News & Reports

Anti-fascist groups are set to protest on Wehrgasse, Vienna, starting at 18:00 on December 19. Up to a thousand participants are expected. Local transport disruptions and a heightened police presence are likely nearby.   Advice: Avoid the area and opt for alternative routes to bypass it. Heed all official directives. Plan and prepare for traffic delays if operating nearby.    

As of 15:30 on December 19, a significant fire is raging at Konyo Konyo Market in South Sudan's capital, Juba. The cause of the blaze is unclear. Emergency forces are on sight and blocking nearby roads, disrupting local traffic.   Advice: Steer clear of the affected area until the situation is under control. Opt for alternative routes to bypass the surrounding area. Stay inside well-ventilated buildings if operating in central Juba to limit exposure to smoke. Follow all official guidance, including evacuation directives, without delay.  

Tropical Depression Querubin is expected to continue bringing severe weather conditions through December 23 across the Philippines' central, eastern, and western regions. The Philippine weather agency has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 for Davao Oriental Province, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Low-lying and unstable areas face a heightened risk of flooding and landslides. Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, and Eastern Visayas are forecast to experience heavy to intense rainfall (15-20 cm), while other regions can expect moderate to heavy rain (5-12 cm).   Advice: Avoid low-lying coastal areas and waterways to reduce flood risk. Exercise caution if traveling in affected regions. Secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary journeys during adverse weather. For further updates, see the attached link. https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/weather  

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an Emergency Warning regarding a bushfire north of Perth in the City of Wanneroo, Western Australia, as of December 19. The fire, which began near Wanneroo Road at approximately 14:00 on December 19, remains uncontrolled and unpredictable. It is advancing rapidly in a northeasterly direction, posing a significant threat to homes located east and west of Wanneroo Road. DFES urges residents to evacuate immediately if it is safe to do so. Several roads in the area, including Wanneroo Road, are closed. The situation remains dynamic, with updates and additional warnings expected as conditions evolve. Authorities may impose further road closures or evacuations as the fire progresses and response operations continue. The bushfire is producing significant smoke and ashfall, likely impacting air quality across affected parts of the Perth area. Power outages and disruptions to utilities reliant on electricity may occur within and near the fire zone.   Advice: Follow all evacuation instructions immediately. If traveling through affected areas, stay informed about road conditions, as closures and detours will likely result in significant congestion and delays. To prepare for potential extended power outages, ensure all battery-powered devices are fully charged. Consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. For further official updates, see the attached link. https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/  

A cold front is expected to bring adverse weather conditions across much of Japan through at least Dec. 20. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued red blizzard warnings for parts of Fukuoka and Yamaguchi prefectures and yellow weather warnings for heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, lightning, possible tornadoes, rough seas, and avalanches in other areas. Heavy snowfall is forecast along the Sea of Japan coast and inland mountainous regions.   Advice: Confirm travel arrangements in affected areas and seek road condition updates before driving. Avoid flooded areas and high-risk terrain due to the threat of landslides and avalanches. Ensure battery-powered devices are fully charged. Monitor local media for weather updates.

Unionized healthcare workers continue their strike in Santa Cruz Department as of Dec. 18. The strike began Dec. 16 and has caused disruptions across hospitals and healthcare centers, including at Hospital de la Villa Primero de Mayo. While the action is planned to end Dec. 18, significant disruptions to medical services, including reduced services and canceled appointments, will likely persist as facilities address backlogs. Demonstrations near medical facilities may occur.   Advice: Confirm healthcare appointments in advance and seek alternative care options if necessary. If a protest materializes near you, leave the area as a precaution. Monitor local updates for further developments.

Further water supply disruptions continue in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni (East Rand). Authorities in Johannesburg are continuing to enforce water restrictions, which include reducing water pressure overnight. (21:00-04:00) and Level 1 restrictions, which ban garden watering, car washing, and pool filling between 06:00-18:00. Protests over water shortages have been reported in areas such as Claremont, Coronationville, Emmarentia, and Protea Glen, with road blockages causing localized disruptions. Further water outages and protests are possible in the coming days.   Advice: Conserve water where possible. Prepare for potential disruptions to essential services. Avoid protest sites as a precaution and monitor local updates for developments.