On February 23, protesters will gather in urban hubs nationwide to commemorate the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In Rome, protesters will gather at Piazza dell’Esquilino at 3:00 PM. Protests are also expected in Milan, Naples, Florence, and Venice. Large turnouts are expected.
Heavy rainfall has led to multiple major road closures across Botswana, affecting primarily Gaborone. The rainfall is expected to last until February 24. Closures include portions of the A1 highway along Pitsane and Pitsane-Potlokwe, Block 9 bridges, Molapo Crossing, Segoditshane Road along the Western Bypass, Maoka Junior Bridge, and Jamali Road near Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital.
Disruptions are anticipated across Germany in the coming days due to protests surrounding the federal election on February 23. Coalitions of left-wing, anti-fascist, and pro-democracy groups are organizing demonstrations nationwide. Recent protests have seen large turnouts, and possible clashes with police or counter-protesters may endanger bystanders.
Unionized rail workers are on strike in Belgium until at least 10:00 PM on March 2. The strike will severely affect national train service within Belgium and international journeys between Belgium and Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands.
As of February 19, a severe outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has led to 211 cases and 11 fatalities. The outbreak can be traced back to the pathogen Campylobacter jejuni, which is typically found in chicken or duck droppings. Symptoms of GBS include muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and paralysis.
Heightened security measures are expected after authorities found weapons and improvised explosive devices, during simultaneous special forces raids in 10 cities including Fez, Tangier, Casablanca, and Tamesna. Attacks were reportedly planned by a senior leader of the Islamic State-Sahel Province, and 12 individuals were arrested. residents have been evacuated and special forces are continuing sweeps of affected areas.
Sixteen train and tram lines operating in Ile-de-France, France, are undergoing maintenance from February 17 to 28. The following providers will experience scheduled delays: Paris metro, RER lines, Transilien lines, and Tramway lines.
A Delta flight traveling from Minneapolis to Toronto has crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17. At least eight individuals have been reported injured. Officials have stated that all passengers and crew have been accounted for. Runways have been closed until at least February 18, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations.
Canada’s weather service has announced extreme weather alerts for Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, Newfoundland, Saskatchewan, and Ontario provinces. Forecasts predict up to 27 inches of snow and temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit through February 19.
Health officials in Queensland have reported 2 deaths and 46 cases of melioidosis, a bacterial disease endemic to Northern Australia that spreads through contact with contaminated soil or water. Symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, cough with mucus, and could result in sepsis if not treated.