News & Reports

The Tokyo Marathon on March 1 will cause significant travel disruptions across central Tokyo as more than 39,000 runners move through major city corridors and past key tourist landmarks. Rolling road closures and traffic restrictions will be in effect from approximately 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, affecting arterial roads, intersections, and some expressway access points. Bus routes will be diverted or suspended, and heavy congestion is expected around popular districts and transport hubs.

The South African President has deployed elements of the Defence Force (SANDF) to support the Police Service (SAPS) in tackling gun violence, gang activity, illegal mining, and organised crime in provinces including Gauteng, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape. The move comes in response to rising violent crime and community safety concerns, with troops operating alongside police under clearly defined rules of engagement. While the deployment aims to reduce crime threats, observers note it may coincide with periods of increased security activity and visible armed presence in urban and gang-affected areas.

Heavy, persistent rainfall has caused widespread flooding across Bali, submerging streets and roads and prompting evacuations in major tourist districts. Floodwaters up to knee-high have inundated central south Bali, impacting residential areas, hotels, and transport routes. Authorities have issued high rain and flood alerts, and continued storms are expected through Feb. 26, raising the risk of further inundation and travel disruption.

Morocco’s national meteorological authorities have issued a weather alert due to strong winds and sandstorms expected to impact southern provinces. Powerful gusts may significantly reduce visibility, particularly in desert and open-road areas. Blowing sand and dust could disrupt road travel, affect local transport services, and create hazardous driving conditions. Conditions may fluctuate over the next 24-48 hours depending on wind intensity.

Advice :

* Avoid non-essential travel in affected southern and desert regions.
* Expect reduced visibility and drive with extreme caution.
* If possible, remain indoors in a secure location during peak wind activity.
* Protect eyes and respiratory system if exposed to blowing sand.
* Monitor official Moroccan meteorological updates before traveling.

 

Zambia has declared a polio outbreak after poliovirus was detected in wastewater through routine environmental surveillance. No confirmed paralysis cases have been reported, however, the finding indicates community circulation of the virus.

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted primarily through contaminated water and food. It mainly affects young children and can lead to permanent paralysis. The government is coordinating with international health partners to contain potential spread.

Increased health monitoring and localized vaccination drives are expected in the coming weeks. No travel restrictions have been announced.

Advice :
* Ensure polio vaccinations are up to date before travel.
* Maintain strict hand hygiene.
* Use bottled or treated water where sanitation is limited.
* Monitor official health updates.

 

Heavy rainfall has triggered flooding and landslides across parts of Minas Gerais, disrupting significant infrastructure. Several urban and intercity roads are blocked due to mudslides, with reports of partial road collapses and restricted access to rural and mountainous areas. Transport services are experiencing delays, and emergency response operations are ongoing. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated, with localized power outages and disruptions to the clean water supply reported. Unstable ground conditions continue to pose a risk of secondary landslides, even as rainfall decreases.

 

Advice:
– Avoid travel through mountainous and flood-affected areas
– Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or unstable terrain
– Postpone treks and outdoor activities
– Stay clear of riverbanks and steep slopes
– Monitor official updates and be prepared for possible evacuation

 

Very dangerous thunderstorms have intensified across Melbourne, producing intense rainfall with a high risk of life threatening flash flooding. Emergency warnings have urged people in several eastern and southeastern suburbs to shelter indoors as conditions can escalate quickly. Travelers should expect flooded streets, sudden road closures, slowed public transport, and disruptions to airport transfers. Power outages have also been reported, which can affect accommodation services, lifts, charging, and card payments.

 

Advice:
– Avoid non essential travel across Melbourne while storm cells are active, especially through the eastern and southeastern suburbs.
– Do not drive through floodwater and avoid underpasses and low lying streets, conditions can change in minutes.
– If staying in the warning areas, remain indoors and away from windows, delay check outs, transfers, and sightseeing until conditions ease.
– Plan for disrupted airport runs and longer travel times, reconfirm rideshare pickup points and public transport status before moving.
– Keep a power bank charged and carry some cash, outages can affect charging, ATMs, and card terminals.
– Monitor official warning pages and trusted local sources for updated suburb level alerts and road impacts before heading out.

 

Fresh exchanges of fire have been reported along the Thailand Cambodia border, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of breaching a ceasefire that has been in place since December. The situation remains tense and can change quickly, with a risk of sudden movement restrictions, road closures, and disrupted cross border travel in affected frontier districts.

 

Advice:
– Avoid non essential travel to border areas until conditions stabilise.
– Postpone overland border crossings in the affected zone and expect short notice closures or extended processing times at checkpoints.
– If already near the border, stay away from military positions and gathering crowds, and move to a larger town away from the frontier if tensions rise.
– Keep plans flexible for onward travel, including buses and private transfers, delays and reroutes are possible.
– Keep your phone charged, carry some cash, and save offline maps and key contacts in case mobile service becomes unreliable.
– Monitor trusted local and international sources for verified updates before moving.

 

A powerful winter storm is impacting the Northeast corridor with heavy snow, strong winds, and very low visibility in places. Thousands of flights have been cancelled or delayed across major hubs including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Boston Logan, with knock on disruption spreading to connections nationwide. Road travel is also heavily affected in parts of the region due to dangerous driving conditions, temporary travel restrictions, and slow snow clearance, while some rail services have been suspended or reduced. Power outages in parts of the Northeast may also affect hotels, local transport, and services.

 

Advice:
– Avoid non essential travel in the Northeast corridor until conditions improve, especially on roads during whiteout and drifting snow periods.
– If flying, check your flight status before leaving for the airport and expect last minute cancellations, rebooking queues, and missed connections.
– If taking trains or buses, recheck service updates close to departure and plan for suspensions or reduced schedules.
– Build extra buffer time for transfers and plan a backup overnight stay near your departure point if travel becomes impossible.
– Pack essentials in your carry on for long delays: medications, chargers, warm layers, snacks, and water.
– If you lose power or heating at your accommodation, relocate early to a place with backup power where possible.

 

Rain is expected to continue across several parts of Kenya over the next seven days, with isolated heavy downpours possible in the Central Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Southeastern Lowlands, Coast, Western, and Northwestern regions. Travelers should expect short notice disruption from localized flooding in low lying or poorly drained areas, slower road travel with reduced visibility, and possible delays on intercity routes during heavier bursts of rain.

 

Advice:
– Avoid non essential road travel during heavy downpours, especially at night and early morning when visibility can drop quickly.
– Do not drive or walk through floodwater, roads and bridges can be undermined beyond the visible waterline.
– Build extra time into airport runs and long distance bus trips, delays and detours are more likely during peak rain periods.
– Choose accommodation away from rivers and low spots where possible, and confirm access roads if staying in rural or hillside areas.
– Keep essentials for disruption: power bank, cash, waterproof bag for documents, and offline maps in case mobile data drops.