030221 – 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 * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 March 2021 * Protests. (DG ECHO, UN, media). At least 18 people were killed and more than 30 injured in Myanmar on 28 February, as police and military forces confronted peaceful Civil Disobedience Movements demonstrations, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The reported casualties make it the deadliest day since the military seized power on 1 February.  The Civil Disobedience Movement’s impact on essential and social services is deeply felt across the country, with medical service functioning at their minimum, no COVID-19 testing and treatment capacity, banks closed and ATMs often not functioning, supplies partly stopped with some shortages of essential items and sharp price increases in different parts of the country (from 10% to 25% accordingly to DG ECHO’s partners). Humanitarian assistance is also severely impacted by the dysfunctionality of key services, such as government administrations, banks and supplies. Partners reported important delays in food and cash distribution. Food insecurity in the country is therefore expected to rise. Access to health for the most in need is also of concern.  
• 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. A daily nationwide curfew is in effect from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. as well as a ban on all gatherings of more than 5 people in public spaces, at all times. Demonstrations are taking place regularly across the country, particularly in Yangon and Mandalay. Large-scale protests and a nationwide general strike are expected over the weekend, particularly on February 28, and could occur anytime and anywhere. 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 disrupted in some areas. Access to Internet, telecommunications and certain social media platforms have been suspended. All commercial flights have been suspended; however some relief flights are available. The situation remains volatile and could deteriorate quickly. 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. Protest activity is widespread with security services responding, there have been some fatalities and injuries. Australians should minimise movement during the day avoiding known and possible places of protests. A curfew is in place from 8pm to 4am and daily Internet outages occur from 1am to 9am in Yangon and other parts of the country. Stay at home during curfew hours. Government, civilian leaders and foreigners have been detained and there is a risk of further detentions. If you have concerns for your safety, you should consider leaving Myanmar on one of the limited international flights departing Yangon. Contact airlines directly for tickets. For Australians remaining in Myanmar, continue to make preparations to shelter-in-place such as gathering essential supplies and funds. Maintain heightened security awareness, register with DFAT, monitor the media, and keep in close contact with friends and family.
• Myanmar (Burma) * GOV.UK * The military have extended the suspension of normal commercial passenger flights until 31 May 2021. However, the airport is open and some ‘relief’ flights are available for those seeking to leave Myanmar. Most of these are commercially bookable. See Flights for more information on options for leaving Myanmar. Land borders are closed.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Chad * GOV.UK * An exchange of fire took place in N’Djamena on 28 February; at least two people were killed, and several injured in a clash between Chadian security forces and Chadian opposition. You should limit your movements in N’Djamena, and avoid the area between the US Embassy and the Grand Mosque.
• Saudi Arabia * GOV.UK * There have been 10 intercepted missile attacks over Riyadh since the first missile attack on 4 November 2017, the most recent on 27 February 2021.

Crime

• Spain * GOV.UK * Timeshare ownership is well established in Spain with many respected companies, agents and resorts operating legally and fairly. However, there are also many unscrupulous companies, some of which claim to provide various incentives, which don’t always materialise. You may find it useful to read the timeshare fraud advice from Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, run by the National Fraud Authority.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Georgia * GOV.UK * The political situation in Georgia is generally calm, but political tensions are currently high, increasing the likelihood of demonstrations and opposition rallies, particularly outside Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square in Tbilisi, as well as in other large towns. These can escalate without warning. You should check local media, stay away from any large gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Niger * GOV.UK * Following the second round of the presidential elections on 21 February 2021 there has been unrest in Niamey and other cities in Niger (including Dosso and Zinder). This unrest could be violent and could include road blockages and the damage of buildings and vehicles. During the election period you should exercise caution, avoid any protests or demonstrations and keep up to date with developments on this travel advice page.

Law and Culture

• Indonesia * GC.CA * The Balinese New Year celebration (Nyepi) takes place on March 14, 2021. Locals and foreigners are required to observe 24 hours of silence, staying indoors, and turning off all lights. Due to Balinese New Year, Ngurah Rai International Airport will be closed for all flights from 6 a.m. on March 14, 2021 to 6 a.m. on March 15, 2021. Passengers in transit during this period are required to stay inside the airport. Ports in Bali will also be closed during this period.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Argentina * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 March 2021 * Rockslide. (Government of Argentina, media). A rockslide event occurred on 27 February in the Lanin Volcano (on the border of Argentina and Chile) injuring three people, as reported by the Argentinean authorities. Emergency operations were implemented by the national authorities to rescue the affected individuals. 
• Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 March 2021 * Floods and landslides update. (BNPB, BMKG, AHA Centre, Reliefweb, Floodlist). Heavy rain continues to affect the Java Island (in particular Central Java Province) since 23 February, causing floods and triggering landslides that have resulted in more casualties and damage. Media reports as of 1 March, one fatality in Tegalsari (Semarang City, Central Java Province) due to the floods and three rescued people in Gajahmungkur (Semarang City) due to landslides. Previously, more than 90,500 affected people were reported across six districts (East Semarang, North Semarang, West Semarang, Pedurungan, Genuk and Gayam Sari) of the same Province. Over the next 24 hours, more heavy rain with locally very heavy rain is forecast over the whole Java Island.
• Tanzania * ECHO Daily Flash of 01 March 2021 * Floods. (Tanzania Meteorological Agency, CatNat, media). Heavy rain has been affecting north-western Tanzania since 24 February, causing rivers and lakes to overflow, and triggering floods that have resulted in evacuations and damage. The most affected areas are the Kagera Region, bordering east with Lake Victoria and the Kigoma Region, bordering west with Lake Tanganyika. Both Lakes have experienced rising water levels. Media report, as of 1 March, around 600 displaced people and a number of damaged roads and bridges across Bukoba Municipality (Kagera Region). In addition, around 60 displaced households and a number of damaged buildings were reported across Kigoma Municipality (Kigoma Region). Over the next 24 hours, more heavy rain is forecast over southern Kagera, and over the whole Kigoma.

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.