International Education > Archive > Category: World Status Report

011221 – World Status Report

January 12, 2021

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

  • Central African Republic * GC.CA * Avoid all travel. Presidential and legislative elections took place on December 27, 2020. The political and security situation is volatile and unpredictable in the Central African Republic. Local authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Central African armed groups are very active, particularly in the north-west and center country, and have carried out several attacks since December 18, 2020. They could move towards the capital, Bangui or try to cut off access to it. Violent election-related incidents as well as demonstrations have occurred. They could occur again, pending the elections results. Access to telecommunications, including Internet, could be disrupted. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

  • Central African Republic * GOV.UK * On 7 January 2021, the President introduced a national curfew in response to outbreaks of violence, following presidential and legislative elections. This curfew comes into effect at 8pm and ends at 5am. You should follow the government’s instructions and avoid travel around Bangui during these hours.
  • Ecuador * GC.CA * General elections are due to take place on February 7, 2021, with a possible second round on April 11, 2021. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections.
  • Lebanon * GOV.AU * Protests are taking place in Beirut, some of which have turned violent. Avoid protests and Beirut’s port area.
  • Uganda * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Presidential election electoral period. (DG ECHO, OHCHR, local media). Presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for 14 January in Uganda. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released briefing notes on Uganda on 8 January expressing their deep concern by the deteriorating human right situation in Uganda. Numerous human rights violations have been reported, including of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and participation, as well as arbitrary deprivation of life, arbitrary arrest and detention, and torture. In a COVID-19 restrictions context, the Electoral Commission issued a new Revised Roadmap for the 2020/2021 General Elections, prohibiting mass rallies during the electoral campaigns. As highlighted by OHCHR, although Human rights law, under certain circumstances, may allow for restrictions to mass gatherings and physical campaigning for public health reasons, OHCHR observed that the COVID-19 restrictions have been enforced more strictly to curtail opposition electoral campaign activities in a discriminatory fashion. OHCHR calls on the Ugandan authorities to protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly while ensuring free and peaceful election process. 
  • United States of America * GOV.AU * Widespread protests and demonstrations are likely to continue in the weeks ahead. Avoid areas where protests and demonstrations are occurring due to the continuing potential for disorder and violence. Follow the instructions of local authorities and abide by any curfews and stay at home orders (see ‘Safety’). Monitor the media for information and updates. COVID-19 remains a serious health risk. Various restrictions and public health measures are in place and vary by location, including those related to quarantine, self-isolation, social-distancing and the wearing of face masks. Monitor the Embassy website for further COVID-19 related information (see ‘Local Contacts’).
  • USA * GOV.UK * The Mayor of Washington DC has introduced an Emergency Order in the city, effective until 3pm local time on 21 January 2021, under which curfews and other emergency measures may be introduced in Washington DC at any time. If you are in Washington DC, you should follow the Mayor’s instructions and avoid scenes of disorder.
  • USA * GOV.UK * A curfew introduced by the Mayor of Washington, following scenes of disorder around the US Capitol; from 1800 on 6 January until 0600 on 7 January. You should follow the Mayor’s instructions, and avoid scenes of disorder.

Natural Disasters and Climate

  • Albania * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Warning level 2/3 for Shkoder and Lezhe regions.
  • Croatia * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 3/4 for Lika river and 2/4 for Sava and Kanal Obžev river.
  • Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Landslides and floods. (BNPB, AHA Centre, BMKG). Heavy rain has been affecting several provinces of Java Island over the past few days, causing floods, triggering landslides and leading to casualties and damage. According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), 19 people have died, 18 have been injured and 150 evacuated following landslide events in Cimanggung District (Sumedang Regency, West Java Province). Widespread floods have been reported in Bandung Regency (West Java Province) where 66,400 people have been affected and in East Java and Central Java Province with more than 9,000 affected people. For the next 24 hours, moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms are forecast over most parts of the affected Provinces.
  • Malaysia * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Floods update. (Al Jazeera, Malaysian IFRC, MET Malaysia, media). Heavy rainfall continues to cause widespread flooding in Peninsular Malaysia, leading to an increase in the number of fatalities and affected people. According to media, at least 6 people have died. Nearly 50,000 individuals have been evacuated, as reported by Malaysian Red Crescent Society. The worst affected state is Pahang, where about 27,000 residents have been evacuated in recent days. Rainfall is forecast over most of Malaysia, including Pahang State, on 11-12 January.
  • Philippines * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Floods and flash floods update. (FloodList, PAGASA, Government of Philippines, AHA Centre, DSWD DROMIC, media). Flooding and flash floods caused by heavy rainfall have been reported in Negros Occidental and Northern Samar Provinces (Visayas) leading to casualties. In Negros Occidental, media reports 2 fatalities (one in Silay and one in Talisay City) according to national authorities, about 37,830 people have been affected and 230 individuals were displaced to evacuation centres. A total of 11 houses were destroyed and 49 damaged. In Northern Samar, 330 people have been affected and 66 houses damaged by floodwaters, as reported by AHA Center. Flood Advisories have been issued for most of Eastern Visayas Region, including Northern Samar. Over the next 24 hours, rainfall with thunderstorms are forecast over Visayas.
  • Poland * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/2 for high water stage for one station in the south of the country.
  • Slovakia * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/3 for Latorica and Bodrog rivers.
  • Spain * GC.CA * Severe winter storm Filomena passed through Madrid and a large portion of the country on January 8, 2021. The storm brought heavy snowfall and strong winds, resulting in significant disruption to transportation services and daily activities. Local authorities have closed all schools and public institutions until January 13, 2021. The storm could also hamper the provision of essential services such as: power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. Other parts of the country could also be affected by the storm. If you are in an affected area: exercise caution, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media and weather reports.
  • Spain * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Storm Filomena. (AEMET, BBC News, COGIC, EL Pais, France 24, Civil Protection). Severe weather, including heavy rainfall, heavy snowfall, and cold temperature have been affecting several parts of Spain, resulting in at least 4 casualties. In Malaga Province (southern Spain) floods triggered by rainfall killed 2 people, as reported by media. One person died in Madrid and another one in Zaragoza Province, after heavy snowfall affected in particular central and eastern Spain. Emergency Military Units (UME) have been deployed to assist local authorities. In Madrid Region, at least 1,500 people have been rescued, while roads, flights, and rail disruptions have been reported. On 11 January, orange alerts for cold temperature have been issued over central and north-eastern areas of Spain. No heavy rainfall, or snowfall is forecast over Spain on 11-12 January.
  • Sweden * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). warning level 2/3 for river Byälven.
  • Thailand * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Floods and landslides. (DG ECHO, AHA Centre, NOAA-CPC, TMD, media). Widespread floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain have affected 4 provinces in southern Thailand (Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani) over the past week, resulting in casualties and damage. According to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, AHA Centre and media reports, 3 people have died, one person is missing, 397 people have been evacuated and 58,497 households affected. The risk of flooding in Pattani and Narathiwat remains a worry, although water levels in Yala were stable, while in Songkhla the floodwater is currently receding. Provincial Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, DDPM and military provide initial relief items. On 11-12 January, moderate rain is forecast across southern Thailand.
  • Ukraine * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 3/3 for Latorica river.
  • United Kingdom:  * ECHO Daily Flash of 11 January 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 rivers Derwent and Strath Oykel region.

Other

  • Chad * GC.CA * Addition of Consulate of Canada in N’Djamena.

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.