Typhoon Lan is expected to make landfall over the Kansai region in southern Japan early on August 15. The typhoon is expected to move from the northwest into the Wakayama prefecture, hitting Kyoto and Osaka the hardest. Authorities have authorized evacuation orders for tens of thousands that are in the storm’s path. Significant flooding and road closures are likely to occur.
On August 14, eruptions from Mount Etna, near Catania, Italy in Sicily have led authorities to halt operations at Catania International Airport. Ashfalls have also prompted a two-day ban on road travel with two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles as well as a blanket 30 km/h speed limit within the city. Stoppages and closures are likely to continue until volcanic activity ceases.
Unknown gunmen assassinated presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio outside of Quito, Ecuador late August 9. The gunmen shot at Villavicencio while he was leaving a rally and entering his vehicle. The attack appears to be premeditated, and police have announced that six foreign nationals have been arrested in association with the shooting. Quito is expected to see increased security as the assassination is investigated.
As of August 7, wildfires on the Italian island of Sardinia have left four injured, and forced over 600 evacuations. Emergency crews are still working to contain more than forty-two fires burning throughout the island, and further evacuations are expected. High temperatures associated with the ongoing heat wave may make additional fires more likely.
Widespread flooding and landslides have been reported in Beijing, China on August 3 associated with Typhoon Doksuri. Over 1.2 million people have been evacuated from the area, and dozens have been reported missing. Severe rain have caused at least one major highway bridge to collapse, and flooded dozens of roads. Continued rainfall and disruptions are expected through August 9.
Typhoon Khanun made landfall in Okinawa, Japan and Taipei, Taiwan on August 2 and 3, causing structural damage, power outages, and flooding. Current meteorological reports forecast that Khanun will backtrack across Okinawa for a second time on August 4 before finally dissipating. This is expected to worsen travel conditions, and increase flooding and power outages.
On August 3, a stabbing and car-ramming attack caused one death and 13 injuries outside the Bundang AK Plaza department store in Seongnam, South Korea. A 33-year-old man was arrested in connection to the incident shortly after it occurred. The incident is being treated as terror-related with heightened security expected in the area in the coming hours.
On July 27, American tourists are advised to keep a low profile after an American tourist was nearly killed the prior week in an unprovoked attack. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Ireland, recommends walking in groups, securing wallets and passports in interior pockets, and only carrying a little amount of cash on your person. The embassy also recommends not staring at your phone while walking in public areas, and to limit the amount of alcohol you consume.
On July 26, Typhoon Doksuri hit Taiwan, causing the evacuation of at least 300 people and flood warnings across the country. On July 27, Dokuri is expected to hit southern China, causing flight train and ferry cancellations. Flash flooding and road closures are expected throughout the country, likely impacting the ability of first responders to act quickly.
On July 25, a police standoff in the Spandau district of Berlin, Germany, ended in one death. Following his planned eviction, the individual barricaded himself and fired multiple shots at security forces. Roads remain under significant closure with an increased security presence.
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