More Than 200 People Killed in Spain Floods
Americas
In the early hours of 3 November, severe storms, including multiple tornadoes, struck Oklahoma, injuring at least 11 people. The storms damaged over 100 homes, causing widespread power outages and destruction. Power lines, trees, and traffic lights were downed, with debris covering many areas, especially in Tulsa County, where lightning set a home ablaze. Firefighters rescued individuals trapped in overturned mobile homes and vehicles stranded by flash floods. Though no fatalities were reported, the storms left extensive damage, initially cutting power to nearly 82,000 people.
On 29 October, journalist Mauricio Cruz Solís was fatally shot in downtown Uruapan, Michoacán, shortly after conducting a live interview with Uruapan’s Mayor, Carlos Manzo Rodríguez. He was the founder of the news website Minuto x Minuto, known for covering local political and security issues. His final interview focused on a fire at the Tariácuri Market, a topic that has raised questions about safety and accountability in the region. The Michoacán state prosecutor’s office has begun an investigation. Be vigilant and alert in your surroundings. Report any suspicious activity to the local authorities. Avoid the affected area to minimize security risks at this time.
On 29 October, Colombian military forces engaged in a violent clash with members of the FARC dissident Gerónimo Galeano front in the Cauca region. During the confrontation, the Colombian Army seized weapons, explosives, and grenades from the dissident fighters. This encounter was part of Colombia's intensified operations aimed at weakening FARC dissident groups, especially in areas where they maintain a presence, such as Cauca, Arauca, and Norte de Santander. Exercise caution and avoid public places that may be targets for extremists until tensions subside.
Europe
As of 3 November, over 200 people have been killed and many others are still missing due to flash floods caused by torrential rains in Valencia. Flooding has disrupted rail services between Valencia and Madrid. Emergencias de la Generalitat urged people to avoid road trips from any point in Spain to Valencia as roads have been opened for preferential use by emergency personnel. Flash flooding was also reported in Andalusia's Cadiz province, especially in the municipalities of San Fernando and Chiclana. The State Meteorological Agency has issued a red warning for heavy rainfall in parts of Andalusia. An orange warning was also issued for parts of Catalonia, Valencia, Andalusia, Extremadura, and the Balearic Islands. Avoid non-essential travel to the affected area since there may be power outages and damage to infrastructure, such as roads, transportation, and communication systems. Several roadways in the affected areas 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).
Edinburgh has implemented a temporary ban on fireworks in select areas, including Niddrie, Balerno, Seafield, and Calton Hill, from 1-10 November. This decision follows significant Bonfire Night disorder last year, especially in Niddrie, and aligns with concerns from community and animal welfare groups. Setting off fireworks in these designated Firework Control Zones (FCZs) is now a criminal offence unless part of a licensed display. Introduced by the Scottish government in 2022, the FCZ powers aim to address recurring issues of anti-social behaviour and violence around Bonfire Night. Edinburgh plans to assess the impact of these initial zones before possibly expanding them, with a further review scheduled for February. Travellers are advised to stay informed about local regulations.
On 29 October, in the early morning hours, at least six people were injured due to Russian drone strikes that targeted a residential apartment in the Solomyanskyi district. The incident led to a fire that spread to nearby shops and vehicles, prompting officials to suspend gas supply to the area as a safety measure. Residents were evacuated from the site and emergency operations were carried out. The drone strike marked the 18th aerial assault on Kyiv this month in the broader Russia-Ukraine conflict. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Ukraine at this time due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. If in Ukraine, avoid travelling to the war-affected areas, as there may be water shortages, power outages, a lack of hospitals and emergency services, and damage to infrastructure, such as roads, transportation, and communication systems. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Middle East and Asia Pacific
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On 29 October, at least 60 people were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes that targeted the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon. The strikes hit 16 areas within the Baalbek region, a Hezbollah stronghold, causing significant damage to residential areas in the neighbourhood. This follows escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Further strikes are possible. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to the region during this time due to the dangerous safety and security situation. The situation in these regions is constantly changing and can be unpredictable.
As of 30 October, a mutual visa-free travel arrangement is in place between Kazakhstan and Macau. The policy allows citizens of both countries to enter, exit, transit, and stay visa-free in each other’s territories for up to 14 days. However, the agreement does not cover work, study, or permanent residency. For stays in Macau exceeding 14 days, travellers must obtain the appropriate visa in advance. For additional information, contact your travel agent or respective embassy prior to airline and accommodation bookings. Plan ahead to avoid inconveniences. Check with the airline for additional information regarding bookings.
On 1 November, at least eight people were killed and 12 others injured in a blast that targeted a police van near Civil Hospital Chowk in Mastung district. Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations, and investigations into the incident are currently underway. In response to the attack, security measures in Mastung and surrounding areas have been heightened, likely resulting in road closures, increased security checks, and potential delays. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Pakistan due to the dangerous safety and security situation.??
Cases of dengue fever continue to increase nationwide. So far this year (2024), more than 27,100 people have been infected. Of these, 1 has 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.
Africa
Mauritius has blocked social media access until 11 November, following a series of leaked audio tapes involving prominent figures, including politicians, journalists, and foreign diplomats. The government, led by Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, justified the ban as necessary for national security amid the ongoing wiretapping scandal. However, opposition leaders accused Jugnauth of using the ban to avoid potential defeat in the 10 November election. The leaked recordings, primarily circulated on TikTok, have raised concerns about government transparency and stirred political tensions, with the opposition considering legal action.
The Amhara Public Health Institute has noted a rapid spread of malaria, with over 51,650 cases reported in the region in just one week. At least 40 districts reported cases of this infection. 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.
The Ministry of Health has declared a cholera outbreak in Renk County of Upper Nile State. At least 50 confirmed and suspected cases have been registered. 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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