A fatal train crash that occurred on 4 August around 08:00 local time has caused significant travel disruptions among rail lines. It is reported that the train, Ex 351 from Munich (Germany) to Prague, collided with the OS 7406 passenger train in between the Domaclize and Blizejov train stations. There have been three fatalities and several others have sustained injuries.
4 August 2021 will mark the one-year anniversary of the 2020 Beirut Port Explosion, and commemorative ceremonies have been planned at the Port of Beirut. Activists have also planned protests demanding justice for those affected, and accountability from those at fault. There will likely be heightened security due to the potential for unrest.
Environmental activists with the Rise Up for Change movement are planning a protest in Bern on 6 August. Protesters will gather from 12:30-16:30 local time at Munsterplatz. Hundreds of people are anticipated at the demonstration. This event is the culmination of a week of events targeting the Swiss financial industry.
On 1 August, officials released the highest level of heat warnings to most of the country. The warnings are extended through 6 August. Temperatures are forecasted to reach 43°C (108°F). There is a possibility for the warnings to be upgraded or extended in the coming days. The dry heat conditions are possible for wildfires.
Throughout the month of August, railway workers of Hull Trains will be staging 24-hour protests every Sunday. The protests are being organized by the Rail, Maritime, and Transport in response to ongoing pension problems with Hull Trains staff.
Underground Tube workers will be on 24-hour strikes on 3, 5, 24, and 26 August. The strikes intend to protest their management’s plan to abolish the night shift drivers’ pay grade. These strikes may develop into full protests. All Tube services throughout the capital will be affected on the strike days, likely resulting in many cancellations.
A protest has been scheduled in Mar del Plata, Argentina for 30 July at 16:00 local time at the Puerto de Mar del Plata Terminals 2 and 3. The demonstration calls for a new collective bargaining agreement for the equal remuneration of naval workers. Expected turnout is unknown.
Southern Europe is expected to experience one of its most intense heat waves this summer so far. It is predicted to intensify around 30 July and into early August, reaching temperatures of 40°C to 45°C (104°F to 113°F). Heatwaves can cause health disruptions to those at risk and environmental disruptions as it increases the likelihood of wildfires.
Demonstrations are planned for 29 July in Santiago, Chile and other urban areas around the country. A march will will begin at the Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins and Avenida Ricardo Cumming intersection at 18:00 local time. The demonstrations are organized to demand the release of political prisoners from October 2019.
As of 28 July, there have been 2 deaths, 2 missing, and 3,268 people evacuated due to heavy rainfall. The increased rainfall has caused rivers to overflow causing severe flooding. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days, worsening the situation.