On 5 April a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand’s North Island at 19:37 local time. Strong to moderate shaking occurred in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, and weak to light shaking occurred near North Island and northern South Island. There have been no reported casualties or damage yet. Travel disruptions may occur for damage assessments. Light aftershocks are likely within the coming days.
On 7 April, customs workers are staging a 24-hour nationwide strike to demand better working conditions, additional staff, and priority for COVID-19 vaccinations. The demonstrations are being organized by the General Union of Public Services, who has also threatened to stage similar strikes weekly until demands are met.
On 2 April, a Taroko Express passenger train headed to Taitung from New Taipei and Shulin derailed in Hualien County. The derailment took place in the Daquingshui tunnel, killing over 30 people and injuring dozens among the 350 passengers believed to be on board. First responders are in the area and Taiwan Railways may face delays.
As of 31 March, northern Thailand has reported a severely high level of air pollution. It is predicted these levels will last into at least mid-April. Readings of airborne particulate matter are above 150 in the region. Readings above 150 are considered unhealthy for general populations. The pollution has been predicted to be a result of farmers starting fires to burn undergrowth.
Monsoon season is expected to cause flooding, landslides, and mudflows throughout Southeast Asia until early April. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are among the most at-risk locations. Travel and business may be severely disrupted. Disruptions may continue after heavy rainfall concludes as flooding may take days or weeks to subside. Expect further disruptions from authorities as they attempt to clear landslides and aid the communities.
As of 30 March, adverse weather conditions are expected to bring thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds to portions of northern New Zealand through at least 1 April. Flooding, flash flooding, landslides, power outages, and travel disruptions may be possible due to the conditions. Flights on 30 March at Auckland Airport may experience disruptions due to expected thunderstorms.
Weekly disruptions to the ScotRail will occur until 2 May. Conductors associated with the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) plan to strike every Sunday until such date. Strike efforts are to demand increases in overtime pay. Some routes along the ScotRail will have more disruptions than others, specifically, through Edinburgh and Glasgow.
As the climate begins to change, more cases of Melioidosis have risen in North Queensland, Australia. This infectious disease is caused by bacteria found in soil that can lead to pneumonia, blood poisoning, and is potentially fatal. The bacteria is thought to increase in tropical regions due to the effects of climate change.
From 1-21 April border force staff at London Heathrow Airport will establish a work-to-rule action due to the lack of changes in working conditions. The Public and Commercial Services Union scheduled these actions, along with a strike from 1-7 April involving an estimated 450 workers. The strikes will produce delays and disruptions that may continue after 7 April.
Reports of heightened security measures and travel disruptions in Athens have been released on 24 March due to Greek Independence Day celebrations. Over 4,000 police officers have been deployed to monitor the city and large crowds have led to multiple traffic blocks. The celebrations will continue through 25 March.
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