News & Reports

Anti-government protests have been ongoing across Georgia, with daily rallies in Tbilisi since late November. Thousands to tens of thousands of protesters gather daily, particularly around key locations including Parliament, Freedom Square, and Heroes' Square. Demonstrators are calling for government reforms, while clashes with security forces have resulted in over 400 arrests, with hundreds of police officers injured. On December 30, authorities introduced stricter laws, including higher fines for road blockages, vandalism, and face coverings.   Advice: Avoid large crowds, protest sites, and surrounding areas to minimize disruptions and potential violence. Anticipate increased security and transport disruptions near demonstrations. If violence occurs, leave immediately and find safe shelter. Follow all local authority instructions.

A bushfire in the Green Range area near South Coast Highway has broken out, spreading rapidly to around 790 hectares by the afternoon. The fire remains out of control and is moving northeast. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an Emergency Warning for areas near Drawbin Road, Kojaneerup West Road, and South Coast Highway. Residents in these areas are advised it is too late to leave. An additional Emergency Warning has been issued for other parts of the region, with evacuation orders in place.   Advice: Residents within the affected areas should follow evacuation orders immediately and head to the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre (52-70 Barker Road, Centennial Park). Others in the wider region should stay alert, monitor updates regarding road closures, and anticipate possible power outages due to damage to infrastructure. Latest information regarding warnings and road closures can be found at the attached link. https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/  

As of early Jan. 2, police continue investigating a shooting that injured at least 10 people near the Amazura Event Hall in Queens, which occurred late on Jan. 1. Three to four male suspects reportedly fled the scene, but no arrests have been made, and the motive remains unclear. Authorities have confirmed that the incident was not a terrorist attack. Heightened security measures and localized disruptions to transport are expected in the affected area as the investigation continues.   Advice: Avoid the vicinity of 144th Place, Jamaica, until the investigation concludes. Stay away from any signs of violence. Allow extra travel time and monitor local news for updates on road closures and transport delays.  

Today (Jan. 2) at 12:30, Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists plan to protest at the Tribunal in Paris. While the expected turnout is unclear, the protest may involve a few hundred people. Authorities will likely deploy additional police to monitor the demonstration. Heightened security and pedestrian congestion are expected, which may cause localized disruptions in road transport. However, the event is expected to pass peacefully.   Advice: Avoid the Tribunal area between 12:00-14:00 to minimize anticipated delays. Plan alternative travel routes and allow extra time for traveling.  

Adverse winter weather is forecast across much of southern Germany through at least Jan. 3, with light snowfall expected, particularly in mountainous regions. Snowfall accumulations could reach up to 25 cm (10 inches) in higher elevations and 1-5 cm (0.4-2 inches) at lower altitudes. The German Meteorological Service (DWD) has issued orange and yellow snowfall and strong wind warnings, with hazardous travel conditions anticipated due to reduced visibility and slippery roads. Power outages are also possible.   Advice: Exercise caution when traveling, especially in mountainous regions. Always check road conditions before heading out. Avoid unnecessary travel, and ensure vehicles are equipped with winter tires. For official weather warnings, please refer to the attached link. https://www.dwd.de/EN/weather/warnings/warnings_node.html  

The Patriots party plans to stage a demonstration outside the Romanian Embassy in Paris at 15:00 on Jan. 4. Protesters are expected to denounce the European Union and advocate for France's exit from the bloc. Authorities will likely deploy additional police to monitor the event. Heightened security and pedestrian congestion could lead to localized transport disruptions. Despite this, the protest is expected to remain peaceful.   Advice: Avoid the area around Rue Saint Dominique during the demonstration. Plan alternative routes, allow extra travel time, and heed guidance from local authorities. Stay updated on traffic conditions and public transport schedules.  

Severe weather is forecast across the UK through Jan. 6. The UK Met Office has issued:

• Yellow Snow and Ice Warnings: Northern Scotland (Jan. 2).
• Yellow Ice Warnings: Northern England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern Wales (Jan. 2).
• Yellow Snow Warnings: Most of England, southeastern Scotland, and Wales (Jan. 4-6).

Authorities declared a major incident in Greater Manchester due to flooding. Hard-hit areas include Bolton, Didsbury, Stockport, and Wigan, with 1,300+ residents evacuated. Transport disruptions affect train services (Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds routes) and key roads, including the M56 and M57.   Advice: Avoid unnecessary travel throughout the affected areas until Jan. 6. Check road conditions before traveling, and do not attempt to drive on flooded roads. For UK Met Office weather warnings, See the attached link. https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2025-01-02  

Severe weather is forecast across much of the Philippines through at least Jan. 5, with PAGASA (Philippine weather authority) issuing heavy rainfall advisories. Intense rainfall (10-20 cm / 4-8 inches) is expected over Cagayan and Isabela provinces from Jan. 3-5. Moderate-to-heavy rain (5-10 cm / 2-4 inches) is likely in other northern regions. Localized flooding, landslides, and transport disruptions are possible.   Advice: Avoid low-lying coastal areas and waterways to reduce flood risk. Exercise caution if traveling in affected regions. Check road conditions before traveling and refrain from driving through flooded roads. For further updates, see the attached link. https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/weather  

A vehicle drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street at around 03:15, killing at least 10 people and injuring 30 others. Authorities have cordoned off the area, urging residents and visitors to avoid the French Quarter. The incident prompted the evacuation of two nearby hotels, though residents have since returned. The situation remains under investigation, with no official confirmation regarding the suspect or the motive behind the crash. In the coming hours, heightened security and localized disruptions will likely occur around Bourbon Street.   Advice: Avoid the French Quarter until authorities give clearance. Monitor updates from local officials. If in the area, follow police instructions and prioritize safety. Plan for potential travel disruptions.  

Health authorities report a significant cholera outbreak in 28 counties across seven states in South Sudan, with 9,102 suspected cases between Oct. 23-Dec. 22. Rubkona County (4,972 cases) is the most affected, followed by Juba County (1,547 cases). Poor sanitation and flood conditions exacerbate the outbreak, primarily impacting refugees and internally displaced persons.   Advice: Make sure you are vaccinated against cholera. Consume only boiled or treated water. If possible, use water purification tablets. After contact with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap. If you experience diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration, seek medical attention immediately. For more information, check the attached link. https://www.cdc.gov/cholera/