062519 – World Status Report

When traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, set up your institutional safety net and prepare for an emergency as a standard step of all your travels.  Find more information in the Traveler Best Practices webpage.

The risk information in this report is retrieved from U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other professional sources as listed in the post. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers.

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

• Afghanistan – UN Dispatch – Afghanistan is now the least peaceful country in the world, replacing Syria, according to the latest Global Peace Index published Wednesday.
• Burma (Myanmar) – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution in Burma due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
• Burma (Myanmar) – GOV.AU – On 22 June 2019, a Myanmar Navy vessel docked in Sittwe, Rakhine State, was reportedly attacked by artillery fire resulting in several casualties.
• Cameroon – UN News – More than 80 per cent of schools in the English speaking NorthWest and SouthWest regions of Cameroon are closed, as the security situation and living conditions continue to deteriorate due to the three year conflict between the Government and armed groups, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, reported on Friday.
• Central African Republic – UN News – Although the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR), armed groups and civil society representatives are all taking part in the process that followed the signing of a deal signed in February, civilians continue to suffer daily acts of violence, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Thursday.
• Ethiopia – GOV.UK, GOV.AU, GC.CA – State Media announced an attempted coup against the government of the Amhara region failed on June 22, 2019. Four political and military leaders have been killed in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa. Roads in to and out of both cities may be closed at short notice. Anyone in Addis Ababa or the areas around Bahir Dar should keep a low profile and follow the advice of local authorities. Although the situation has returned to a relative calm, it remains unpredictable.  All internet connections, including mobile data, are currently not working nationwide. Anticipate heightened security measures and possible disruptions to internet and telephone services. Exercise caution in affected areas, monitor the media for latest information and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Germany – U.S. Department of State – Exercise increased caution in Germany due to terrorism. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
• Greece – GOVT.NZ – Exercise increased caution in Greece due to the potential for civil unrest and an underlying threat of terrorism.
• Italy – GOVT.NZ – Exercise increased caution in Italy due to the threat of terrorism.
• Nepal – GOV.AU – The Communist Party of Nepal has called for nationwide strikes on Tuesday 25 June 2019. Several small scale explosions occurred during a similar call on 26 May 2019, resulting in serious injuries and deaths, including in Kathmandu. There is a chance of further calls for strikes over the coming weeks. Avoid protests and other public gatherings. Bombings occur in Nepal. While not usually targeted at foreigners, you could get caught up in violence directed at others.
• Nigeria – GOV.UK – Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. Most attacks take place in northern and north east Nigeria. However, there have been a significant number of attacks elsewhere. Attacks have targeted public places where crowds gather, including places of worship, markets, football viewing centres, displacement camps, transport terminals, government buildings, security and educational institutions (schools, further education colleges and universities are all regular targets), and international organisations. Attacks have taken place around religious and public holidays in public or crowded places, including places of worship as well as during election periods. Further attacks could be indiscriminate and could target Westerners.  On 17 June 2019, three suicide bombers detonated their devices outside a hall in Konduga, Borno State, where football fans were watching a match on television. At least 30 people were killed and 40 injured.
• Saudi Arabia – GC.CA – Missiles and drones have been launched from Yemen into Saudi Arabia, most of which have been intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defence systems. However, some have struck Riyadh, Abha and Yanbu. Major cities, military, oil and public facilities, such as airports, may be targeted by these missiles and drones. Given the significant range of recent strikes, a broad area of Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea is at risk. Missile and drone interceptions may cause scattered debris or fragments. Seek shelter during these events, stay away from doors and windows and follow the instructions of local authorities. If you encounter debris or fragments: don’t get close to or touch them, move away from them immediately, contact local authorities.

Crime and Social Unrest

• Belize – GOV.AU – Belize has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Violent crime, including assault, rape and armed robbery is common.  Muggings are common, especially in Belize City and other urban centres.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – UN News – More than 300,000 people have been forced to flee resurgent interethnic violence in northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) just this month, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Tuesday.
• Mozambique – GC.CA – A curfew is in effect from dusk to dawn in Mocímboa da Praia. Follow curfew orders.
• Honduras – GOV.UK – A wave of protests is currently (June 2019) affecting Honduras. Although normally peaceful, these can rapidly turn violent and be accompanied by a general breakdown in law and order, including looting. The police have frequently responded with tear gas; deaths and injuries have also been reported. Although the protests are normally restricted to the main cities (especially Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba), road blocks can occur anywhere at short notice, and these can cause significant travel disruptions; Tegucigalpa’s Tocontin airport was also closed for most of a day in late May. There are also reports of fuel shortages. Military police and the army are being deployed across the country in an attempt to restore law and order.  The Honduran Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners. If you take part in demonstrations you may be detained and/or deported.
• Sudan – GOV.UK – Sudan’s political situation remains highly volatile. On 11 April 2019, it was announced that Sudan’s President and government had been removed from office by the military. A Transitional Military Council (TMC) was established and was negotiating with the Forces for Freedom and Change for the transition to a civilian led government. Talks broke down on 3 June when the TMC ordered violent attacks resulting in the killing and injuring of many peaceful civilian protesters. Keep a low profile, avoid crowds, monitor local media and keep away from any demonstrations. As a precaution, you should maintain several days’ stock of food and water, and stay indoors until any demonstration or rally in your locality has passed. You should monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities on where demonstrations may take place.
• United Arab Emirates – GOV.UK – Events in the Middle East, including Iraq and the Middle East Peace Process, can affect local public opinion. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.

Demonstrations

• Albania – GC.CA – Local elections are due to take place on June 30, 2019. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Remain cautious and avoid any demonstrations during the campaign period. Antigovernment demonstrations have been taking place in Central Tirana since February 2019. Violent incidents have occurred, including the use of Molotov cocktails and other projectiles. Police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Clashes have resulted in many injuries. Demonstrations are likely to continue in Tirana and may also occur elsewhere in the country. Further confrontations between protesters and security forces are possible. Demonstrations can also involve acts of vandalism. They can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Bahrain – GOV.UK – There have been calls for unauthorised protests on 25 to 26 June; you should remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Georgia – GOV.UK – following the large scale demonstration in front of Parliament on the evening of 20 June, there were 3 further planned demonstrations for the evening of 21 June in Vake, Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue/Parliament which are likely to converge on Rustaveli Avenue; demonstrations may continue over the weekend; you should check local media, stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Guatemala – GC.CA – General elections took place on June 16, 2019. A second round is scheduled to take place on August 11. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Be cautious and avoid any demonstrations during the campaign period.
• Guinea Bissau – GOV.UK – On 18 June, the President announced his intention to hold Presidential elections on 24 November; in the run up to the elections, there may be an increase in protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings, which you should avoid; in the event of any political unrest you should follow the advice of local authorities.
• Hong Kong – GC.CA – Several large scale political demonstrations have taken place since June 9, 2019, notably in the areas of Admiralty, Tamar Park, Victoria Park and the Central Government Complex. Demonstrations may continue and are likely to cause traffic and transportation disruptions in affected areas. While these demonstrations have been largely peaceful, isolated clashes between security forces and demonstrators have occurred and have resulted in injuries.
• Paraguay – GOV.UK – Groups of demonstrators may sometimes block streets in downtown Asunción near government buildings; you should avoid large gatherings, monitor local media and follow advice of local authorities.
• Togo – GOV.UK – Local elections will take place in Togo on 30 June; protests may take place in the run up to the elections and on election day; you should exercise caution and avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations and follow advice from the media and local authorities.
• Saudi Arabia – GOV.UK – Public demonstrations are illegal in Saudi Arabia. Follow local media and be alert to local and regional developments which might trigger public disturbances. You should avoid protests or demonstrations. Despite warnings issued by the authorities, demonstrations do take place from time to time, mainly in the Shia communities in the Qatif area of Eastern Province, including Al Musawara village in Al Awamiya, and Al Hasa. Violent clashes have occurred between demonstrators and security forces.
• Senegal – GC.CA – Demonstrations took place in Dakar on June 21, 2019 and may continue in the following days.

Health

• Peru – ECDC, GOV.UK – In 2019 and as of 13 June 2019, Peru has reported 548 GuillainBarré syndrome cases since the beginning of the year. This represents a twofold increase compared with 2018. On 9 June 2019, the Peruvian government declared a 90 day health emergency over an outbreak of GuillainBarre syndrome in Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Junin and Lima regions.
• Spain – ECDC – In June 2019, a cluster of four chikungunya virus disease cases associated with travel to Alicante, Spain was reported by Iceland.

Law and Culture

• Eritrea – UN News – Cracking down on Catholic Church activities, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Orthodox and other Christian congregation members in Eritrea, prompted a call from a UN independent rights expert on Friday for the Government to respect citizens’ freedom of religion and to “release those who have been imprisoned for their religious beliefs”.
• El Salvador – GOV.UK – If you overstay your visa then you should expect to pay a fine before leaving the country.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• India – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Red. The drought has lasted for 4 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 7 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• India, Sri Lanka – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Red. The drought has lasted for 6 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Philippines – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 8 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Red. The drought has lasted for 4 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Belize, Guatemala, Honduras – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Orange. The drought has lasted for 4 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe – GDACS – The Drought alert level is Red. The drought has lasted for 8 months. Drought indicators suggest anomalies typical of severe to extreme events.
• Zambia – GC.CA – Zambia is experiencing water supply shortages. As a result, local authorities have implemented a nationwide power rationing program since June 2019. Periodic scheduled and unscheduled power outages are likely to persist over the coming months amid continued drought conditions.
• United States – GOV.UK – There are currently severe storm warnings, with potential for heavy rain and flash flooding in the Midwest and Northeast of the country; you should check forecasts for any weather warnings on the US National Weather Service website.
• Japan – GOV.UK – On 18 June, there was a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in the Japan Sea. Tsunami cautions have been lifted, but local authorities warn of the possibility of aftershocks. There are reports of power cuts in affected areas. You should check the Japan Meteorological website for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.

Other

• Bangladesh – GOV.UK – Bangladesh has an extensive but old rail network. Rail travel in Bangladesh is generally slow. There are occasional derailments and other incidents, which can result in injuries and deaths. Several people were killed and many more injured on 23 June 2019 when a train derailed near Boromchal station in Moulvibazar in the north east of Bangladesh.
• Austria, Switzerland, Italy – GOV.UK – Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports are popular activities in Austria. Unfortunately, each year there are incidents with visitors getting into difficulty and needing the help of the emergency services. If you are taking part in extreme sports, check that the company is well established in the industry and that you’ve arranged for your insurance to cover this specific activity. For sporting activities such as skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (e.g. off piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping), your insurance should include mountain rescue services, helicopter costs and repatriation to your country of residence or possible transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment.
• Kenya – GOV.UK – While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important.
• Belize – GOV.AU – There have been a number of injuries and fatalities resulting from adventure sports activities, including snorkelling and scuba diving. Tour operators don’t always follow recommended safety standards. Diving equipment may not be properly maintained and safety equipment, including life jackets, isn’t always provided.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo – UN Dispatch – According to the latest estimates from the World Health Organization, an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed over 1400 people. This makes it the second worst ebola outbreak in history, following the 2014 outbreak in West Africa that killed over 11,000 people. If you have 20 minutes and want to learn why this outbreak is still festering and not under control, have a listen.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – ECDC – Since the previous CDTR and as of 18 June 2019, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 82 additional confirmed cases of Ebola. During the same period, 59 deaths were reported.  Among the new reported cases in the past week, three are healthcare workers.
• Uganda – ECDC – So far, there has been no local transmission of Ebola reported in Uganda. Ninety three close contacts have been ‘line listed’ for follow up so far, none of whom have developed symptoms.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – WHO – This week saw a continued, gradual decrease in the number of new Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases from the hotspots of Katwa and Butembo compared to the previous weeks. However, these encouraging signs are offset by a marked increase in case incidence in Mabalako Health Zone, and especially in Aloya Health Area. The last assessment concluded that the national and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low.

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.