Travel Rush in Thailand, Singapore; Pakistan Braces for Elections
North and Central America
On 31 January, an increase in seismic activity was detected at the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. The current volcano alert level was raised to WATCH and the current aviation code to ORANGE. The volcano's summit has been seeing increased ground deformation and earthquakes. Rock falls, wispy plumes of volcanic gas, and earthquakes were reported at Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park. No new closures in the park have been announced due to the uptick in volcanic activity. This volcano is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. The current eruption cyclone has been intermittent since September 2021.
On 31 January, at around 10:30 hours (local time), a shooting incident occurred near an AutoZone store on Sibley Boulevard in Dolton. The incident involved at least four people being injured, with multiple bullet-riddled vehicles found in the area. The shootout occurred when two cars collided, and the occupants of both vehicles exchanged gunfire. The investigation is ongoing. ????
South America ?
Chile has been experiencing a severe heatwave. Warnings were issued for multiple regions, including Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O'Higgins, Maule, and ?uble, with daytime temperatures predicted to soar to 39 degrees Celsius in some cities. A red alert was declared in the Metropolitan, O'Higgins, and Maule regions by the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service. Due to the risk of forest fires, a red alert was also declared in Concepción and Biobío. As of 4 February, at least 112 people have been killed by forest fires in Valparaiso amid the ongoing heatwave across the country. More than 1000 houses were affected by the fire.
lose to 1,400 firefighters have been deployed in the firefighting operations. Power and water services remain disrupted. A state of emergency was declared, and a curfew has been in place in Vi?a del Mar, Limache, Quilpué, and Villa Alemana since Saturday. The death toll is expected to rise. Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exercises and wear comfortable summer clothing. Travellers with existing heart or lung conditions should stay in cool surroundings, if possible, during the heat of the day.
On 31 January, the Omnibus law was debated in the Chamber of Deputies. On the same day, a demonstration to denounce the law was held outside the National Congress, Buenos Aires at 12:00 hours (local time). The vigil was maintained for the duration of the session. On Thursday, clashes were reported between the security forces and the protestors. Rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons were used against the demonstrators. A series of protests have been reported since the announcement of the law.
On 2 February, the law was approved in general in the Chamber of Deputies. Demonstrations are likely to continue over the bill as deputies will begin negotiating the individual articles in the bill on 7 February. Stay informed about potential protests and large gatherings in the area. Minimize safety risks by avoiding all demonstrations since they may become violent unexpectedly. Expect and prepare for delays due to traffic congestion. Plan alternate routes to avoid inconvenience. There may be an increased number of police or security personnel.
By the end of January (2024), the National Epidemiology Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Prevención y Control de Enfermedades) reported 9,353 people infected with dengue fever. Cases were reported from 20 regions in the nation. There were 8 deaths due to dengue fever. Due to the greater-than-expected number of cases, the Ministry of Health issued a health alert. 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 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.
Europe
On 1 February, a Special European Summit was held in the European Quarter of Brussels to discuss the mid-term revision of the EU’s budget for 2021-2027. Special traffic and security measures were in place in the European Quarter, specifically around the Council of the European Union buildings on Rue de la Loi. The perimeter in the Schuman neighbourhood and the Reyer Tunnel towards the city centre were closed to traffic for a few hours. Bus lines 12, 21, 56, 59, 60, 79, and 80 did not stop at Schuman and were diverted locally. Police advised people to avoid the city centre.
On 28 January, farmers from across the country also began their protest towards Brussels with dozens of tractors blocking Place de Mee?s, near Place de Luxembourg in Brussels' Leopold district. The farmers were also joined by farmers from France and Luxembourg. The National Crisis Centre warned of severe traffic disruption on the entire territory of the Capital Region. The Cinquantenaire tunnel towards Arts-Loi was also closed to traffic. On 2 February, farmers continued their road blockages and protests in Brussels despite the meeting with Belgian and EU leaders on 1 February. French farmers affiliated with the Young Farmers and the Departmental Federation of Farmers' Unions (FNSEA) called off the tractor blockades and protest action after over two weeks following the announcement of new measures by the government. Further protests are possible.?
On 1 February, workers affiliated with the Verdi union held strike action at 11 airports across Germany to demand higher wages and time bonuses. The airports are Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Cologne Bonn Airport, Bremen Airport, Dresden Airport, Dusseldorf Airport, Erfurt-Weimar Airport, Frankfurt Airport, Leipzig/Halle Airport, Hamburg Airport, Hanover Airport, and Stuttgart Airport. Aviation security areas, passenger control, personnel and goods control, and service areas were affected.
All commercial departures scheduled for 1 February were cancelled at Hamburg and Berlin-Brandenburg airports. Incoming flights were also affected. On 2 February, workers affiliated with the Verdi union also held strike action at Hamburg Airport to demand higher wages. The strike affected baggage and aircraft handling, among other things. Further strikes are likely.?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reporting the highest number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in the past decade. So far this year (2024), 636 suspected cases have been reported in England and Wales. 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.
Middle East and Asia Pacific
领英推荐
An outbreak of Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD) or monkey fever has been reported in the district of Uttara Kannada in Karnataka state, At least 21 infected people have been registered from several villages of Siddapur taluk. KFD is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever found in South Asia. The mortality rate can be as high as 10 percent. An infected person may recover in two weeks time, but the convalescent period is typically very long, lasting for several months. There will be muscle aches and weakness during this period, and the affected person is unable to engage in physical activities.
The risk of exposure can be reduced by avoiding tick bites whenever possible, especially when hiking or camping in fields and forests. Checking the skin daily for ticks and prompt removal of an attached tick will help to reduce the risk of infection. This disease is reported sporadically in this area of India. While the risk for the general traveller is low, the risk may be higher for people whose activities bring them into contact with the forest. Travellers should wear protective clothing to avoid tick bites. An effective vaccine is available in the endemic areas of India.
Between 8 and 13 February, very heavy traffic congestion can be expected at both checkpoints in Woodlands and Tuas. The congestion is going to be due to the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday period. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authorities (ICA) have mentioned that those travelling via four-wheelers might have to wait for up to three hours to clear immigration. Motorists are advised to ensure the validity of their vehicle entry permit to facilitate traffic flow.
Allow extra time for road travel due to the possible traffic congestion. Motorists can also check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints beforehand, either through the Land Transport Authority’s OneMotoring website or the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System installed on the Bukit Timah and Ayer Rajah expressways. The ICA advised motorists not to cut the queue at the checkpoints and warned that anyone caught doing so would be turned back to re-enter the line at the back. Visit the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, or monitor local media for traffic updates. A heavy travel rush is expected at all the major airports in Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (Thailand).
Over 182,000 passengers are expected to utilize the airport each day until 16 February. As per airport authorities, around 10 airlines (including Bangkok Airways, Thai Vietjet, and Shanghai Airlines) have applied for 226 extra and chartered flights (153 international and 73 domestic) for this duration. There is a high potential for overcrowding at security check-ins and baggage drop facilities. Passengers are advised to download the Airport of Thailand’s application, “SAWASDEE by AOT," which will help them navigate the airport services.?
On 02 February, during the late morning hours (local time), Pyongyang fired several unidentified cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea off the west coast. The Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea did not specify the exact number of missiles. Seoul officials are constantly monitoring Pyongyang's activity as well as coordinating with Washington. The launch comes days after North Korea fired a Hwasal-2 into the Yellow Sea.
This missile was deemed capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Consult government reports before travelling towards the Yellow Sea. Travellers are advised to avoid non-essential travel to North Korean territories due to the unstable and unpredictable safety and security situation. Follow the advice of the authorities.
On 8 February, parliamentary elections will be held across Pakistan. The Election Commission issued a countrywide public holiday. It was proposed to suspend cellular and internet services in high-risk areas. Rallies and demonstrations may be planned as part of the campaign. To ensure law and order, additional security personnel may be deployed across the country.
Violent clashes may be possible between supporters and members of rival political parties. Extensive surveillance, travel, and traffic restrictions may also be imposed. Since the announcement of the election date, there has been a surge of terrorist attacks, explosions, and violence, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The risk of militant attacks may persist. Exercise increased caution if travelling in areas where polling is underway. Plan alternate routes to minimize safety risks and inconveniences in the event of travel restrictions.
Avoid areas of large public gatherings or protests, as they may escalate unexpectedly and become violent. Follow local laws during curfews to avoid fines or legal action. Maintain transparent communication with security personnel at all times. Plan alternate methods to stay in touch with family and friends in case of communication disruptions. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the dangerous safety and security situation.
Oman Airlines announced the suspension of flights to Islamabad and Lahore (Pakistan), Colombo (Sri Lanka), and Chittagong (Bangladesh). It also announced the addition of a new route to Sialkot (Pakistan) while also increasing flight frequencies to Lucknow and Thiruvananthapuram in India. It is currently unclear when these network changes will come into effect. If impacted by cancellations, know your compensation rights.
Reschedule your travel plans or use alternate airlines or modes of transport to minimize inconvenience. Travellers are advised to contact their travel providers for more information. Check with the airline for additional information regarding bookings.
Africa
On 30 January, a curfew was reinstated in Ilobu and Ifon towns of Osun State from 18:00–06:00 hours (local time) following violence between members of the two communities over land disputes. Some fatalities and casualties were reported. Heightened security arrangements can be expected. It is currently unclear when the prohibitory orders will be lifted.
In the year 2023, between October and December, similar measures were taken after clashes broke out. Avoid travelling in the area until the security situation improves. Travel and communication disruptions are likely. Follow local laws during the curfew to avoid fines or legal action. Follow any other advice from the local authorities.
In the first two weeks of this year (2024), a total of 28,000 people infected with diphtheria have been registered in Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, Mauritania, and South Africa. Nigeria is the most severely affected with at least 89 percent of all the cases. So far, at least 828 people have died from their infections. About 1 out of 10 adults and as many as 1 out of 5 children younger than 5 years, who get diphtheria, die.
Travellers are reminded that outbreaks of the highly contagious diphtheria bacteria can occur Anywhere in the world at any time. Travellers should also be aware that the international commercial production of diphtheria antitoxin used to treat this disease is extremely limited. The success of vaccination campaigns has greatly reduced demand for this biological product. Travellers can reduce their risk of exposure to this infection by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations, including diphtheria, are up-to-date before travelling. By avoiding becoming infected, travellers do not run the risk of finding that there are no treatments available.
On 1 February, at around 23:30 hours (local time), a truck carrying gas cylinders exploded at an illegal LPG refilling and storage site near the Skyline Estate in the Embakasi area of Nairobi. At least six people have been killed, and more than 250 have reported injuries. Over 100 houses were evacuated in Mardi village. The authorities have asked the public to avoid the area. Significant infrastructural damages were also reported. An investigation is underway.
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.?
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