The Week Ahead: January 15, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Paris and Lyon, France: Protest Advisory | On January 14 at 3:00 PM, protesters will gather at Place de la Republique in Paris and at 2:00 PM in Place Bellecour in Lyon to protest against the “Darmanin Law,” which reforms immigration laws. Protests have the chance of escalating into violent clashes with law enforcement. Plan journeys to avoid protests. 
  • Genoa, Italy: Protest Advisory | On January 16 starting at 8:30 AM, a protest denouncing the 2022 trial of energy workers is planned at Piazza Acquaverde in Genoa, Italy. The protest is said to also include a march, but no route has been announced. Plan routes to avoid Piazza Acquaverde. 
  • Athens, Greece: Protest Advisory | On January 17, a protest is scheduled on Trion Hierarchon Street. The protest is to honor the memory of an immigrant who was murdered in 2018 by alleged neo-Nazis. Plan routes avoiding protests.
  • Sandefjord, Norway: Protest Advisory |  On January 16 and 17, a protest is scheduled outside of the Scandic Park Hotel at noon. Climate activists are denouncing the Oil and Energy Policy Seminar. Plan routes avoiding protests. 
  • Northern Ireland, UK: Travel Advisory | On January 18, about 8,000 public workers plan to strike across Northern Ireland to demand an increase in pay. Workers from all public sectors are expected to participate, creating disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. No demonstrations are planned, but protests are possible. Expect significant disruptions to transportation, and plan for canceled healthcare appointments and classes.
Americas
  • Toay, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On January 14, an unknown number of protesters opposing President Javier Milei’s Decree of Necessity and Urgency will gather at 7:30pm at Plaza San Martin. Violent dispersal is possible, so it is recommended to avoid all protests and plan routes around the location.
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | On January 15, Association of Government Workers protesters are planning on demonstrating at 9am at the Kirchner Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina to denounce layoffs and make further demands. Plan routes avoiding protests and government centers. 
  • Southeast Canada: Weather Advisory | Through at least January 14, southeastern Canada from the Great Lakes to coastal Quebec is expected to see heavy snow and fierce winds. Power outages and bad road conditions are to be expected. Grocery shop in advance and have emergency supplies. 
  • Guatemala City, Guatemala: Security Advisory | On January 14, the Guatemalan Presidential Inauguration will take place, with a speech from President-elect Arevalo happening at Parque Central at 6pm. Celebrities will be performing at multiple public squares. Expect increased security, including checkpoints, and plan for travel disruptions. 
  • Quibdo, Colombia: Disaster Advisory | Expect travel disruption relating to a landslide that occurred on January 12. The landslide was caused by heavy rains and killed at least 6 people and injured 30 on Quibdo-Medellin road. More rain is expected, lengthening recovery efforts. Plan routes bypassing this location.
Asia & Pacific
  • Nationwide, India: Protest Advisory | Through at least mid January, large protests are expected to continue across India in the wake of announced changes to the Motor Vehicles Act, which increase punishments for drivers convicted of hit-and-runs. Transportation disruptions should be expected due to roadblocks and work stoppages. Plan routes and confirm travel with drivers before departure. 
  • Perth and Melbourne, Australia: Protest Advisory | On January 14, protests are expected to occur in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict. In Melbourne, protesters will meet at State Library Victoria at noon and march to the Parliament House. In Perth, protesters will meet at 4pm at Forrest Place. Counter protests and clashes between opposing groups are possible. Plan routes avoiding protest locations.  
  • Northern and Central Thailand: Weather Advisory | Through January 16, heavy storms are expected to strike northern and central Thailand. Lightning, rain, strong winds, and hail are expected, and power outages and road blockages are likely in the event of falling tree limbs. Flooding in lowlands is also possible. Monitor local news sources and heed any evacuation notices. 
  • Nationwide, South Korea: Security Advisory |  Anticipate an increased security presence following the January 2 stabbing of opposition leader Lee Jae Myung. The attacker says it was to prevent him from running for president in 2027, so an increased police presence around political events can be expected at least until the April 10 parliamentary elections.
Africa & Middle East
  • Tunis, Tunisia: Protest Advisory | On January 14, opposition protesters demanding the release of political prisoners plan to gather at 10am at Republic Square and march to Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Demonstrations are expected to remain peaceful, but traffic disruptions are possible. Plan and confirm routes around the protest in advance. 
  • Ankara, Turkey: Protest Advisory | On January 14, protesters plan to demonstrate at Tandogan Square at 1pm to oppose alleged attempts by the government to suspend the country’s constitution. Plan routes avoiding protests. 
  • Comoros: Protest Advisory | On January 14, opposition candidates called for protests and boycotts of the Comorian elections. Police are likely to use force to disperse protests. Avoid all demonstrations.  
  • City Centers, Mali: Protest Advisory |  On January 14, Mali will have its National Day of Regained Sovereignty. Rallies for and against the government are likely in city centers. Plan routes to avoid city centers and avoid any demonstrations.

Recent
Advisories

On November 4, a red warning was issued for Barcelona, Spain, due to torrential rain and flooding.

On November 4, red warnings were issued for Catalonia due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Currently 15 flights have been cancelled and roads leading to the airport are blocked, causing severe disruptions to El Prat Airport in Barcelona. Several highways have been closed and all commuter trains in northeast Catalonia have been suspended.  This follows storms in Valencia which has killed at least 217 people. 

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As of November 4, a volcanic eruption at Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores, Indonesia, has killed at least ten people.

On November 4, Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted, spewing volcanic materials up to 2000 meters (6,561 feet) into the air. Hot ash hit a nearby village, collapsing houses and causing at least 10 deaths. At least 10,000 people have been affected in the Wulanggitang District. Due to increased activity, authorities raised the alert level to IV, the highest level in the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia’s (PVMBG) four-tiered system. Additional eruptions are possible.

Read More »
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