On 30 December, a train derailment in the Eschersheim district of Frankfurt has led to disruptions in rail traffic. Disruptions are expected to last well into the evening. Rail delays are highly expected to occur, including between Frankfurt West and Freiburg.
On 29 December at 12:19 local time, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake was reported near Zagreb, earning the title of Croatia’s strongest earthquake in 140 years. The tremor occurred at a depth of 6 miles (10 km), and while initial reports were assessing damage, there has been 1 death, at least 20 injured, and damage to structures in the area.
On 29 December, students at the American University of Beirut have planned protests beginning at 11:00 local time near the university’s main gate. The protests are against an increase in the university’s tuition fees. Protests have the potential to turn violent, as one on 19 December resulted in vandalized banks and clashes with security forces.
Since 3 December, protests in the Chao and Viru Districts of La Libertad region have blockaded the Pan-American Highway. The 3 December protest resulted in a police officer-involved shooting. Most recently, Peruvian military forces have been deployed amid clashes between police forcibly seeking to reopen the highway and protestors denouncing a new agricultural law.
Emergency response workers in the autonomous community of Andalusia plan to hold a series of strikes to denounce labor, economic, and social inequalities. Work stoppages will be staged from 14:00 local time on 24 December to 08:00 on 26 December; from 14:00 on 31 December to 08:00 on 2 January 2021; and from 14:00 on 5 January 2021 to 08:00 on 7 January 2021.
Beginning on 22 December, railway workers and members of the railway union La Fraternidad will participate in a 24-hour strike demanding increased health benefits from the government. Workers claim to also be essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and seek better working conditions.
As of 21 December, most European countries and others including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Canada have banned all international flights with the UK. The measures are due to a new COVID-19 strain found in September, now responsible for approximately half the current COVID-19 cases in the country. Wales is currently under lockdown, and Scotland will follow lockdown procedures on 26 December, already banning travel to the rest of the UK.
On 17 December, heavy rainfall is forecast to continue in Beirut and Tyre, and continue into 18 December when it begins to subside. Heavy rainfall on 16 December previously caused flooding and severe disruptions to traffic which is expected to continue until after rainfall subsides. Flash floods and landslides may result.
Between 25-30 December, London’s King Cross Station will suspend all train services due to maintenance. The suspensions are expected to affect railway services and routes to York, Thirsk, Selby, and Northallerton. The East Coast Main Line is expected to be upgraded in the meantime.
On 16 December, members of the General Confederation of Lebanese Workers (CGTL) have called for nationwide demonstrations to protest the government’s decision to reduce subsidies on essential goods and demand the formation of a new government capable of implementing economic reforms. Large crowds are expected to gather due to CGTL having over 200,000 members.
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