The Week Ahead: January 22, 2024

Date

Europe
  • Nationwide, Ireland and UK: Weather Advisory | Through at least January 22, Storm Isha is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain across Ireland and the United Kingdom. Flooding is possible in lowlands, and power outages may occur. Plan for travel disruptions and monitor local news media. 
  • Tallinn, Estonia: Protest Advisory | At 10:00 AM on January 22, teachers a part of the Union of Estonian Education Workers are planning to protest outside of Parliament to demand better pay and working conditions, in conjunction with an ongoing strike. Confirm classes and educational services. 
  • Nationwide, Greece: Weather Advisory | Through at least January 23, expect strong storms across the country. High wind levels, snow, rain, and lightning are anticipated. Flash flooding remains a possibility. Blowing snow may reduce visibility. Plan for travel disruptions and monitor local news media. 
  • Nationwide, Poland: Protest Advisory | From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on January 24, farmers across Poland plan to demonstrate to demand the EU put restrictions on agricultural goods from Ukraine. While there are no confirmed locations, protesters plan to drive tractors on roads nationwide, disrupting traffic. Anticipate traffic delays. 
  • Paris, France: Protest Advisory | On January 25, demonstrators will protest in front of the Ministry of National Education to denounce the closure of specialized schools for students with special needs. Avoid protests and plan for travel disruptions. 
  • Farnborough, UK: Protest Advisory | At 11:00 AM on January 27, protesters from the Extinction Rebellion Waverly and Borders plan to gather at Queensmead Shopping Center and march to Farnborough Airport. Participants are protesting the flight expansion plans at the airport. Monitor flight and airport transit updates.
Americas
  • Vancouver, Canada: Protest Advisory | Beginning at 3:00 AM on January 22, Coast Mountain Bus Company and SeaBus workers plan to stage a 48-hour work stoppage. Plan to utilize other bus companies for the duration of the stoppage. 
  • Nationwide, Mexico: Weather Advisory | Through at least January 22, a cold front will move through Mexico. Cold temperatures, wind, rain, thunderstorms, and hail are likely, with snowfall at higher elevations. Flooding is possible in lowlands and riverside areas. Plan for travel disruptions and monitor local news media. 
  • Montevideo, Uruguay: Protest Advisory | At 1:00 PM on January 24, protesters from the Plenary-National Workers’ Convention will demonstrate to show support for Argentine protesters, who are demonstrating against Argentina’s Omnibus Law and Decree of Necessity and Urgency. Avoid protests, and plan for traffic disruptions. 
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina: Protest Advisory | Starting at noon on January 24, workers for the General Confederation of Labor will stage a strike and protest in response to President Milei’s Decree of Necessity and Urgency and Omnibus Law. Public transportation will stop running at 7:00 PM, and there will be a demonstration at Plaza San Martin at 8:00 PM. Flight operations are expected to be affected.  
  • Piedecuesta, Colombia: Disaster Advisory | Over the coming days, expect associated disruptions surrounding a wildfire near Piedecuesta. The fire is currently out of control, posing a threat to buildings and infrastructure in the area. Avoid the vicinity and monitor local media for evacuation orders and air quality advisories.
Asia & Pacific
  • Kolkata, India: Protest Advisory | On January 22, activists from various religions will conduct the “Rally for Harmony,” marching from Hazra Crossing to Park Circus Maidan and stopping at places of worship along the route. Plan for travel disruptions and avoid demonstrations. 
  • Brisbane; Fremantle: Melbourne; Sydney, Australia: Protest Advisory | From January 22 to 30, Maritime Union of Australia members plan to stop work daily for 2 hours, demanding better pay and working conditions. Associated demonstrations may occur; avoid all protests. 
  • Victoria, Australia: Travel Advisory | On January 25, train workers from the V/Line will stage a strike to demand better pay and job security. Work stoppages will occur from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Plan alternative travel and avoid associated protests. 
  • Mumbai, India: Protest Advisory | Starting on January 26, Maratha community activists plan to stage an indefinite sit-in at Azad Maidan. This will be the latest in a series of violent protests in regards to Maratha demands for Other Backward Class caste certificates. Previous events have resulted in clashes with police, and the event is expected to be well-attended. Avoid protests, and plan for travel disruptions. 
  • South Gangwon Province, South Korea | Security Advisory | Until February 1, expect heightened security surrounding the Winter Youth Olympic Games. Security checkpoints and road closures are likely around event venues. Plan for traffic disruptions.
Africa & Middle East
  • Monrovia, Liberia: Security Advisory | Through January 22, heightened security measures will be in place in accordance with the presidential inauguration. Travelers will be required to show their passports for road access; several roads will be closed on January 22, and motorcycles and heavy trucks are banned from Tubman Boulevard and Roberts International Airport Road until January 23. Carry all personal documents and monitor local media for road closures. Comply with all security forces. 
  • Nairobi, Kenya: Protest Advisory | At 10:00 AM on January 27, feminist organizations plan to protest at Jevanjee Gardens. Activist groups are demanding an end to femicide and measures to be put in place to protect women. Avoid protest gatherings, and plan for traffic disruptions. 
  • Kinshasa, Congo: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, expect an increased security presence following the presidential inauguration. The inauguration day saw localized protests, and further protests are likely in the near future. Follow all security directives and monitor the local news media. 
  • Bawku, Ghana: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, a heightened security presence is expected following the January 19 use of live ammunition to disperse protests. Obey all security directives, including the local curfew from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

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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