Deadly Walkie-Talkie and Pager Explosions Across Lebanon
Americas
Delta Air Lines has extended the suspension of all flights between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv until 31 December due to ongoing regional conflict. Affected customers will be notified through the Fly Delta app and their reservation contact information. Delta is closely monitoring the situation and may make further schedule adjustments. A travel waiver is available for all customers who booked travel to/from Tel Aviv before 31 December.
Through September 2024, health authorities have registered a total of 18,800 people infected with dengue fever. Of these, 32 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.
Since 20 September, a curfew has been in effect across the municipality of Chía for nine days in response to a concerning rise in crime rates. Motorcycles are prohibited on Friday nights, weekends, and public holidays from 05:00 hours to 10:00 hours (local time) the following day. Authorities have advised residents to remain alert and cautious while travelling in the area and to avoid high-risk locations until the security situation improves. Travel and communication disruptions are expected. Residents are urged to comply with local laws during the curfew to avoid fines or legal consequences and to follow any additional guidance from local authorities.
Europe
On 19 September, heavy rainfall caused by storm BORIS led to severe flooding in parts of the Emilia-Romagna region. In Lugo, the local Senio river broke its banks. Authorities ordered the evacuation of all ground-floor residences. Over 1,000 people were evacuated in the Ravenna, Bologna, and Faenza provinces overnight. Two people were reported missing in Bagnacavallo. Rail services were suspended in several provinces. Residents were urged to avoid travel and work from home if possible. Floods and mudslides were also reported in the neighbouring regions of Tuscany and Marche. If travelling in the affected area, ensure access to adequate shelter and other essential services. Avoid contact with flood water due to the possible risk of contamination. It is also advised to plan your journey after confirming the status of highways.
The Montenegro Institute for Public Health has registered 2 new cases of Q fever, bringing the total number of infected persons this year to 10. This disease occurs sporadically in this country. Q fever is a disease caused by a bacteria that is transmitted through inhalation and contact with milk or body fluids of infected animals. It is an uncommon disease that affects humans and other animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and other domestic mammals. Wherever transmission of this infection is occurring, travellers should avoid contact with animals, especially while animals are giving birth. In addition, avoid places where animals are being slaughtered, since the organism can be transported considerable distances on air currents. Do not consume raw milk or raw milk products.
On 17 September, three firefighters were killed fighting a wildfire in Nelas town. It is one of dozens of forest wildfires burning in Portugal's central and northern regions. Portugal is fighting over 50 active wildfires on its mainland and has mobilized around 5,300 firefighters. Since 14 September, at least seven people have been killed due to the wildfires. Over 50 people have reported injuries. Several villages have been evacuated. Authorities have closed several motorways, including a stretch of the main highway linking Lisbon and Porto, and suspended train connections on two railroad lines in northern Portugal. Fires in the Aveiro district have burned through more than 10,000 hectares of forest and shrubland and could engulf a further 20,000 hectares. Firefighting operations remain underway. Follow the advice of local authorities and avoid travel to the affected region until the fires are fully extinguished. Ensure evacuation from high-risk regions and plan accommodation to ensure shelter and other essential services. If travelling in the area, wear facemasks or other respiratory protective equipment to avoid inhalation of any smoke present. Persons with pre-existing heart and lung conditions should remain indoors, if possible, until air quality improves.
Middle East and Asia Pacific
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On 17 September, at around 15:45 hours (local time), pagers used by armed group Hezbollah exploded almost simultaneously across Lebanon. The blasts, which continued for about an hour, killed at least nine people and injured over 2,800 others. Subsequently, walkie-talkie explosions in Beirut, Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon resulted in at least 20 more deaths and 450 injuries on 18 September. According to reports, the explosions were a result of a security operation targeting electronic devices. In response to the attacks, authorities banned pagers and walkie-talkies from flights and air shipping at Beirut airport. Lebanon’s Health Ministry also urged people to remain away from their pagers and avoid wireless devices. Hezbollah has blamed Israel. Israeli officials have so far declined to comment. Further attacks are possible. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Israel and Lebanon due to ongoing conflict and the lack of personal security. The situation in these regions is constantly changing and can be unpredictable. For detailed information read the SitRep on The Hezbollah Pager Explosion .??
So far this year (2024), more than 38,000 people have been infected with dengue fever. Of these, 17 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.
On 18 September, a 10-year-old Japanese boy was stabbed while on his way to school in Shenzhen.? The suspect was detained, though the motive remains unclear, and an investigation is ongoing. In response to the incident, the Japanese Embassy in Beijing issued a safety alert, citing a rise in stabbing incidents across China and urging caution around suspicious individuals. Chinese authorities have announced plans to implement effective measures to safeguard the safety of all foreigners.
On 19 September, the Indonesian government announced a visa-free policy for citizens of 13 countries. Under this policy, travellers from Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor Leste, Suriname, Colombia, and Hong Kong can stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa. Further details on the policy are yet to be provided by the authorities. Travellers are encouraged to consult their travel agents or contact the relevant embassy before making airline and accommodation reservations. It’s advisable to plan ahead and check with airlines for any booking-related information.
Africa
On 17 September, in the early morning hours (local time), Malian authorities thwarted a coordinated terrorist attack in Bamako. Gunfire was reported after insurgents attacked a gendarmerie training school and several other strategic areas in the city. Access to the airport was temporarily restricted and later lifted. Al Qaeda affiliate Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attack. Many countries advise their citizens against all/non-essential travel to Mali due to the high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, and other crimes.
A cholera outbreak has been reported in Karofane, the capital of the Bouza commune. So far, more than 40 people have been diagnosed with cholera and three of them have died. 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.
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