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.
On 3 March, the Indian National Congress plans to hold an encirclement protest at the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Members are denouncing the increasing price of fuel. The event is expected to attract hundreds of participants and start late morning and last until the afternoon.
On 1 March, activist groups will stage disruptive protests in major cities. This will likely cause vehicular traffic due to roadblocks, and possibly even greater disruptions to transport throughout the cities at metro stations. Police will deploy to major cities and clashes are possible.
On February 27, a protest is planned to take place in Kyiv at 12:00, at an unspecified location. Activists are protesting to demand the release of a lawyer-activist who was sentenced to prison. Reports indicate that protesters are planning to continue to stage demonstrations until their demands are met.
On 27 February planned demonstrations will occur in Piazza San Silvestro at 15:00 local time. Protests are aimed to oppose the recent appointment of Mario Draghi as the new prime minister. Police presence is likely to provide security, which may result in transportation disruptions and attempts to disperse the crowd due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Rounds of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and likely flooding are forecast to occur in southern and western South Island through at least 25 February. Warnings have been issued across the affected areas.
On 25 February, an indefinite transport strike is scheduled throughout Tamil Nadu. The strike involves up to 100,000 transportation employees and could affect up to 80 percent of government bus services. The opposition party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), is involved.