Headlines by time | 14 Dec 2025 | Location ratings

Exercise caution and expect weather-related disruption over the coming days in eastern parts of Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia and Valencian autonomous communities. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a red warning (highest on a four-tier scale, meaning ‘extraordinary hazard’) of heavy rain until at least early on 15 December in parts of Andalusia and Valencian, including Valencia city. Up to seven inches (18cm) of rain is forecast for affected areas. Orange heavy rain warnings (second-highest, meaning ‘important hazard’) are also in effect across parts of the aforementioned regions. Short-notice disruption to transport and essential services may occur.

Exercise caution and plan journeys accounting for weather-related disruption over the coming days. The Department of Meteorological Services has issued a warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain until 16 December in most of the country. Heavy rain is liable to cause flash flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas, including in the capital Gaborone and Francistown (North-East district), as well as power outages and transport disruption.

Continue to avoid the area near Bondi Beach in Sydney (New South Wales state) over the coming hours following a mass shooting. Earlier on 14 December, at least two armed men opened fire on people near Campbell Parade (see map). The police have said ten people, including one of the attackers, have been killed and at least 12 injured, among them two police officers. According to the authorities, there is no ongoing active threat to the public. Nevertheless, a significant emergency service operation is ongoing and an exclusion zone has been imposed at the scene.

Defer all travel to areas within 30 miles (50km) of the Cambodia-Thailand border and monitor for ceasefire talks over the coming days. US president Donald Trump claimed on 12 December that both sides had agreed to immediately renew a truce after talks. However, Thai caretaker prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Cambodia must first cease fire, withdraw its forces and remove landmines. Meanwhile, heavy fighting continues in parts of north-eastern Thailand bordering northern Cambodia. As per official data, at least 20 people have been killed, more than 260 injured and in excess of 500,000 displaced. Unofficial figures are much higher.

Reconfirm flights and expect disruption on 17 December during a strike by aviation sector workers, including air traffic controllers, ground handling staff and airline personnel. The industrial action will occur from 13.00 to 17.00 (all times local). Flight delays and cancellations are expected during the strike. According to the authorities, flights will be guaranteed from 07.00 to 10.00 and from 18.00 to 21.00 on the day. Expect residual disruption after the strike ends and normal operations resume. Related protests outside the airports are also possible.

Follow official directives and take preventative measures in the National Capital Region over the coming weeks amid rising air pollution. The authorities enforced Stage 4 (highest on a four-tier scale) of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on 13 December. This comes after the Air Quality Index reached 448 on the same day due to adverse weather. Disruption to flights, rail services and ground movement is likely due to low visibility caused by heavy smog.

Avoid nationwide anti-government demonstrations on 17 December by civil society group STAND to denounce alleged corruption and police brutality, among other issues. In the capital Monrovia, participants will gather from 06.00 (local time) at the Executive Mansion. While organisers have called for peaceful demonstrations, the authorities are liable to forcibly disperse gatherings, posing incidental risks to bystanders.

Exercise caution and expect weather-related disruption over the coming days in southern states. The National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued a red warning (highest on a three-tier scale) for thunderstorms, including heavy rain, strong winds and hail, in parts of Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana and Santa Catarina states. An orange warning (middle) is also be in effect for surrounding areas of the same states, as well as Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo states. Flooding and landslides are likely, particularly in low-lying and mountainous areas, potentially disrupting travel. Reconfirm the status of routes before setting out and plan journeys accordingly.

Avoid demonstrations in urban centres on 17 December due to the credible risk of unrest. The Nigeria Labour Congress has announced nationwide demonstrations to denounce the security situation in the country, among other issues, specifically rise in recent incidents of schoolchildren being kidnapped. Although no specific details have been announced regarding the times and venues, participants are likely to rally at flashpoints including government buildings and public squares. The security forces are liable to forcibly disperse unruly gatherings, posing incidental risks to bystanders.

Exercise caution and expect disruption over the coming hours due to adverse weather across the country, including the capital Suva. The Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) has issued an orange heavy rain alert (middle on a three-tier scale) across the Fiji island group until at least 21.00 (local time) on 14 December. A flash flood alert is also in place for all riverine and low-lying areas across the country. Exercise caution and reconfirm the status of routes before setting out.

Exercise caution and expect heightened security in the municipalities of Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan and Nahuala (both Solola department) over the coming days due to communal violence. According to local media, on 13 December, residents from Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan attacked residents of Nahuala. Initial reports indicate at least five people were killed, 12 injured and at least six are missing. The incident triggered protests, with residents of Nahuala blocking sections of the Pan-American Highway. The violence follows clashes on 11 December in which four members of the Guatemalan army were injured. These incidents risk further retaliatory violence in the area.

Continue to avoid the area near Hope Street in Providence (Rhode Island state) over the coming hours amid a security operation. At around 16.00 (local time) on 13 December, the police responded to reports of an active shooter at the Barus and Holley building at Brown University. The situation remains active with a shelter-in-place order in effect for the greater Brown University area. The police are searching for the suspect, and no arrests have been reported. At least two people have been killed and eight injured thus far. The authorities continue to ask people to avoid the area.

Expect travel disruption on 14–16 December during a planned strike by unionised rail workers. Members from at least five unions within the National Company of the French Railways (SNCF) will cease work from 19.00 to 08.00 (local time) on the given dates. The strike is in response to a recent contract tender, transferring train services in the Normandy region from public to private operation. A related protest will take place at Les Rives de I’Orne in Caen (Calvados department) from 09.00 on 15 December. Expect an increased demand for alternative forms of transport during the strike. Plan journeys accordingly.

Expect localised disruption in the capital Ottawa on 14 December during a scheduled demonstration and plan journeys accordingly. Participants will gather from 17.00 (local time) at Minto Park. They are demanding local and national officials open all warming centres across Canada amid cold weather. While the event should pass off peacefully, it may disrupt nearby traffic.

Plan journeys in the capital Bangkok on 14 December accounting for disruption during a protest by civil society groups. Participants are expected to gather from 13.00 (local time) outside the Ministry of Labour building to denounce alleged misappropriation of funds by the ministry. While the demonstration is expected to pass off peacefully, it is liable to draw a significant turnout and disrupt traffic within its vicinity.

Expect disruption in urban centres during youth-led demonstrations on 14 December and plan journeys accordingly. In the capital Mexico City, participants will gather at 11.00 (local time)at El Angel de la Independencia before marching towards Palacio Nacional. This and other related demonstrations have been organised by young activists, under the slogan ‘Generation Z Mexico’, over various issues, such as perceived government corruption and insecurity. These events are liable to garner significant attendance and be accompanied by heightened security. Any ensuing disturbances, such as unruly behaviour or forcible dispersal by the police, would pose incidental risks to bystanders.

Expect disruption around Ramlila Maidan in the capital New Delhi on 14 December during a rally by the opposition Indian National Congress party. Participants will gather from 13.30 (local time) in protest at the Electoral Commission of India’s proposed changes to electoral rolls in 12 states. The event is likely to attract a significant turnout and be accompanied by heightened security measures, including localised road closures. Any related disturbances, such as scuffles between attendees and the security forces, would pose incidental risks to bystanders.

Expect disruption on 14 December during anti-government protests in urban centres. Protesters will gather in cities across the country to denounce a law reform allowing for amnesty, which would benefit participants of the attempted coup by former president Jair Bolsonaro (in office 2019-23). On 10 December, the Chamber of Deputies approved the reform amid heightening tensions before moving forward for the Senate’s approval. Significant unrest during the gatherings is unlikely, but scuffles between protesters and the police are possible, posing incidental risks for bystanders.

Plan journeys on 14 December in Bakirkoy district (Istanbul province) accounting for a Workers’ Union demonstration and related disruption. Participants plan to gather from 15.00 (local time) at Bakirkoy Republic Square, calling for an increase to the minimum wage amid rising inflation. The demonstration will likely be well attended and accompanied by a heightened security presence. Any related disturbances may pose incidental risks to bystanders.

Exercise caution and expect traffic disruption over the coming hours throughout central and south-east areas of Illinois state due to adverse weather. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather advisory until at least 20.00 (local time) on 13 December due to snow and snow accumulation of up to two inches (5cm). These conditions have led to slippery roads. The authorities reported vehicle crashes along the Interstate (I)-57 between Mattoon and Tuscola (both Illinois), prompting the highway’s closure. Additionally, southbound lanes of the I-55 are closed due to crashes near Springfield (Illinois).

Exercise caution and expect weather-related disruption over the coming days in western Washington state (US) and south-western British Columbia province (Canada). A series of atmospheric river events since 8 December has produced heavy rainfall, resulting in severe flooding, widespread transport disruption and infrastructure damage. States of emergency have been declared in Washington state, as well as Fraser Valley and Okanagan-Similkameen regional districts (both British Columbia). Thousands of people have also been placed under evacuation orders, with search and rescue operations ongoing in flood-affected areas. A new weather system is forecast to impact the region around 14 December, which is liable to exacerbate flooding and associated disruption.

Expect disruption on the evening of 16 December in central Boston (Massachusetts state) during anti-government demonstrations. Activist groups at 19.15 (local time) will gather at the Boston Irish Famine Memorial and march along Milk and Congress streets to the Waterfront Plaza. This will be followed by a rally at 19.50 near the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Expect a heightened police presence along the route. Any scuffles between officers and protesters may pose an incidental risk to bystanders.

Exercise caution and reconfirm flights if due to travel via Madeira Airport (FNC, Madeira autonomous region) over the coming hours due to adverse weather. According to reports, at least 70 flights were cancelled or delayed on 12 December. The Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA) has issued an orange alert (middle on a three-tier scale) for mountainous areas and the southern coast due to wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour (130kph) until at least 18.00 (local time) on 13 December. Short-notice disruption to transport and essential services is likely.

Expect disruption on 16-17 December in the capital Asuncion during a strike by bus drivers. The FUTT union has organised the industrial action to denounce public transport reform, among other issues. About 80% of bus drivers are expected to participate in the strike. Related demonstrations may occur, though they are likely to pass off peacefully.

Expect further disruption over the coming days during nationwide protests by civil activists. The mobilisation, which began on 10 December, follows the release of a documentary which allegedly exposes officials from the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) interfering with the judiciary. Demonstrators intend to continue protesting until the Minister for Justice and High Court resigns, and the justice system undergoes reforms. Clashes between the police and protesters are possible at such demonstrations, posing incidental risks to bystanders.

Expect heightened security and avoid all gatherings over the coming days following the 30 November general election. As of 11 December, 99.4% of votes have been counted, with National Party (PNH) candidate Nasry Asfura narrowly in the lead, though no winner has been officially declared. Electoral system failures and alleged external interference led the National Congress to decide not to validate the results. Security will stay high around government buildings and public squares during the recounting of votes. The election took place during a nationwide State of Exception (SoE) amid rising allegations of electoral fraud.

Expect disruption on 13 December in the capital London during a rally and plan journeys accordingly. Participants will gather from 13.00 (all local times) at Portland Place before marching from 13.30 to a location yet to be announced. The event is being organised to denounce the government’s planned rollout of a digital identity system. While the march is likely to pass off peacefully, it is liable to cause localised traffic disruption and be accompanied by a heightened police presence.

Expect disruption on 13 December in the capital Paris due to a demonstration by The Patriots political party. Party leader Florian Philippot has called on the event to denounce the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and France’s alleged stance on it. Participants will gather from 14.00 (local time) at Place de Barcelone and will then march to a location yet to be announced. The event should pass off peacefully.

Exercise caution and expect weather-related disruption in central and northern departments over the coming days. The National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (SENAMHI) has issued an orange alert (middle on a three-tier scale) for heavy rain and potential flooding in riverine areas of Beni, Cochabamba, La Paz, Pando and Santa Cruz departments. An orange warning for moderate-to-strong winds has also been imposed for parts of Beni, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. All warnings will remain in effect until at least 23.59 (local time) on 14 December. Adverse weather in the affected locations may lead to hazardous road conditions and short-notice transport disruption.

Expect disruption across urban centres in the coming days during demonstrations linked to conflicts in the Middle East (see related alerts). Although such events are likely to pass off peacefully, there is potential for localised scuffles involving participants, counter-protesters and the police. Bystanders face incidental risks from any related unrest.

Expect disruption around the White House in the capital Washington (DC) on 13 December during an anti-government demonstration. Participants will gather from 14.00 (local time) at the 16th St NW and H St NW intersection with the aim of surrounding the White House. The event is likely to be well-attended and may attract counter-demonstrations by government supporters. Expect a heightened police presence in the vicinity of the protest. Scuffles may occur if participants attempt to breach security cordons and/or rival demonstrators confront each other, posing incidental risks to bystanders.

Expect disruption in the capital Skopje on 13 December during planned demonstrations. Protesters will gather from 13:00 (local time) at Skanderbeg Square in support of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders currently on trial in The Hague (Netherlands). The four former KLA leaders have been in Dutch custody since November 2020 for alleged crimes committed during the Kosovo War (1998-1999). The protest will likely be well attended and accompanied by a heightened police presence.

Inbound travel to Benin can resume as the security situation has stabilised following an attempted military coup. On 7 December, gunfire was reported near the presidential residence in the commercial capital Cotonou (Littoral department) and explosions were reported at the Caserne Togbin military base (Atlantique department). However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou and President Patrice Talon announced on the same day coup attempts were thwarted. Protests to denounce perceived insecurity have recently occurred in Cotonou and may continue over the coming weeks. The situation remains fluid despite the current security environment’s stability in Cotonou.

Exercise caution and follow official directives in Northern district over the coming weeks. The Israeli government has warned that it will intensify operations against Hizbullah in Lebanon if efforts to disarm the group do not progress. This follows Israel’s recent expansion of operations targeting Hizbullah positions across Lebanon. While Hizbullah continues to condemn the strikes, the group has not yet retaliated. Continue to defer all travel to areas within four miles (7km) of the Lebanon border. Expect a heightened security presence in northern areas of Israel bordering Lebanon.

Non-essential workforce currently in Mali should depart via evacuation options. Defer all non-essential travel to the capital Bamako amid blockades and attacks in western regions by the al-Qaida-affiliated Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM). Since 3 September (see map), JNIM has blocked fuel-supplying roads from neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mauritania and Senegal, causing fuel shortages and electricity outages in Bamako. Essential workforce remaining in the capital must ensure contingency plans are up-to-date and essential supplies, such as backup generators, food, water, fuel, medicine and cash, are secured.

Expect disruption on 15 December across Jammu and Kashmir union territory amid calls for a transport strike. The Transport Welfare Association has announced a 24-hour strike across the union territory to protest the perceived failure of the Jammu and Kashmir government to address its long-standing demands and grievances. The members have issued an ultimatum for 22 December.Associated protests are possible if the transport union's demands remain unmet.

Expect heightened security and follow all official directives in Gambella city (Gambella state), where a nightly curfew has been imposed from 19.00 (local time) until further notice. According to local sources, this follows three separate shooting incidents on 9 December that killed four people and injured eight others. No movement is permitted during curfew hours and heightened security should be anticipated. The developments reflect the HIGH-travel risks posed in Gambella and the need to avoid non-essential journeys to the state.

Expect disruption on 15 December in Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh state) during a student union led protest. Students have announced they will gherao (picket) the state’s Public Service Commission office at 11.00 (local time). The event is being held to protest alleged corruption and demand greater transparency within the commission. We expect the event to be very well attended. The security forces are liable to forcibly disperse any unruly gatherings, which would pose incidental risks to bystanders.

Account for heavy rainfall and related short-notice travel disruption in Bali, East and West Nusa Tenggara provinces (all Lesser Sunda islands) over the coming days. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) is monitoring a developing weather system, Tropical Cyclone Seed 93S, south of Bali and West Nusa Tenggara. Heavy rainfall is forecast in the aforementioned provinces until early 13 December. High waves are likely, posing flooding and landslide risks to coastal areas. The weather system is moving away from Indonesia over the next 48-72 hours.

Expect increased security measures and travel disruption until at least 2 January in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong (China SAR). Security will be tightened at transport hubs, shopping centres, tourist areas, religious sites and other crowded places. The holiday period is associated with increased levels of petty crime and road traffic accidents. Exercise heightened vigilance and maintain a low profile, especially in crowded areas, over the coming weeks. Expect longer-than-usual wait times at transport hubs and increased demand for trains and flights.