Unionized rail workers are on strike in Belgium until at least 10:00 PM on March 2. The strike will severely affect national train service within Belgium and international journeys between Belgium and Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands.
As of February 19, a severe outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has led to 211 cases and 11 fatalities. The outbreak can be traced back to the pathogen Campylobacter jejuni, which is typically found in chicken or duck droppings. Symptoms of GBS include muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and paralysis.
Heightened security measures are expected after authorities found weapons and improvised explosive devices, during simultaneous special forces raids in 10 cities including Fez, Tangier, Casablanca, and Tamesna. Attacks were reportedly planned by a senior leader of the Islamic State-Sahel Province, and 12 individuals were arrested. residents have been evacuated and special forces are continuing sweeps of affected areas.
Sixteen train and tram lines operating in Ile-de-France, France, are undergoing maintenance from February 17 to 28. The following providers will experience scheduled delays: Paris metro, RER lines, Transilien lines, and Tramway lines.
A Delta flight traveling from Minneapolis to Toronto has crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17. At least eight individuals have been reported injured. Officials have stated that all passengers and crew have been accounted for. Runways have been closed until at least February 18, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations.
Canada’s weather service has announced extreme weather alerts for Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, Newfoundland, Saskatchewan, and Ontario provinces. Forecasts predict up to 27 inches of snow and temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit through February 19.
Health officials in Queensland have reported 2 deaths and 46 cases of melioidosis, a bacterial disease endemic to Northern Australia that spreads through contact with contaminated soil or water. Symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, cough with mucus, and could result in sepsis if not treated.
Pay negotiations between Sydney’s government and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union collapsed on February 13, causing strikes that are severely impacting public transportation across Sydney. Further cancellations and delays are expected over the next week as negotiations continue.
A gas cylinder fire caused the evacuation of at least 460 homes in the vicinity of 159 Rue Saint-Francois in the Tonnelle district of Tours. Authorities have announced a 200-meter evacuation zone, with no reports of injuries. Boulevard Tonnellé, Boulevard Jean Monney, and the nearby railroad line will be closed for the coming hours.
Weeks of heavy rainfall have prompted the Bolivian government to declare a state of emergency in 27 municipalities. The National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued an orange alert through at least February 21. Severe flooding, landslides, and river overflows are expected to continue affecting Bolivia in the coming days.
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