News & Reports

Heavy monsoon rains continue to cause significant flooding, landslides and transport disruptions across several parts of India. In Assam, floods have killed at least 100 people, while thousands remain displaced. In Himachal Pradesh, 204 roads remain blocked, including two national highways, with Mandi and Kullu among the worst-affected districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across multiple states, including Rajasthan, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Odisha, with additional heavy rain expected in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam and other regions. Waterlogging has also disrupted traffic and public transport in Kolkata, while recent rainfall caused road congestion and flight disruptions around Delhi-NCR. Advice: * Check road, rail and flight status before traveling, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, Assam and other areas under heavy-rain warnings. * Allow additional travel time in major cities where waterlogging may cause traffic and public transport delays. * Travelers in mountainous areas should confirm local road conditions immediately before departure, as routes may close at short notice. * Follow local authorities and monitor the latest weather warnings and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department: (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/responsive/subDivisionWiseWarningGIS.php).

Heavy southwest monsoon rains, intensified by Tropical Storm Dolphin, have caused widespread flooding and landslides across Luzon. At least 19 people have been reported killed during nearly a week of severe weather, including 10 people killed when a landslide buried three houses in Baguio City. More than one million people have been affected and around 98,000 displaced. Flood risks remain active. PAGASA has issued flood advisories for Benguet and Metro Manila, while additional showers and thunderstorms are expected through at least August 15. Saturated slopes in mountainous areas remain susceptible to further landslides, while low-lying areas and waterways may experience renewed flooding. Advice: * Do not walk or drive through flooded roads; use alternative routes and move to higher ground if water levels rise. * Confirm road and intercity transport conditions before traveling, particularly around Baguio and the Cordillera region. * Allow additional travel time in Metro Manila due to localized flooding and possible road disruptions. * Follow PAGASA, local disaster authorities and evacuation instructions, and keep essential supplies and a charged power bank available.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10 has caused widespread destruction. At least 254 people have been reported killed, while more than 2,500 people have been injured. Pereira and Cali are among the hardest-hit cities, with extensive damage to homes, public buildings and infrastructure. Search-and-rescue operations remain underway. More than 100 aftershocks have been recorded, thousands of people have been displaced, and three airports remain closed. Several affected areas are also experiencing road blockages and disruptions to electricity, water and communications. The casualty figures remain preliminary and may continue to rise. Advice: * Expect road closures, transport delays and possible changes to local travel plans. * Check airport and flight status directly with airlines before departure. * Be prepared for additional aftershocks and move away from damaged structures if shaking occurs. * Travelers in affected areas should ensure access to water, power banks and essential supplies due to ongoing utility and communication disruptions. * Follow instructions from Colombian emergency and local authorities.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across large parts of Thailand over the next 24 hours, with a risk of flash floods and strong currents in low-lying areas, along water channels, and at the foot of mountains. In the northern Andaman Sea and northern Gulf of Thailand, waves of 2-3 meters are expected, and over 3 meters during thunderstorms.

The UK is in its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach around 36-38°C, peaking on August 13. The hot and dry conditions are also increasing the risk of fires and putting pressure on water supplies in some areas.

Severe storms brought winds exceeding 80 mph (130 km/h), tornado warnings, and widespread power outages across the region. More than 575,000 customers lost electricity, while flights at O’Hare and Midway were temporarily halted. Residual flight delays, road disruptions and power outages may continue after the storms pass.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) workers represented by the RMT union are expected to strike on August 15, significantly reducing Intercity and Connect services to and from London St Pancras. Trains will operate only between 07:00 and before 19:00, with approximately one train per hour on the London–Nottingham, London–Sheffield and London–Corby routes. No rail replacement buses will be provided for services affected by the strike, while additional short-notice changes and cancellations are possible around the strike period. Separate engineering works will also affect some services between Sheffield and Nottingham during the weekend. EMR Regional services are not directly affected by the strike. Advice: * Avoid non-essential travel on affected EMR routes on August 15 where possible. * Check EMR and National Rail updates before departure, including first and last train times. * Allow additional travel time and consider alternative routes or traveling on another day. * Travelers with tickets dated August 15 should check whether they can use them on alternative dates without additional charge.

A total solar eclipse will cross large parts of Spain on August 12, with totality occurring around 20:30 local time in many areas. Large crowds are expected to travel to viewing locations, and authorities have implemented special traffic and security measures in response to the anticipated concentration of vehicles and people. The event coincides with extreme summer heat and a high-to-very-high wildfire risk. Access to some natural areas has already been restricted, while additional local road closures, parking controls and last-minute access limitations may be imposed, particularly around popular viewing locations. Advice: * Expect significant traffic congestion before the eclipse and especially immediately after it ends. * Use designated viewing areas and avoid restricted natural areas or parking along roadsides. * Monitor DGT and local authority updates for road closures and access restrictions. * Use certified ISO 12312-2 solar-viewing glasses when looking at the Sun outside the brief period of totality.

Pro-Palestinian activists are expected to gather outside Pixus Technologies on August 13 at approximately 17:30. The demonstration will call on the company to end business ties with Israeli defense companies, including Elbit Systems. Localized access and traffic disruptions may occur around Gage Avenue during the demonstration. The scale of the gathering is currently with potential for minor violence and major disruptions in the area.

 

Advice:
*Avoid the immediate protest area, particularly around the scheduled start time.
*If traveling nearby, allow extra time and use alternative routes if necessary.
*Do not engage with demonstrators or any counter-protest activity.
*Follow police instructions and leave the area if tensions or confrontations develop.

Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in Zhejiang on August 9 before weakening to a tropical storm. Heavy rainfall has since caused flooding across Shanghai and eastern China, while flood and landslide risks remain in several affected areas. More than 900 flights were canceled at Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports yesterday, while some metro and rail services were also suspended. Authorities are gradually restoring transportation as the storm moves inland and weakens.