News & Reports

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.  

A powerful winter storm will impact southeastern Canada through Dec. 22, bringing heavy snow (10-30 cm), strong winds (up to 100 kph), freezing rain, and heavy rainfall. Hazardous travel and power outages are likely. Red warnings are in effect for Nova Scotia, southeastern Quebec, and southern Newfoundland. Expect transport disruptions and updates to weather alerts as conditions evolve.   Advice: Stay updated on weather reports and road conditions in areas with heavy snowfall. Allow extra travel time, and carry warm clothing and an emergency kit if driving, especially on rural routes. Expect delivery delays for truck shipments and confirm flights. Charge devices in case of power outages.  

Anti-government protests in Georgia, especially in Tbilisi, are expected to continue and intensify through December, with demonstrations planned ahead of President Zourabichvili’s Dec. 29 departure. Protests have been ongoing for 22 days, with over 400 arrests since late November. Rallies will occur in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi, involving various groups. A heightened police presence is anticipated, and disruptions to transport and businesses are likely. Clashes, vandalism, and further arrests are possible.   Advice: Avoid demonstrations as a precaution and exercise caution near government buildings, courts, and political party offices. Allow extra travel time during protests and consider alternative routes to avoid disruptions. If violence occurs, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure building. Follow all instructions from local authorities.  

On Dec. 18, 2024, bomb attacks targeted government-organized rallies in Amhara, leaving one dead and several injured. Explosions were reported in Bahir Dar, Woldia, and Debre Berhan, with gunfire and unrest following the demonstrations. These events highlight ongoing regional tensions and the high risk of collateral damage due to the nature of the attacks. The Amhara region remains unstable amid conflict between government forces and Fano militias. Travelers should avoid large gatherings, stay alert, and monitor local updates.   Advice: If you are in the Amhara region, exercise heightened caution due to recent bomb attacks and ongoing unrest. Stay away from large gatherings, rallies, and areas impacted by explosions or clashes. If you must be in the area, ensure you are not alone and have someone familiar with the region to accompany you.  

Uganda continues to report monkeypox (mpox) cases, with 443 new infections recorded between Nov. 24 and Dec. 18, bringing the total to 1,126 since July 24. This marks the country’s first outbreak, caused by the clade Ib strain. The virus has spread to 60 districts, with Kampala reporting the most cases (555), followed by Wakiso (170), Nakasongola (76), and others. Authorities have deployed rapid response teams to affected areas to raise awareness, combat stigma, and encourage medical care. Additional cases are expected as surveillance and contact tracing continue. Data is current as of Dec. 20.   Advice: Follow basic health precautions: wash hands often, cover coughs, and avoid sick individuals. Avoid crowded places and practice safe sex in areas with monkeypox outbreaks. Seek medical care if symptoms appear within two weeks, especially after new sexual contact. Vaccines are available.  

Unionized rail workers with Hellenic Train plan a nationwide strike from 12:00 to 15:00 on Dec. 20, demanding better working conditions and increased staffing. A protest is also scheduled at Hellenic Train headquarters in Athens, likely coinciding with the strike. Passenger and freight rail services will face disruptions during and possibly after the strike. Additional protests may occur at rail hubs or company facilities nationwide. Police presence is expected at demonstration sites, potentially causing traffic disruptions.   Advice: Consider alternatives for essential travel or shipments. Avoid protest sites, plan for delays near demonstrations, and leave immediately if disturbances arise. Follow all law enforcement instructions.  

Severe weather is expected across parts of southern Europe through Dec. 21 as a storm system moves eastward over the Mediterranean Sea. Affected countries include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, and Slovenia. Key hazards include strong winds (gusts over 100 kph), heavy rainfall, and mountain snowfall. Flooding, landslides, avalanches, and hazardous travel conditions are likely. Power outages, transportation disruptions, and delays in flights or trains may occur. Authorities may close affected roads, mountain passes, and tunnels as needed.   Advice: Stay informed via local media for updates and advisories. Confirm travel and business plans, check road conditions, and anticipate potential supply chain disruptions. Avoid flood-prone areas and do not drive through flooded roads. Be cautious in elevated terrain due to landslide risks and in mountains where avalanches are possible. Charge devices in case of power outages.  

A significant pro-Palestine protest is planned from 14:00 on December 21 at Place de la République in Paris. Up to 3,000 participants are expected. Transport disruptions and a heightened police presence are likely nearby. Counter-demonstrations are possible.   Advice: Stay away from the area and plan alternate routes to circumvent it. If you are operating in the area, plan and prepare for disruptions to transport. Closely follow all orders by local law enforcement officers. Leave at the first sign of escalation and refrain from engaging in related geopolitical discussions.