On February 10, U.S. State department urged any U.S. citizens located in Ukraine to leave the country while commercial and private means are still available. The announcement comes in response to the mounting risk of Russian invasion. It is unlikely that U.S. troops will be dispatched to evacuate stranded citizens should the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalate.
Various teachers’ unions will dispute the lack of COVID-19 safety measures in schools. Similar protests occurred on 13 January, where 77,000 individuals attended. 38% of teachers were reported to have participated in the protest. The protest is likely to occur nationwide, with the largest turnout in Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Lille.
Violent protests are causing turmoil throughout Kazakhstan as of 5 January. Almaty is the center of unrest, however a state of emergency has been implemented nationwide until 19 January. All flights to Almaty have been suspended. Police have used lethal force on some demonstrators. Thousands have been injured during clashes with authorities, but a definitive number of deaths remains unclear.
As of 28 December there are 20 active wildfires in La Araucania, Los Lagos, Nuble and O’Higgins regions. The fires have burned through over 30,000 acres of land. Strong winds and dry heat may make fires worse. Roads have been closed and several homes have been damaged.
On 7 December, rail workers plan to stage a strike in New South Wales. The demonstration is to dispute the state government over pay increases for rail workers. At least 75 percent of the trains across the state’s public rail network will be affected.
An explosion was reported at a construction site near the Donnersbergerbrucke train station on 1 December. The explosion is believed to be from an old aircraft bomb. At least three individuals are reported injured and emergency services are still on scene clearing the site.
Potential disruptions are likely to occur due to public transport strike on 3 December in Lombardy. The protest will particularly affect the city of Milan between 18:00 and 22:00 local time. Commuters may face inconveniences as a result of the strike and are encouraged to seek alternative means of transportation.
On 27 November, local authorities issued an “orange alert” warning across Brazil. Heavy rains, severe flooding, and strong winds are expected to hit the region, potentially disrupting transportation and infrastructure. Extra precautions are demanded at least until 28 November to avoid possible disasters, especially in Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Para, Rondonia, and Sao Paulo states.
A new strain of COVID-19 has been discovered in South Africa named Omicron. The World Health Organization has recognized this strain as a variant of concern. The United States as well as the European Union have imposed travel restrictions to travel from South Africa and seven other countries. There has been one case confirmed in Belgium and several from Botswana, Hong Kong and Israel.
As of late 23 November, multiple unexploded WWII bombs were discovered near Westfalenpark. Defusal operations are underway leading to residents and businesses being evacuated. As a result of the operations, the B1 road will be closed along B54 and Märkische Straße for the majority of 24 November. Additionally, metro lines U41, U45, U47, and U49 were affected.