UNITED STATES(ALASKA(YUNASKA ISLAND)) - A 6.9 magnitude earthquake has been reported 76km south east of Yunaska Island, located in the US state of Alaska, on 27 July. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of approximately 11.9km. There have been no immediate reports of property damage and/or casualties; a tsunami warning has not been issued. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area. Persons in the affected area are advised to take the necessary precautions including following the directives of the local authorities. Aftershocks may occur in the region and should be anticipated. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories.
 

UNITED KINGDOM(KENT) - A passenger train has been derailed after hitting cows on a line in Kent. One carriage came off the rails when the herd was struck by the train, according to operator Southeastern. No passengers were injured. Sixty-five passengers were helped to safety and Network Rail has shut the line. A spokesman said it was thought five cows had been killed. Network Rail said it had received a report of a stray cow on the line about an hour before the derailment. That report was investigated but nothing was found. It has also emerged that after the collision, the train driver jumped out of the cab and ran down the track to halt an approaching train because he had realised his radio had stopped working. Southeastern said the driver then contacted the signaller through the radio of the second train to switch off the power to the lines. The collision is being investigated by British Transport Police (BTP) and rail accident investigators have been told. BTP said the incident happened at about 21:45 BST on Sunday and involved an eight-coach train which was travelling from London Charing Cross to Ramsgate. Emergency crews initially thought two carriages had been derailed. Network Rail said the derailment happened in the Godmersham area, between Wye and Chilham. Southeastern's managing director David Statham said the track, culverts and embankments on the railway had been damaged. The line between Ashford and Ramsgate via Canterbury West will remain closed until Wednesday. Buses have replaced trains on that stretch of line, and passengers have been advised to travel from Canterbury East to join a high speed service at Faversham or Ashford at no extra cost.

 

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - London Underground workers affiliated with the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) are expected to cause disruptions and delays to services in the UK's capital, London, as part of a new round of strike action from 28 July. Train and instructor operators have been instructed to begin the work slowdown from 03:30 local time, and to refuse to bring trains into service if they do not believe that they had been properly prepared. The slowdown will coincide with members' ongoing overtime ban. It is unclear how long the industrial action will last. The industrial action comes amid failed negotiations between the rail operator and the union over wages and working conditions, including those relating to all-night services. Should the slowdown proceed as scheduled, significant delays to rail services should be expected. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected. Given that the situation is ongoing, clients should note that the industrial action may be cancelled or escalated at short notice. Clients planning travel in London are advised to monitor local media for developments and information on the upcoming industrial action. For further information regarding the London Underground as well as alternative forms of transport, please visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - According to Transport for London (TFL) there will be no services available at several stations in London on 27 and 28 July. The service suspension, which is due to maintenance work on the London Overground, is expected to affect stations between Highbury & Islington and Shadwell, and between Surrey Quays and New Cross. The TFL has advised that commuters make use of the replacement busses which will operate between the affected stations. In addition, minor delays have also been reported between Sydenham and West Croydon due to a faulty train on 27 July. For further information visit https://goo.gl/h0ncuj. Due to the possible increase in demand for other modes of public transport on the aforementioned days, clients should consider organising and/or booking alternative means of travel. Clients are advised to ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate for travel delays.

 

SPAIN(CATALONIA) - Emergency services in Catalonia, Spain's autonomous community, have ordered the evacuation of hundreds of residents and implemented road closures on 27 July. The swift action is a result of wild fires which have been burning through the north eastern forest hills in the vicinity of Odena since late 26 July. At least 400 residents of the Ca l'Estevet area have been evacuated. The C-37 highway has been closed as firefighters continue to fight the ongoing blaze. The fire is expected to be doused in the near-term as the perimeter has been secured. Wild fires, droughts and heat waves are a common occurrence during the summer months (June to September) in some regions of Spain. Although firefighters have been deployed to the affected area, Spain's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has warned that weather conditions conducive to wildfires have been forecast for the region in the coming days. Clients in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. A heightened level of caution is advised when travelling in all wildfire-affected areas.

CHINA(TAIZHOU/GUANGZHOU) - Security has been heightened at airports across China following a security incident on 26 July. According to reports, a knife-wielding commuter travelling on a Shenzen Airlines flight which departed Taizhou Luqiao Airport, located in the Zhejiang province, bound for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, located in the Guangdong province, set his seat alight and threatened fellow passengers at approximately 01:00 local time. The perpetrator allegedly boarded the flight with gasoline and other flammable substances, which he used to start the blaze. Two passengers were treated for injuries sustained as a result of the incident. The suspect was apprehended after the pilot alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the incident and the cabin crew restrained the perpetrator. Civil aviation officials have launched an investigation into the incident and security breach.  A considerable increase in security at all airports in China is expected in the short-term, particularly at small- and medium-sized airports. Given the isolated nature of the incident, the risk of similar incidents aboard flights operating in China is assessed as low. Clients in China are advised to anticipate heightened security measures and associated travel disruptions at all airports in the near-term.
 
COLOMBIA - Taxi drivers in Colombia are set to launch a countrywide work stoppage on 29 July. The strike action, which has been called to demand the banning of Uber services in the country, is set to cause localised travel disruptions in urban centres throughout the day. Unconfirmed reports suggest that an associated demonstration has been scheduled for the capital, Bogota; taxi drivers are expected to gather opposite the city's Coliseo Cubierto el Campin. Further details regarding the strike and related demonstrations have not been disclosed.  Uber is a mobile application-based transportation network that uses a smartphone application to receive taxi ride requests from customers; ride requests are then sent to member drivers. Local taxi drivers consider this an uncompetitive practice and therefore, a threat to their business. The upcoming strike on 29 July forms part of an ongoing campaign by taxi drivers to have Uber services declared illegal in Colombia. An increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected on the day.  Clients in Colombia planning to make use of taxi services on 29 July should anticipate localised travel disruptions, and should consider alternative modes of transport, including bus and rail services. All associated demonstrations should be avoided as a precaution.

 

ETHIOPIA(ADDIS ABABA) - (Update) Security is expected to remain elevated in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, until the departure of US president, Barack Obama, from the city later on 27 July. As such, robust security measures and associated travel disruptions are expected to persist in the city for the near-term.  Obama is expected to depart for Washington DC on 27 July following round-table discussions with civil society members and the delivery of a speech at the African Union (AU) headquarters, located in Addis Ababa's Old Airport Area. Although no overt threats have been made against Obama's visit to the country, heightened security procedures, which include road closures, security checkpoints and other movement-restrictive measures, have been employed across the capital since 26 July. These measures have led to localised travel disruptions during Obama's visit, most notably in the vicinity of the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and the AU headquarters. Clients in Addis Ababa are advised to adhere to the directives of the local authorities, ensure that identification documentation is kept on their person at all times and make allowances for possible travel delays resulting from the enhanced security measures. Clients scheduled to transit through the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on 27 July should contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flights.
 

INDIA(GURDASPUR DISTRICT, PUNJAB STATE) - At least nine people have been killed and several others injured following a suspected terrorist attack in the Gurdaspur district, located in India's north western Punjab state, early on 27 July. According to reports, four gunmen dressed in military fatigues attacked a passenger bus and then proceeded to launch an assault on the Dinanagar police station at approximately 05:00 local time. Unconfirmed reports assert that a number of explosives were discovered at a railway track near the station; these have since been defused. At least one of the gunmen is said to have been killed during a security operation; the remaining gunmen are reportedly still in the police station. In light of the ongoing incident, an increased security presence should be anticipated in the affected area in the coming hours. Elevated security measures could include additional road checkpoints, patrols and the implementation of travel restrictions, including curfews. Further violence is also likely until the attackers are captured or eliminated. Persons operating in Gurdaspur district should avoid the Dinanagar police station until the situation stabilises. Furthermore, all concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided in the wider district in the coming hours. Travellers should prepare for possible road travel disruptions until the incident concludes.

 

PAKISTAN(SINDH PROVINCE) - Power supply has been suspended in at least ten districts of Pakistan's Sindh province, including Karachi, amid inclement weather on 27 July. The Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) has confirmed some of the affected areas; these include Larkana, Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Kashmore, Qambar Shahdadkot and Jacobabad.  Heavy rains have been affecting parts of Pakistan, including Sindh province, coinciding with the region's annual seasonal monsoon period. This has the capacity to cause additional disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. It is unclear how long the power supply is expected to experience disruptions. In addition, the power outages are likely to result in residual disruptions to transport and business operations. Due to a number of ongoing concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan. Persons currently in areas affected by the power outages should anticipate disruptions to essential services, including transport and telecommunications. Clients are advised to plan accordingly and monitor local media sources for updates and advisories.

 

COSTA RICA(SAN JOSE) - Labour unions, FIT-ICE and ANEP are set to launch a countrywide general strike and related protest march in Costa Rica on 27 July. The strike and associated protest march has been called in protest of a proposed electricity bill, that the unions believe will negatively impact the working conditions and wages of workers within the energy and telecommunication sector. Unionised employees of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute are scheduled to observe a 24-hour strike on the day. An associated protest march is expected in capital city, San Jose, with participants scheduled to gather at La Sabana Metropolitan Park and the Parque de la Merced from 07:00 local time and will proceed to march to the Legislative Assembly building (located on Central and First Avenue) from 10:00, where a rally will be held. Labour strikes and protests are fairly common in Costa Rica. Although they are generally non-violent, clashes between protesters and security forces occur occasionally during demonstrations. As such, the possibility of violence at the upcoming protest march cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the protest route and demonstration-affected sites. Persons in San Jose on 27 July are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strike and demonstrations. All large street gatherings and concentration of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Furthermore, allowances should be made for potential travel disruptions in the vicinity of the above-mentioned sites.
 
URUGUAY(MONTEVIDEO) - Human rights and gender advocacy groups in Uruguay, including Coordinadora de Feminismo, are expected to hold a protest rally in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, on 27 July. The rally is set to be held at the Plaza Independencia from 18:30 local time. The rally forms part of the "Touch one, touch all" campaign aimed at drawing attention to increasing reports of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. According to local reports, at least 25 women have been murdered in Uruguay thus far in 2015. The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) reports that Uruguay has one of the highest rates of GBV in the region, prompting activist groups to call upon the government to address the issue and declare it a national emergency. On 3 June, a related gathering was attended by thousands of protesters; as such, the above-mentioned rally is likely to be well attended. There are no indications that the rally will not conclude peacefully. Most civil gatherings in Uruguay conclude without incident; however, sporadic instances of violence and clashes with police have been reported. Clients in Montevideo on 27 July are advised to avoid the rally and related gatherings as the possibility of violence cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, as the protest rally is expected to result in significant travel disruptions within the vicinity of the Plaza Independencia. Clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

 

SOUTH AFRICA(NORTHERN AREAS, PORT ELIZABETH) - Disruptive protests are currently underway in the Northern Areas region of Port Elizabeth (PE), a city in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, on 27 July. Unconfirmed reports assert that protesters have barricaded several roads in the area, including Stanford Street. Further reports indicate that protesters have thrown projectiles at security forces on the scene. Police are reportedly using water cannons, stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the gathered crowds. Tensions are currently heightened in the area; at least one protester has been injured following clashes with police. The protests were reportedly called in response to various education-related grievances in the area, including the closure of 33 schools. Although the majority of protesters are pupils and their parents, several taxi associations are reportedly taking part as well. Given the nature of the protests, as well as current heightened tensions in the area, further clashes between protesters and police could pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders.  Due to current heightened tensions, persons transiting through the Northern Areas in PE are advised to exercise increased security awareness and avoid the affected area until the situation has stabilised. In addition, clients are advised to ensure that itineraries remain flexible to accommodate for possible travel delays.

 

LEBANON(JIYEH(CHOUF DISTRICT)) - Protesters blocked the primary highway linking the capital, Beirut, with southern Lebanon in the Jiyeh area for a second day on 27 July. The protests have been initiated in response by the local authorities to transfer waste from the capital to the village of Iqlim al-Kharroub in the Chouf district. On 27 July, the security forces attempted to clear the protesters from the road. Subsequent clashes left three people wounded. Latest reports indicate that the protesters are still in the Jiyeh area. Central Lebanon has been affected by a waste management crisis since mid-July when the Naameh landfill was closed. Waste has accumulated in Beirut and elsewhere prompting disruptive protests in downtown Beirut in recent days. Hundreds of people gathered in protest in Beirut's Riad el-Solh Square on 25 July. A solution to the waste management crisis over the near-term is not expected and further protests are anticipated. These could occur in areas identified as new temporary waste disposal areas or in the capital. The threat of further low level confrontations and road blocks is considered high. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Lebanon due to ongoing insecurity. Persons in the capital and its immediate surrounds should avoid all street protests. Prior to intercity road travel, travellers should check the status of road routes with their security provider or the local authorities.

 

ARMENIA - Activists in Armenia have called for a protest in Republic Square, which is located in the capital, Yerevan, from 17:00 local time on 27 July. The protest has been called to denounce an increase in electricity prices scheduled from 1 August. Activists have also threatened to hold disruptive demonstrations in the capital and elsewhere in the country between 27 and 31 July. Armenia has faced an increasing number of demonstrations over the controversial decision to raise electricity prices. The majority of demonstrations have been peaceful, with only a few affected by low-level confrontations. The gatherings have, however, led to severe traffic disruptions as protesters have blocked roads on occasion. The risk of low-level confrontations will remain at any future planned event; the risk of violence increases if protesters ignore police requests to disperse, block roads for any lengthy period of time or march on sensitive state facilities.  Clients in Armenia over the coming days are advised to monitor local developments closely in conjunction with their security provider. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution. Travellers should also ensure that itineraries cater for potential road travel delays, specifically in Yerevan.

 

INDIA - The All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) has called for a general strike (known locally as a bandh) and associated protests to take place across India on 27 July. The protests are expected to take place in the administrative headquarters in districts countrywide, and will also reportedly take the form of road blockades between 10:00 and 13:00 local time on the day. The AIJASS represents the interests of the ethnic Jat community and has called the action to protest the Supreme Court's decision to scrap the practice of job reservation for members of the Jat community. The strike and associated protest action is most likely to affect the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh the most severely as they have the highest concentration Jat community members. Disruptions to transport and business services are anticipated for the duration of the strike. As with all protest action in India, there is a credible risk of violent confrontations between protesters and security forces, which may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in India on 27 July are advised to monitor local media for developments and updates regarding the strike action and possible associated demonstrations. All street demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Localised disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of any protest action. In addition, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Bihar as well as a number of other eastern and north eastern states.
 

ARGENTINA(PARANA, ENTRE RIOS PROVINCE) - Teachers affiliated to the Teachers' Association of Entre Rios (AGMER) are set to undertake industrial action in Argentina's Entre Rios province on 27 and 28 July. A protest march is expected to be held in the provincial capital, Parana, at 10:00 local time on 27 July. Participants will gather at the AGMER headquarters (Laprida 136) and proceed to the provincial Government House in the city. The industrial action has been organised over labour-related issues, including salary disputes. The protest is likely to be well attended; as such, localised road travel disruptions are expected along the protest route in Parana. In addition, associated demonstrations are possible across Entre Rios province during the strike period. These are likely to centre on government buildings and schools. While the protests are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level acts of violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Entre Rios on 27 and 28 July are advised to monitor local media for updates on protest action in the province. Persons operating in Parana on 27 July should keep itineraries flexible to accommodate for localised road travel disruptions. All large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

 

PHILIPPINES(QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA) - (Update) Protesters clashed with police in the vicinity of the House of Representatives in Quezon City, Metro Manila, earlier on 27 July, leaving a number of people wounded. The clashes were sparked after protesters, described in the media as 'leftists', attempted to rush through barricades established near the facility ahead of the state of the nation address (SONA) by President Benigno Aquino III. Further protests and an elevated police presence are possible in the affected area in the coming hours. Protests may result in further clashes and, possibly, localised road travel disruptions. Heightened caution is advised near the House of Representatives in Quezon City for the remainder of 27 July. All street protests in the area should be avoided.

INDIA(EASTERN & CENTRAL AREAS) - Maoist rebels will commemorate Martyr's Week in their central and eastern strongholds in India from 28 July to 3 August. Martyr's Week honours rebels killed in the movement's war against the central government. During this period, an increase in Maoist activity can be anticipated. Maoist rebels, also known as Naxalites, have been active in a number of northern, central and north eastern states of India for approximately three decades. The rebels are fighting the central government on behalf of the 'oppressed' and landless. During Martyr's Week, the imposition of general strikes (known locally as bandhs) are likely in Maoist strongholds, which are considered to be rural and remote areas of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and the eastern districts of Maharashtra, Odisha and West Bengal. During general strikes, disruptions to business activity and public transport are common. Maoists in these areas may also increase the frequency of armed attacks against Indian state facilities and personnel and state infrastructure. Attacks targeting civilian and foreign interests are less likely; however, there remains an incidental threat to non-combatants in the vicinity of any armed action. Associated pro-Maoist and anti-government protests should also be anticipated in the aforementioned areas during Martyr's Week.  Clients are advised against non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal due to the Maoist insurgency. Land-based intercity travel should be avoided as far as practically possible. Persons in likely Maoist affected areas not covered by the aforementioned advisory should monitor local developments closely, avoid all street protests and concentrations of security force personnel, and reconfirm all transport services with their travel provider prior to departure.

SWEDEN(STOCKHOLM) - A Gay Pride parade is expected to be held in Sweden's capital, Stockholm, on 29 July. Participants in this year's parade are expected to gather from 12:00 to 14:00 local time at the Tensta centrum, which is located in the Rinkeby district, and march through the Kista district, concluding at Hubsy district's eponymous centre. According to local reports, left wing groups and activists are expected to conduct a counter-demonstration; further information regarding the demonstration is currently unavailable. This year's pride parade has sparked some controversy as the route is expected to go through the predominantly Muslim Rinkeby and Kista districts. Swedish leftists and activists are opposed to the parade marching route, stating that it is an attack on Muslim beliefs; as such, a gay pride counter-demonstration is expected on the day. Gay Pride parades in Europe are generally not held near Muslim areas out of respect for Muslim beliefs and rights. Given the controversy surrounding the upcoming event, a heightened police presence is likely, particularly along the proposed parade route. Related travel disruptions should also be anticipated. Clients in Stockholm on 29 July are advised to avoid the above-mentioned areas and all related gatherings, as there is a threat of violent civil unrest during the upcoming event. Furthermore, the anticipated parade and demonstration are likely to cause significant travel disruptions in the affected areas. Clients are thus advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly.
 
ANGOLA(LUANDA) - Several activist groups have called for a mass protest rally in Angola's capital, Luanda, on 29 July. Participants are expected to gather at the city's Independence Square (Praca da Independencia) at 15:00. The demonstration is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the square on the day. It should be noted that, given the anti-government nature of the protest, officials may ban the demonstration ahead of time. The demonstration has been called to protest against what is perceived to be the arbitrary detention of 15 activists earlier on 20 June; the activists were reportedly arrested on suspicion that they had been planning a coup against President Jose Eduardo dos Santos and his ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) party. Protesters claim that these arrests were conducted as a means of political persecution and are demanding the immediate release of the 15 activists. Although the upcoming protest action is expected to conclude peacefully, Angolan security forces often respond to demonstrations forcibly, increasing the risk of violent unrest and the indiscriminate threat such actions pose to bystanders. Clients in Luanda on 29 July are advised to avoid the upcoming protest and any associated large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories regarding the upcoming demonstration. Clients are further advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly.

 

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