News & Reports

Cuba is facing significant blackouts due to the failure of a central power plant, prompting the government to close schools and suspend non-essential work. Only six of the country's fifteen oil-fired power plants are still operational, and a severe fuel shortage has hindered the use of backup diesel generators.   Advice: Prepare for prolonged blackouts. Stock up on essential supplies, including drinking water, non-perishable food, and batteries. Keep devices charged when possible and secure alternative lighting and power sources. Monitor government updates for potential improvements in fuel supply expected over the weekend.  

A cross-country blizzard is expected to hit the UK on February 14, bringing snow, freezing rain, and icy conditions. Heavy snowfall is likely in Scotland and northern England, with 1 to 5 cm accumulations. Lower areas may see snow and freezing rain. Black ice could form on roads and pavements, creating hazardous travel conditions. Strong winds may intensify the situation, leading to traffic delays and possible road closures. Sub-zero temperatures are expected to persist into Sunday, February 16, raising the risk of ice formation and making travel particularly dangerous.   Advice: Avoid unnecessary trips and check the weather updates before you leave. Drive carefully and ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions using the appropriate tires. Stick to main roads and treated surfaces to minimize the risk of slips and accidents. For official weather updates, https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice  

Snowfall is expected to continue across parts of northern Germany on February 14, with icy conditions likely to persist through the weekend. Additionally, public service strikes may affect gritting operations, making roads and pavements even more hazardous. Freezing temperatures are expected to last into next week, with lows of -7°C on Sunday night and -10°C in the Mittelgebirge region of central Germany.   Advice: Use caution when traveling, especially on untreated roads and pavements. Allow extra time for commutes, check road conditions, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready, as winter tires are mandatory. For official weather updates, visit the German Weather Service (DWD): https://www.dwd.de/EN/weather/warnings/warnings_node.html    

An anti-U.S. protest is planned for February 15 from 14:00 to 16:00, beginning at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen and marching towards Christiansborg Palace. A heightened security presence and local transport disruptions are expected along the route.   Advice : Avoid large gatherings and protest areas. Stay aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for real-time updates. Maintain a low profile and leave the area if tensions rise. Follow all official instructions and plan alternative routes if traveling nearby.  

Bus drivers in Rome are scheduled to hold a four-hour strike on February 13, from 20:00 to midnight, to protest against the increasing number of attacks on staff members. This strike will impact 39 bus lines operated by Atac. The affected lines include 023, 087, 089, 115, 128, 228, 23, 30, 34, 46 (barrato), 49, 91, 98, 669, 670, 713, 719, 766, 773, 774, 775, 781, 786, 792, 870, 871, 881, 882, 904, 905, 906, 916, 980, 981, 983, M04, M30, M40, and M50. Night services scheduled to depart after midnight will operate as usual.   Advice: Expect delays and disruptions to public transport during the strike hours. If commuting, plan alternative routes and allow extra travel time. Stay updated through official Atac channels and local news sources.  

The National Coordination of Earthquake Victims in Morocco is preparing to escalate its protest movement after a failed dialogue with government authorities. Scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2025, the demonstration will take place in front of Parliament in Rabat, demanding comprehensive compensation for earthquake victims and the implementation of royal directives from September 2023. With tightened security measures anticipated, local law enforcement is expected to maintain a significant presence to prevent potential disruptions.

Advice: Avoid the protest site as a precautionary. Adhere to all guidelines issued by local authorities and allow for additional time if traveling in the area.

Around 60,000 people have gathered in Brussels for a national strike against the government's budget plans. A large police presence is visible, and authorities urge caution. Significant disruptions are expected in public transportation (De Lijn, MIVB), airports, postal services (Bpost), and waste collection.   Advice: Avoid protest areas and expect disruptions in transportation, airports, postal services, and waste collection. Stay informed through official updates, allow extra travel time, and follow police instructions.  

Santorinition: Santorini is facing a potential double threat of a volcanic eruption and tsunami due to ongoing seismic activity. Over 14,000 earthquakes have been recorded since January 26, concentrated around the Kolumbo volcano. While the risk of an eruption is low but not impossible, experts warn that an event could trigger toxic ash clouds and tsunamis, potentially affecting nearby regions, including Turkey.   Advice: Stay informed through official updates and follow authorities' instructions. Be prepared for aftershocks and avoid coastal areas due to tsunami risk. If an eruption occurs, stay indoors, seal windows, and use masks to avoid toxic ash. Keep an emergency kit ready and stay alert.  

Police are responding to a major incident in central Munich, where a vehicle crashed into a group of people on a main street. Several people have been injured, and the suspect is in custody. Authorities urge the public to avoid the area as emergency services respond.   Advice: avoid the affected area and follow police instructions. Stay away from large crowds and be cautious of emergency vehicle movement. Monitor official updates for further information.  

Multiple demonstrations and commemorations are scheduled across Budapest from February 13 to 16, with events marking the 80th anniversary of WWII events, protests for transgender rights, and a memorial for Alexei Navalny. Key events include a torchlight walk, wreath-laying ceremonies, and protests at locations such as Népfürdő utca, Liberty Statue, Déli pályaudvar, Szabadság tér, and Andrássy út 101.   Advice: Avoid demonstration areas, as gatherings may cause disruptions. Stay updated through local news and be aware of potential traffic delays. Follow instructions from authorities, remain cautious, and move away from large crowds.