A fire began to the east of Canakkale city early on August 8 and has spread rapidly due to the extreme heat. Firefighting operations are ongoing, and evacuation orders have been issued for parts of the city. Further evacuation orders are possible, and short-notice road closures and traffic diversions are expected.
The Ribaute fire has consumed 10,000 hectares (24,710.5 acres) and has closed two major motorways (A9 and A61). The wildfire started in Ribaute, France, due to winds of up to 24.9 miles per hour. The fire is said to be spreading around 3.1 miles per hour and 1,250 firefighters are attempting to put it out. This wildfire is ongoing, and is likely to continue to cause disruptions.
Far-right groups will gather for anti-immigrant protests across the UK on August 2 and 8, and further protests are expected throughout August. Demonstrators will gather outside hotels supposedly accommodating asylum seekers. The protests began after a violent protest Epping on July 13, which has inspired a series of protests and counter-protests.
Protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and expressing support for the Thai Army in the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict will gather from 12:00 PM-9:00 PM near Victory Monument on August 2. The protest is being organized by the Ruam Palang Phaendin group. A protest organized by the same group on June 28 was attended by 150,000 people.
Disruptions are likely to occur around the world at Egyptian Embassies due to pro-Palestinian protests starting on July 26. Multiple civil society groups have called for demonstrations to denounce Egypt’s alleged involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Events are likely to be well attended and security forces may be used to disperse crowds. There may be potential risk to bystanders.
Cambodian and Thai soldiers have clashed near the Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin, Thailand, which Thai soldiers were attempting to secure and restrict access to. Thailand has accused Cambodia of placing landmines on the Thai side of the disputed border, and a landmine exploded near Chong An Ma on July 23. Thai authorities have closed all tourist sites and border crossings.
On July 22, Tropical Storm Francisco and a tropical depression intensified monsoon rains, causing severe flooding in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. A state of emergency was declared in several cities with schools and offices closed across more than 20 provinces. Nearly 100 flights at Manila’s airport were cancelled, though the airport remains operational. Rainfall and flood-related disruption are expected to continue until at least July 26.
Menzies Aviation ground workers associated with the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) will strike nationwide from 12:00 AM July 25-11:59 PM July 28. This is the first of five strikes, which will be held during subsequent weekends through August. The strike is being organized to demand improved wages and working conditions, and is expected to cause delays and flight cancellations across the country.
As of July 21, 18 people have been killed and 9 remain missing due to flooding and landslides across South Korea. The southern and western provinces were hardest hit by the heavy rain, experiencing widespread power and water shortages. More than 14,000 people were evacuated. Although rain has eased, rescue workers continue to search for survivors and help victims.
On July 7, at least 31 people were killed and hundreds injured after police opened fire during nationwide demonstrations commemorating the 1990 ‘Saba Saba Peoples March.’ Other anti-government demonstrations throughout June have led to road blockades and violent clashes between police and protesters. Further protests are likely over the coming days amidst anger and unrest.