Deadly Explosion Rocks Louisville Food-Coloring Plant - USA
Americas
On 12 November, a massive explosion at the Sense Colour food-coloring plant in Louisville killed at least two people and injured several others. The blast shattered windows of nearby businesses and prompted a brief shelter-in-place order. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion. The plant, owned by the Swiss company Givaudan, produces food additives. Notably, the site experienced a similar incident two decades ago, under different ownership, which resulted in one death and the release of ammonia.
Starting 16 November, Argentina's air traffic controllers' union will stage a series of two-hour strikes across all airports, disrupting flight schedules due to stalled salary negotiations. The planned strike times are: 16 November from 20:00 to 23:00 hours (local time), affecting international flights; 18 November from 15:00 to 18:00 hours (local time), targeting general and non-scheduled commercial aviation; 20 November from 07:00 to 09:00 hours (local time), impacting all aviation; and 22 November from 18:00 to 20:00 hours (local time), also affecting all aviation. Check with the airport or your travel agent/airline to determine if your travel plans are affected. Expect and prepare for residual delays. Follow the advice of local authorities.
On 13 November, two explosions occurred near Brazil's Federal Supreme Court (STF) in Brasília, leading to the evacuation of the court and surrounding areas. The blasts took place at Three Powers Plaza, which houses the Supreme Court, Congress, and the Presidential Palace. The explosions are being investigated. Increased security measures are expected.
Europe
Starting on 9 December, Dutch authorities will impose controls at all land border crossings to address irregular migration. These measures will primarily affect borders shared with Germany and Belgium. Airport inspections will target only high-risk flights to limit impacts on routine travel and trade. The measures will last for six months, with a possible extension. Travellers should contact the respective authorities to understand regulations and restrictions before entering or leaving the Netherlands.
German flagship carrier Lufthansa and its affiliated airlines have extended the suspension of flights to and from some countries due to concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East. Flights to and from Tel Aviv have been suspended until 31 December 2024. Flights to and from Beirut will remain suspended until 28 February 2025. Flights to and from Tehran will remain suspended until 31 January 2025. The Lufthansa Group also includes Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. Further disruptions are likely. Check with your travel agent or the airline to determine if your travel plans are affected. If impacted by cancellations, know your compensation rights. The situation in these countries is constantly changing and can be unpredictable.
On 14 November, tensions flared during a football match at the Stade de France between France's Les Bleus and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Before the game began, some spectators booed the Israeli national anthem. About 10 minutes into the match, a small group of fans confronted each other in an upper section of the stadium. Security guards swiftly managed the situation, while riot police stood by at the edge of the stands. A pro-Palestinian demonstration took place around 2 kilometers away, near the Front Populaire Métro station in Saint-Denis. A few hundred protesters marched towards the stadium but were redirected by riot police.
Middle East and Asia Pacific
So far this year (2024), state health authorities have identified at least 500 people infected with the Zika virus. Travellers are reminded that sporadic infections with the Zika virus still occur. Because the transmission of this virus is far below previous epidemic levels, the risk of exposure to this virus may be low at this time. The risk of exposure for the general traveller in any particular location is difficult to estimate since so many people who may be infected have no symptoms and are not recorded officially. There may be infected people in the community. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for this infection. Travellers can minimize the risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. This virus is the cause of microcephaly (small brain) and other neurological abnormalities in newborn infants when the mother is infected during pregnancy. The World Health Organization advises that pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika virus outbreaks.
Until 12 January 2025, authorities have imposed Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code in Lucknow. Under the law, unauthorized public demonstrations are banned, among other restrictions. During this period, dharna demonstrations will not be allowed at any place other than the Eco Garden Dharna Sthal. Security personnel have been deployed across the city as a precaution. This is due to upcoming festivals, entrance examinations, and possible demonstrations by protesters. Related disruptions are likely. To minimize safety risks, avoid areas of large public gatherings or protests. Even events intended to be peaceful can escalate unexpectedly and quickly become violent. Travellers are advised to follow local laws during the aforementioned period to avoid fines or legal action.
As of 14 November, heightened security measures are in effect around the Jinnah International Airport. The main road leading to the airport is blocked, and additional checkpoints have been set up along key routes, including Star Gate and Pehlwan Goth. The road from Model Colony to Jinnah Terminal is closed, and traffic is being rerouted through Sharea Faisal. Stricter entry protocols require individuals accompanying travellers to present a copy of the ticket and their national ID for verification. This follows a terrorist attack by the Baloch Liberation Army near the airport that killed at least two Chinese nationals on 6 October. If travelling to the airport, expect and prepare for delays. Allow extra time at the airport to pass through security and check luggage. Follow the advice of local authorities. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid travelling to Pakistan due to the dangerous safety and security situation.
On 12 November, at least two people were killed when the armed group Hezbollah launched rockets into Nahariya amid escalating tensions with Israel. The rockets also struck a kindergarten in Nesher, though no injuries occurred as staff quickly moved children to safety. Further strikes are possible. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Israel and Lebanon during this time due to the dangerous safety and security situation. The situation in these regions is constantly changing and can be unpredictable.
On 13 November, Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted Iran-backed military personnel in Al Qusayr. No casualties were reported. Sources indicate this was done to disrupt the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah. The strikes also damaged critical infrastructure along the Syria-Lebanon border region. This follows escalating tensions between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah. Further strikes are possible. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Israel and Syria during this time due to the dangerous safety and security situation. The situation in these regions is constantly changing and can be unpredictable.
On 12 November, the Japanese embassy in China issued a high-alert advisory for its citizens following a devastating car ramming incident in Zhuhai that claimed over 35 lives and left dozens injured. Embassy officials urged Japanese nationals to avoid drawing attention by refraining from speaking loudly in Japanese or engaging in group activities. There has been no confirmation of Japanese citizens being involved in the incident. The incident comes two months after a Japanese schoolboy was fatally stabbed in Shenzhen. This denotes a rise in violent public attacks in China. Authorities have increased security measures in Guangdong, particularly in crowded areas. Travellers? are advised to remain vigilant, stay alert to their surroundings, and monitor local media for updates on the security situation.
From 15 November to 01 January, heavy traffic congestion is expected at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints due to the year-end school holidays. Cross-border bus services will also be operating during this period. Authorities have urged travellers to observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and allow additional time for immigration clearance. Allow extra time for road travel due to the possible traffic congestion. Visit the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s Facebook and Twitter accounts or monitor local media for traffic updates. The immigration authorities have reminded drivers of foreign vehicles to ensure that their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid. Those who do not have a valid Autopass card, the VEP approval e-mail from LTA, or valid insurance will be turned back.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has issued a health advisory after registering 459 people infected with scrub typhus in the last week of October 2024. This significantly increased over the 58 cases detected in the previous week. The insect that transmits this disease is active from September to November, and more than 50% of cases are concentrated in November. The risk of exposure for the general traveller depends on individual activities. This illness is transmitted by the bite of infected mite larvae (an insect). During the wet season, these insects are usually found in tall grass and other vegetation. If diagnosed early, it can be successfully treated with readily available antibiotics. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure to scrub typhus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mite larva (insect) bites, especially if hiking or camping in rural areas. If symptoms develop after mite bites, seek medical care at once.
Africa
At least 140 people were admitted to a local hospital in Casablanca due to gastroenteritis (vomiting and fever). The patients were exposed to contaminated food after eating meals in a local "mahlaba." Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure to the many germs that cause intestinal illness (such as cholera, E. coli, salmonella, and many viruses) by following strict food and water precautions to avoid consuming contaminated food and water (especially when sold by street vendors and fast food establishments). These precautions include ensuring that meat is cooked thoroughly, not drinking tap water or ice made from tap water and trying to avoid swallowing water when swimming. Practising careful personal hygiene with frequent hand washing helps reduce the risk.
An outbreak of cholera that began 3 weeks ago in the Greater Accra and Central regions has claimed the lives of 10 people. More than 70 cases of this infection have been registered by health authorities. Most infected individuals, approximately 75%, do not show any symptoms. However, in those who do exhibit symptoms, only a small proportion develop a severe form of the disease. All travellers can minimize the risk of exposure to this disease. Strictly observe all food and water precautions in any area where there is cholera. If gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea) develop while visiting the affected area, travellers should seek medical care at once. Currently, there are three WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines: Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus. All three vaccines require two doses for full protection. Due to a large number of cholera outbreaks and a limited global supply of vaccines, WHO is temporarily recommending only one dose of cholera vaccine in outbreak situations. At present (2024), there is a major global shortage of cholera vaccines.
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