World Status Report

This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of international risks, and other issues as reported by the linked media and official sources from the U.S. and other countries. 

More health and security information for each country can be found in the travel advisories issued by the governments of the United States, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, and the CDC, ECDC, and WHO sites. Not all advise in these sites will apply to US travelers. 

Please note the publication date of this report and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice. 

Security 

• Sudan – Attacks on civilians and aid workers (ERCC) – The Rapid Support Forces launched attacks on Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur on 11 April, triggering intense clashes and resulting in catastrophic consequences for civilians. Over 400 civilians were killed and homes destroyed after the RSF entered the camp. The RSF claimed control of Zamzam camp on 13 April. RSF fighters stormed the primary health clinic run by partner Relief International (RI) and executed 10 staff, including the area team leader, IT, doctors and ambulance drivers. 30 RI staff remain unaccounted for. 
• Abducted US pastor freed in South Africa after deadly shoot-out (BBC) – An American pastor kidnapped by armed men during a church service in South Africa has been freed following a “high-intensity shoot-out” that left three people dead, police say. Josh Sullivan was found unharmed in the township in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday evening – the area where the 45-year-old was taken last Thursday.  
• Al Shabaab attacks strategic Somalia town as it presses offensive (Reuters) – Al Shabaab fighters attacked a town in central Somalia on Wednesday that government forces have been using as a staging area for their efforts to drive back the militants, who have been gaining ground in recent weeks, residents said. 

Environment 

• Myanmar and Thailand – Earthquakes (ERCC) – The death toll continues to rise in Myanmar and Thailand following the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake. In Myanmar, the AHA Centre reports that, as of 14 April, there have been 3 655 fatalities, 129 people remain missing, and 4 824 have been injured. Nearly 200 000 individuals are currently displaced, with 41 733 sheltering in 145 temporary facilities. In Thailand, 44 people have died, and 37 others have been injured as a result of the earthquake. 
• Ecuador – Floods and landslides (ERCC) – Ecuador is severely affected by the rainy season, with over 1 100 landslides and 1 030 flood events, resulting in death, destruction, and damage. The western provinces of Manabí, Los Ríos, and Guayas are the most affected. As of 14 April and since 1 January, 42 people have died, 157 546 people have been affected and 50 535 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. In addition, an oil spill that has impacted Esmeraldas Province in northern Ecuador since 13 March has affected 14 parishes over 82 km, according to the SNGR. 
• Bolivia – Severe Weather and floods (ERCC) – The humanitarian impact in Bolivia continues to worsen due to the ongoing floods triggered by the rainy season, which is affecting most parts of the country. As of 15 April, the death toll has reached 55, with eight people still reported missing. Nearly 2.4 million people have been affected, and a total of 234 municipalities have been impacted. Of these, 135 have declared a state of disaster, while the remaining municipalities have declared a state of emergency. 
• Iraq and Kuwait – Sandstorm (ERCC) – A severe sandstorm hit central and southern Iraq as well as Kuwait on April 14, causing airport closures in Najaf and Basra, Iraq. As of 14 April, over 2 751 people were treated for respiratory issues in Iraq. 

Health 

• Whooping cough cases surge to record high in Japan (NHK News) – According to the Japan Institute for Health Security, 722 new cases were reported nationwide in the week leading up to April 6 ― a record high for the second consecutive week and a sharp increase from the previous week’s 578. It’s the highest weekly tally since the current record-taking system began in 2018. 
• CDC issues level 2 travel notice for yellow fever in South America  (CIDRAP) – In the first 3 months of 2025, 131 human cases were confirmed, with 53 deaths. 

Please note the publication date of this report and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice. 

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