030921 – 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

• Iraq * GC.CA * There is a threat of terrorism in Iraq. Car bombings, vehicle ambushes and mortar and rocket attacks continue to occur across the country. Further attacks are likely, particularly during religious or public holidays. The security situation could worsen with little warning. Attacks have also targeted residential areas to maximize casualties. Targets could include: government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, Iraqi security forces, large public gatherings, public areas and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. The risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time remains high. Avoid all travel to Iraq due to a continued volatile, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous security situation. If you are in Iraq, consider departing by commercial means if it is safe to do so.
• Yemen * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 March 2021 * Conflict and migration. (DG ECHO partners, IOM, media). On 7 March, several air strikes from the Saudi-led coalition were reported in Sanaa and other regions, following the cross borders attacks, through armed drones towards Saudi Arabia last week. The fighting has also intensified on the ground in Marib frontline. On 6 March, at least 90 people are reported dead and 12 injured. In addition, on 7 March, a fire at a holding facility for migrants in Sanaa killed at least eight people, including guards, and injured more than 170 others. According to the International Organization for Migration, IOM, the total death toll could be higher. DG ECHO partners are monitoring the situation closely and providing protection and emergency health services. The facility illustrates the inhumane conditions in which migrants are treated in holding facilities. Alongside refugees, 100,000 migrants are estimated arriving in Yemen each year by sea from the Horn of Africa. Last week, at least 20 migrants have drowned after 80 migrants were thrown overboard by smugglers on the way from Djibouti to Yemen.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Myanmar * GC.CA * Large-scale demonstrations are taking place regularly across the country, particularly in Yangon and Mandalay. Security forces have used lethal force against protesters in several locations, resulting in multiple casualties. Civil unrest may occur and could disrupt access to other essential services. Avoid non-essential travel to Myanmar due to the political tensions and high risk of civil unrest. If you are in Myanmar and your presence isn’t essential, consider leaving if you can do so safely.
• Myanmar (Burma) * GOV.UK * Political tension and unrest is widespread since the military takeover. You should avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. Potential protest locations may include Sule Pagoda/City Hall, Hledan Junction/Insein, Myanmar Central Bank/Myanmar Plaza, (sometimes Embassies and UN offices) and often at Government offices, but you are advised that protests may spring up unexpectedly in other locations. Do not take photographs or videos of the police, demonstrations, military installations or military personnel. There is an increased security presence in Naypyitaw, Yangon and other areas. Protests may disrupt traffic and public transport, commercial activity and you should follow the news for your area, and avoid large crowds. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel across Myanmar, based on recent political events and the current assessment of the COVID-19 risk. If you have concerns for your safety in the current situation, you should consider leaving Myanmar by commercial means.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Armenia * GOV.AU *A nationwide state of emergency remains in place due to ongoing conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. We advise Australians not to travel within 5kms of Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan due to the risk of armed conflict.
• Equatorial Guinea * GOV.UK * There has been a large explosion at a military camp outside Bata; many people have been injured; British Nationals should avoid the area or, if there already, they should remain indoors and follow instructions from the local police.
• Saudi Arabia * GOV.UK * Attacks against critical national infrastructure are likely. Abha International Airport (Asir province) has been the target of a number of attacks, resulting in injury to civilians and the death of one. On 14 September 2019, Aramco facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais were hit by drones and missiles. A petroleum products distribution station north of Jeddah was subject to aerial attacks on 23 November 2020 and 4 March 2021. On 7 March 2021, a ballistic missile targeting Ras Tanoura Port was intercepted over Dhahran, and drones were intercepted over Jeddah.
• Saudi Arabia * GOV.AU * Missile and drone attacks targeting sites in Saudi Arabia are occurring. Most attacks are intercepted.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Armenia * GC.CA * Large political rallies in support and against the government are taking place regularly. While these demonstrations are mainly peaceful, they could turn violent at any time. The situation is tense and could deteriorate quickly. If you are in Armenia: avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local media to stay informed about the situation, follow the advice of local authorities.
• Benin * GOV.UK * The first round of the presidential election will be held on 11 April 2021. You should exercise caution and avoid all demonstrations, large crowds, political gatherings and rallies in the run up to, and during the election. In the event of unrest, monitor local media and follow instructions and announcements from the local authorities. You should comply with any additional checks or security measures introduced by the authorities, which may be introduced at short notice.
• Bolivia * GC.CA * Local elections are due to take place March 7, 2021. There will be no public transportation and you will not be permitted to use your vehicle. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. If you are in Bolivia: expect a heightened security presence in several areas, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Lebanon * GOV.AU * Protests are taking place in Beirut, some of which have turned violent. Avoid protests and Beirut’s port area. 
• 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 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. Power cuts and communications interruptions are being reported throughout the country, and more may follow. 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, be ready to shelter-in-place; have essential supplies and funds. Maintain heightened security awareness, register with DFAT, monitor the media, and keep in close contact with friends and family.
• Senegal * GC.CA * Significant demonstrations have been occurring in various areas of Dakar. They are likely to continue and turn violent at any time. Local authorities may impose some restrictions such as local or regional curfews. If you’re in Senegal: remain cautious, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for the latest information.
• Senegal * GOV.UK * Following violent protests from 3rd to 5th March, there has been a call from civil society and opposition forces for a further three days of civil unrest across Senegal from Monday 8 March. During this period you should limit your movements to essential travel only. We will update this advice as the situation evolves. Travel is subject to entry restrictions. Following looting of several supermarkets on 5 March, some supermarkets have reopened. As of the morning of Monday 8th March the road to the airport is open but there is a possibility this could change. Some flights to and from Dakar Blaise Diagne International airport have been cancelled. You should check with your flight operator before travelling.
• Thailand * GOV.AU * Protests have occurred in Bangkok and other areas of Thailand. Monitor local news and avoid public gatherings (see ‘Safety’).
• USA * GOV.UK * Protests are commonplace across the USA, some of which can become violent. If you do attend any peaceful protests, you should be mindful of your surroundings, move away if there are signs of trouble, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Afghanistan * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 March 2021 * Snow avalanche. (AMD, CatNat, media). A snow avalanche, caused by rising temperatures occurred in Badakhshan Province (in the far north-eastern part of Afghanistan) on 4 March, causing casualties and damage. As of 8 March, media report, 15 fatalities, five people injured and several people missing in a mining area located in Zarandab Village (Raghistan District, Badakhshan Province). Over the next 24 hours, rain mixed with snow is forecast for the Badakhshan Province.
• Algeria * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 March 2021 * Flash floods. (MétéoAlgèrie, Floodlist, CatNat, media). Heavy rain has been affecting north-western Algeria (in particular the Chlef Province) since 6 March, causing flash floods that have resulted in casualties and damage. Media reports, as of 8 March, seven fatalities and three people missing across Oud Sly Municipality (west of Chlef City, Chlef Province), due to flood-related incidents. In addition, a number of damaged houses and several closed roads (including a section of the east-west highway) were reported across the same Province. More than 300 civil protection agents were deployed for search and rescue operations. Over the next 24 hours, more heavy rain is forecast over northern Algeria, particularly over the already affected north-western areas.
• Croatia * GOV.AU * In December 2020, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck in the region of Petrinja. It caused extensive damage to buildings, infrastructure and essential services. Avoid damaged areas and follow the advice of local authorities. Aftershocks may occur for several months. (see ‘Climate and Natural Disasters’).
• Greece * GOV.UK * The British Embassy in Athens continue to monitor reports of an earthquake near Tyrnavos, that struck on 3 March. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local security authorities, and be aware of the possibility of aftershocks.
• Guatemala * GC.CA * Local authorities are reporting a significant increase in the activity of Fuego and Pacaya volcanoes. The current alert for the country is red, which is the highest level of alert. Volcanic ashes could affect flight routes of International Airport La Aurora. Follow any evacuation orders and the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local news. Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation could affect your travel plans.
• Iceland * GC.CA * Since the end of February 2021, there has been a sustained increase in seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Strong earthquakes could occur in the area and could lead to a volcanic eruption. Volcanic ash can lead to air travel disruptions. If you are in Iceland: monitor local media to stay informed about the evolving situation, follow the advice of local authorities.
• New Caledonia * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 March 2021 * Tropical Cyclone NIRAN update. (GDACS, Meteo NC, FranceInfo NC, media). On 5-6 March, the passage of Tropical Cyclone NIRAN over the Coral Sea, along the western coast of New Caledonia resulted in casualties. As reported by media, one person was injured and up to 400 people were sheltered to accommodation centres in Nouméa (south-western Grande Terre). Several buildings, including one school, were damaged across Grande Terre and Loyalty Islands. About 39,000 houses experienced power outages and water shortage was reported in Marè Municipality (Loyalty Islands). Light to moderate rain is forecast over Loyalty Islands on 8-9 March.
• New Caledonia * GOVT.NZ * Tropical Cyclone Niran is currently tracking towards New Caledonia and is expected to pass nearby as a Category 3 system from Saturday 6 March (local time). Cyclone Niran is predicted to bring heavy rain and destructive winds. Large waves pose risks of coastal flooding and sea conditions will also be hazardous.
• Peru * ECHO Daily Flash of 08 March 2021 * Floods and landslides. (COEN Peru, FloodList, media). On 3-4 March, heavy rain occurred in Piura Region (north-western Peru) leading to flooding, landslides and river overflow, as reported by the Peru National Institute of Civil Defence (INDECI). The most affected areas are ten Districts from Morropón, Piura, Huancabamba and Sullana Provinces, where a state of emergency was declared on 6 March. According to media, about 187 houses have been damaged or destroyed. The overflow of the San Francisco Stream in Piura Province has isolated many communities in Tambogrande District. Moderate rain is forecast over most of Piura Region on 8-9 March.

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.