Emergency crews are responding to a major fire at the Bayer plant in Leverkusen-Burrig on 27 July. Officials have not confirmed the cause of the blast. At least one casualty and another 12 were injured. Authorities have closed the A1 and A59 highway in both directions. Officials have instructed residents to remain indoors with windows and doors closed.
On 24 July fires began in the Oristano Province and have spread over 50,000 acres. This has led to over 1,500 individuals being evacuated. Emergency workers worry that the fires will spread into the Nuoro Province. The EU has sent aerial fighters over and a state of emergency has been set.
On 25 July Israel Defense Forces (IDF) directed retaliatory strikes at Hamas forces on the Gaza Strip. This occurred after Gaza militants sent incendiary balloons towards southern Israel. These balloons caused three fires, but no injuries have been reported. Further attacks may continue to occur.
On 23 July, the Costa Rica National Emergency Commission issued Red (high risk) and Orange (medium risk) ratings for the central and eastern regions of Costa Rica. Heavy rainfall caused approximately 500 landslides and flooding incidents, which will likely continue through 26 July 2021. Routes 10, 32, 36, 224, 225, 230, and 415 are closed in several places. Several individuals have been declared missing.
Protests across Japan have been planned for 24 July to combat the restrictions and protective measures against COVID-19. Protests in Okinawa will occur at 16:00 local time, protests in Nagoya will occur at 17:00 local time, protests in Hokkaido will occur at 11:00 local time, and Tokyo protests will occur at 14:30 local time. Expected turnout is unknown.
Civic groups are planning a protest surrounding police brutality and systemic racism for 24 July from 18:00-22:00 local time. The protest will begin at the Platz ohne Namen on Falkensteinstraße 7 and continue on through Berlin.
On 21 July a terrorist threat announcement was issued stating that terrorist attacks may occur leading up to the country’s Independence Day on 15 August. It is expected that militant groups will be the perpetrators. As a result, there is heightened security in place until at least 16 August.
Attacks on taxi drivers have escalated in the past month with over twenty killed and services widely disrupted on 21 July. Thousands of commuters have been affected. Violence in public transport has now spread to Golden Arrow buses, with at least one driver shot on 19 July. These attacks on buses and taxis are expected to remain high for the coming weeks.
On 24 and 25 July, a strike is planned by the company Transportes Urbanos de Santiago S.A. (TUSSA). The strike is to demand negotiations to continue for equality of the working conditions for all employees. Major delays in travel are to be expected as this is a public transportation company and will cause a shortage in transportation options.
Adverse rainfall has caused deadly floods throughout the Henan Province, with a reported death toll number of 25 and 7 people missing. The severe flooding has trapped residents in subway systems, schools, offices, and apartments. This has also caused significant travel disruptions in train services and flights.