Following the hospitalization of a teenager due to alleged police actions, protests and unrest have occurred in the greater Lyon area since 4 March. Violence directed at police has lead to an increased police presence in the area to ease unrest and stop the violence, specifically in La Duchere, Rillieux-la-Pape, and Bron. Clashes are likely to continue.
Women’s rights activists have organized rallies across Europe for International Women’s Day on 7-8 March. Larger demonstrations are planned for popular cities including Paris, Athens, Rome, and Brussels, and smaller towns and cities will join. While the rallies are expected to remain peaceful, security will be heightened to impose COVID-19 restrictions.
On 4 March a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck just offshore of Gisborne creating a potential tsunami threat to residents in the Gisborne, Whakatane, Rotorua, and Tauranga areas. Authorities have recommended evacuation measures be taken and to seek high ground. Be advised of the risk posed by a possible tsunami and aftershocks.
On 8 March, multiple protests are planned at different locations around Costa Rica. They are planned for San Jose: Parque Center at 16:00, Liberia: Tribunales de Justicia at 16:00 and Puntarenas: Parque Mullero at 17:30. These demonstrations are to celebrate International Women’s Day.
On 24 February, there was a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in the capital Reykjavik and the Southern Peninsula region in Iceland. Continuous aftershocks have triggered increased volcanic activity in the peninsula, including a magma build-up under Fagradalsfjall mountain. On 3 March, meteorologists warned of a heightened possibility of volcanic eruption.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred in central Greece at 12:16 local time on 3 March. Minor reports of structural damage have been reported thus far but significant damage is still possible as it is being assessed. Travel disruptions throughout the region are expected due to landslides. Some telecommunication disruptions have been reported. Aftershocks are likely to happen in the coming days.
Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna, erupted causing spewings of ash. While the risk to residents and travelers is low, Sicily’s biggest airport, the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport has closed its runways due to ash plumes. All incoming flights for the near future are being redirected to land at Comiso Airport to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Heavy rain and flash floods expected through 3 March in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Draa-Tafilalet, L’Oriental, Tanger-Tetouan-AI Hoceima, and Fes-Meknes areas. Currently yellow- and orange-level warnings are in place, indicating moderate weather conditions. Road closures in Tetouan have already been reported as well as infrastructure damage. Anticipate additional closures and building damage.
As of 1 March, an increase in violence has been reported with attacks against foreign women in the Tay Ho West Lake area. A group of 25 men is suspected to be carrying out the attacks by means of sexual assault, bricks being thrown, and women being assaulted with belts and motorbikes.
As of 1 March, a developing cyclone has been forecast to strengthen as it tracks north off of the Queensland coast. The storm is predicted to become a Category-2 cyclone as it turns southward throughout 2-3 March. The storm’s intensity is uncertain and changes in its path are unpredictable.