020221 – 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 (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.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• India * GOV.UK * There are reports of an explosion outside the Israeli embassy in New Delhi. You should avoid the area and remain vigilant whilst following the instructions of local authorities.
• Myanmar * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Coup d’état. (DG ECHO). On 1 February 2021, Myanmar’s military (Tatmadaw) seized power declaring the state of emergency for one year and arresting dozens of senior officials of the National League for Democracy (NLD), including the State Counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup follows a landslide election win in November 2020 by Ms Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD). The military claimed electoral fraud after the results of the November general election. On 27 January, the Union Election Commission (UEC) has rejected all of the military’s claims of electoral fraud in the November general election, a day after the military threatened a possible coup if its complaints were ignored. Mobile internet data connections and some phone services have been disrupted in major cities, while the state broadcaster MRTV says it is having technical issues and is off air. Communications with Nay Pyi Taw, the capital city, are down and it is difficult to assess the situation, no violence had been reported so far. All  DG ECHO and EUDEL staff are accounted for and safe.
• Myanmar * GC.CA * On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military detained officials from the elected government and announced a one-year state of emergency, effectively seizing control of the country’s governance. Internet access and telecommunications have been suspended in various areas. According to some reports, domestic flights and services at the Yangon international airport have also been suspended. The situation remains uncertain and could deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations and civil unrest could occur. If you are in Myanmar: stay indoors and maintain a low profile, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local media to stay informed about the evolving situation, follow the advice of local authorities.
• Myanmar * GOV.AU * There are reports the Myanmar military is seeking to seize control of Myanmar and has detained government and civilian leaders. Telecommunications have been cut in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon, with increasing unreliability across Myanmar. There is an increased security presence and roadblocks are in place. Yangon airport is currently under military control. We advise Australians to stay home, and contact friends and family to confirm they are safe. Avoid public gatherings, monitor media and follow advice of local authorities. If you are concerned about individuals please contact the Australian Government 24 hour Consular Emergency on 1300 555 135 from in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia or SMS +61 421 269 080.
• Myanmar (Burma) * GOV.UK * As of 1 February, the Myanmar Military have declared a state of emergency and assumed control. There are reports that figures in the Civilian Government and civil society have been detained by the military. The British Embassy is following the situation carefully and will continue to update the Travel Advice. There may be disruptions to internet, phone networks and ATMs. You are advised to stay home and stay safe.
• Yemen * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Conflict. (DG ECHO, DG ECHO partners, UN, media). Sustained conflict in Dhale’e, Taiz and Hodeidah governorates continue to drive multiple forced displacements. In January 2021, over 320 households (1,920 Individuals) have experienced displacement at least once. A further devaluation of the Yemeni Rial – down to 825 YER to the USD – led to the suspension of foreign exchange services by the Government of Yemen in areas under their control. In northern governorates, which are under the control of Ansar Allah movement, the price of fuel on informal markets continues to increase due to shortages. The UN Spokesperson expressed concern over the likely cancelation of commercial activities, in view of US’s designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, given the heavy dependence of the country on imports of food and other essential items. 

Crime

• Afghanistan * GOV.UK * Crime is a serious concern, particularly in rural areas. British nationals of Afghan origin have been targeted by criminals, including kidnappers, as they are often perceived as being wealthier than locals. Foreigners have been the victims of violent attacks, including armed robbery and rape. Do not display any obvious signs of wealth, or carry large sums of money. Do not travel alone, especially on foot. Take particular care after dark.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Lebanon * GOV.AU * Protests are taking place in Beirut, some of which have turned violent. Avoid protests and Beirut’s port area.
• Netherlands * GOV.AU * Incidents of violence and rioting have occurred across the Netherlands, following the implementation of new COVID-19 restrictions, including a curfew between the hours of 9pm and 4.30am. You should avoid areas where rioting is taking place and follow the advice of local authorities. You should avoid areas where rioting is taking place and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Netherlands * GOVT.NZ * Demonstrations in the Netherlands. In response to COVID-19, the Netherlands has introduced a curfew (between 9.00pm and 4.30am) until at least 10 February 2021. This has resulted in anti-lockdown protests and acts of vandalism in a number of towns and cities which have turned violent.  There is the potential for further demonstrations and violent clashes to continue. A number of cities have implemented emergency orders in anticipation of further unrest.
• United States * GOVT.NZ * United States: 2020 Presidential Elections. The United States presidential election took place on Tuesday 3 November 2020. Political activity including rallies and protest activity has occurred following the election. Further political rallies or protests are anticipated in Washington DC and other state capitals. A strong police and/or National Guard presence can be expected at any further protests. Police measures have, at times, included the use of rubber bullets and/or pepper spray to disperse crowds. Curfews have been enforced in many cities as a result of widespread protests and may continue to be introduced. New Zealanders in the United States are advised to avoid areas where political rallies or protest activity may occur. We recommend monitoring local media to stay up to date with developments and following any instructions issued by the local authorities, including curfews. If you find yourself in an area of protest/political activity or civil unrest, you should leave the area if it is safe to do so or remain indoors until the situation improves.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Albania * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Warning level 1/1 for Shkoder region.
• Croatia * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/4 for the Lika river.
• Fiji * GOV.UK * Cyclone Bina is forecast to impact Fiji on 1-2 February. You should check and follow the advice of the Fijian authorities.
• Fiji, Tonga * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Tropical cyclone activity. (GDACS, JTWC, met.gov.fj, media). Tropical cyclone ANA, crossed Viti Levu Island and Kadavu Islands on 30-31 January with maximum sustained wind up to 110-120 km/h. According to the National Disaster Management Office of Fiji, there are 10,259 people in 318 evacuation centres across the country, with 5,776 in Fiji’s northern division that was badly hit by tropical cyclone Yasa. One person died and five are missing. In the meantime, another tropical cyclone named BINA, was moving south-east close the past track of ANA. On 1 February at 0.00 UTC, its centre was located 163 km north-west of northern Vanua Levu Island (northern Fiji), with maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h. BINA is weakening in a low pressure system while ANA will continue moving southward offshore. Storm and flood warnings are in effect for most of Fiji Islands. On 1-2 February, heavy rain and strong wind are forecast over Fiji and Tonga.
• France * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Treshold 2/3 for 6 regions in the north and south of the country.
• Germany * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Treshold 2/3 for 15 locations in Bavaria, Hesse and Northrhine Westfalia and treshold 3/3 for 2 locations in Bavaria.
• Germany * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Meteoalarm, as of 1 February at 8.00 UTC. (EUMETNET). On 1 February: red alert for snow and ice over central Germany. On 2 February: no red alert issued.
• Guyana * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Earthquake. (GDACS, HydroMET Guayan, media, NOAA-CPC, USGS). An earthquake of 5.7 M at a depth of 10 km occurred in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region of south-western Guyana on 31 January at 19.05 UTC (15.05 Local time). The epicentre was located approximately 30 km north-west of Lumid Pau village and about 83 km south-east of Lethem Town. USGS PAGER estimates that up to 1, 000 people were exposed to very strong shaking and up to 3,000 people to strong shaking. According to initial media reports, the earthquake caused some damage to buildings and properties. Local authorities have mobilised response teams to conduct an assessment in the area and provide support to those affected. No heavy rainfall is forecast over south-western Guyana on 1-2 February.
• Italy * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Warning level 2/3 for Calabria and Basilicata regions.
• New Caledonia, Vanuatu * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Tropical cyclone LUCAS. (GDACS, JTWC, meteo France Nouvelle-Calédonie, New Caledonia Civil Security Direction, VMGD). Tropical cyclone LUCAS, formed over the Coral Sea, is strengthening as it moves southeast. On 1 February at 0.00 UTC, its centre was located approximately 850 km west of Espiritu Santo Island (northern-central Vanuatu), with maximum sustained wind of 93 km/h. LUCAS is forecast to continue southeast over the Coral Sea, passing approximately 300 km west of Vanuatu Islands on 2-3 February and it could make landfall over New Caledonia on 3 February. For the next 48 hours, moderate to heavy rain, strong wind and storm surge are forecast over most parts of Vanuatu and New Caledonia. According to the Civil Security Direction of New Caledonia, a pre-warning for tropical cyclone has been issued over the whole New Caledonia.
• Norway * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Avalanche. (Norwegian Armed Forces, Associated Press, NRK Norway, YR Norway). An avalanche event occurred on 30 January on Jan Mayen island (Norway), killing two people and injuring one, as reported by the Norwegian Armed Forces. Jan Mayen island is located in the Arctic Ocean, about 1,000 km west of the North Cape (Norway), and 500 km east of central Greenland. Snowfall is forecast over Jan Mayen on 1-2 February.
• Poland * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/2 at four stations in the Silesian region and one station in the Warmian-Masurian region.
• Romania * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Warning level 2/3 for the Poganis river.
• Slovakia * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/3 for the Latorica and the Bodrog rivers.
• Ukraine * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 3/3 for the Latorica river and 2/3 for the Stokhid river.
• United Kingdom * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/3 for 80 locations in England.

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.