Jenna Sliman

On November 28, students from the National Pedagogical University clashed with police officers in Bogota, Colombia. The reasoning behind the clashes are not known, but are believed to be linked to an unknown protest the students were holding. Tear gas, water cannons, and other riot control tactics were used against the students.

A suspicious package found inside of the Hyllie Station in Malmo, Sweden, prompted the immediate evacuation of the facility on November 28. Bomb squads deployed to the region, and an investigation is ongoing. A heightened police presence will remain as the investigation continues.

As of November 27, Icelandic officials have warned of an imminent eruption from the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Grindavik, located just south of the capital, Reykjavik. Recent seismic activity caused the evacuation of nearby towns. Though flight disruptions are unlikely, they are still possible. Potential disruptions include ash plumes and low visibility.

On November 20, Mount Ulawun erupted on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea, covering the surrounding area in ash. Evacuation notices are in place. Ashfall is affecting air quality in the immediate vicinity. While the eruption is classified as “Moderate,” flights at Hoskins Airport have been canceled and the eruption has the potential to continue.

Storm Ciaran has unleashed strong winds and heavy rain across western Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and France. Flooding and winds have caused closures and power outages throughout the English Channel, and left at least one dead in northern France. Flights in the Netherlands are cancelled, and Southeastern Rails in the U.K. have reported severe disruptions to its services.

On November 2, 15 tourists were injured during a rockslide in Guatapé, Colombia, specifically at the popular tourist destination Peñol de Guatapé. Six tourists were treated at the scene, and nine were transported to local hospitals. Peñol de Guatapé is a popular rock known for climbing and bouldering. This area will likely be closed to visitors until November 3, with minor traffic disruptions likely.

Several explosives detonated at the Zamra Convention Center in Kochi, India, on October 29. The bombs detonated during a Jehovah’s Witness meeting with over 2,000 participants. At least three are dead and over 50 are injured, and police have a suspect in custody. Heightened security is present around the center and in all urban areas, including New Delhi and Mumbai.

Expect a heightened security presence in Rio de Janeiro following violent riots on October 23. Numerous roads were blocked off with burning buses and tires, and a rogue bus blocked Avenida Brasil, a major road through the city. Public bus company MobiRio temporarily shut down all of its lines in response. Large numbers of police officers are deployed to stop and prevent further unrest.

On October 23, students held an unauthorized protest near the Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. Participants gathered outside the Lycee Maurice Delafosse building, 3 KM from the university. Police intervened and deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least two individuals were arrested, and further civil unrest in the immediate vicinity is likely to occur.

Attacks and threats related to the “Day of Rage” call to action on October 13 have caused major disruptions across France. The Louvre, Versailles Palace, and Gare de Lyon station were each evacuated on October 14 in response to bomb threats, while a school stabbing attack in Arras killed one teacher and injured two on October 13. French officials have deployed 7,000 security personnel across the country in response.