INDONESIA(EAST JAVA & MALUKU PROVINCES) - (Update) Flight disruptions were reported at three airports in Indonesia on 16 July due to volcanic ash emissions originating from Mount Raung and Mount Gamalama. The affected airports were Juanda International Airport, which serves the country's second-largest city of Surabaya in East Java province, as well as Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport which serves Malang in East Java province, and Sultan Khairun Babullah Airport, which serves Ternate in the North Maluku province. Although services in Surabaya and Malang have partially resumed, Ternate's airport remains shut; as such, additional disruptions to scheduled flight services cannot be discounted. It should be noted that the eruption of Mount Raung prompted the suspension of flights at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport) in recent days. There have been no reports of further disruptions at the facility thus far on 17 July; nonetheless, the possibility of services being disrupted in the coming hours and days cannot be discounted. Furthermore, Jember Notohadinegoro Airport and Banyuwangi Airport, both located in East Java province, remain closed on 17 July following their closures on 10 July, also due to volcanic ash.  Clients scheduled to transit through the affected airports in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or airline directly to confirm the status of their flight(s). Local developments should be monitored closely; clients should adhere to all advisories issued by the local authorities.  

 

JAPAN - Typhoon Nangka barrelled across the western end of Japan's largest main island on Friday, snarling transport, leaving at least two men dead and prompting authorities to advise nearly 100,000 people to evacuate. Rivers burst their banks in the western prefecture of Wakayama after some parts of Honshu, Japan's largest main island, received more than 600 mm (23 inches) of rain since the storm began to near on Thursday. Authorities advised nearly 100,000 people to evacuate across a wide swathe of western Japan due to the threat of flooding and landslides. At one point on Thursday, nearly 400,000 people were advised to leave their homes. Some 165 flights were cancelled, trains in western Japan suffered delays and highways near the ocean were closed.

UNITED KINGDOM(SCOTLAND) - Heavy rain and resultant flooding have caused moderate travel delays in central and western parts of Scotland, on 17 July. Disruptions have been reported on a number of major roads including the M9, M90, A90, A82 and Haggs Road. Furthermore, standing water has delayed travel into south Glasgow. The UK's official weather service, the Met Office, has issued a number of adverse weather warnings for heavy rain and flooding covering the Highlands, the Outer Hebrides, Grampian, Glasgow, Central Scotland, Tayside and Fife; these are due to expire at 21:00 on 18 July. Heavy rain may result in further road travel disruptions as well as rail and air travel disturbances in the coming 48 hours. It should be noted that road conditions are expected to become particularly hazardous in the mountainous Highlands areas, as well as Grampian and on the Outer Hebrides isles.  Clients in or planning to travel to the affected areas of Scotland in the near-term are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories and anticipate possible localised travel disruptions.

 

 

BRAZIL(PARANA, SANTA CATARINA & RIO GRANDE DO SUL STATES) - Torrential rainfall and associated flooding in southern Brazil since 10 July has resulted in the deaths of at least three people and approximately 80 injuries. In addition, an estimated 30,000 people have been displaced to date, due to the adverse weather conditions. Emergency shelters have been made available to those in need. Temporary disruptions to water and power utilities were reported in several flood-affected areas in recent days. Parana, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul remain the hardest hit states in the country; emergency services in these areas remain on high alert. The current weather system is expected to affect the aforementioned states until 18 July, at least; this may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already impacted on by torrential rainfall. Associated transport disruptions are possible, as are further disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Persons operating in Brazil, particularly in the aforementioned states, in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Flood-affected areas should be avoided as a precaution; caution is advised in low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides. Travellers should also take precautions against becoming affected by flood-related diseases. For further information, consult with a medical practitioner.

 

 

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS - Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the Northern Mariana Islands on 16 July, in response to the effects of service interruptions originating from an impaired undersea fibre-optic cable. Significant disruptions to telecommunications, internet, banking and electronics-based services have been reported since 8 July, after the fibre-optic cable between the Saipan and Tinian islands was severed. Local government and telecommunications service provider, IT&E, have begun assessing the damage; repair operations to the cable are expected to commence on 22 July. Authorities have speculated that damages to the cable were likely caused by inclement weather as a result of Tropical Storm Chan-Hom. It is unclear how long disruptions are expected to persist as physical inspections of the cable are weather dependent. Significant disruptions to business operations, travel, banking, internet, telecommunications and other electronics-based services should be anticipated in the near-term.

 

EGYPT(CAIRO) - Violent clashes between security forces and protesters have been reported in Egypt's capital, Cairo, on 17 July. Clashes are said to have erupted when security forces tried to disperse protesters believed to be members of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) who had gathered in an undisclosed neighbourhood in the city. In the ensuing violence, at least six protesters were killed. Further details are unavailable. Islamist opposition groups and the MB-led National Coalition in Support of Legitimacy (NCSL) continue to call for regular protest activity in Egypt. These demonstrations are often characterised by clashes between security forces, protesters or local residents. In light of recent events, there remains the potential for further retaliatory protests by MB supporters. There is also a threat of further clashes with security forces if further demonstrations are staged. In addition, elevated security measures (patrols and checkpoints) are anticipated, particularly near mosques, government buildings, in city centres and in and near prominent public squares, in the immediate-term. Persons in Cairo are advised to monitor local media for developments. Clients are also advised to avoid all demonstrations and associated street gatherings as a precaution.

 

NIGERIA(DAMATURU) - An undisclosed number of casualties have been reported following a suspected bomb attack in the city of Damaturu, the administrative capital of Nigeria's north eastern Yobe state. The attack targeted worshipers participating in Eid-al-Fitr prayers in the Phase One area of the city.  Despite no immediate claims of responsibility, the attack was likely executed by the Boko Haram sect. Although generally targeting government, security and Christian-related interests, Boko Haram has also targeted Muslims who the group claims do not conform to its strict interpretation of Islam and which the sect claims to be apostates. Further such attacks are likely amid ongoing Eid-al-Fitr celebrations across northern and central Nigeria, with the threat elevated in the states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to a number of northern and north eastern states, including Yobe. Persons in the state should implement robust personal and residential security precautions at all times. These should include coordinating all movements within the presence of a security escort and ensuring that all accommodation is sought within secure compounds. All large gatherings should be avoided.

 

AZERBAIJAN/ARMENIA - According to reports released on 16 July, military exercises conducted by the Azerbaijan army are currently underway on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, potentially serving to further elevate tensions between the two countries. The military exercises are said to be occurring near the de facto border of the predominantly Armenian-populated enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, located in south west Azerbaijan. Low-level skirmishes have been reported near the affected area amid increased training flights conducted by the Azerbaijan air force approximately 15km from the Nagorno-Karabakh front line. Additionally, drills, involving tanks as well as armoured infantry, have been reported in the affected region.  The increase in military training exercises by the Azerbaijani forces is likely in response to the threat of conflict with armed groups, including the Armenian forces and Karabakhi separatists; this has translated into heightened levels of security on both sides of the border. Further militarisation along the border is likely to exacerbate the already tenuous security dynamic and may lead to an increase in border skirmishes. Armed clashes occur sporadically along Nagorno-Karabakh's de facto border with Azerbaijan. Supported by Armenia, the region has been governed by a Karabakhi separatist administration since 1994; however, Azerbaijan has not relinquished its claims on the territory and despite a long-standing ceasefire agreement, low-level skirmishes and border clashes involving Karabakhi separatists as well as Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces take place intermittently. Due to the ongoing ceasefire agreement, the threat of open conflict between the two countries continues to be assessed as low. In light of the recent developments, tensions are likely to increase along the Nagorno-Karabakh border. Further low-level conflict is possible, as both sides are likely to commit additional resources to the area.  Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the greater Nagorno-Karabakh region due to the unresolved conflict and the continuation of sporadic clashes. In addition, unexploded and unmarked ordnance occasionally result in both military and civilian casualties.

 

UKRAINE(KIEV) - -(Update) Demonstrations by supporters of Pravy Sektor (Right Sector), a far-right political and paramilitary organisation, are continuing in Kiev on 17 July. Pravy Sektor leaders previously called for indefinite protests in Kiev and other urban centres following a deadly shoot-out between security forces and Pravy Sektor militants in the town of Mukacheve on 11 July. Although these protests have been small, they have been accompanied by a heightened police presence. Furthermore, a related demonstration has been organised by the group and is expected to take place in Kiev's Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) from 12:00 local time on 19 July. Tensions between Pravy Sektor and the government have been elevated following a shoot-out and subsequent standoff between a group of Pravy Sektor militants in the western city of Mukacheve on 11 July. There are concerns that the situation may destabilise the government's relationship with Pravy Sektor, whose militants are aligned with the Armed Forces of Ukraine against pro-Russia separatist militants in the east of the country. Although some media reports have indicated that Pravy Sektor militants have begun withdrawing from the front lines, a statement from the leader of the group, Dmytro Yarosh, refuted these claims. However, the group has made a number of demands following the shoot-out, including the resignation of Interior Minister Asen Avakov. The upcoming demonstration is expected to be well attended and highly emotive. Furthermore, Pravy Sektor demonstrations are deemed to be highly susceptible to violence. 

MYANMAR - Martyrs' Day will be commemorated across Myanmar on 19 July. Commemorations are expected to focus on the Martyrs' Mausoleum, located near the Shwedagon Pagoda, in the largest commercial centre of Yangon. Roads closures in the vicinity of the pagoda will be in place from 18:00 local time on the day. In addition, events commemorating independence leader, General Aung San, and members of his cabinet will take place in the vicinity of monuments throughout the country. Martyrs' Day commemorates the assassination of Aung San and six of his colleagues on 19 July 1947. A heightened security force presence is expected and travel disruptions are likely in the vicinity of commemorations. In previous years, celebrations associated with the day were forcibly repressed; however, following political and economic reforms since 2011, authorities have increasingly permitted commemorative activities to take place. As such, the risk of violent protest action taking place on 19 July is diminished. Nonetheless, it is still possible that authorities may not sanction requests for processions or related events; should unsanctioned events proceed, clashes between participants and security forces are possible. Clients in the country are advised to exercise vigilance and avoid any related unsanctioned public gatherings as a precaution. Persons in areas where official ceremonies are planned are advised to anticipate associated travel disruptions.

COTE D'IVOIRE - The opposition Coalition Nationale pour le Changement (CNC) has called for anti-government protests across Cote d'Ivoire on 20 July. Although specific details have not been disclosed, precedent suggests that the largest rallies are likely to take place in the city of Abidjan, specifically the city's Yopougon and Koumassi areas.  The CNC has organised the rally to call for greater political reform by the government of President Alassane Ouattara ahead of presidential elections scheduled to take place in October 2015. Countrywide rallies organised by the CNC on 9 June descended into violent confrontations between opposition activists and security forces in a number of cities, including Abidjan. Precedent suggests that the 20 July gathering may similarly be subject to acts of political violence and civil unrest. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Cote d'Ivoire and against all travel to a number of western administrative divisions. Persons in the country are advised to monitor local developments closely and should liaise with a local contact or security provider regarding possible protest gathering points. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution.

INDIA(PURI) - Thousands of police and security officers will be deployed across Puri, in India's Odisha state, in preparation for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra festival, due to be held between 18 and 26 July. The festival, celebrating the Hindu deity, Lord Jagannath, is attended by millions of devotees every year. The festivities will include a large procession in which several sizeable chariots are pulled from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, approximately 2km away. After staying there for nine days, the procession returns to the Shree Jagannath Temple. Platoons of armed police, thousands of home guards and Rapid Action Forces, as well as several tactical units have been deployed for the event. Other security arrangements include manned watchtowers, bomb squads and dogs, as well as CCTVs mounted along the route.  As with all significant religious events in India, the possibility exists that celebrations may be targeted by domestic and/or regional terrorist or insurgent groups seeking to highlight their cause; as such, security has been tightened. It should be noted that the large number of people attending the event and associated road closures are likely to impact on road travel; delays to public transport and an increased demand for services should be anticipated. There is also an increased risk of petty street crime, as the crowds at various festivities will provide ample cover under which petty thieves may operate. Clients in Puri until 26 July, as well as the days following the festival, are advised to anticipate severe localised travel disruptions, exercise heightened caution due to the increased threat of petty crime, and report all suspicious people, packages or activities to the authorities. Finally, due to the ongoing Maoist insurgency, all non-essential travel to the remote and rural areas of Odisha is advised against.

 

 

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you  

need assistance with your travel plans.