A police operation is currently underway in Margate, Australia as of December 4 at 8:30 PM. An emergency and exclusion zone between Bank Street, Disraeli Street, Wighton Street, and Oxley Avenue has been declared. Authorities are responding to a public safety threat, and travelers should avoid the area.
The national rail operator SNCF in France will be striking nationwide from December 2-4. The strike has been organized to demand improved salaries and working conditions. 60% of train services across the country experienced cancellations on December 2. Similar widespread disruptions are anticipated until December 5. Other public transport services may experience overcrowding due to increased demand. Strike-related protests are possible.
Heavy rain and flooding has been forecast across parts of Brazil from December 1-2. A high level red warning was issued for Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais states. At least 2 people in Parana were killed in a landslide; dozens more are missing. Mass infrastructure damage has been reported. Flooding in Santa Catarina has forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes. Travel disruptions are likely across the country due to the storm debris and flooding.
As of December 1, six letter bombs have been sent to high-profile targets across Spain, including the Ukrainian and US Embassies, the Interior Ministry, the Defence Ministry, a European Union satellite center, and Instalaza (a Spanish weapons manufacturer). The US Embassy in Madrid is the latest to receive a letter bomb, and there is currently heightened security in the area.
Heightened security measures have been active in Shanghai, China as of November 28. This is due to the violent anti-Covid19 restrictions protests on November 27. Barriers have been erected in areas between Wulumuqi Road and Wuzhong Road. Increased patrols, random searches, and travel restrictions have been reported. Police have been checking people’s phones in order to prevent future protests. These measures will likely be in place for the coming days.
Healthcare workers in Greece are striking from November 28 until December 1 to denounce a bill that increases the privatization of public health services. The union representing public hospital staff will strike from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on December 1. Protestors plan to gather in Athens on November 29 in front of the Health Ministry at 12:00 PM and on December 1 in front of Parliament at 12:00 PM.
A demonstration was held in Istanbul, Turkey on November 25 to support the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Local officials had banned the demonstration, yet hundreds of activists gathered to protest. The activists gathered at Taksim Tunel at 7:00PM; they were met by police who had set up blockades by the streets and alleys in the area. Police reportedly used pepper spray to disperse the crowds; dozens of people were arrested.
On November 26, eight people were killed and at least 13 are missing after a landslide in Casamicciola Terme, Italy. Wind and heavy rain and forecast to continue in the Campania, Lazio, Molise, and Sicily regions until at least November 27. Severe weather disruptions may cause hazardous conditions, including flash floods and landslides.
Heightened security measures will be in place in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea until December 2. Over 600 police officers will be deployed to maintain order and conduct regular counter terrorism checks during the World Cup. Most events will take place on November 24 and 28, and December 2, when South Korea will be playing. The World Cup is expected to bring over 10,000 people to the area. Traffic delays are almost certain during this time.
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in Cianjur in West Java, Indonesia on November 21. The latest reports state that approximately 268 people have been killed in the disaster. Over 1,000 more people were injured, 58,000 were displaced, and 151 people are still missing. Landslides occurred after the earthquake, causing mass infrastructure damage. Widespread travel disruptions and power outages are expected throughout the vicinity for the coming days.
IN NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT