News & Reports

Heavy rainfall has caused localized flooding across Adelaide, leading to road closures, hazardous driving conditions, and several rescues. Some roads remain affected, particularly in northern suburbs.

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, causing injuries and structural damage, particularly in Chocó and Pereira. Emergency teams are assessing affected areas. Strong shaking was also felt in Bogotá and neighboring countries. Authorities have warned of possible aftershocks; no tsunami threat has been identified.

Greek authorities have placed large parts of the country under Very High wildfire risk for today. Areas affected include Attica, parts of the Peloponnese and Central Greece, Crete, the Cyclades, and islands including Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria. Conditions may allow fires to ignite and spread rapidly, potentially leading to forest-access restrictions, road closures and evacuations at short notice.

 

Advice:
* Avoid forests, dry vegetation and remote hiking areas in high-risk regions.
* Do not light fires, use outdoor grills or perform activities that may create sparks.
* If a wildfire develops nearby, follow evacuation instructions immediately and move away from vegetation and heavy smoke.
* Check local road, park and forest-access restrictions before traveling.
* Keep phones charged and monitor 112 and Civil Protection alerts.

Multiple wildfires around Spokane have damaged or destroyed around 920 structures. Although fire growth has slowed, some roads remain closed and communities continue to face evacuation readiness and possible access restrictions. Smoke, firefighting operations and changing fire conditions may continue to disrupt travel around affected communities.

 

Advice:
* Avoid active fire and evacuation zones around Spokane, Nine Mile Falls and Malden; evacuate immediately if instructed by authorities.
* If caught near a wildfire, move away from vegetation, flames and heavy smoke toward a clear area or an approved evacuation route.
* If heavy smoke reaches your location and evacuation is not required, remain indoors with windows and doors closed and limit outdoor activity.
* Do not drive through dense smoke, flames or closed roads; check road conditions and prepare an alternative route before departure.
* Keep essential items, water, medication and identification ready in case evacuation orders expand at short notice.
* Keep phones charged and monitor Washington emergency, wildfire and evacuation alerts.

A fast-moving wildfire in the Okanagan region has forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate, including residents of Summerland and around 8,000 people in and near Peachland. Homes have been damaged and British Columbia has declared a state of emergency. Heavy smoke, active fire operations and evacuation zones may cause road closures and significant travel disruption around the affected communities.

 

Advice:
* Avoid Summerland, Peachland and all active fire or evacuation zones; leave immediately if authorities order evacuation.
* If caught near a wildfire, move away from vegetation and smoke toward a clear, low-fuel area or an approved evacuation route.
* If smoke becomes heavy, stay indoors with windows and doors closed when safe to do so, and reduce outdoor activity.
* Do not drive through dense smoke, flames or closed roads; prepare an alternative route before departure.
* Keep essential items, water, medication and identification ready in case evacuation is ordered at short notice.
* Keep phones charged, and monitor local emergency alerts and evacuation notices.

A new heatwave is developing across England, with temperatures expected to rise above 30°C and peak at around 35°C in the southeast on August 13. Yellow Heat-Health Alerts are in place across most of England. Prolonged dry conditions are also increasing pressure on water supplies and raising wildfire risk in several regions.

 

Advice:
* Avoid strenuous activity and prolonged sun exposure during the hottest hours; seek shade or air-conditioned areas.
* Drink regularly throughout the day; if sweating heavily, consider a rehydration or electrolyte drink.
* Wear loose, light-colored clothing and a hat, and cool the skin with water, a fan or cold packs wrapped in cloth.
* Confusion, fainting, seizures, very high body temperature or worsening symptoms may indicate heatstroke — seek emergency medical assistance and begin rapid cooling.
* Do not force fluids if the person is confused or unconscious, and keep the phone charged for emergency communication.

A major wildfire near Niebla remains active after affecting around 8,000 hectares and forcing approximately 470 people to evacuate. Hundreds of firefighters and aerial units continue efforts to contain the blaze. Changing winds and dry vegetation continue to complicate operations, with possible road closures, smoke and restricted access around affected communities.

 

Advice:
* Follow evacuation orders immediately and do not return to closed areas until authorities confirm it is safe.
* If caught in a building fire, leave immediately if possible; use the stairs, stay low to avoid smoke, and avoid opening hot doors.
* If unable to leave a building, remain in a closed room with a window, seal gaps around the door and alert emergency services to your location.
* In open areas, move away from vegetation and fire toward a clear, low-fuel area such as open ground or a safe roadway.
* Keep phones charged, monitor INFOCA and local emergency updates, and be prepared for rapid changes in evacuation zones.

A polar wave has led to a yellow alert in 15 provinces across Argentina, warning of extreme cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and strong winds that could impact travel and outdoor activities.

A wildfire has spread across the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, and authorities have closed all tourist access to Mount Bromo. The fire has burned about 176 hectares, with dry conditions and difficult terrain making it difficult to fight. All five tourist entrances remain closed until further notice and until firefighters have brought the fire under control.

Significant snowfall and a low-pressure system are expected to affect large areas of the country over the next few days. Some high-altitude areas may see 25–35 cm of snow accumulation, along with heavy rain, strong winds and extreme cold. Significant travel disruptions are expected, including hazardous driving conditions, mountain pass closures, and the possibility that some communities may become temporarily inaccessible.