News & Reports

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.  

A significant pro-Palestine protest is planned for three consecutive days outside the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, California, from 10:00 on December 23 to 25. Up to 1,500 participants are expected on each day. 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.  

Anti-Russia activists plan to protest outside the Russian Embassy in Seoul from 14:00 to 16:00 on December 21. Several hundred people are expected to participate. Elevated security measures and some disruptions to traffic are likely nearby.   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.  

Unionized students are currently (21:45 on December 19) protesting outside Galgotias University in Dankuar, Uttar Pradesh. Around 400 protestors are at the scene. Local transport disruptions and small-scale altercations between police and demonstrators have been reported.   Advice: Avoid the area and opt for alternative routes to bypass it. Heed all official directives. Plan and prepare for substantial traffic delays if operating nearby.    

Various activist groups are scheduled to stage protests in central Athens on December 21. Demonstrations are planned at Syntagma Square starting at noon and Eleftherias Park beginning at 14:00. Approximately a thousand participants are anticipated at each protest. Substantial transport disruptions and bolstered security measures are projected nearby.   Advice: Avoid the area and opt for alternative routes to bypass it. Heed all official directives. Plan and prepare for substantial traffic delays if operating nearby.  

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/