Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses After Collision In Maryland - USA
North and Central America
On 26 March, around 01:30 hours (local time), the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed in part after a collision with the container ship MV Dali, which struck a pier supporting the bridge's main span. Two people were rescued from the river in the incident, one in critical condition. Six construction workers involved in maintaining the bridge were reported missing, with two bodies recovered and the remaining four presumed dead.
The collapse caused significant damage to the bridge, with a section falling into the Patapsco River between Hawkins Point and Dundalk. As a result, Interstate 695, which uses the bridge, was completely closed in both directions.
On 8 April, a total solar eclipse will traverse North America, stretching from Mexico through the United States to Canada. In preparation for heightened air traffic, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a cautionary advisory, advising travellers to anticipate possible delays at airports. The FAA forecasts a significant increase in air traffic, with approximately 50,670 flights expected on 4 April, followed by 48,904 flights the next day.
Travellers are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance of the scheduled departure time to allow for extra time for check-in, security screenings, and boarding procedures. Consider booking flights with extra buffer time in case of unexpected delays.
South America?
Dengue fever transmission continues at a high level. During the first two months of this year (2024), 78,600 infected people were reported, along with 47 deaths. The most affected provinces include Chaco, Corrientes, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, Formosa, Misiones, Buenos Aires, Salta, Tucumán, and Santiago del Estero. 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, duration of the trip, and activities during the trip.
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 people 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.
Heavy rainfall between 22 and 24 March caused major disruptions in Brazil's southeastern states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo. Due to severe floods and landslides, at least 23 people were killed and over 5000 people were displaced. Infrastructural damage was reported. Recovery operations are underway.
Avoid non-essential travel to the affected areas since there may be power outages and damage to infrastructure, such as roads, transportation, and communication systems. Several roadways in the area may not be accessible. Avoid contact with flood water due to the possible risk of contamination. Be cautious and consult local meteorological reports wherever available through local media (TV, radio, and local alerts). Follow any other advice from local authorities.
Europe
On 28 March, the European Union barred Southwind Airlines, along with affiliated carrier Air Cairo, from its airspace over suspected ties to Russia in response to sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. Flights between Russia, Belarus, and Turkey are unaffected but must now circumvent EU airspace, leading to increased costs and flight times.
Check with the airport, your travel agent, or the airline to determine if your travel plans are affected. Expect and prepare for residual delays, sudden cancellations, or schedule changes. Follow the advice of the local authorities.
On 27 March, at around 10:00 hours (local time), a FlixBus coach travelling from Berlin to Nuremberg crashed and fell onto its side on the A9 at a junction near Leipzig/Halle Airport. At least four people were killed, and 35 others reported injuries. Both carriageways on the autobahn were closed near the Schkeuditzer Kreuz interchange. The carriages have since reopened. Residual disruption is possible.
Avoid the affected area until emergency operations conclude. It is currently undetermined when the police operation will end. Plan alternate routes to minimize inconvenience. Expect and prepare for severe travel disruptions. Follow any other advice from local authorities.
Middle East and Asia Pacific
On 26 March, a suicide bombing occurred on the Karakoram Highway in Besham City. At least six people, including five Chinese nationals, were killed in the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Prior to this, militants infiltrated and attacked Turbat's Pakistan Naval Station Siddique, the second-largest naval air base in the country, on 25 March. Armed conflict and explosions were reported around Turbat International Airport.
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No civilian casualties were reported. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack. Increased security measures are likely to continue at the airport. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the unstable safety and security situation. If travelling, exercise increased caution. Expect and prepare for extensive security checks.
On 24 March, around 06:20 hours (local time), a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck about 88 km from Wewak, East Sepik province. At least five people were killed, and 1,000 houses were destroyed across the province. A state of emergency was declared as the province has already been affected by flooding since early March. Recovery operations are underway.
Aftershocks are possible after a major earthquake. Follow the advice of the local authorities. If you plan to travel to the affected area, be prepared for damaged infrastructure, and disrupted transportation and communication systems.
On 25 March, New Zealand announced that it would deploy defence troops, helicopters, and a naval ship in the Solomon Islands. The decision was made to support the country in the upcoming general elections scheduled to take place on 17 April. Avoid travelling near poll booths to minimize disruptions. Plan alternate routes to minimize safety risks and inconveniences in case of travel restrictions.
Avoid areas of large public gatherings or protests, as they may escalate unexpectedly and become violent. Follow any other advice from local authorities.
On 31 March, a massive rally was organized at Ramlila Ground by a political alliance of about 40 opposition parties to protest the arrest of Delhi’s Chief Minister by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case related to excise policy. The rally drew hundreds of politicians, prominent leaders, and supporters, prompting increased security measures in the area. Prior to this, on 26 March, workers of the Aam Aadmi Party planned to encircle the Prime Minister’s residence, leading to the arrest of several participants and the closure of nearby metro stations due to security concerns.
There are expectations of further protests, and increased security measures are likely to persist for several days. It is advised to steer clear of areas with large gatherings or protests. Even events intended to be peaceful can escalate unexpectedly and quickly become violent. Monitor local media for updates on potential protests and high-risk localities.
On 26 March, the Japanese authorities of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical warned against consuming its dietary supplements. These supplements contain 'beni-koji' red yeast rice and have been recalled due to increasing reports of kidney and other serious health problems. Two people, one of whom had been consuming the supplements on a regular basis for more than 3 years, have died from a kidney-related disease. The company recalled five of its products, including over 300,000 packages of the 'beni-koji choleste help'.
Around 100 people have been hospitalized due to its consumption. Similar advice was issued by the Hong Kong branch of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical against purchasing and consuming its red yeast rice products.The company suspects that an unknown ingredient derived from mould may have caused the problems. Some notable symptoms after consuming the affected products are identified as swelling, fatigue, and decreased kidney function. Authorities are presently examining the product's relationship with ingestion and death. On 28 March, the Food and Drug Administration of Taiwan (TFDA) recalled 121 food products containing red yeast rice. Over 31 companies and suppliers have removed their products containing red yeast rice ingredients from shelves. The suspected food products totalled 121, and a list of these products has been published on the TFDA's website. Do not consume the recalled product. Return or destroy it immediately. It is advised to seek immediate medical attention in cases of the aforementioned symptoms, such as fatigue, swelling, body pains, or kidney-related problems.
A public health emergency has been declared in the province of Cavite due to a major increase in the number of people infected with pertussis (whooping cough). So far, 36 cases of pertussis have been reported in the province, including six deaths. Travellers are reminded that outbreaks of highly contagious pertussis (whooping cough) can occur anywhere in the world at any time. Travellers can reduce their risk of exposure to this disease by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations and their current immune status for pertussis are up-to-date prior to travelling.
Africa?
On 27 March, tropical cyclone GAMANE made landfall near Sava Region's Vohemar. Wind speeds were recorded at 150 km/h. The storm continued to move southwest, impacting many cities in the Sava, Diana, Sofia, Analanjirofo, Alaotra Mangoro, and Atsinanana Regions. At least 18 people were killed due to heavy rains, flooding, damaging winds, and fallen trees. Severe infrastructural damage was also reported. Travel disruptions are likely due to collapsed roads and bridges. The storm is expected to move southeast and impact Mauritius and Réunion Island between 29 and 31 March.
If you are travelling in the path of this storm, be cautious and consult local meteorological and emergency reports. Flights, trains, and other public transportation may be disrupted. The storm could lead to flooding and landslides, and high winds may cause severe damage and dangerous sea conditions. Power and water supplies may be interrupted.
Among the almost 4,400 reported cases of cholera this year (2024), almost 60 percent are children. In the past week, nine people have died from this infection. The total number of deaths has reached 54. The most affected areas include Mogadishu, Beledweyne, and Baidoa. Most infected individuals, approximately 75%, do not show any symptoms. However, of 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 diarrhoea) 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.
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Applied physics.(JOIN ME) the work presented here is entirely new
11 个月As a lifetime sailor and boater, now sixty years of experience, there are, a few things that do not ring well with me, regarding this Dali crash into the Scott Key Bridge. One, with only ninety seconds from the bridge, if i am driving, my course centers me under the bridge. Second, if i lose power only ninety seconds from the bridge, i am drifting under it... without striking anything. I guess the current was very minimal? Third, in watching the video and plume of smoke emitted from the stack, a full reverse was initiated, swinging the nose of the ship and thus giving it a new trajectory, straight into the bridge's support. If i am the captain, i know that ninety seconds from the bridge, making six to eight knots, i can't stop my ship in that time,... and since i would be already headed in the direct, safe course under the bridge, why swing the nose around? What are your thoughts? In my own experience, losing power, in a ship channel, years ago, knowledge and experience is everything.... we don't panic. NO NEED to panic. In my mind, given the evidence, this crash was a deliberate attempt to affect commerce, as we have all experienced over the course of the last three years. MARK applied physics lifetime sailor/boater