International Education > Archive > Category: World Status Report

031621 – World Status Report

March 16, 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

Conflict and Terrorism

  • Mozambique * GOV.AU * Terrorism is a continuing threat in Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado where there’s an ongoing insurgency. Terrorists are likely to target westerners and western interests. Do not travel to Cabo Delgado due to the threat of terrorism, and ongoing clashes between armed groups and security forces. Be alert and follow the advice of local authorities.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

  • Central African Republic * DOS * Do not travel to the Central African Republic due to COVID-19, Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and elections. The presidential election occurred on December 27, 2020, and legislative runoff elections are scheduled to continue throughout 2021. Although there have been no specific incidents of violence or threats targeting U.S. citizens, civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence (including renewed outbreaks of armed conflict) may occur throughout the country in the period before, during, and following the elections.
  • Myanmar (Burma) * GOV.UK * Advice for British nationals to leave the country by commercial means, unless there is an urgent need to stay. Advice on requesting a Pre-departure Test Letter. Ensure you have sufficient Dollars for use at the airport when departing Myanmar. Check with airlines for baggage allowances for all legs of your journey. Provide your details to the British Embassy Yangon so we are aware of your presence in Myanmar.
  • Somalia * GC.CA * The situation is currently tense in Mogadishu and could deteriorate quickly. Several attacks have occurred following clashes between security forces and protesters that happened during a demonstration led by opposition leaders on February 19, 2021. They resulted in several civilian casualties. Further attacks are likely to occur. If you are in Mogadishu: limit your movements and keep a low profile, keep your phone charged at all times, monitor the local media to stay informed on the evolving situation, follow the advice of local authorities.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

  • Benin * GC.CA * The first round of the presidential elections is due to take place on April 11, 2021. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Limit your movements.
  • Chad * GOV.UK * The Chadian Presidential Elections will take place on 11 April. The official Election campaigning period is from 11 March until 11 April. During this period, you should be vigilant and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. If you become aware of any nearby protests leave the area immediately. You should keep yourself informed of developments through local media.
  • Paraguay * GC.CA * Since March 5, 2021, demonstrations have been occurring in Asuncion. They could turn violent at any time. Local authorities may impose some restrictions such as local or regional curfews. If you’re in Paraguay: remain cautious, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, particularly in downtown Asuncion near government buildings, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for the latest information.
  • Senegal * GOV.UK * Following widespread protests from 3 to 5 March, and again on 8 March, opposition parties have now withdrawn their call for any further civil unrest or protest. You should continue to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings and monitor local media for information. Following looting of several supermarkets on 5 March, almost all supermarkets have reopened. The road to the airport has reopened. There continues to be a risk of gas and fuel shortages across the country following attacks on several petrol stations during the protests.
  • Senegal * GOV.AU * Protests and rioting are taking place in Dakar. Remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations (see ‘Safety’).

Natural Disasters and Climate

  • China * ECHO Daily Flash of 15 March 2021 * Dust storm. (CMA, media). A heavy dust storm, strong wind and heavy snow, have been affecting southern Mongolia (particularly the Province of Dundgovi) and northern China since 14 March, resulting in casualties. According to media reports, at least 341 people are missing in Dundgovi Province. Several flights have been cancelled across the airports of Beijing and Hohhot. The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued a yellow warning for sandstorm over most of the Regions in northern China, particularly Inner Mongolia, northern Ningxia, northern Shaanxi and northern Shanxi. On 15-16 March heavy snow is forecast over northern Xinjiang, north-eastern Inner Mongolia and northern Northeast China.
  • Iceland * ECHO Daily Flash of 15 March 2021 * Earthquake. (GDACS, USGS, media). An earthquake of 5.4 M at a depth of 3 km occurred close to the coast of the Capital Region (south-western Iceland) on 14 March at 14.15 UTC. The epicentre was located approximately 20 km south-west of Reykjavík and  4 km north-east of the town of Grindavik. USGS PAGER estimates that up to 3,000 people were exposed to strong shaking. According to the Icelandic Civil Protection, there are no reports of casualties and only minor damage occured.
  • Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 15 March 2021 * Floods update. (AHA Centre). Widespread floods triggered by heavy rain continue to hit several parts of Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi Islands, leading to casualties and damage. According to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), in Java, almost 4,000 people have been affected and more than 800 buildings damaged across the Provinces of Central Java and East Java. The same source reports more than 2,400 affected people in South Sulawesi Province (1,239) and West Sumatra Province (1,223). Local and national authorities are providing assistance to those affected and conducting damage assessment operations. On 15-16 March, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is expected over the affected Provinces of Indonesia.
  • Iran * ECHO Daily Flash of 15 March 2021 * Severe weather. (Iranian Red Crescent Society, NOAA-CPC). Severe weather, including heavy snowfall and strong wind, has been reported across 20 provinces in Iran on 12-13 March, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. At least 2,320 people have been displaced to emergency shelters and snowstorm events have affected about 6,565 people across North, West and Central Iran. In southern Fars Province (southern Iran), heavy rain and strong wind have affected Shiraz City, resulting in power outages, disrupted connection, and flight cancellations. On 15-16 March, drier conditions are forecast over Iran.
  • Pakistan * ECHO Daily Flash of 15 March 2021 * Severe weather and landslides. (PDMA, PMD). Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit some Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (north-western Pakistan) since 11 March, causing landslides and resulting in casualties and damage. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), two people died following two separate landslides triggered by heavy rain in the Districts of Lower-Chitral and Lower Kohistan. In addition, one person died due to severe weather-related event in Swat District, another one was killed by a thunderstrike in Dera Ismail Khan District, and four people have been injured after heavy rain in Swat, Lower Kohistan and Lower-Chitral Districts. For the next 24 hours, light rain is forecast across most parts of the affected State.
  • Philippines * ECHO Daily Flash of 15 March 2021 * Flooding. (DSWD-DROMIC, PAGASA). On 13 March, heavy rain with thunderstorms caused flooding in Aklan Province (Panay Island, Western Visayas Region). National authorities report that at least 194 people have been affected by the event, of which 178 are displaced to temporary shelters across three municipalities in Aklan. Food and relief items have been distributed to those affected. A general flood advisory has been issued for several provinces in Panay Island, including Aklan. Moderate rain with thunderstorms is forecast over Western Visayas Region, on 15-16 March.
  • Philippines * GC.CA * Taal Volcano, located in the province of Batangas, on Luzon Island, is currently showing signs of a possible eruption. On March 8, 2021, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology increased its alert status to level 2 (moderate level of volcanic unrest). At present, weak volcanic and seismic activity is ongoing but sudden explosions could occur. Ashes could affect surrounding areas, including Metro Manila. Flight disruptions could occur without notice at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Local authorities may also issue evacuation orders within the volcano area. The last eruption of the Taal volcano was on January 12, 2020. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation.
  • Philippines * GOV.UK * On 9 March, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert status of Taal volcano from Level 1 (low level unrest) to Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) due to probable magmatic activity that may or may not lead to an eruption. PHIVOLCS is not advising evacuation from the nearby area but has reminded the public that direct access to Taal Volcano Island is strictly prohibited and the area is closed to entry. You should follow updates on the PhiVolcs official website.

Other

  • Nepal * GOV.UK * The currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). If you are visiting Nepal, you can bring cash and/or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw US dollars or Nepalese rupees from ATM machines in Nepal. Scottish and Northern Ireland bank notes are not accepted in Nepal. There are ATM cash machines in most large towns, cities and hotels in Nepal. You will have to declare any amount exceeding US$5,000 in bank notes, or US$10,000 in notes and travellers’ cheques combined on your Customs Declaration when you arrive in the country. When you leave the country, you need to present the receipt for the exchange you made during the entry into Nepal. The airport desk will then help convert your Nepali currency back to the foreign currency.

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.