012621 – 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

Conflict and Terrorism

• Ethiopia * GOV.UK *There are ongoing armed clashes in Tigray Regional State and a State of Emergency remains in place. The FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray and within 30km of its borders with Amhara and Afar regional states. If you are in the vicinity of military activity and you cannot leave safely, you should stay indoors, away from windows and remain alert to developments that would enable you to leave safely. The FCDO advise against all travel to within 10km of the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. Tensions are raised in western parts of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) following armed clashes in Konso Zone and surrounding areas. The clashes have led to a number of deaths. Although there are no reports of foreign nationals being targeted, you should exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of local authorities. There have been some instances of civil unrest in towns in the Sidama zone, including Hawassa, and clashes along stretches of the internal border with the Oromia region, especially in the Gedeo Zone. Whilst such disturbances have been less frequent than in several other areas of Ethiopia, a number have turned violent at short notice. You should familiarise yourself with the advice above about avoiding large gatherings, and should follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator.

Kidnapping

• Iraq * GOV.AU * The security situation throughout Iraq remains volatile. Due to the volatile security environment and the ongoing threat of kidnappings, we advise you to leave Iraq as soon as you are able to do so. If you’re staying in Iraq, be alert and check media for updates on new threats.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Algeria * GOV.UK * Indiscriminate attacks are not common but on 14 January 2021, a roadside bomb killed 5 Algerian citizens in Telidjane, Tebessa province, on the border with Tunisia. Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for placement of the landmine, but denied that they were targeting civilians. Nearby, on 16 January 2021, two four-wheel drive vehicles triggered two further Improvised Explosive Devices, killing 5 more civilians.
• Chad * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 January 2021 * Displacement of people and violence. Lake and Ouaddaï provinces (DG ECHO, IOM, UNHCR, UN OCHA, local authorities). The humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly in the Lake Chad region, with violence driving forced displacement at a fast pace. Following armed attacks by non-state armed groups on 14, 16 and 17 January, 771 households (2,990 individuals) have fled their villages seeking refuge in Fouli, Mamdi and Kaya departements (Lake province). Over 10,000 people have been forcibly displaced since 1 January 2021. In the east of the country, following intercommunal clashes in Krinding Internally Displaced People’ (IDP) camp in West Darfur which have been escalating since 15 January, 712 Sudanese households (mainly women and children) have sought refuge in Chad, near Adré town (new arrivals are expected). In both regions, DG ECHO is providing emergency assistance in the most critical sectors such as Health, Water, Protection, Education and Shelter
• Iraq * GC.CA * On January 21, 2021, a suicide bomber caused two explosions at a local market in central Baghdad. The incident resulted in several casualties. The situation is evolving, local authorities have secured the area. If you’re in central Baghdad and are in a safe location: remain indoors, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media to stay informed about the evolving situation.
• Saudi Arabia * GOV.UK * Missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) and water borne IEDs continue to be launched against Saudi Arabia, targeting critical national infrastructure, including aviation interests and oil infrastructure. Many of these have been intercepted and destroyed by Saudi air defence systems. Local media reported that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles were intercepted over Riyadh on 23 January 2021.
• Somalia * GOV.UK * There’s a high threat to Western, including British, interests in Somalia, including Somaliland. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded places, high-profile events, events involving government officials and in places visited by foreigners, such as hotels and restaurants. Terrorist attacks targeting civilians are commonplace. Notable attacks include: On 16 August 2020 there was an attack on the Elite Hotel in central Mogadishu. It was reported that 15 people were killed and at least 15 injured. The hotel is popular with foreigners. On 13 July 2019 there was an attack on the Asasey hotel in the city of Kismaayo, southern Somalia. It was reported that at least 26 people were killed and over 50 injured. On 14 October 2017 a large truck bomb exploded in central Mogadishu (Hodan District). This was Somalia’s deadliest ever terror attack with over 300 killed and hundreds more injured.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Central African Republic * GOV.UK * Presidential and legislative elections took place on 27 December 2020. On 18 January, the Constitutional Court confirmed incumbent President Faustin Archange Touadéra as the winner of CAR’s Presidential election. You should keep up to date with local political developments and avoid all political rallies, demonstrations or large public gatherings.
• Central African Republic * GOV.UK * A 15-day state of emergency is in place across the country from 2300 GMT on 21 January. The Government of CAR has suspended use of all airspace by foreign governments and NGOs citing the security situation.
• Central African Republic * GOV.AU * A nationwide State of Emergency is in force. The Central African Republic’s airspace is closed to foreign governments and NGOs.  If you’re travelling to CAR, despite our advice, you may be required to self-isolate for 14 days or obtain a COVID-19 test on arrival. Restrictions may change at short notice.
• Chile * GOVT.NZ *  Following civil unrest and violence across Chile in October and November 2019 and a resurgence of small-scale protests in October 2020 around the first anniversary of the ‘social unrest’ and a constitutional referendum vote, there is the potential for further demonstrations, protests and violent clashes in Santiago and other major cities across Chile. These may continue throughout 2021 as Chile navigates its two-year constitutional reform process, and may peak around key anniversaries or milestones.
• Russia * GOV.UK * Political rallies and demonstrations can occur in Moscow, St Petersburg and other places across Russia. Check the local media for the latest information, be vigilant, and avoid any demonstrations.
• Tunisia * GOV.UK * Since mid-January 2021 there have been a number of violent riots in cities across the country, including Tunis, Sousse and Bizerte, resulting in looting and vandalism. More protests causing localised disruption are likely and may occur in other areas with little or no warning.
• United States of America * GOV.AU * As previously advised, 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.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Albania * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 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, Kukes, Vlore and Gjirokaster regions.
• Burundi * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 January 2021 * Floods (UN OCHA, All Africa News, FloodList, NOAA-CPC). Since the beginning of January 2021, heavy rainfall has caused flooding across eastern Burundi, resulting in casualties. According to the UN OCHA, at least one person died and 1,214 residents have been displaced in Mutimbuzi Commune (Bujumbura Rural Province). Several buildings, including houses, as well as public utility infrastructures (schools, a hospital, and triage and isolation centres for Ebola virus disease) were damaged. The overflow of Rusizi River (a tributary of Lake Tanganyika) has been reported. Severe flooding affected parts of Burundi in April-May 2020 and 2,740 households still remain in four Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) sites, as of January 2021. On 25-27 January, light to locally moderate rainfall is forecast over eastern Burundi.
• Croatia * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 January 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Threshold level 2/4 for 3 locations.
• Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 January 2021 * Floods update (AHA Centre, BNPB). Since 18 January heavy rainfall has been reported across Java, northern Sumatra and northern Sulawesi Islands (Indonesia), triggering flooding which resulted in fatalities, affected about 4,350 residents and damaged at least 519 buildings. According to AHA Centre, two people died and two others were injured in Mandao City (North Sulawesi Province), as a result of flooding caused by heavy rainfall and river overflow, while minor landslides have been also reported. More than 2,235 individuals have been displaced in North Sulawesi, Aceh Province (north Sumatra) and East Java Province. Orange alerts for heavy rainfall, lightning and strong wind have been issued for Java, northern Sumatra, and northern Sulawesi islands and on 24-25 January, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast over the above-mentioned areas.
• Italy * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 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 Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Molise and Umbria regions.
• Italy * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 January 2021 * Severe weather (Italian Civil Protection, media, Meteo AM). Heavy rain, strong winds and heavy snowfall have been affecting several parts of the country over the past few days, leading to casualties and damage. According to the Italian Civil Protection authorities, one person has died following a snow avalanche in Brescia Province (Lombardy Region). 70 people were evacuated after a landslide in Sondrio Province (Lombardy Region) and have now safely returned home. For the next 24 hours, moderate rain and strong winds are forecast over most parts of central and southern Italy.
• Mozambique * GC.CA * Tropical cyclone Eloise should make landfall on January 23, 2021, in the vicinity of Beira, Sofala Province. The tropical cyclone is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services: Transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. Avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected areas. If you reside in the affected areas: exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Mozambique * GOV.UK * Tropical Cyclone Eloise made landfall near Beira, Sofala province in the early hours of Saturday 23 January, bringing with it high winds and heavy rainfall. Winds have now lessened to speeds consistent with a tropical storm, but heavy rains continue and the risk of flooding remains high in affected areas of Central and Southern Mozambique. Monitor local reports and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation, check your routes before travelling around the country and follow the advice of the local authorities.
• Mozambique, Zimbabwe * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 January 2021 * Tropical cyclone ELOISE update (UN OCHA, INGD, GDACS, NOAA-CPC, media) activation. Tropical cyclone ELOISE made landfall over Sofala Province (central Mozambique) very close to Beira City on 23 January. After that, it crossed inland Mozambique and southeastern Zimbabwe on 23-24 January, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. According to Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), six people died, 12 injured, 8,363 have been displaced, at least 176,475 affected and more than 7,000 houses destroyed following heavy rain and widespread floods. The affected Provinces are Sofala, Zambezia, Inhambane and Manica. In Zimbabwe, heavy rainfall and floods hit the Provinces of Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Central, Matabeleland South and Masvingo. At least three people died in Manicaland, and several people have been displaced across the country. National Authorities and humanitarian partners are providing help for those affected. For the next 24 hours moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast across southern Mozambique, most of Zimbabwe and northeastern South Africa. The Copernicus EMS was activated in rapid mapping mode (EMSR495) on 22 January, and two maps have been produced so far.
• Nicaragua * GOV.UK * Flooding and landslides caused by hurricanes Eta and Iota, which struck Central America in November 2020, caused significant damage to infrastructure on the North Atlantic coast and along the border with Honduras. The rainy season normally runs from May to November. Hurricanes can affect Nicaragua during this period. You should plan any essential travel carefully. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the [US National Hurricane Centre]. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
• Poland * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 January 2021 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services (European Flood Awareness System – EFAS). Warning level 2/2 in river Brynica in Slaskie region.
• Poland * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 January 2021 * Meteoalarm, as of 25 January at 9.00 UTC (EUMETNET). On 25 January: red alert for snow/ice over southeastern Poland. On 26 January: no red alert issued.
• South Africa * GOV.UK * The South African Weather Service has warned tropical storm Eloise may cause extreme rainfall and possible widespread flooding and damage in parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 January. See weathersa.co.za for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.
• South Africa * GOV.UK * The South African Weather Service has warned tropical storm Eloise may cause extreme rainfall and possible widespread flooding and damage in parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 January. See weathersa.co.za for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Tonga * GOV.UK * The tropical cyclone season in Tonga normally runs from November to April but cyclones can occur throughout the year. Severe weather may result in flooding, landslides, road closures and disruption to essential services and infrastructure. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), from the Tonga Meteorological Service, in local newspapers and on Radio Tonga 1 and 2 on 1017 AM and 90 FM, and follow the advice of the local authorities including any evacuation orders. See our Tropical cyclones page for further advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm.
• United Kingdom * ECHO Daily Flash of 25 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 2 locations in Wales, and for 46 locations in England.

Other

• Egypt * GOV.UK * Before undertaking any adventure activity, make sure you are covered by your travel insurance. Make sure your travel insurance, or that of your tour or dive company, provides adequate cover for the costs involved in any air/sea rescue. The current fee can exceed US $4,000 per hour. The Egyptian authorities will only undertake air/sea rescue operations on receipt of a guarantee of payment. See our travel insurance guidance page for more information on getting suitable travel insurance.
• Guatemala * GOV.UK * Due to the movement of migrant caravans, you should take extra care at the land border crossings with Honduras and Mexico where a significant security presence is possible. As these migrant caravans move, they may delay or disrupt travel within the country. On 14 January 2021 Guatemala declared a “State of Prevention” in the departments of Izabal, Zacapa, Chiquimula, Jutiapa, El Progreso, Peten and Santa Rosa, from 14 to 28 January. The declaration seeks to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and to maintain order as the caravans make their way towards the United States of America. It prohibits public gatherings, the carrying of weapons and may restrict travel.
• Honduras * GOV.UK * Due to the movement of migrant caravans, you should take extra care at the walking border crossings with Guatemala. On 1 October 2020, a caravan of approximately 3000 migrants from Honduras, forced their way through Frontera de Corinto (in Izabal) border crossing between Honduras and Guatemala. You may experience some disruptions at the land border crossings between Honduras and Guatemala, due to the passage of migrant caravans.

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.