Wildfires began occurring in Arteaga, Coahuila, and the surrounding areas on 16 March. Since then, the fires have spread along the border of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon states. Evacuations of several towns near the fires have been executed and authorities have begun containment efforts. Authorities have reported that more evacuations may be necessary if the fires continue to spread.
On 17 March, clashes between protesters and police have occurred as protesters blocked roads with burning tires and attempted to storm the Economic Ministry building. Protests in Lebanon have been occurring regularly and escalated as the value of currency hit an all-time low. Protests resumed following clashes with the police, but further clashes are likely. Further protests will likely occur in the coming days.
On 18 March, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued severe weather warnings for heavy rain and severe life-threatening winds for the mid-north coastal areas of NSW. Travel disruptions and road closures may occur due to heavy rainfall. The heavy rain also has the potential to reduce visibility and cause flash flooding. The regions of Hunter, Sydney, and Illawarra may also be affected in the coming days.
On 17, 24, and 31 March, bus drivers are staging a series of strikes as part of a dispute over wage cuts. This will affect at least 80 London United, London Sovereign, and Quality Line bus services across the west, southwest, and northwest parts of London. The organizers have not indicated if any demonstrations will be staged alongside the strikes.
Following the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini on 12 March, travel and business disruption can be expected until 19 March. All government and private services are suspended until 18 March. On 18 March there will be a private funeral, with a memorial service in Nongoma on 19 March. Traffic delays and disruptions are expected around the ceremonies.
On 16 March law enforcement responded to a call about an unexploded World War II-era bomb near Dülmen train station Investigation will occur on 17 March, setting a 500-meter perimeter to investigate. If the suspected bomb is confirmed, a 250-500-meter cordon around the area may occur until the area is rendered safe. This could lead to travel disruptions in and around the railway.
On 27 March, 47 assembly constituencies will begin the first phase of elections for the Assam Legislative Assembly. The three phases will occur through early April and the votes will be counted on 2 May. On this day, political rallies will be likely and the largest gatherings will be in district capitals.
A yellow alert has been issued for northern and central regions in Asia and the Pacific due to an ongoing sandstorm. The alert is expected to last through 17 March and lead to reduced visibility. Because of this, there may be disruptions to air and road travel. Authorities warned the storm could shift its path, but the Gansu province and the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous region are predicted to be affected the most.
A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck Iceland around 14:15 local time on 14 March. The tremor occurred 9 km southwest of Reykjavik, while at a depth of about 10 km. There have been no official reports of damages or casualties. Citizens should continue to exercise caution.
On March 14 and 15 multiple Women’s protests are planned across different cities in Australia. The main protest is being held in Melbourne at the State Library of Victoria from 12:00-14:00 on the 15. These demonstrations are named “Women’s March 4 Justice,” they plan to promote women’s rights and gender equality.
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