Friday Risk Watch: February 7, 2025

Stay ahead of potential risks and ensure the safety of your employees with Friday Risk Watch, a weekly newsletter curated by our Global Intelligence Team.

Expect updates on emerging risks, geopolitical developments, weather forecasts, etc. We’ll notify you of the latest incidents that could impact your organization, allowing you to make informed decisions and mitigate potential risks.

What We’re Watching

Greece Earthquakes Prompt State of Emergency and Mass Evacuations: A surge in seismic activity near Santorini led Greek authorities to declare a state of emergency until March 1. Over 11,000 people have evacuated as frequent earthquakes continue, with experts debating the likelihood of a stronger quake. Officials remain on high alert, reinforcing emergency response efforts across the Cyclades.?(Note: Some of the following links are in Greek.)

• A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Wednesday night, the strongest recorded in recent days. Emergency transportation has increased as residents and tourists leave. Homes and businesses deemed unsafe have closed in Santorini and Amorgos.??
• Seismic activity persists, with seven earthquakes recorded in one hour and over 650 tremors reported since January 31. Experts disagree on whether the seismic swarm is a runup to a major earthquake, but heightened seismic activity will likely continue for days, if not weeks.?Authorities advise residents to avoid unstable structures, limit indoor gatherings, and follow official evacuation guidance.?
• While the likelihood of an earthquake exceeding magnitude 6.0 is low, potential danger remains significant. The Public Power Corporation (PPC) operates an autonomous power station near the Santorini coast, which could risk flooding in an earthquake-induced tsunami. As a precaution, sandbagging operations have been carried out to help protect the facility.?

Snow-Filled Weekend Expected in Midwest and Northeast U.S.: A lackluster winter across the Midwest?will take a wintry turn as a storm targets the area this weekend. Minneapolis, which has seen as much snow as New Orleans this season (10 inches), could see its biggest snowfall of the year Friday night into Saturday. ?

• Winter weather advisories are in effect for major cities, including Aberdeen, Watertown (SD), Wilmar, St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Rochester (MN), La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Green Bay. Hazardous travel conditions are expected through much of Saturday.?
• Snowfall totals of 3-6 inches are likely across much of the affected area, with localized amounts up to 6-9 inches along and north of I-94 from Aberdeen to the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin. Snowfall rates could reach 1 inch per hour in the hardest-hit locations.?
• The storm will move northeast on Sunday, bringing similar snow totals to cities like Albany, Hartford, and Boston through Sunday evening. Snow will taper off by Sunday night, though residual travel impacts could persist into Monday morning.?
• An active weather pattern is expected to persist through mid-to-late February, with colder-than-average temperatures and wetter conditions leading to multiple snow chances between the Midwest and Northeast U.S. Another potential winter storm is being monitored for the Ohio Valley, upper Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast between Tuesday and Thursday of next week.?

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Heightened Security in New Orleans Ahead of Super Bowl LIX: Over 125,000 people, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are expected to travel to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. Road closures and area restrictions are already in place ahead of Sunday’s match between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome.?

• Expect heightened security following a deadly car-ramming attack earlier this year in the host city. Cathy Lanier, Chief Security Officer for the National Football League (NFL), said that thousands of state, federal, and local security will be deployed for the game. Several blocks of Canal St will be designated an “enhanced security zone” before and during the game.??
• Various groups in New Orleans are organizing a demonstration against President Trump, who is set to be the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl. Demonstrators plan to gather at 4 pm at Louis Armstrong Park, located about three miles from Caesars Superdome. ?
• Sunday’s gathering comes amid heightened demonstrations in the U.S. The AlertMedia team has identified upcoming actions in several cities over the weekend after widespread demonstrations occurred on Wednesday.?
• Several other major events will surround the Super Bowl, including the first-ever Super Bowl Host Committee Parade on Saturday in the French Quarter. Several watch parties will also be held in Philadelphia and Kansas City. There is potential for unrest among fan groups following the game in New Orleans, Kansas City, and Philadelphia.?

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Ecuador Heads to the Polls While Bolivia Prepares for Mass Demonstrations: Two South American countries will see disruptions this weekend. Ecuador is upping security for general elections on Sunday, while groups in Bolivia plan mass strikes and protests on Monday.?(Note: Some of the following links are in Spanish.)

• Ecuador will hold general elections on Sunday, with incumbent President Daniel Noboa running against Luisa González, who narrowly lost against Noboa in the country’s previous election. Noboa has ordered a three-day border closure ahead of the vote to “safeguard the security of the national population” amid alleged “attempts by armed groups to destabilize the country.” Military forces were also deployed to the country’s ports.?
• In Bolivia, groups across numerous sectors are planning nationwide demonstrations on Monday to demand the repeal of a provision of the government’s 2025 General State Budget. The actions, which may include road blockades, come as Santa Cruz de la Sierra grapples with an indefinite strike by public transport groups, resulting in transport disruptions and property damage.?

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Opposition Plans Demonstrations Throughout Pakistan, Diaspora: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have both called for mass demonstrations on Saturday, February 8, to mark the first anniversary of National Assembly elections that the parties say were marred by irregularities. In addition to rallies throughout the country, the PTI has called for members overseas to hold demonstrations.??

• The PTI intends to hold a rally at Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan. However, local officials have denied permission for the gathering, citing security concerns and concurrent events. PTI leader Aliya Hamza stated that the rally will proceed regardless. Large rallies are also expected in cities throughout Punjab province and in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.??
• The JI announced that they will join the PTI’s protest call, with a main gathering planned outside the Election Commission of Pakistan in Karachi.?Meanwhile, the PTI has called on members of its overseas chapters to stage demonstrations. Gatherings are expected on Saturday in London (10 Downing St at 2 pm), Boston (Boston Commons at 1 pm), and Brussels (Place du Luxembourg at 3 pm).

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