On October 5, railway workers from the Panhellenic Union of Traction Personnel (PEPE) will go on strike for 24-hours across Greece. The strike calls for improved workplace safety standards to prevent future accidents. This comes after two trains nearly collided in Agioi Anargyroi after an error by the stationmaster.
On October 5, protesters will gather unlawfully in Rome, Italy in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Italian officials outlawed the demonstrations, however they are expected to be carried out. Clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators are likely. A heavy security presence is expected.
Since September 29, a wildfire that began near Xylokastro has spread in southern Greece. It has caused several towns to be evacuated and the shutdown of the highway between Athens and Patras. Over 350 firefighters have been deployed to stop the fire alongside specialized aircraft. Similar fires are expected to break out in the southeastern Aegean, including Rhodes.
Since September 23, Israel has intensified military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with expectations for continued conflict. Hezbollah and Iranian-backed groups have expanded their attacks, and both sides have vowed not to back down. Israel does appear willing to launch a limited ground invasion of southern Lebanon.
The US Embassy has issued a Weather Alert for Taiwan, warning of the landfall of Typhoon Julian in the next couple of days. The typhoon will impact Eastern and Southern Taiwan, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Flooding and landslides are possible.
On September 26, Peru declared a sixty-day state of emergency for several districts until at least November 25 due to transport strikes and associated protests. The right to free transit, assembly, and warrantless searches are suspended under this state of emergency. Several schools and universities have canceled classes and curfews and stay-at-home orders are possible.
Security has been heightened at several religious sites across Mumbai, India, for upcoming religious festivals. India’s Intelligence Bureau issued an alert on September 28 for possible terror activity throughout the city. Precautions are being taken.
A storm system will move through western Switzerland through at least October 2 producing heavy rain, flooding, and potential landslides. Flooding is expected to occur in low-lying regions as well as throughout urban centers including Geneva, Lausanne and Bern. Power outages are expected and disruptions will linger in the days following the storm.
On September 27, Marburg virus disease (MVD) was detected in Rwanda. Twenty cases are currently under investigation with six deaths so far. Marburg virus causes hemorrhagic fevers with a high fatality rate. There is no known treatment or vaccination. The virus spreads through contact with infected individuals, bats or primates, or bodily fluids including saliva, blood, urine, and sexual fluids. Symptoms include chest and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and diarrhea.
On October 1st, Hong Kong will see a dramatically increased security prevense during celebrations of National Day. Roughly 6,000 additional security personnel and added surveillance will be used to manage crowds. Checkpoints, travel restrictions, and random searches are all expected.