News & Reports

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet has issued a heat stress warning as temperatures across Nigeria soar, with Yelwa reaching 40°C and several cities recording 38-39°C. The agency warns that temperatures may rise further, intensifying discomfort, especially in central and southern states. Vulnerable areas include Lagos, FCT, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Kogi, and many others.   Advice: To stay safe during extreme heat, drink plenty of water, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and wear light, breathable clothing. Stay in shaded or cool areas whenever possible, especially during peak afternoon hours. If you experience dizziness or dehydration, seek immediate relief and medical attention if necessary.  

Pro-Palestine protest taking place on February 23, 2025, at 2:30 PM near Amberg Hall, Chicago, IL. This demonstration is organized as part of ongoing pro-Palestine protests, which call for an end to the Gaza conflict and U.S. military funding to Israel. Participants are expected to gather in significant numbers, which may lead to increased crowds and potential traffic disruptions in the surrounding area. While the protest is intended to be peaceful, heightened security measures may be in place, and there could be delays in transportation.   Advice: If you are in the area during this time, please exercise caution and consider avoiding large gatherings. Plan alternative routes to minimize delays and stay informed through local news updates regarding the protest's progress. Avoid conversations about the Israel-Palestinian conflict.  

Heavy rains in Antioquia have caused flooding, particularly in the district of Bolombolo, Venecia, leading to the evacuation of around 80 people. Authorities report no injuries, but residents in 12 houses have been advised to evacuate to avoid potential damage. Currently, two neighborhoods, Barrio Los Mangos and Barrio Sector Los Ricos, are affected, with over 70 people impacted. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance while taking preventative measures against further flooding.   Advice: Follow any evacuation orders and avoid low-lying areas near the Cauca River. Prepare emergency supplies if possible. Stay informed through official channels.  

Thailand is facing a severe influenza outbreak, reporting 107,570 cases and nine fatalities as of February 20, 2025. The H1N1 strain is predominant, with about 15,000 new cases emerging each week. The most affected provinces are Hayao, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Bangkok, Nan, Ratchathani, Nonthaburi, and Ubon. Infections are concentrated in schools, prisons, and military camps, and individuals with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and children are at higher risk of severe symptoms.   Advice: Stay updated on local health advisories and avoid crowded places. Make sure to wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, and seek medical attention if you experience flu-like symptoms. Those with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and children should be extra cautious.  

Moroccan activists have organized protests against the visit of Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev, who is attending the Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech. Demonstrations have taken place outside the parliament in Rabat, with protesters expressing opposition to normalization with Israel and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.   Advice: Exercise caution, especially near demonstration sites such as the parliament in Rabat and Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in Marrakech. While these protests have been largely peaceful, it is advised to avoid large gatherings. Stay informed through local news and adhere to any guidance provided by local authorities.  

The India Meteorological Department IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for 13 states due to a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura will see rainfall from Feb 17-23, with heavy rain in Arunachal on Feb 19. A Western Disturbance will bring rain and snow to Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad on Feb 17-18, with thunderstorms on Feb 19-20. Snowfall will continue in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand from Feb 19-23. Rainfall is also expected in Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand.   Advice: Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall or snowfall, and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. Ensure that essential supplies are readily available. In regions expecting thunderstorms and lightning, seek shelter indoors and avoid open areas. Follow all instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders if issued, to ensure personal safety.  

Morocco's General Directorate of Meteorology forecasts rain, thunderstorms, and cold temperatures in the coming days. On Friday and Saturday, showers are expected in the far northwest, with potential snowfall in the High and Middle Atlas Mountains and eastern highlands. Frost formation is anticipated in the Atlas Mountains and surrounding areas, with temperatures dropping as low as -3°C in some regions.   Advice: Travelers in Morocco should prepare for cold and wet conditions, particularly in mountainous areas where frost and snowfall are expected. Exercise caution on roads affected by fog or rain, and monitor updates from local authorities for weather-related disruptions. Dress warmly and plan accordingly for travel delays or hazardous conditions.

Protests have erupted in the town of Koisagat, Kenya, after a local resident was reportedly found beheaded. Demonstrators have vandalized the home of a suspect they accuse of colluding with police to commit the crime. The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore order.   Advice: Avoid traveling to Koisagat and surrounding areas until the situation stabilizes. Monitor updates from local authorities and media for developments, and exercise caution if traveling in western Kenya.  

Traffic disruptions are reported along the M4 highway in Durban, South Africa, due to flooding in the Congella and Jacobs areas on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The flooding has caused significant delays and hazardous driving conditions in affected regions.   Advice: Avoid traveling on the M4 highway and surrounding areas until conditions improve. Use alternative routes and monitor updates from local traffic authorities for real-time information. Exercise caution if driving through waterlogged areas to ensure safety.  

Brazilian authorities have declared a state of emergency in São Paulo due to a severe dengue outbreak, with nearly 125,000 confirmed cases reported since the beginning of 2025. The outbreak is exacerbated by the reemergence of dengue serotype 3 (DENV-3), which has not circulated widely in Brazil since 2008, leaving much of the population vulnerable. São Paulo accounts for nearly 60% of the country’s cases, alongside 49 confirmed deaths and hundreds more under investigation   Advice: Travelers to São Paulo and other affected regions should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning. Monitor updates from local health authorities and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain develop.