As of October 18, Cuba is experiencing power outages due to a major failure at the Antonio Guiteras power plant. This has disrupted businesses, transportation, telecommunications, and increased security risks. Protests against the government may occur. Technicians are working to restore power, but there is no estimated timeline for resolution.
Protesters will gather in areas throughout Tbilisi beginning at 5:00 PM. Following these gatherings, protesters will begin marching towards Liberty Square at 7:00 PM. Protest organizers state that protesters are gathering in support of EU candidacy for Georgia with voting taking place on October 26. Clashes with police are likely. Police have stated that tear-gas and other means of crowd control will be used, likely posing threats to bystanders.
Since October 16, education workers from the Unitary Union of Education Workers of Peru (SUTEP) are on strike indefinitely to demand higher wages. Demonstrations are expected to last through October 21 and have taken place in Lima, Arequipa, Ica, and Tumbes. Clashes between law enforcement and protesters are possible. Disruptions to classes are likely.
On October 20 at 12:00 PM, activists associated with the Platform for Constitutional Spain and affiliate organizations will protest at Plaza de Castilla. The demonstration is planned to denounce the deterioration of democracy and demand a new general election. Increased security and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Clashes between police and demonstrators are possible.
In the coming months, individuals in Japan and South Korea should closely monitor developments amid rising tensions with North Korea. Recently, North Korea labeled South Korea a “hostile state” following acts of aggression toward South Korea, including the destruction of roads and railways. South Korean authorities are particularly concerned as the U.S. election approaches on November 5.
From October 16 through October 20, Italy will experience severe rainfall and storms across the country with high potential for flooding and landslides. The weather will be most intense in the regions of Tuscany and Liguria. The regions of Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, and Lombardy will also experience serious weather, though less severe.
Over the coming week, activists affiliated with the National Universities Union Front will strike and protest across Argentina. The actions are to denounce President Milei’s prevention of funding increases for public universities. Affiliated university workers will strike nationwide from October 17-18. Associated protests have taken place at various universities including Universidad Nacional de La Plata and Universidad de Buenos Aires. Additional protests are likely through at least October 21. Minor clashes are possible.
Until at least April, expect disruptions to travel and essential services caused by the start of monsoon season in Asia and the Pacific. Flooding, heavy rainfall, and landslides are common, especially in low-lying communities.
As of October 14, the greater São Paulo area in Brazil is facing power outages and infrastructure damage as a result of recent severe weather. The Cotia, Taboão da Serra, and São Bernardo De Campo municipalities are the most heavily affected. Water services have also been affected, and repairs will likely take over a week.
Beginning October 15, the Pune Petrol Dealers’ Association is beginning an indefinite strike in the region of Pune, India. For the duration of the strike, the association’s tankers will not be filled. The strike is in response to rampant fuel theft and unfair business practices. Protests in association with the strike are likely.