Anticipate student protests in the coming days in Durban. On 7 April, students protested outside of the Durban University of Technology campuses. Protests were over the university’s online registration process. Police allegedly used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds. Reports indicate some students were arrested. Road closures are likely as well.
On 7 April, a demonstration is being organized by multiple civic groups at the Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Terminal 5 at 18:00 local time. The participants are gathering to denounce the government’s mass deportation of Afghan asylum seekers back to Afghanistan.
Starting on 6 April the Asturias Airport (OVD) will be temporarily closed for 48-hours on multiple days for runway repairs. Asturias Airport will be closed 6-7 April, 13-14 April, 20-21 April, 27-28 April, and 4-5 May. Expect flight cancelations and date or boarding destination changes for flights scheduled for these dates.
The discovery of a suspicious package has led to the evacuation of multiple railway stations in Lille, France on 6 April. Lille-Flandres and Lille-Europe railway stations were closed, as well as surrounding road as authorities disposed of the package safely. Railways are now opening gradually but may become congested.
On 5 April a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand’s North Island at 19:37 local time. Strong to moderate shaking occurred in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, and weak to light shaking occurred near North Island and northern South Island. There have been no reported casualties or damage yet. Travel disruptions may occur for damage assessments. Light aftershocks are likely within the coming days.
On 7 April, customs workers are staging a 24-hour nationwide strike to demand better working conditions, additional staff, and priority for COVID-19 vaccinations. The demonstrations are being organized by the General Union of Public Services, who has also threatened to stage similar strikes weekly until demands are met.
On 2 April, a Taroko Express passenger train headed to Taitung from New Taipei and Shulin derailed in Hualien County. The derailment took place in the Daquingshui tunnel, killing over 30 people and injuring dozens among the 350 passengers believed to be on board. First responders are in the area and Taiwan Railways may face delays.
As of 31 March, northern Thailand has reported a severely high level of air pollution. It is predicted these levels will last into at least mid-April. Readings of airborne particulate matter are above 150 in the region. Readings above 150 are considered unhealthy for general populations. The pollution has been predicted to be a result of farmers starting fires to burn undergrowth.
Monsoon season is expected to cause flooding, landslides, and mudflows throughout Southeast Asia until early April. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are among the most at-risk locations. Travel and business may be severely disrupted. Disruptions may continue after heavy rainfall concludes as flooding may take days or weeks to subside. Expect further disruptions from authorities as they attempt to clear landslides and aid the communities.
As of 30 March, adverse weather conditions are expected to bring thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds to portions of northern New Zealand through at least 1 April. Flooding, flash flooding, landslides, power outages, and travel disruptions may be possible due to the conditions. Flights on 30 March at Auckland Airport may experience disruptions due to expected thunderstorms.