020921 – 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.

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• 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. Large-scale demonstrations have been taking place in Yangon and Mandalay. A general strike is scheduled for February 8, 2021. Medical workers and other civil servants have announced a civil disobedience action and work stoppage to protest. As a result, the availability of health care will likely be disturbed throughout the country. Banking services, including ATMs, may also be disturbed in some areas. Access to Internet, telecommunications and certain social media platforms have been suspended in some regions. All commercial flights have been suspended; however some relief flights are available. The situation remains volatile and could deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations and civil unrest may occur and disrupt access to other essential services without notice. 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 *  The Myanmar military has assumed control of the country and declared a state of emergency. Government, civilian leaders and foreigners have been detained. Telecommunications and internet services are unpredictable. There are limited international flights departing Yangon. Contact your airline or travel agent for booking information. If you have concerns for your safety in the current environment, you should consider leaving Myanmar by commercial means. A general strike is scheduled for 8 February 2021. There has been increased protest activity across Yangon and Mandalay in February 2021. Civil unrest is likely to continue. Avoid all protests and public gatherings, maintain heightened security awareness and monitor the media for latest developments. Australians remaining in Myanmar should shelter in place, obtain essential supplies for a prolonged period of uncertainty, minimise movement and contact friends and family to let them know you are safe. Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia or SMS +61 421 269 080.
• Myanmar * GOVT.NZ * Security situation. The Myanmar Military have declared a one-year state of emergency. Phone and internet connections across Myanmar have experienced disruptions and banks have been closed nationwide. An 8pm to 6am (local time) curfew has been imposed across the country. Expect an increased security presence country-wide and possibly roadblocks in major cities.
• 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, civil society and a foreign national have been detained by the military. The British Embassy is following the situation carefully and will continue to update the Travel Advice. The military has shut down access to various internet platforms and reports of disruptions to wider internet, phone networks and ATMs are widespread. You are advised to stay home and stay safe. If you need to collect essential provisions, you should do so quickly and avoiding crowds. There is a nationwide curfew imposed between midnight and 4am.
• Somalia * GOV.AU * Tentative dates for Somali elections have been proposed, ending with the Presidential election in February 2021. A spike in violence is likely to correspond with the electoral process, including possible attempts to disrupt the elections. There’s an ongoing high threat of terrorism, with attacks expected to continue. Don’t travel to Somalia. If you’re in the country, leave as soon as possible. If you decide to stay, get professional security advice.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• El Salvador * GOV.UK * There are ongoing political tensions in El Salvador, with municipal and legislative elections due on 28 February 2021. On the afternoon of Sunday 31 January in the centre of the capital, San Salvador, gunmen opened fire on activists from one of El Salvador’s main opposition parties, killing two people, and injuring five other people. The El Salvador Constitution prohibits political activities by foreign nationals, and participation in demonstrations may result in detention and / or deportation. You should avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and exercise caution in public areas.
• Russia * GC.CA * Large demonstrations in support of a political opposition activist have been held in various cities since January 23, 2021. These demonstrations are not authorized by local authorities and have led to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Thousands of protesters have been detained, including journalists. Further demonstrations are being planned and are likely to be held on a regular basis. Authorities could restrict or suspend internet access without notice. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Expect a heightened security presence. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Russia * GOV.AU * Anti-Government protests have occurred in 2021, with thousands of participants arrested. Unsanctioned protests are illegal and you can be arrested if you participate. Avoid rallies, demonstrations and other large public gatherings as they can turn violent.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Albania * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 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.
• Australia * GC.CA * Bushfires are currently affecting several areas of the State of Western Australia, including Perth metropolitan region. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and essential services may be disrupted. In case of a major fire: stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments, follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including evacuation orders, monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation.
• Belgium * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Warning level 2/3 issued in Flanders, threshold level 1/2 exceeded in Wallonia.
• Finland * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/3 at Väätäjänsuvanto.
• France * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/3 exceeded on various river stretches across the country.
• Germany * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/3 exceeded in Bayern, Hessen, Nordrhein-Westfalen.
• India * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Glacial lake outburst and floods. (DG ECHO, media). On 7 February, a glacier burst in the Indian state of Uttarakhand resulted in flooding in Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga rivers, severely damaging a power plant and a hydro power project. According to media reports, 170 people are missing and 14 bodies have been recovered so far. Efforts are on to rescue 30  workers trapped in a tunnel. Search and rescue operations are being implemented by the military, para-military and Civil Defense forces. Initial reports from CARITAS suggests that 17 Panchayats (Group of village councils) are affected and 13 villages are cut off. Due to access and communication network issues, details on needs and response gaps will be available later. Flood alerts have been issued especially for districts falling in Ganga river zones in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The Government of India and State Government of Uttarakhand have announced INR 400,000 (EUR 4,559) and INR 200,000 (EUR 2,279) respectively, for each of the families of deceased and INR 50,000 (EUR 569) for those seriously injured. 
• Jordan, Saudi Arabia * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Flash floods. (Jometeo, PME, Floodlist, media). Heavy rainfall has been affecting estern Jordan and the neighbouring north-western Saudi Arabia since 5 February, causing flash floods, that have resulted in casualties and damage. In particular Al Mafraq and Ma’an Governorates (Jordan), as well as Tabuk and Al Jawf Provinces (Saudi Arabia) were affected. In Jordan, media report as of 8 February, four fatalities in the area of Ruwaished Town (Al Mafraq). Several flooded roads were also reported across Al Mafraq and Ma’an Governorates. In Saudi Arabia, four rescued people were reported across Tabuk Province. Over the next 24 hours, drier conditions are forecast over the already affected area across both countries.
• Philippines * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Earthquake. (GDACS, PHIVOLCS, USGS, NDRRMC, PAGASA). An earthquake of 6.0 M at a depth of 16 km occurred in Davao del Sur Province (Mindanao Island, southern Philippines) on 7 February at 4.22 UTC. The epicentre was located in the outskirts of Bansalan Municipality. A foreshock of 4.8 M at a depth of 11 km was recorded in the area in the early morning of 7 February. USGS PAGER estimates that up to 246,000 people were exposed to very strong shaking and more than 1 million people to strong shaking. According to initial reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRMC), the earthquake injured 15 people in Cotabato Province and at least 45 individuals from Davao Del Sur have been displaced. Damage to houses and infrastructure have been reported across Davao Del Sur and Cotabato and eight minor landslides occurred in Cotabato. Local authorities have mobilised response teams to conduct an assessment in the area and provide support to those affected. Locally moderate rainfall with thunderstorms is forecast over Mindanao on 8-9 February.
• Romania * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 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 rivers in northwestern part of the country.
• Slovakia * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 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 Bodrog rivers.
• South Africa * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Floods. (South African Weather Service, media). Heavy rainfall has been affecting north-eastern South Africa (in particular Mpumalanga Province, Free State Province and the area of Johannesburg and Pretoria) over the past few days, causing rivers overflow and floods, that have resulted in casualties and damage. The worst affected is the area of Mbombela, the capital of Mpumalanga. Media report as of 8 February, eight fatalities and five people missing across Mpumalanga. In addition, a number of severely damaged houses, collapsed bridges and damaged roads were reported across Mpumalanga, and Free State. Over the next 24 hours, more heavy rain with locally very heavy rain is forecast over north-eastern South Africa, including over eastern Free State, southern Mpumalanga, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
• Spain * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Warnings level 2/3 issues in Duero basin.
• Ukraine * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 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 rivers for the Stokhid river.
• United Kingdom * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 February 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Warnings with level 2/3 issued in England.

Other

• Belize * GC.CA * The Consulate of Canada in Belize is currently closed. If you need consular assistance, contact the Embassy of Canada to Guatemala, in Guatemala City.
• Hong Kong * GOV.UK * The British Consulate-General has been informed that Hong Kong, like other parts of China, does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both British and Chinese nationality you may be treated as a Chinese citizen by local authorities, even if you enter Hong Kong on your British passport. If this is the case, the British Consulate-General may not be able to offer you consular assistance. The FCDO has published guidance on nationality in China. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry evidence that you have done so.
• Macao * GOV.UK * Macao, like other parts of China, does not recognise dual nationality. If you have both British and Chinese nationality you may be treated as a Chinese citizen by local authorities, even if you enter Macao on your British passport. If this is the case, the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong may not be able to offer you consular assistance. The FCDO has published guidance on nationality in China. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry evidence that you have done so.

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.