World Status Report

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

More health and security information for each country can be found in the travel advisories issued by the governments of the United States, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, and the CDC, ECDC, and WHO sites. Not all advise in these sites will apply to US travelers. 

Please note the publication date of this report and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice. 

Security 

• Standoff in South Africa ends with 87 miners dead and anger over police’s ‘smoke them out’ tactics (AP News) – Authorities faced growing anger and a possible investigation over their initial refusal to help the miners and instead “smoke them out” by cutting off their food supplies. With 246 survivors also pulled out from deep underground since the operation began on Monday. Mathe said nine other bodies had been recovered before the rescue operation, without giving details. 
• South Sudan imposes curfew after Sudan killings trigger riots (Reuters) – South Sudan’s police imposed a nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. on Friday after a night of deadly rioting in the capital over the alleged killing of South Sudanese people by the army and allied groups in neighbouring Sudan. In a broadcast on state television, police chief Abraham Peter Manyuat said the curfew would continue until further notice from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily to try to restore security and prevent the destruction of property. 
• Yemen’s Houthis to continue attacks if Gaza ceasefire breached (Reuters) – The leader of Yemen’s Houthis said on Thursday that the Iran-aligned group would monitor the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas aimed at ending the war in Gaza and continue its attacks on vessels or Israel if it is breached. The Houthi militia, which has targeted ships using ballistic missiles and drones in waters near Yemen’s shores to show their solidarity with the Palestinians, had long said they would cease these operations if the 15-month conflict ended. 
• Michael Froman, president of the Council on Foreign Relations discusses the Israel-Hamas cease-fire announcement, its significance and implications (CFR) – After months of negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, news broke that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza. The agreement was ratified by the Israeli security cabinet, and it took effect on Jan 19. 

Environment 

• Taiwan – Earthquake (ERCC) – An earthquake of 6 M at a depth of 10 km occurred in Taiwan on 20 January at 16.17 UTC. The main earthquake was followed by three aftershocks, ranging between 4.7 M and 5.1 M. USGS PAGER estimated that up to 124,000 people were exposed to very strong shaking and up to 1,262,000 people to strong shaking. As of 21 January, at least 27 people have been injured, several buildings have been evacuated, and moderate damage to infrastructures has been recorded. In addition, school classes have been suspended. 
• Indonesia – Landslides and floods (ERCC) – Heavy rainfall has been affecting southern Indonesia since 19 January, triggering landslides and causing floods that have resulted in casualties and damage. As of 21 January, four fatalities, one missing, three injured people, and five damaged houses due to a landslide that occurred on 20 January. The death toll of the landslide increased to four, one person is missing and four people have been injured. In addition, 2,027 families and 2,112 houses in 11 villages have been affected by floods. 
• Argentina – Wildfire (ERCC) – On 15 January a wildfire occurred close to the Epuyén village, Chubut Province, south-western Argentina, burning an area of 1,500 ha and resulting in displacement and damage. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), 1,500 people have been displaced, 25 houses and one school have been destroyed and 200 houses have been affected by the flames. 

Health 

• Sierra Leone reports mpox cases as vaccine approach broadens in DR Congo (CIDRAP). – In DRC hot spots, vaccination will target the greater community, not just contacts. A trial of the antiviral drug brincidofovir also launched in the country. 
• Tanzania confirms Marburg outbreak in Kagera region (CIDRAP) – Yesterday the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tanzania has 1 confirmed case of Marburg and 25 suspected cases all from the northwestern Kagera region. So far all 25 suspected case-patients have tested negative for the virus but remain under close surveillance.  

Migration 

• Chihuahua to set up 5 ‘reception sites’ for Mexicans deported from US (BorderReport) – An official in the border state of Chihuahua says emergency plans are in place to accommodate up to 2,500 Mexicans deported from the United States. We are working closely with our federal government to establish five sites to receive our citizens and help them return to their place of origin. We will provide food and, if needed, medical services. Three emergency shelters would be set up in Juarez and two in Ojinaga – south of Presidio, Texas. The locations will be disclosed as lodging space is needed. Their combined maximum occupancy would be around 2,500, he said. 

Humanitarian 

• Colombia – Armed conflict and humanitarian impacts (ERCC) – Norte de Santander, Catatumbo region descended into an acute humanitarian crisis following intensified violent confrontations between armed groups. As of 16 January, the situation led to 80 dead and multiple people disappeared. Many residents remain confined and mass displacements to neighboring areas have taken place. UN OCHA reports that more than 20,000 persons are affected including over 18,700 people displaced and over 1,260 people confined. Communities report heightened fear and reluctance to provide information due to presence of armed groups. Certain areas are without electricity, shops largely shut down and health services face pressure to assist injured civilians. 

Please note the publication date of this report and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice. 

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