On 21 April staff at the Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok tested positive for COVID-19 leading to the closure of various offices for disinfection. The passenger terminal remains open; however, disruptions may occur until at least 24 April. Reconfirm flights and expect delays as other airlines have canceled domestic flights due to the presence of COVID-19 within the facility.
Tropical Cyclone Jobo is continuing west and will reach land near Pombwe, Tanzania between 25- 26 April. Heavy rain and strong winds are likely to affect the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique and southern parts of Kenya. Flooding is likely in coastal and low-lying areas. Temporary road closures, telecommunication, and electricity disruptions are likely. Expect travel disruptions due to the flooding and emergency response.
Anticipate student-led protests at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) campuses in Eastern Cape province in the coming days. Protests are calling for greater financial support. On 20 April, four officers were injured by stone-throwing at the Mthatha campus, while police vehicles were set on fire. All WSU campuses have closed indefinitely in response since then.
A nationwide strike is planned to take place on 23 April by labor unions with a coinciding march in Paris. The strikes are to denounce unemployment insurance reforms. In regards to the march, participants are expected to gather at Place d’Italie at 14:00 local time and will then march to Place de la Bastille. Travel disruptions are likely and clashes are not being ruled out.
On 22 April, members of the Doctors in Unite group are protesting outside the offices of Operose Health along New Cavendish Street in Fitzrovia at 15:00 local time. Participants are opposing the privatization of the National Health Service following the recent purchase of medical clinics by various private companies.
On 23 April public transport workers are to strike from 11:00 local time to 15:00 local time in Naples. Trade Unions such as FILT-CGIL, UILTRASPORTI, UGLFNA, and USB have called for bus, tram, metro, and railway workers to strike to demand an increase in wages and better personnel service and management. Italian laws require a minimum level of service during strikes.
Adverse weather including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds are likely in Northern New Zealand through at least 21 April. The New Zealand National Meteorological Service issued heavy rainfall warnings for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua. As of 20 April, heavy rainfall watches have been established for Northland, Auckland, and the Coromandel Peninsula. Flooding in multiple areas is likely with continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.
On 19 April a train derailed in Toukh, just outside of Cairo. Four of the carriages derailed, killing 11 people and leaving 98 injured. The cause for the derailment is currently unknown. This is the second deadly rail accident in less than a month. Expect travel delays related to the incident.
Severe air pollution has been expected nationwide through at least 20 April. Conditions worsened on 17 April, with Air Quality readings exceeding 150, or “very bad,” in most provinces. Conditions began improving on 18 April, but Southern Gyeonggi and South Chungcheong Provinces are likely to stay in the “bad” range between 19 and 20 April. Reduced visibility may result in air and ground travel disruptions.
As of 19 April, uncontrollable wildfires continue spreading from above University Estate to lower Table Mountain through Walmer Estate and Devil’s Peak Estate, and the Vredehoek area due to winds fueling the fire. Evacuations have already occurred along the area and will continue. Several University of Cape Town buildings have also been affected, and the N2 and M3 highways have been closed.
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