Hurricane BERYL Makes Landfall in Texas - USA
North and Central America
On 8 July, around 04:00 hours (local time), Hurricane BERYL made landfall in Matagorda, strengthening from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane. The storm has already caused at least 11 deaths in the Caribbean, and widespread damage to homes and power infrastructure has been reported. If travelling in the path of this storm, use caution and consult local weather and emergency reports. Take shelter if caught in the storm. Many flights may be cancelled, as well as trains and local transportation. Travellers should avoid travel to affected areas as essential services, including transportation, may be disrupted. The storm could cause flooding and landslides, and high winds could cause severe damage and dangerous sea conditions.
On 6 July, around 02:25 hours (local time), a shooting occurred at a block party near Reno Street and Rossini Drive in Detroit. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to 19 others. The victims were between the ages of 17 and 28. The suspect, who was also injured, was arrested after opening fire on the gathering.
From 8 July, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is starting the second phase of its runway 5-23 rehabilitation project, closing the runway nightly from 21:00 hours to 05:00 hours (local time) for construction. During this time, a secondary runway will be used. The project includes new centerline and taxiway lighting and realignment, aiming to minimize the impact on travellers and the community. Completion is expected by 31 July.
South America
Medellín is reporting a significant increase in the transmission of the dengue fever virus. To date, at least 1,700 people have been diagnosed with this disease, and as many as eight of them have died from their infection. 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.
The state of emergency currently in effect in the provinces of Guayas, El Oro, Santa Elena, Manabí, Orellana, and Los Ríos has been extended for an additional 60 days. This extension now includes the Camilo Ponce Enríquez cantón in Azuay Province, situated near the border with Guayas. Sucumbíos Province is no longer subject to this emergency declaration. This measure, prompted by the ongoing internal armed conflict, permits the suspension of certain civil rights. The country is experiencing multiple incidents of gang violence and attacks on public authorities.
Europe
Starting 3 July, Czech Republic has stopped recognizing non-biometric passports of the Russian Federation, rendering Russian citizens with such passports unable to stay in the country legally. The decision was taken as a security measure, as non-biometric passports are easier to modify. Until you obtain a biometric passport, avoid travelling to the Czech Republic. If you are already in the Czech Republic and cannot obtain a biometric passport immediately, contact the Czech immigration authorities to explain your situation. Stay up-to-date on any further announcements from the Czech authorities or the Russian embassy regarding this policy.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Ivica Da?i?, has declared a red level of security threats from terrorism after a Gendarmerie member was attacked with a crossbow outside the Israeli embassy on 29 June.? There will be an increased police presence not only in front of embassies and state institutions but also in places where larger numbers of people gather. Be alert and vigilant about your surroundings. Exercise caution and avoid public places that might be targeted by extremists. Follow the instructions of local authorities at all times to avoid attracting undue suspicion.
At least 300 people from the village of Torri del Benaco on the shores of Lake Garda have been diagnosed with norovirus infections. Many of the residents have been hospitalized. The exact source of the outbreak remains unclear, but the village's water supply is suspected to be contaminated. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure to norovirus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid contaminated food and water. Travellers should be aware that this group of viruses is very common, and they may persist for some time on inanimate objects such as bannisters, doorknobs, and other surfaces touched by ill people. Good personal hygiene, especially hand washing, helps to reduce the risk of exposure and infection.
领英推荐
Middle East and Asia Pacific?
On 02 July, Turkey closed its main border crossings (Bab al-Hawa) into northwest Syria. The decision came after violent clashes broke out between Syrian citizens and Turkish troops. The violence broke out after reports of a Syrian man assaulting a female child surfaced. Over 474 people involved in attacks targeting the Syrian community have been arrested by the police across the country since 30 June. The unrest has spread to the provinces of Hatay, Gaziantep, Konya, and Bursa, as well as an Istanbul district. Similar incidents have been reported in Syria. In Afrin, at least four people were killed in an exchange of fire between the armed protesters and soldiers. The incident is likely to cause more civil unrest and violent clashes across Turkey. Social media restrictions are possible too.Further protests over this issue are possible. Protests have been occurring frequently and may continue to occur unexpectedly and spontaneously. To minimize safety risk, avoid areas of large public gatherings, rallies, or demonstrations. Monitor the local media for updates on local restrictions that may impact your travel plans. Plan for travel disruptions. It is likely that transportation will be affected, including all public transportation. Follow the advice of the local authorities.
On 04 July, Hezbollah launched a massive rocket and drone attack at various sites in northern Israel. These locations included five army barracks, a shopping mall in Acre, and the Golan Heights. Several fires broke out in Golan and Upper Galilee, and around 25 firefighting teams were deployed. One soldier died, and many were severely injured. Twenty-five drones were launched from the Lebanese territory towards northern Israel, Upper Galilee, and Golan. Train services from Haifa to Nahariya are on a temporary halt due to the security situation. The attack is a retaliation for the recent killing of one of Hezbollah's senior commanders by Israeli forces. Israeli forces also attacked several sites in southern Lebanon on the day. Be vigilant and monitor political developments regularly before travelling to stay informed about any potential conflict.
?
An outbreak of West Nile fever has resulted in 81 cases, of whom 7 have died from their infection. Travellers who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or who will be in areas with a lot of mosquitoes are at increased risk of exposure to the West Nile virus. The risk of exposure for the general traveller is quite low. However, in a small number of infected people, the West Nile virus can cause serious neurological illnesses, including death. Since there is no vaccine or treatment for West Nile fever, travellers to areas where this virus has been found can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Starting from 1 July, Taiwanese passport holders can apply for an electronic travel authorization-Israel (ETA-IL) online. From 1 August, the ETA-IL system will become mandatory for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries travelling to Israel. To obtain an ETA-IL, visitors, including those from Taiwan, need to complete an application on Israel's Population and Immigration Authority website. If approved, the permit allows for stays of up to 90 days, valid for up to 2 years or until the passport's expiration date. During the pilot phase until 31 July, obtaining the ETA-IL is voluntary and free of charge.??
Under the ‘Visit Laos 2024’ program, a relaxed visa policy will be implemented for several countries. Chinese nationals travelling in groups will enjoy a 15-day waiver, while visitors from Thailand can stay up to 10 days with access to three neighbouring provinces. Additionally, citizens from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Greece can enter visa-free for their initial 15-day visit. Multiple-entry visas are also extended to 60 days for Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. More detailed information on the policy can be found here. For additional information, travellers are advised to contact their travel agents or the respective embassy prior to airline and accommodation bookings. Plan ahead to avoid inconveniences. Follow local laws. Overstaying a visa may result in consequences like fines or imprisonment.
The Public Health and Population Bureau in Almahfid province (Abyan governorate) has reported an outbreak of cholera involving at least 15 confirmed cases and many more suspected cases. No deaths have been registered. 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 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.
Africa
On 01 July, the Egyptian government announced plans to extend the ongoing power outages scheduled across the country. Power supply will be disrupted every day from 15:00 hours (local time) until 17:00 hours in residential areas and from 16:00 hours until 18:00 hours in office areas. These can be further extended until 22:00 hours or until 06:00 hours of the next day. The extension is due to the rising temperatures (going as high as 50 degrees Celsius), which have significantly increased the electricity demand. Expect and prepare for a limited power supply. Keep your cell phone batteries charged, and surge-protect your appliances. Switch off all non-essential electrical appliances to avoid power surges when the power resumes. The supply of water may also be interrupted during load-shedding hours. Check with your travel providers, airports, and airlines to determine if your travel plans are affected.
Since mid-June 2024, the number of people infected with the dengue fever virus has reached epidemic levels. Since the beginning of the outbreak in Cape Verde, there have been 1,422 suspected cases and 755 confirmed cases. No deaths have been reported. Although cases have been reported by six islands and 15 counties in the country, the most affected island is Fire Island. 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.
Fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary forces is ongoing in Sennar province. The paramilitary forces have captured the military base in Sinja, where over half a million people have sought shelter from the war. Since 01 July, at least 55,000 people have fled the capital. On 04 July, residents attempting to flee the violence drowned while crossing the Blue Nile River. Over 25 people have died. Avoid all non-essential travel to Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict, a high risk of violence, and severe humanitarian crises. Stay updated on local news, heed advice from authorities, and ensure you have contingency plans for safe evacuation if necessary.
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.??