14-Year-Old Student Kills 4 in Georgia’s Deadliest School Shooting; Father Also Charged
Americas
On 4 September, a 14-year-old freshman killed two students and two teachers using an AR-15-style rifle at Apalachee High School in Winder. The suspect, Colt Gray, was charged with felony murder, while his father faces charges of second-degree murder for enabling the attack by gifting him the weapon. The incident left nine others injured. The suspect had a troubled family life, prior interest in mass shootings, and had been previously flagged for online threats. His mother claimed she called the school to warn of an emergency before the shooting occurred.
So far this year, the Ministry of Health has confirmed a total of 1,053 people infected with dengue fever. Of these, 11 people have died from their infections. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities where dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes are found. The risk of acquiring dengue during travel depends on the destination, season, and duration of the trip and activities during travel. Severe dengue and death are relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently in those visiting friends and relatives. All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate. Travellers should also be aware that where the dengue fever virus is active, there is a possibility in some locations that the chikungunya virus may be also present since it is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus.
Europe
On 5 September, German police shot and killed an 18-year-old armed man near the Israeli consulate in Munich. The suspect, an Austrian citizen, was carrying an older rifle with a bayonet. After exchanging gunfire with police, the suspect was fatally injured. No other suspects are believed to be involved, and authorities assume the attack was premeditated. The incident led to a large police response, with around 500 officers deployed. Investigations are underway.?
German flagship carrier Lufthansa and its affiliated airlines resumed flights to and from Tel Aviv on 5 September. The flights were suspended due to the escalation of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. Flights to Beirut will remain suspended until 30 September. Flights to Amman and Erbil have been operating again since 27 August. The Lufthansa Group also includes Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. Check with your travel agent or the airline to determine if your travel plans are affected. If impacted by cancellations, know your compensation rights. Due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the recent Israel-Lebanon escalation, travel in/to countries in the Middle East may be impacted. Stay updated with the current geopolitical situation. The situation in these countries is constantly changing and can be unpredictable.
On 1 September, authorities declared a month-long state of emergency in the port city of Volos after thousands of dead freshwater fish from Lake Karla washed into the Pagasetic Gulf. The emergency is set to last until 30 September. Cleanup operations are underway. The Central Port Authority of Volos has imposed a ban on swimming in a large section of the city’s coastline. The restriction covers beaches from Agrias Beach in the east to Saint George of Kynigos Beach in the west, including popular spots such as Anavros and Alykes. The ban remains in effect until water quality tests confirm it is safe. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches until further notice.?
Middle East and Asia Pacific
On 2 September, at around 16:00 hours (local time), two U.S. Marines were assaulted by a group of young nationalists in Izmir. A video captured the incident, showing 15 individuals surrounding the Marines and chanting anti-American slogans. One attacker placed a bag over a Marine's head. No injuries were reported, and the Marines later returned to their ship. Turkish authorities identified the attackers as members of the Turkish Youth Union (TGB), affiliated with a nationalist political party. All 15 suspects were detained by local police.
On 1 September, all the 19 passengers onboard and three crew members died when a helicopter carrying tourists crashed in Kamchatka. Search operations were carried out, and 17 bodies were recovered from the wreckage. The Mi-8T helicopter disappeared after taking off from a base near the Vachkazhets volcano, a popular tourist destination on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The crashed helicopter was found in a hilly area near the spot where the helicopter went off radar. The helicopter was owned by Vityaz-Aero, a local company that specializes in tourist flights. The cause of the crash is unclear, and investigations are underway. The preliminary reports attribute the crash to a pilot error caused by poor visibility.
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On 2 September, the Histadrut union launched a nationwide strike in Israel, demanding urgent action from the government to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The strike led to widespread disruptions, with significant impacts on key sectors, including air travel, public services, and education. Outbound flights at Ben Gurion International Airport were halted, leading to delays and cancellations. Municipal services in major cities, including Tel Aviv, were suspended. Large-scale demonstrations were held, and thousands of people took to the streets, with the largest rally in Tel Aviv attracting between 200,000 and 500,000 participants. However, later that day, Israel’s Labour Court in Tel Aviv ordered an end to the general strike by 14:30 hours (local time), following a petition by the state. Travellers should avoid all public and political demonstrations since they may become violent without notice. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Israel at this time due to the dangerous safety and security situation.
On 1 September, at least one person was killed and six others injured in drone attacks by militants on security forces in Koutruk, West Imphal. This marked the first known drone strike in the ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur since May 2023. The attack, part of a larger surge in violence, prompted emergency operations and heightened security in the region, with investigations currently underway. In response to the drone attacks, thousands of protesters marched from Tiddim Road to Raj Bhavan in Imphal on 8 September, demanding action from the state government. Security forces responded by erecting barricades and using tear gas to disperse the crowd. Travellers are advised to avoid the affected area until the security situation stabilizes. Be vigilant and exercise increased caution if travelling in the area. Follow any instructions given by the security forces.
In the past 45 days, at least 15,000 people were diagnosed with dengue fever. This brings the total number of infected people this year (2024) to almost 25,600 cases, the most ever recorded in the state. At least 15 people have died from their infections. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities where dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes are found. The risk of acquiring dengue during travel depends on the destination, season, and duration of the trip and activities during travel. Severe dengue and death are relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently in those visiting friends and relatives. All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate. Travellers should also be aware that where the dengue fever virus is active, there is a possibility in some locations that the chikungunya virus may be present also since it is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus.
As of 01 September, the South Korean government mandated the submission of a Q-CODE or a health declaration form upon entering the country. This policy is for travellers who have visited, stayed, or transited through certain regions, including some American states such as Colorado, Michigan, and Texas. The move is aimed at preventing the entry of any infectious diseases into the country. Travellers can review the list of locations that require a health declaration here. Follow the instructions of local authorities at all times. Restrictions are subject to change at short notice. Enroll in the STEP Program. Visit this site for more details. All US citizens requiring emergency consular assistance can also call: 02-397-4114.
Africa
On 6 September, at least 21 people were killed and several injured after a fire broke out at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Kieni West. The blaze destroyed a dormitory housing more than 100 boys. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Air Senegal has announced the suspension of several routes as part of its network restructuring. Flights from Dakar to New York, Milan, Libreville, Douala, Barcelona, Marseille, and Lyon will be affected. Service to New York will stop on 19 September, while flights to Milan, Libreville, Douala, and Barcelona will cease on 20 September. Routes to Marseille and Lyon will be suspended starting 22 September. Contact your airline and stay informed about the status of the disruptions to plan ahead accordingly.
On 3 September, Sudanese authorities announced the closure of the El Gedaref Gallabat Border Crossing with Ethiopia after violent clashes erupted between members of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and fighters of the Fano militia in the Amhara region. The Fano militia has seized control of Metemma town and border crossing. Exercise increased caution if travelling near border outposts between Sudan and Ethiopia. Maintain transparent communication with security officials at all times. Travellers may be required to produce additional verification documents. It is advised to keep your passport, national identity cards, and proof of reservations handy to avoid any inconvenience. ?
The World Health Organization has reported a surge in the number of people infected with Malaria. So far this year, at least 4.7 million cases and 918 deaths have occurred since the start of this year (2024). All travellers to any region where malaria transmission is occurring can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites, e.g., use mosquito repellent and sleep under insecticide-impregnated bed nets whenever mosquitoes are present. Anti-malaria medication is recommended. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.
Disclaimer: This newsletter and all of the information it contains are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The newsletter is a summary of travel and health-risk events in the world on a given date and is provided as a service to our customers or readers. Sitata Inc. and its affiliates and/or subsidiaries are not responsible for the accuracy of the reporting. The use of this information is at your own risk.?
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2 个月Love this, it is so very helpful! It’s also a reminder that there are concerns throughout the world and the US is not alone. Knowledge is power.