Heavy rainfall and flooding are forecast to occur across Tasmania, Australia, through at least August 21. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood watches and warnings for the Esk River, the Macquarie River, Jordan River, Coal River, and the North, North East, East Coastal, South East, Derwent, and Huon catchments.
A bomb threat made on August 18 has resulted in heightened security in the Ibaraki Prefecture. Officials will reportedly close several government buildings from 15:00 local time. Rail services on the Joso Line between Moriya and Shimotsuma will also be suspended from 15:00. Shuttle services will be available.
A heatwave is expected to last until August 21, 2020. Temperatures of 33-35°C (91-95°F) are possible throughout much of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
On August 13, members of the Ivorian diaspora are expected to protest outside of the Côte d’Ivoire’s embassy between 14:00 and 20:00 local time. On August 15, members are marching from Place du Trocadéro to the Ivorian embassy starting at 14:00 local time. These protests coincide with nationwide protests in Cote d’Ivoire linked to their presidential election.
A wildfire began in Ontario on August 10th and has blazed approximately 750 hectares as of the morning of August 13th. There is no current estimated date for containment and mandatory evacuations have been issued. The wildfire will also decrease air quality and become dangerous for those with respiratory issues.
Hong Kong solidarity protests will be staged on 14 August:
• Brisbane, Australia – in front of the Chinese Consulate, 08:00 local time
• Edinburgh, United Kingdom (UK) – in front of the Chinese Consulate, 14:00
• London, UK – in front of the Chinese Embassy, 12:30
• Frankfurt, Germany – in the vicinity of St. Paul’s Square (Paulsplatz), 18:00
• Milan, Italy – in front of the Chinese Consulate, 18:00
• Turin, Italy – in the vicinity of Piazza Castello, 09:30
• The Hague, the Netherlands – in front of the International Court of Justice headquarters, 17:00
• New York City, United States (US) – in front of the Chinese Consulate, 12:30
• Washington, DC, US – in front of the US Capitol, 17:00.
A severe weather warning has been issued for the northwestern regions of England, North Wales, and the West Midlands from August 12-14. An amber warning for flash floods, lightning, and hail has been issued for Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Inverness. The UK Environmental Agency has released 5 additional flood alerts for Birmingham and surrounding areas as well as 17 flood alerts for various areas in Scotland.
On August 16, a protest demanding the resignation of the military backed-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is scheduled to be held in Bangkok. Protesters are planning to gather at the Democracy Monument from 15:00-21:00 local time. Although the expected turnout for the protest has not yet been confirmed, previous related gatherings have been attended by thousands of protesters.
A demonstration by activists in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in Poland is scheduled to take place in Prince Street Gardens on August 13, 2020, at approximately 16:30 local time by the Wojtek Monument. The expected duration and demonstrator turn out is currently unknown. However, potential disruptions to traffic are expected.
Activists are calling for a demonstration at 18:30 local time on August 13 on Avenida Colon in Cordoba, Argentine. The demonstrators are looking to protest the alleged killing of a young person by police. A heightened security presence and related transportation disruptions are expected in the area.