080718 – World Status Report

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Conflict and Terrorism

• Afghanistan – UN. A suicide attack took place inside a Shia mosque in Gardez, Afghanistan during Friday prayers, killing 48 and injuring more than 70. UN. The death of a local United Nations staff member in a suicide attack on Wednesday in the city of Jalalabad, has highlighted the tragic and relentless effects of terrorist attacks targeting civilians across Afghanistan. UN. As part of a recent pattern of attacks in Afghanistan, at least 13 civilians were killed and 20 others wounded on Tuesday in Jalalabad.
• Ethiopia – UN, Government of Canada. More than a million people have been displaced by inter-communal violence in southwestern Ethiopia over the past four months.  Since August 4, 2018, there has been an increase in insurgency-related violence across the ‎Somali region. Attacks have targeted are businesses, churches, houses, cars and Amhara and Oromo minority groups. Ethiopia’s National Defense Force has taken control of highways, government buildings and the airport. Monitor local media and limit your movements if you are in this area.
• Yemen – UN. A deadly attack on one of the last functioning hospitals in Yemen in the key port city of Hudaydah has put hundreds of thousands of people at risk and damaged efforts to prevent a third cholera epidemic.
• Nicaragua – Government of Canada. Protests have been occurring throughout the country since April 18, 2018. They have led to violent clashes which have caused a significant number of casualties. Managua, Masaya, Leon, Carazo and surrounding areas are particularly affected. The location and time of these outbreaks of violence are unpredictable, and has have resulted in the presence of heavily armed groups operating around the country, including in Managua.  Protestors may erect more roadblocks with no notice. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, avoid areas near university campuses, be extremely cautious if you find yourself unexpectedly in a protest, do not attempt to drive through any large groups or barricades encountered on the street, restrict your movements if protests are taking place in the area where you are located, keep a low profile, limit your movements between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., even in urban areas, monitor local media for information on ongoing and planned demonstrations and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Mali – Government of Canada. The first round of presidential elections was held on July 29, 2018. Violent demonstrations could still occur as the results are announced. Terrorist groups may target election-related activities. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, avoid areas frequented by foreigners, avoid areas that lack a security presence, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
• Philippines – GOV.UK. A vehicle based IED exploded at a checkpoint in Lamitan City on the island of Basilan in Western Mindanao on 31 July 2018 causing a number of fatalities.
• Jordan – GOV.UK. The FCO continues to advise against all but essential travel to within 3km of the entire Syrian border, and to within 6km of the Syrian border between routes 15 and 35.

Natural Disaster

• United States – Government of Canada. Several wildfires are burning in California, including a large fire in Shasta County. Avoid the affected areas, comply with evacuation orders and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Portugal – GOV.UK. A major forest fire in the area of Monchique, in the Algarve has been burning for a number of days. The fire continues to burn in the area surrounding Monchique. The Portuguese authorities are evacuating the affected areas. If you’re in the area, follow the instructions of the Portuguese police and Civil Protection authorities. For your own safety, travel to the Monchique area is not advised at this time.  The Portuguese authorities are forecasting a sharp increase in temperatures which carries an increased risk of forest fires; keep abreast of the weather forecast on the Portuguese Met Office’s website.
• Indonesia – GOV.UK. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) now advise against all but essential travel to the Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air), off the north-west coast of Lombok; following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the region on 5 August, there is a risk of aftershocks, which could cause further damage to buildings and pose risks to safety; in the event of serious injury, access to immediate medical assistance on the islands is extremely limited; the Indonesian authorities are working to assist people to leave the Gili Islands via boat to Lombok should they wish to do so.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Ethiopia – GOV.UK. There have been reports of severe civil unrest, protests and violence in a number of areas in the Ethiopian Somali Regional State, including the cities of Jijiga and Dhegahbur. The situation is still developing but anyone intending to travel either to the Ethiopian Somali Regional State or to the nearby cities of Dire Dawa or Harar should reconsider and take local advice.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Crime and Social Unrest

• Afghanistan –  GOV.UK. On 2 August 2018, 3 foreign nationals were abducted and murdered in Kabul; the exact motives for this are unclear.
• Bangladesh – GOV.UK. Following a road traffic accident involving a bus on Sunday 29 July 2018 which resulted in the deaths of 2 students there have been a series of protests across Dhaka, some of which have turned violent; you should be vigilant at all times, stay away from large gatherings, and avoid political offices and rallies.
• Tajikistan – GOV.UK  Factual update on a collision between a vehicle and 7 western tourists cycling near Danghara, southern Tajikistan, on 29 July; 4 of the 7 cyclists were killed in the collision and a subsequent knife attack; if you’re travelling in the area you should exercise caution and vigilance.

Demonstrations

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – Government of Canada.  The Mouvement de libération du Congo (MLC) announced that their leader, Jean-Pierre Bemba, returned to Kinshasa on August 1, 2018. Expect large gatherings and travel disruptions throughout Kinshasa.
• Zimbabwe – Government of Canada, GOV.UK. General elections were held on July 30, 2018. On August 1, 2018, clashes between demonstrators and security forces resulted in casualties in the Central Business District of Harare. The situation is now calm. There is still a heavy police and military presence in the Central Business District and most shops are closed. Commuter buses are scarce. Water cannons and riot police are stationed at critical points (such as the headquarters of both main political parties). Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Comoros – Government of Canada. A referendum was held on July 30, 2018. Demonstrations could occur once the results are announced. Limit your movements, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, especially in Anjouan, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for the latest information.
• India – GOV.UK. Authorities across north-eastern states have increased security presence after the publication on 30 July of a revision of the National Register of Citizens in the state of Assam.  Anyone travelling to the region should check the latest travel news before they travel, and if you’re in the region take precautions like avoiding large crowds.
• Mali – GOV.UK. Presidential elections took place on Sunday 29 July 2018; there have been reports of election related attacks across the country; although some recent election related demonstrations have been peaceful others have turned violent; further demonstrations are likely and you should avoid them as well as large gatherings and political meetings; exercise caution and monitor the media.

Natural Disaster

• Myanmar – GDACS. On July 30, 2018, a flood started in Myanmar, Union of, lasting until August 1, 2018 (last update). The flood caused 11 killed and 0 displaced.
• Indonesia – Government of Canada, GOV.UK. On July 29, 2018 a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the North East area of the island of Lombok and was followed by several aftershocks. On August 5, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the same area. Both earthquakes caused deaths and injuries, and disruptions to essential services, such as power and transportation. Avoid travel to affected areas, monitor local media for developments and follow the instructions of local authorities.  The Indonesian authorities have been assisting residents and visitors who wished to leave the Gili Islands via boat following the earthquake; these boat services are being phased out as the number of people wishing to leave has reduced; if you remain on the Gili Islands and now wish to leave, we understand that the Indonesian authorities are intending to run one final boat at approximately 8am local time on Wednesday 8 August; there is no expectation of further government-provided transport.
• Laos – Government of Canada, GOV.UK.  A hydroelectric dam broke and released extremely large volumes of water in the Xe Pian River in southern Laos PDR on July 23, 2018. Areas along the Xe Pian River in Attapeu Province could be affected. The elevated water levels could get to the lower reaches of the Xekong River, which flows into the Mekong River in Cambodia. Flooding is also expected in Pakse in the coming days due to cresting of the Mekong River. Continued heavy rainfall has been forecast and you should be aware of the elevated risks of flooding and landslides which have already affected routes between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Authorities have issued flood alerts for Attapeu provice, as they expect heavy rainfall until August 4, 2018. In the affected areas, there could be significant disruptions to the following essential service like transportation services and networks, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services. Avoid travel to or through Attapeu province. Avoid flooded areas, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation order and monitor the news.
• Cambodia – GOV.UK. You should be aware of a heightened risk of flooding in the provinces of Stueng Traeng, Kratie and Kampong Cham. The Cambodian Ministry of Water Resources has warned residents living along the Mekong river that water levels will continue to rise in the coming days due to heavy rain and due to the recent dam collapse in southern Laos. Localised flooding has been reported in the south of the country around Sihanoukville and Kampot. You should follow all guidance issued by the local authorities.
• Thailand – GOV.UK. The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for heavy rain, potentially leading to flash floods, across northern, eastern, southern, and central parts of Thailand; authorities have warned about the possibility of landslides and flooding; the Mekong River Commission also forecasts high river levels, including some flooding; you should follow advice of local authorities and monitor weather forecasts.

Other

• Kenya – Government of Canada. You must have a valid work permit to work or volunteer in Kenya. It is illegal to work or volunteer in Kenya with any other type of visa. To obtain an electronic working permit, apply online with the Department of Immigration Services. You must visit the Kenya Immigration headquarters (Nyayo House in the Central Business District of Nairobi) after completing the online application to obtain your permit.
• Kiribaiti – GOV.UK. Dengue Fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs in Kiribati. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has reported an increase to “Dengue-like illness outbreak (DLI) in South Tarawa.
• Guadeloupe – GOV.UK. Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Guadeloupe and dengue fever is also common on Guadeloupe. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
• Mayotte – GOV.UK. Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Mayotte. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
• Hungary – GOV.UK. The Sziget Festival will take place from 8 to 15 August; large crowds are expected; keep your passport safe; a valid passport is required for everyone leaving Hungary; you should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Vibrio growth – ECDC. As of 3 August 2018, environmental suitability for Vibrio growth in the Baltic Sea for the next five days is considered to be medium to very high in certain coastal areas of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Russia.  CDC.  People with vibriosis become infected by consuming raw or undercooked seafood or exposing a wound to seawater.
• Dengue – ECDC. Between 16 and 22 July 2018, Réunion detected 59 cases of dengue fever.
• West Nile Virus – ECDC. Between 27 July and 2 August 2018, 56 human cases of West Nile fever were reported in the EU. Italy reported 27 cases (including two deaths), Greece 21 cases, Hungary five cases and Romania two cases. In EU neighbouring countries, 29 cases (including one death) were reported, all by Serbia. All human cases were reported from regions that have been affected during previous transmission seasons.
• Enterovirus – ECDC. Based on reports by nine EU/EEA countries, 259 E30 detections were reported in 2018. The UK reported an increase of E30 detections in February 2018 and Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden in June 2018.
• Poliomyelitis – ECDC. Since the CDTR published on 6 July 2018, Afghanistan has reported two new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 and two other countries have detected circulating vaccine-derived polio viruses type 2 (cVDPV2): Nigeria and Somalia (one case each).

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC, GOV.UK, WHO.  4 cases of Ebola were confirmed in Béni territory in North Kivu province.  The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported all four samples tested positive for Zaire ebolavirus species.
• Rwanda – GOV.UK. Visitors to the region should be aware that on 1 August, 4 cases of Ebola were confirmed in Béni territory in North Kivu province in DRC. The latest updates can be found on the WHO website.

When traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, set up your institutional safety net and prepare for an emergency as a standard step of all your travels.  Find more information in the Traveler Best Practices webpage.

The risk information in this report is retrieved from U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other professional sources as listed in the post. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.