On August 31, a deadly fire erupted in an abandoned five-story building within Johannesburg’s central business district, resulting in at least 73 fatalities and 43 injuries. The cause of the fire remains uncertain, posing risks of further disruption and casualties. The area has been blocked off as emergency services continue to contain the blaze.
On August 15, a protest on Avenida Regional highway turned violent when protesters began attacking vehicles and blocking traffic. University officials at the nearby Politecnico Jaime Isaza Cadavid University ordered the mandatory evacuation of all professors, students, and staff. Traffic along Avenida Regional will remain closed as security forces disperse the protestors. Clashes between the two groups are likely.
On August 16, bomb threats against city halls and universities across South Korea have forced increased security measures nationwide. Various universities such as the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon University, Seoul National University, Yonsei University Seoul Campus, and Korea University were threatened. The city halls of Busan, Daegu, Hwaseong, and Suwon were targeted as well. A heightened police presence will be in the areas until the areas are cleared.
Typhoon Lan is expected to make landfall over the Kansai region in southern Japan early on August 15. The typhoon is expected to move from the northwest into the Wakayama prefecture, hitting Kyoto and Osaka the hardest. Authorities have authorized evacuation orders for tens of thousands that are in the storm’s path. Significant flooding and road closures are likely to occur.
On August 14, eruptions from Mount Etna, near Catania, Italy in Sicily have led authorities to halt operations at Catania International Airport. Ashfalls have also prompted a two-day ban on road travel with two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles as well as a blanket 30 km/h speed limit within the city. Stoppages and closures are likely to continue until volcanic activity ceases.
Unknown gunmen assassinated presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio outside of Quito, Ecuador late August 9. The gunmen shot at Villavicencio while he was leaving a rally and entering his vehicle. The attack appears to be premeditated, and police have announced that six foreign nationals have been arrested in association with the shooting. Quito is expected to see increased security as the assassination is investigated.
NEW HAVEN, CT — We are thrilled to announce that Linda Weissgold, former CIA Deputy Director for Analysis, will be a keynote speaker at the highly anticipated Safety Abroad Summit on September 14, 2023.
As of August 7, wildfires on the Italian island of Sardinia have left four injured, and forced over 600 evacuations. Emergency crews are still working to contain more than forty-two fires burning throughout the island, and further evacuations are expected. High temperatures associated with the ongoing heat wave may make additional fires more likely.
Widespread flooding and landslides have been reported in Beijing, China on August 3 associated with Typhoon Doksuri. Over 1.2 million people have been evacuated from the area, and dozens have been reported missing. Severe rain have caused at least one major highway bridge to collapse, and flooded dozens of roads. Continued rainfall and disruptions are expected through August 9.
Typhoon Khanun made landfall in Okinawa, Japan and Taipei, Taiwan on August 2 and 3, causing structural damage, power outages, and flooding. Current meteorological reports forecast that Khanun will backtrack across Okinawa for a second time on August 4 before finally dissipating. This is expected to worsen travel conditions, and increase flooding and power outages.