RUSSIA - Heavy rain and thunderstorms have resulted in flight delays and cancellations at airports in Russia's capital, Moscow, on 27 and 28 July. Worst affected is the Sheremetyevo International Airport where a hail storm has been forecast for late 28 July. Slight delays affecting domestic and international flights have also been reported at Domodedovo airport while no disruptions have been reported at Vnukovo airport. According to the Hydrometcentre of Russia the adverse weather conditions are expected to continue until 2 August. Operations at the above-mentioned airports are likely to continue being affected in the near-term. Should conditions improve, delays should still be anticipated due to the backlog of flights. Clients intending to transit through Moscow's airports in the next 24 hours are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).   

 

UNITED KINGDOM(MANCHESTER) - (Update) Two suspected cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) led to the temporary closure of the accident and emergency department of the Manchester Royal Infirmary, located in the UK's central city of Manchester, late on 27 July. The two individuals have since tested negative for the disease; both infectious cases were considered separate and unrelated. The accident and emergency department was re-opened after health officials determined that there was no significant risk to public health.  MERS-CoV first appeared in 2012. Saudi Arabia has borne the brunt of the outbreak, and the vast majority of infections and fatalities have occurred in this country. Many persons infected in American, European, Asian and other Middle Eastern states (US, France, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, Greece, the UAE, Algeria, Iran, Bahrain, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, Yemen and Malaysia) have been found to have had a connection with Saudi Arabia or had recently travelled to the affected region. Among the fatalities and infections in Saudi Arabia and UAE are a number of health care professionals and persons closely related to health care workers and infected persons. The health authorities are still investigating how the disease is transmitted. Recent medical investigations indicate that the disease may be present in camels; there is a high probability that it is spread from the animal to humans. Human-to-human transmission, particularly from patients to health care professionals, has also been suspected. There is currently no vaccine or special treatment available for MERS-CoV. The risk of infection is considered minimal for most travellers. The risk increases near infected persons and in health care facilities. Persons operating in the UK, particularly Manchester, are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories on any further potential disease outbreaks. In the event of a disease outbreak, clients should contact their medical practitioner for advice and guidance or consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website (http://www.who.int/en/) for the latest disease-related updates.  

 

FRANCE/UNITED KINGDOM - The Channel Tunnel is suffering further disruption, once again forcing the M20 in Kent to become a giant lorry park. Police brought back Operation Stack in the early hours of Tuesday - after it was stood down on Sunday. The measure sees French-bound lorries "stacked" along a closed section of the M20 while their drivers wait to cross the Channel. Junctions eight to 13 - a distance of around 25 miles - were closed to non-freight traffic on Tuesday. Kent Police blamed "high volumes" of freight traffic heading towards the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, combined with "continued disruption" in the northern French port of Calais. "Motorists are advised to plan their journeys carefully and allow plenty of extra time if travelling towards the east of the county," police said. Eurotunnel said its passenger services have been disrupted due to "an incident on the terminal". "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this will cause to your journey," the firm said. The Channel Tunnel operator said there were waiting times of up to an hour in both directions. Migrants disrupting the terminal in Coquelles, not far from Calais, has become a regular occurrence. Some 5,000 people, mostly from Africa and the Middle East, have set up camp around the area. From there, they often try to board trains, lorries or ferries to the UK. Home Secretary Theresa May is hosting a UK-France summit on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing migrant crisis as authorities on both sides of the Channel struggle to deal with it. The latest disruption is also expected to affect ferry services. The Port of Dover said it remained "open for business", with P&O operating full services to Calais and DFDS Seaways to Dunkirk. "The port and the ferry operators are together working hard to serve all customers travelling to and from the continent," the port said. "We apologise for any delays or inconvenience as a result of traffic congestion." At the weekend, thousands of holidaymakers faced long delays as the Channel crossings were disrupted by migrant activity. Part of the M20 was closed and passengers hoping to take cars to France were held up when the Tunnel was shut briefly. Some travellers were delayed by up to five hours on what was one of the busiest weekends of the year.

 

FRANCE(VAR DEPARTMENT) - An estimated 10,000 people have been evacuated from three different campsites in France's south eastern Var department due to ongoing wildfires since 27 July. Emergency services and fire crews have been deployed to affected areas; weather conditions continue to exacerbate efforts to contain the wildfires. A number of mobile homes have been destroyed in the fires; there have been no wildfire-related casualties reported as yet. The cause of the fires is as yet unknown, although authorities assert that ongoing hot and windy weather conditions may have been ideal for wildfire combustion. It should be noted that the risk of wildfires in France is considered elevated during its summer months which extend from May through to October. Wildfires are highly unpredictable and susceptible to rapid changes in intensity and direction; associated disruptions to travel, including road closures, are possible if the fires continue to spread unabated.  Clients are advised to defer travel to the affected areas until further notice. Persons currently in the Var department should comply with the directives of the local authorities, including evacuation advisories. If travelling by car in an affected area, ensure that all windows are closed and that the air-conditioning system is adjusted to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle. Travellers intending to stay in forested areas in France should check local regulations regarding lighting fires and confirm local emergency procedures in the event of a wildfire.

FRANCE(MOSELLE DEPARTMENT) - (Update) Protesting farmers have set up blockades on a number of main roads in France's eastern Moselle department, on 28 July. The blockades have caused significant delays particularly along the A4 highway and the A31 highway in Hauconcourt. In addition to these, protesters have threatened to cause disruptions on the A37 highway as well. The blockades have been set up as part of the ongoing agitation against the drop in food prices. The protest action, which may extend for several days, follows related protests on 26 and 27 July by French farmers which caused significant disruptions in Strasbourg near the border with Germany. These blockades were lifted following talks with France's agriculture minister. Protesting farmers have caused significant disruptions in France in recent days. These protests have been characterised by disruptions to major roads, tourist sites and transport hubs. Furthermore, farmers have previously dumped large amounts of manure and other farm by-products in major intersections, causing lengthy delays. Major road travel delays should be expected along the aforementioned highways and other main roads in Moselle department in the near-term. Clients operating in the affected areas should anticipate and plan for road congestion and blockades related to the ongoing protest action on 28 July and over the coming days. Prior to intercity road travel in Moselle department, travellers should check the status of road routes with local authorities.

PERU - The authorities in Peru issued a statement on 27 July stating that they had released 39 local nationals held by Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) rebels. The victims were released following a security operation at a remote jungle location in the Junin region of central Peru; the date of the operation is unclear. The government claims that some of the victims were abducted as many as 25 years ago during an incident in Puerto Ocopa. The victims were all being held as 'slaves' by the rebels.The Shining Path is a leftist militant organisation that fought a protracted conflict against the state in the 1980s and early 1990s. Remnants of the group remain in remote jungle locations. These rebels are thought to be closely connected to the drug trade. Shining Path activity is most pronounced in the VRAEM (Valley of the Apurimac, Ene and Montaro rivers) area and other coca producing areas of Peru (Peruvian Amazon). Despite its continued presence, the group has suffered severe setbacks and no longer poses a significant security risk to the state or travellers, generally. There are, however, slightly elevated risks of conflict, crime, kidnapping and terrorism in remaining Shining Path operating areas. Heightened caution is advised in the VRAEM (Valley of the Apurimac, Ene and Montaro rivers) area and other coca producing areas of Peru (Peruvian Amazon) due to activity by organised crime groups and remnants of the Shining Path. Such areas are predominantly located in central/interior parts of the country; travellers to these regions should seek itinerary-specific advice from their security provider prior to travel.

EL SALVADOR(SAN SALVADOR) - A bus drivers' strike initiated by the Association of Salvadoran Busses (AEAS) is currently underway in El Salvador's capital, San Salvador, on 28 July. The strike began on 27 July and is expected to conclude on 28 July. Disruptions to bus and shuttle services have been reported. At least 30 routes have been affected, including the 133 between Zacatecoluca and San Salvador, the 301 between San Miguel and San Salvador and the 116 between San Vicente and San Salvador. The spokesperson for AEAS has stated that the industrial action has been called in response to alleged threats by gang members in San Salvador; representatives of AEAS claim that prominent gang members have pressured the association into observing the strike in order to pressure and destabilise the local government. Gang-conflict is a concern in El Salvador, particularly in the capital, where there has been a surge in gang-related violence after the violation of a truce deal brokered in 2012. Local government has attempted to restore stability to the capital and made several arrests of prominent gang leaders; however, they continue to reject any dialogue with gang members. The disruption to bus services will continue to impact on bus commuters and may increasingly affect other transport services, due to increased demand for transportation. The risk of violence at any associated gatherings or protests is considered elevated at this time. Clients in San Salvador who intend to utilise bus services over the coming days should ensure that itineraries cater for delays and disruptions. Persons operating in the affected areas are advised to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. In addition, if in the vicinity of an area affected by gang violence, seek secure accommodation or leave the area, where safe to do so.

VIETNAM(HA LONG BAY, QUANG NINH PROVINCE) - Significant flooding and associated landslides in Ha Long Bay, located in Vietnam's north eastern Quang Ninh province, have resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people since 27 July. Further reports suggest that as many as 1,500 tourists have been left stranded on the nearby Co To Island due to ongoing adverse weather; transportation from the island to the mainland has been disrupted by torrential rainfall. Emergency services have been deployed to the affected areas and are currently assisting residents with localised evacuations. Vietnam experiences its monsoon season from May to September and is prone to tropical storms from June to November; during this time, the country is susceptible to flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. The current weather system is expected to affect the aforementioned regions until 1 August, at least; this may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already impacted on by torrential rainfall. Associated transport disruptions are possible, as are disruptions to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Persons operating in north eastern Vietnam, particularly Ha Long Bay, 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.

NIGERIA(ASKIRA/UBA, BORNO STATE) - At least 25 people were killed in attacks on multiple communities in the Askira/Uba local government area of Nigeria's north eastern Borno State. According to reports released on 28 July, militants attacked the settlement of Dille on the afternoon of 27 July, killing an undisclosed number of people. Two nearby but undisclosed communities were subject to further attacks on the morning of 28 July.  Although there have been no claims of responsibility for the attack, suspicion is likely to fall on the Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect. Despite the ongoing counterterrorism operations by the Nigerian military and its regional partners, Boko Haram continues to maintain a strong operational presence across the country, including in Borno State. The latest attack is indicative of the fact that the security environment in the country is unlikely to improve in the short-term. Further attacks, which may take the form of armed raids, bombings and kidnappings, targeting both state and civilian interests, are expected to persist.  Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to several north eastern states, including Borno. Persons in the area should implement robust personal and residential security precautions at all times. These include coordinating all movements in the presence of a security escort and ensuring that all accommodation is within secure compounds.

BAHRAIN(SITRA) - A bomb exploded on the island of Sitra, located in north eastern Bahrain, on 28 July. The blast, which targeted a police contingent, left two police officers dead and one other seriously wounded. The perpetrators of the attack are currently unknown. Attacks against security forces in Bahrain have been reported in the past. The majority of these have been linked to supporters of the Shiite opposition; the violence forms part of a lengthy period of Shiite agitation against the Sunni minority ruling regime. On 18 and 19 July, low-level bomb blasts targeting security forces were reported in the villages of Ekr and Krana, which is located near the capital, Manama. The attacks were not claimed by any group. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding the capital, the Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Unaccompanied travel at night outside of secure areas in all locations is advised against. All unnecessary travel near security personnel and facilities should be avoided.

NIGERIA(IMO STATE) - A five-day strike action was launched by unionised public sector employees in Nigeria's south eastern Imo State on 27 July. Set to continue through to 31 July, the work stoppage was called in response to various salary related-grievances and is set to affect various government-owned establishments, including schools, radio and television stations. It should be noted that the unions behind the action have yet to announce whether they intend to hold any demonstrations during the strike period; the state capital, Owerri, will likely serve as the focal point for any strike-related protests. Among those supporting the industrial action are the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Joint Health Workers Union (JUHUSU). Unconfirmed reports suggest that state governor, Rochas Okorocha, may undertake negotiations with the unions on 29 July; the strike could therefore be cancelled or postponed if mediation efforts prove successful. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Nigeria due to various security concerns. Persons operating in Imo State in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike and possible related demonstrations. Finally, all large street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

BULGARIA - An estimated 1,000 companies are set to protest against increased electricity prices in urban centres across Bulgaria from 11:00 local time on 29 July. The largest demonstration is expected to take place in the capital, Sofia; demonstrators are planning to march towards the headquarters of the Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (KEVR) on the day. The events are likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any protest routes and gathering spots. Electricity prices for industrial consumers are set to increase by up to 20 percent from 1 August. Local companies assert that the increase will be damaging and oppressive to industrialists. Protests and demonstrations take place frequently in Bulgaria, especially in Sofia, and are typically prompted by domestic and/or political developments. Similar protests against energy prices in the country occurred in February 2013. Although the majority of protests in Bulgaria conclude without incident, skirmishes have occurred on occasion; such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. It should be noted that further protest action is likely leading up to the August price increase. Persons in Bulgaria on 29 July are advised to avoid the upcoming protests and any associated large gatherings as a precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories regarding planned protest routes and gathering locations. Itineraries should be kept flexible to make allowances for any possible travel delays on the day.


ISRAEL - The authorities in Israel initiated a countrywide emergency preparedness drill on 27 July. The programme, which concludes on 29 July, includes various exercises scheduled to take place between 07:00 and 20:00 local time. The Home Front Command will simulate defending attack sites as part of the drill; exercises will centre on schools, shopping centres and transport hubs in several city centres, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The exercise is in response to the threat of conflict with armed groups in the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon, namely Hamas and Hezbollah, respectively, as well as those in the state of Iran. Israel has experienced a number of conflicts with militant groups in recent years. One of the most significant risks to the public and travellers in Israel during these periods is rocketfire emanating from militant strongholds. Israel has developed a sophisticated emergency response process to safeguard its citizens and travellers; this is deemed to require regular national exercises. Persons in Israel should anticipate an increase in military traffic and movement (air, sea and land) until 29 July. Traffic delays are expected as a result of the military exercises and simulations.  Clients operating in Israel should abide by the directives of the local authorities, including during drill periods. For further guidance, consult with your security or travel provider, local host or hotel. Please note that due to several security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to within 2km of the shared Gaza Strip-Israel border, against all non-essential travel to within 45km of the Gaza border outside of the 2km zone and against all non-essential travel to areas within 2km of the border with Lebanon. In addition, clients are advised against non-essential travel to within 5km of the shared Egypt-Israel border as well as outside of towns and cities.

 

PHILIPPINES(METRO MANILA) - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is expected to conduct an earthquake drill at 10:30 local time in the Philippines' capital, Metro Manila, on 30 July. The drill is expected to conclude at 11:30. The simulation exercise is anticipated to cause considerable disruptions to business operations and traffic flow, as power and telecommunications networks are scheduled to experience disruptions during the practice period. Additionally, a separate drill is expected to take place in the Ortigas business district, located in Pasig city, Metro Manila, from 19:30 to 20:30.  The earthquake drills have been initiated in order to mitigate the disaster-related risks associated with earthquakes measuring 7.2 magnitude and above, as well as evaluate the preparedness of residents should an earthquake of that magnitude impact on the metropolis. Meteorologists' assessments of the likelihood of a 7.2 magnitude or higher earthquake affecting this area are said to be fair, based on the proximity of the West Valley fault. The fault line, which extends for 100km, passes through Metro Manila. Over 500 organisations, government departments, businesses, public institutions and the like are expected to partake in the simulation exercise. Disruptions to business operations, transport services, telecommunications, and power supply should be anticipated for the duration of the drills. Traffic delays are expected as a result of the simulations. Residual disruptions should be anticipated in the immediate aftermath of the practice period as authorities attempt to normalise schedules, services and the flow of traffic. Clients in Metro Manila are advised to monitor local media for updates on procedures to follow during drill periods and to adhere to any directives issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients should anticipate significant travel disruptions across the city, delays and increased road traffic as a result of the simulation exercises.

PORTUGAL(LISBON) - Several activist groups have called for a mass solidarity protest in Portugal's capital, Lisbon, on 29 July. The demonstration has been organised to coincide with protests occurring in Angola the same day; activists are demanding the right of freedom of expression and the release of 15 detainees in the African country. Participants are set to gather at the Largo de Sao Domingo from 18:00 local time. The event is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the event. Although the upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between police and protesters cannot be discounted. Foreign nationals are generally not targeted by such unrest; however, the incidental risk to bystanders remains. Clients in Lisbon on 29 July are advised to avoid the upcoming protest and all associated street gatherings as a precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories on the demonstration; allowances should be made for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of Largo de Sao Domingo on the day.

 

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