bypass it. If operating in northern Havana, plan and prepare for traffic delays and other disruptions. Closely follow all instructions by local law enforcement officials. Stay away from large crowds and gatherings and leave at the first sign of escalation.  

Pro-Palestine activists plan to protest at State Library Victoria in Melbourne from noon on December 22. Several hundred participants are likely to attend. A substantial security presence is expected near the area, potentially leading to localized transport disruptions.   Advice: Avoid the vicinity and seek alternative routes to bypass it. If you're active in the region, anticipate and prepare for potential transportation disruptions. Adhere strictly to any instructions provided by local authorities. Depart immediately if tensions rise, and avoid engaging in discussions about the topic.    

Severe weather, including intensive rainfall, scattered thunderstorms, and powerful gusts of wind, is forecast across the northern regions of New Zealand's Southern Island until late December 23. The weather conditions may cause prolonged power outages, landslides in hilly and mountainous regions, and flooding near the coast and in low-lying areas such as valleys.   Advice: Exercise heightened caution in areas prone to landslides or flooding. Check road conditions before traveling and refrain from driving through flooded roads. Consider pre-charging battery-powered devices in advance in case of power outages. See the attached link for further weather-related updates and advice. https://www.metservice.com/    

Kenya Railways has announced a temporary suspension of commuter train services in Nairobi County from Dec. 23 to Jan. 5. However, services like the Madaraka Express and weekly Safari trains to Nanyuki and Kisumu will continue as usual. The reason for the suspension has not been disclosed. With the suspension in place, demand for alternative transportation options such as taxis, buses, and private vehicles is expected to rise, leading to increased traffic congestion in Nairobi until regular rail services resume.   Advice: Consider using alternative transportation options in Nairobi until Jan. 5, and allow extra time for travel. Be sure to reconfirm the status of rail services before heading  

Heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected across much of Honshu, Japan, through Dec. 24, with up to 70 cm (28 inches) forecast in some regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued yellow warnings for parts of Aomori Prefecture and may expand alerts as conditions evolve. The winter storm could disrupt road and air travel, with hazardous driving conditions, highway closures, and flight delays likely. Sporadic power outages may also occur.   Advice: Stay updated on weather reports and road conditions. If driving in snowy areas, allow extra time, carry an emergency kit, and avoid rural routes that may be impassable. Expect delivery delays and confirm flights. Keep devices charged in case of power outages.