Travelers in Rome and across the Lazio Region can expect heavy disruption to public transportation on 25 September due to a large 24-hour strike called by the USB union representing workers from ATAC, Roma TPL, and Cotral. The strike will be effective at 10:00-17:00 and 20:00 onwards (local time). Avoid Rome’s network of buses, trams, metro, and light rail services by these providers.
Protests led by far-right groups Free Solidarity and the Taegeukgi Revolutionary National Movement are to take place on 3 October during South Korea’s National Foundation Day. Protests will occur in the Jongno and Jung districts of Seoul. Rallies and mass gatherings remain banned until 11 October, so violent clashes between the police and protesters can not be ruled out. Times and locations remain uncertain.
Pro-Catalan independence groups have called for protests in Barcelona on 3 and 6 October. Reports indicate that groups will stage a demonstration at 12:00 (local time) in front of the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) building on 3 October. An “anti-repression” demonstration on 6 October is also expected. Protests are organized to commemorate the third anniversary of the Catalan independence protests.
An anti-government protest is set to take place on 22 September at 10:00 local time. The protest will gather at the presidential office building. The previous anti-government protest that took place in Bulgaria on 2 September resulted in at least 200 injuries with tens of thousands in attendance. Expect clashes between police and protestors.
The 15 September forecast of Tropical Cyclone THIRTEEN-20 heads to Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The storm strength and population in the area are predicted to create a high humanitarian impact over the following 72 hours, with winds increasing up to 130 km/h from the initial 75 km/h. Winds are expected to begin dissipating on 18 September.
Severe weather is forecast to hit the Ionian Islands and southern Greece on 17-18 September. The storm has the potential to develop into a Mediterranean cyclonic storm. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, rough seas, and flooding are likely to occur in affected areas.
On 17 September at 18:30 local time in Athens, union protests are scheduled to begin at the Propylaea and march towards the Hellenic Parliament. Simultaneously, protests in Thessaloniki will be held at the Eleftherios Venizelos statue demanding the reopening of schools after the COVID-19 pandemic. Traffic and localized disruptions at protest sites are likely.
A pro-democracy protest demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is scheduled to take place 19 September at 14:00 local time at Thammasat University’s Tha Pra Chan campus. Thousands of protesters will camp out overnight and at 8:00 on 20 September will march from the university to the Government House. Expect localized and travel disruptions.
A 24-hour nationwide air transportation strike is scheduled to take place on 16 September. The strike has been organized by several trade unions to denounce further attempts to privatize the national civil aviation authority (ENAC). Personnel at airports nationwide are expected to participate in the strike. Impact on operations is likely.
Early on 14 September, Bermuda (UK) saw the Category One Hurricane Paulette pass through. Hurricane and tropical storm conditions are expected to persist in the coming hours. The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning. Bermuda is expected to receive up to 6 inches of rain and experience significant coastal flooding associated with storm surge.