092220 – World Status Report

This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of international risks, and other issues as reported by the linked official sources from the U.S. and other countries.

Please note the revision date 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.

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Conflict and Terrorism

• Ecuador*GOV.UK*The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all travel: within the 20km exclusion zone along the border with Colombia, except for the official border crossing town of Tulcan in Carchi province.
• Mozambique*GOV.AU*Terrorism is a threat in Mozambique. In mid-August, insurgents attacked and seized control of the port town of Mocimboa da Praia. Terrorists are likely to target westerners and western interests, particularly in Cabo Delgado province. Do not travel to Cabo Delgado due to the threat of terrorism, and ongoing clashes between armed groups and security forces. Movement restrictions across Mozambique’s international borders and within the country remain in place. Be alert and follow the advice of local authorities.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Afghanistan*GC.CA*The Embassy of the United States in Afghanistan has issued the following security alert: “Extremist organizations continue to plan attacks against a variety of targets in Afghanistan, including a heightened risk of attacks targeting female government and civilian workers, including teachers, human rights activists, office workers, and government employees.”
• Burundi*GOV.UK*Violent incidents continue to be reported across the country. You should limit your movements, avoid large gatherings and remain vigilant at all times.
• Eritrea*GC.CA*Border between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Despite the peace agreement signed between Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2018, the situation at the border region remains volatile. Border crossings could close with little or no prior notice. Avoid driving off main and paved roads as there remain unmarked landmines.
• Rwanda*GOV.UK*If you plan to visit areas close to the DRC or Burundi borders, such as popular tourist destinations including Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, you should be alert to the risks and exercise caution. All travellers should keep up to date with developments on the current situation, including via your tour operator, the local media and this travel advice.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Guinea*GC.CA*Guinean presidential elections. Presidential elections are due to take place on October 18, 2020. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.
• Nigeria*GC.CA*Edo State elections. State elections are due to take place in Edo on September 19, 2020. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Curfews could be imposed on short notice. Expect a heightened security presence. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• Nigeria*GOV.UK*On Saturday 19 September 2020, there will be an off-cycle gubernatorial election in Edo state. Tensions in the state are likely to be increased in the run up to the election, on the day of the election and on the days following the announcement of the result. A curfew will also be in place in the state on the day of the election – you should monitor local media for precise timings of the curfew period around the election, which could change at short notice. During the election period you should also be particularly vigilant, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow any instructions from local police and security forces.
• Thailand*GOVT.NZ*There have been a number of political protest rallies across Thailand over recent weeks, including in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lampang, Nakhon Pathom and Phitsanulok.   Further rallies are anticipated, and some may occur at very short notice.   These rallies may disrupt traffic and commercial activity, and there may be a heightened security presence.

Health

• Multi-country*Communicable disease threats report, 13-19 September 2020, week 38*West Nile virus. Between 11 and 17 September 2020, EU Member States reported 36 human cases of WNV infection: Greece (18), Spain (12), Italy (3) and Hungary (3). All cases were reported from areas that have been affected during previous transmission seasons. This week, six deaths were reported, by Greece (4) and Spain (2). No human cases of WNV infection or deaths were reported from EU-neighbouring countries. On 16 September 2020, Dutch public health authorities reported the first animal, a warbler, that tested positive for WNV in the Netherlands, in the Utrecht region. Warblers are migratory birds, but because this warbler was tested positive in late summer it is very likely that it contracted WNV in the Netherlands. The same bird was also caught in the spring and had tested negative. In recent years, antibodies have been found in several birds in the Netherlands. As these were not migratory birds, they probably contracted the infection in the vicinity of the Netherlands.
• Multi-country*CDC*Measles in Africa. Some countries in Africa are reporting increased numbers of cases (outbreaks) of measles. All travelers to Africa, including infants and pre-school aged children, should be fully vaccinated against measles, according to CDC immunization schedules.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Bermuda*GC.CA*Hurricane Teddy. Hurricane Teddy should pass near Bermuda on the night of September 20-21, 2020. It could bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. As the storm develops, the U.S. National Hurricane Center will continue to issue alerts and warnings for the potentially affected areas. If you are in Bermuda: exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Bermuda*GOV.UK*Hurricane Teddy is currently forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions as it passes Bermuda on the morning of Monday 21 September 2020. You should monitor progress on the Bermuda weather service and National Hurricane Centre websites, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Ecuador*ECHO Daily Flash of 21 September 2020* Volcano eruption (DG ECHO, media, local authorities). On 20 September, the Sangay volcano’s activity increased considerably spewing large plumes of ashes, gas and steam. Due to the wind, heavy ashfall has been registered in localities of the Andean provinces of Chimborazo and Bolivar (urban and rural areas) and in the coastal provinces of Guayas, Manabí, Los Rios and Santa Elena. The international airport of Guayaquil was temporarily closed due to the ashfall. The National Risk Management Service has deployed teams for assessing the situation and identifying the most urgent needs in terms of water supply and health. So far, 45,000 protective masks and 14,000 volcano kits have been distributed to the most affected areas as well as forage for the cattles.
• France*ECHO Daily Flash of 21 September 2020*Severe weather. Heavy rainfall triggered flash flooding and river overflow in Cevennes Region on 20 September. According to French Civil Protection (COGIC), 2 people are missing in the outskirts of Pont-d’Hérault Municipality (Sumène Commune, Gard Department). The most affected areas are Gard and southern Lozère Departments, where up to 600 mm of rain was recorded. Dozens of roads and bridges are inaccessible, while authorities rescued 46 people. In total, about 60 municipalities were affected by the severe weather. On 21-22 September, light to locally moderate rainfall with thunderstorms are forecast over most of central and southern Departments of France, including Gard and Lozère.
• Georgia*ECHO Daily Flash of 21 September 2020*Floods.  Threshold level 2/2 exceeded for Tskhenisckali – Ludji station.
• Greece*GOV.UK*On 18 September, Storm Ianos caused damage to infrastructure and utilities (water and power supplies) in parts of Western Greece, including Keffalonia, Zakynthos and Ithaca. You should stay up-to-date with developments and follow the advice of the local authorities. You can register on the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service to receive emergency alerts.
• Mexico*ECHO Daily Flash of 21 September 2020*Severe weather. On 20 September, heavy rain caused landslides and stream overflows, which affected several municipalities in Oaxaca State (south-western Mexico). According to media, 2 people died after landslide and flooding events. The overflow of Chiquito and Manso rivers caused widespread damage to houses, and public infrastructure. Several residents have been affected, while there is a request to declare the state of emergency for five municipalities in Oaxaca. On 21-22 September, heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms, strong winds and hail are forecast over central-western and south-western States of Mexico, including Oaxaca.
• Multi-country*ECHO Daily Flash of 21 September 2020*Tropical Storm NOUL (DG ECHO partners, governments, media). TC Noul caused some damage to the Central provinces of Vietnam. 4 provinces (Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang and Quang Nam) have evacuated around 16,391 household or about 54,215 people. Houses were severely affected and the agriculture sector will likely be further suffer due to heavy rain following the storm. There were 6 fatalities and 112 injured, the storm caused severe damage to infrastructure. Due to continued heavy rain, the government warned people of flash floods in these provinces. In Laos,  the main road in Ta-oy district of Xekong province was flooded. In Champassak province, water which was collected after torrential rain, flooded parts of Pakxe city. Strong wind toppled trees, electricity poles and power lines in parts of Saravan, Champassak and Xekong provinces. The Meteorology and Hydrology Department warned of landslides in mountainous areas. In Myanmar, rain and thundershowers are widespread in Naypyitaw, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Yangon, Ayeyarwady, Taninthayi Regions, Southern Shan, Rakhine, Kayah, Kayin and Mon States with likelihood of regionally heavy and isolated heavy falls until 22 September. In Thailand, heavy rain brought on by the Tropical Storm particularly in the Central part of the country.
• Multi-country*ECHO Daily Flash of 21 September 2020*Tropical Cyclone TEDDY update. Tropical Cyclone TEDDY continued to north-west over the North Atlantic Ocean toward Bermuda Islands, as a category 2 hurricane. On 21 September, its centre was located offshore approximately 310 km  south-east of Bermuda main island, with maximum sustained wind of 165 km/h. TEDDY is forecast to pass nearby (around 140 km east) the Bermuda main island on 21 September, as a category 2 hurricane. It is expected to continue to northward over the Ocean, slightly weakening, and it could approach the Nova Scotia Province (eastern Canada) on 23 September in the morning (UTC), as a post-tropical cyclone, with maximum sustained winds up to 120 km/h. Over the next 24 hours, heavy rain, strong wind, and storm surge are forecast over Bermuda, as well as over Nova Scotia, and Atlantic Canada on 22-23 September. NOAA has issued a tropical storm warning over Bermuda Islands.  
• Multi-country*ECHO Daily Flash of 21 September 2020*Forest fires danger forecast.  High or very high danger in northern Spain, France, Belgium, Italy, coastal Croatia, coastal Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, east Hungary, east Romania, Albania, Turkey, Ukraine. Medium or high danger in Germany, southern Sweden.
• USA*ECHO Daily Flash of 21 September 2020*Tropical Storm BETA. A new tropical storm named BETA, formed over the Gulf of Mexico on 18 September and started moving north toward the coastal area of Texas (USA). On 21 September, its centre was located over the Gulf, approximately 230 km east of Corpus Christi, and approximately 180 km south of Galveston, with maximum sustained wind of 95 km/h. BETA is forecast to continue to north-west and to make landfall over Port Lavaca Town on 21 September late in the evening (UTC), with maximum sustained wind of 85-90 km/h. It is expected to turn north-east inland over southeastern Texas, and southern Louisiana on 22-24 September, weakening as a tropical depression. Heavy rain and strong wind are forecast over southern Texas, southern Louisiana, and the Lower Mississippi Valley on 21-22 September. Storm surges are also forecast over coastal areas of Texas and Louisiana. NOAA has issued a storm surge warning over these areas. A tropical storm warning is also in effect over southern Texas and southern Louisiana.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo*Communicable disease threats report, 13-19 September 2020, week 38*Ebola. Since the last update and as of 15 September 2020, 10 additional cases, including two deaths, have been reported from Equateur Province in the DRC. More than 42 days have passed since the last cases were reported in the Bolomba health zone.

Please note the revision date 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.