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.
On September 29, protesters will gather for an anti-racism demonstration at Südplatz in Leipzig, Germany. The far-left demonstration is in response to recent far-right election victories in the states of Saxony and Thuringia. Minor disruptions to travel and a heightened security presence are likely.
On September 28, protests will occur across Portugal in response to the country’s ongoing housing crisis. Protests will occur in Coimbra, Covilha, Far, Porto, and Lisbon, and potentially other cities. Unlawful evictions and rent control are among the main motivators for the demonstrations.