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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

UNITED STATES(SOUTH CAROLINA) - The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Flash Flood Warning alerts for the Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties in South Carolina state early on 5 October. The advisories follow significant rainfall and associated flooding in the state since 3 October, which has resulted in the deaths of at least five people thus far. In addition, significant disruptions to travel and business services have been reported in flood-affected areas, including Mount Pleasant, Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Greek, Hanahan, Moncks Corner and McClellanville. Emergency services have been deployed to affected areas and are assisting with rescue and relief efforts. It should be noted that a state of emergency remains in effect for parts of South Carolina as of 5 October; at least eight counties imposed overnight curfews on 4/5 October due to concerns over floodwater dangers. The current weather system is expected to persist until 6 October, at least; this may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by torrential rainfall. Further associated transport disruptions are possible, as are possible disruptions to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Persons operating in the aforementioned counties in the near term are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. The NSW website (http://www.weather.gov/) can be accessed for more specific details on these advisories. Caution is advised in low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding. Travellers should confirm the status of scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority, prior to departure.
 
UNITED KINGDOM(SOUTHERN ENGLAND) - Unionised signalmen are expected to stage a series of work stoppages at the Swindon A and Thames Valley Signalling Centre from 5 to 9 October. The industrial action, which has been called over a long-running dispute concerning the dismissal of an employee, is expected to disrupt Network Rail services in western areas of Greater London as well as in the South East and South West England regions. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, disruptions to rail services should be anticipated. The industrial action is also likely to result in an increased demand for other modes of public transport on the affected days. It should be noted that negotiations between Network Rail and the respective unions may resume in the coming days. As such, the strike action may be postponed, cancelled or extended on short notice. Clients intending to make use of Network Rail services in the affected areas are advised to contact the rail operator or their travel provider to enquire about the status of services. 

FRANCE - Employees of rail operator SNCF are expected to participate in a countrywide union-led work stoppage between 7 and 9 October. The action is expected to take place from 19:00 local time on 7 October, until 09:00 on 9 October. Labour unions, including CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail, have called for the action in response to proposed labour policy reforms which are expected to negatively affect work schedules and wages.  The strike comes amid failed negotiations between the unions and the rail operator. Disruptions, including delays and cancellations, should be anticipated during the work stoppage. Furthermore, an increase in demand for other carriers is also likely during the strike period. Clients intending to make use of SNCF rail services between 7 and 9 October are advised to contact their travel provider, or the rail operator directly, for an update on the status of travel arrangements.   

CHINA(GUANGDONG, HAINAN, GUANGXI, HUNAN & GUIZHOU PROVINCES) - (Update) Severe winds and heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Mujigae resulted in the deaths of at least six people in China's south eastern Guangdong province on 4 October. A further 215 people were also reportedly wounded as result of the inclement weather. The storm system triggered widespread travel disruptions (rail, water and air) along the country's southern coast; including in Zhanjiang (Guangdong province) and Hainan Island (Hainan province). Several areas were also affected by disruptions to basic utilities such as water and electricity services. Mujigae, which is currently rated as a Category 1 storm, has since moved into the Guangxi province, where it continues to move in a north easterly direction. Emergency services have been deployed to storm-affected areas in the country to assist with rescue and relief efforts. China is vulnerable to tropical storms annually from May to December. It should be noted that China's meteorological authorities have forecast further inclement weather in parts of the Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan and Guizhou provinces until 6 October, at least. This may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by torrential rainfall. In addition, further disruptions to utilities and transport services should be anticipated in storm-affected areas. Clients in or planning to travel to China over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Updates on the storm's development and applicable advisories from the local authorities are available on the China Meteorological Administration website (http://www.cma.gov.cn/en2014/weather/Warnings/). Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions due to the risks of flooding and landslides, respectively. Travellers should reconfirm all scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority prior to departure. 
 
TAIWAN - (Update) A dengue fever outbreak in Taiwan has infected over 20,000 people in 2015. Local authorities stated on 4 October that the figure represents a 31.5 percent increase over the total number of reported cases in 2014. In addition, at least 58 people have died after contracting the mosquito-borne disease. The majority of the 2015 cases have occurred since 1 May. Tainan City (17,497 cases) and Kaohsiung City (2,699 cases) have been the worst affected areas. The capital, Taipei, has reported approximately 39 cases while 40 cases have been reported in New Taipei. Taiwan is one of a number of countries in the wider region that have been affected by a dengue fever outbreak. The outbreak is not unusual and is typically associated with the rainy season which in Taiwan lasts until November. Persons travelling to the affected regions are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants, particularly at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are generally most active. Individuals exhibiting symptoms (high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pain, nausea and vomiting), or requiring additional information, are advised to consult a medical practitioner.

IRAQ(ABU GHRAIB, BAGHDAD(KARKH & AL-RUSAFA AREAS), KARBALA, MAYSAN & AL DIWANIYAH) - (Update) Approximately 827 people in Iraq have contracted cholera in recent weeks, with at least ten deaths recorded thus far. One of the worst-affected areas is the Abu Ghraib area, which is located west of the capital, Baghdad. Recent cases have been reported in Baghdad (Karkh and al-Rusafa areas), Karbala city, Maysan governorate and Al Diwaniyah city. Cholera is a particular concern in areas where sanitation is poor. The disease is transmitted by consuming contaminated water or liquids. Persons in Iraq should take precaution with food and beverages. Persons exhibiting cholera symptoms (diarrhoea and vomiting) or requiring additional information about the disease should contact their medical practitioner. Please note that clients are advised against all travel to a number of central Iraqi governorates, including Anbar, Karbala and Baghdad, and against all non-essential travel to several southern governorates, including Maysan and Qadisiyah, due to ongoing levels of insecurity in these regions.   

SLOVAKIA - The crime and overall risk rating for Slovakia has dropped from medium to low, following a periodic review. Slovakia is considered to be a low-risk country, as there are no significant or widespread security risks. Although the crime risk is low, the threat is marginally elevated in the capital, Bratislava. Petty street crime is the most likely form of crime to affect travellers. Violent crime is rarely reported, with only occasional incidents occurring in the capital. Organised criminal groups operate throughout Slovakia. The criminal groups are mainly involved in auto theft, financial fraud, gambling, prostitution, public corruption, protection rackets, and cybercrime. There is a developing extremist right-wing presence in Slovakia. Various groups and individuals have been known to conduct hate crimes, often targeting the ethnic Hungarian or Roma (Gypsy) minorities in the country. Travellers of African or Asian origin may also be targeted. The frequency of incidents, however, remains relatively low. Clients in Slovakia are advised to maintain basic security precautions with regard to their property, particularly in the capital.   

NIGER(DIFFA) - Several people were killed on 4 October when as many as four suicide bombers detonated explosive devices in the town of Diffa, the administrative capital of Niger's south eastern Diffa region. According to reports released on 5 October, the assailants attempted to attack a police facility in the town but were confronted by local residents who alerted security forces. The militants subsequently detonated their explosive belts before reaching the police station, killing themselves and at least six other people. The attack has been linked to the Nigeria-based Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect. Following the Nigerien government's operational and logistical support of regional anti-Boko Haram initiatives, the sect has executed a number of retaliatory attacks targeting settlements near the Nigerian border in Niger's southern Dosso, Diffa and Zinder regions. These attacks are likely to continue while Niger is involved in counterinsurgency operations against the sect. Due to the threats of conflict, kidnapping and terrorism, all travel to areas within a 50km radius of Niger's shared border with Nigeria in the former's Diffa and Zinder regions is advised against. Clients operating in these regions despite this advisory should ensure that all movements are coordinated in the presence of a security escort and accommodation sought in secured residential compounds.   

GUINEA(N'ZEREKORE) - At least one person was killed, and 80 others wounded, amid an outbreak of politically motivated violence in Guinea's south western city of N'Zerekore on 2 and 3 October. Following an election campaign by president, Alpha Conde, in N'Zerekore, supporters of the incumbent clashed with loyalists of opposition leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo. A night-time curfew of an indefinite period has since been declared in the city.  The outbreak of violence, which followers similar clashes between Conde and Diallo supporters in Koundara on September, comes in the run-up to Guinea's presidential election which is set to take place on 11 October 2015. As with previous elections, the forthcoming ballot will take place in a climate of heightened ethno-political tensions in the country with Guinea's primary ethnic blocs, namely the Malinke and the Fulani, expected to vote for Conde and Diallo respectively. There are concerns that the period leading up to, during and in the immediate aftermath of the vote, could also be marred by further outbreaks of violence.  Clients in Guinea are advised to monitor political developments, review all contingency plans and avoid all related protests and demonstrations. Due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak and associated disruptions, all non-essential travel to Guinea is currently advised against.   

URUGUAY(MONTEVIDEO) - Taxi drivers affiliated with the SUATT union plan to strike from 17:00 local time on 5 October in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo. An associated gathering is also anticipated near the Sindicato de Artes Graficas building along Durazno road. The motivation for the agitation is currently unclear. Clients in Montevideo who intend utilising taxi services on 5 October should consider alternative options, including arranging transport through their hotel, a local contact or the local airport. The related gathering should be avoided as a standard precaution.   

ANGOLA(LUANDA) - Localised traffic disruptions and delays have been reported in the vicinity of an ongoing taxi strike in Angola's capital, Luanda, on 5 October. The taxi drivers have reportedly undertaken a work stoppage to protest against the rising cost of fuel in the country. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the roadway between Morro Bento and the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport has been restricted due to roadblocks raised by the taxi drivers. Persons in Luanda on 5 October are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action and advisories from the local authorities. All associated demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to make allowances for potential travel delays.   

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - Civil organisations have called for a major protest against proposed constitutional reforms in Yerevan, on 5 October. Participants are expected to gather outside Parliament for a major rally from 16:00 local time. The demonstration forms part of a campaign against a draft constitution put forward by President Serzh Sargsyan and has been organised to coincide with a key parliamentary vote; the proposed amendments would allow for the transition to a parliamentary system of government with an executive prime minister. Opposition forces assert that this move would effectively enable Sargsyan to assume the role of prime minister when his second and final term as president concludes in 2018. Although the protest action is expected to conclude without incident, the possibility of low-level clashes between protesters and police cannot be dismissed. The gathering is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the area. Persons in Yerevan on 5 October are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and related street gatherings as a precaution. Clients are further advised to make provisions for potential travel disruptions and plan accordingly.

POLAND(WARSAW) - Health professionals in Poland are expected to protest in the capital, Warsaw, on 6 October. Participants are expected to gather in front of the Parliament building at 12:00 local time. The protest has been called to demand improved working conditions and wage increases.  A related protest held on 28 September ended without major incident and was well attended. The upcoming protest is expected to conclude without violent unrest; however, the incidental risk cannot be discounted. As the demonstration is likely to be well attended, localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest venue should be anticipated. Persons in the vicinity of the above-mentioned area are advised to avoid all street protests or demonstrations. 
 
PAKISTAN - The All Pakistan Traders' Association (APTA) has called for a countrywide strike in Pakistan on 7 October. The work stoppage has been called to protest the government's decision to impose a withholding (retention) tax on bank transactions in the country. The industrial action is expected to be observed in major urban centres countrywide, including Lahore, Karachi and the capital, Islamabad.  Related strikes held in August and early September resulted in significant business disruptions. It should be noted that disruptions to banking, internet, telecommunications and other electronics-based services, as a result of the industrial action, cannot be discounted. In the earlier strikes, there were no reports of large-scale protests associated with the agitation. Should demonstrations take place, as with all protests in Pakistan, there is a high risk of violence, with clashes between protesters and security forces regularly reported. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of any protests or gatherings that may take place. Due to a number of ongoing concerns, clients are advised against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. All non-essential travel to the rest of the country is advised against. Persons currently in Pakistan should anticipate disruptions to businesses and essential services on 7 October. Clients are advised to plan accordingly and monitor local media sources for updates and advisories. All associated protest action should be avoided as a precaution.
 
COTE 'IVOIRE(ABIDJAN) - The opposition party, National Coalition for Change (CNC), is expected to hold a political rally in Cote d'Ivoire's capital, Abidjan, on 7 October. Participants are expected to gather at Place Ficgayo in the Yopougon area. The start times and duration of the rally have not been disclosed.  The CNC has called for the protest to demand greater political reform by the government of President Alassane Ouattara, ahead of presidential elections on 25 October 2015. Previous CNC rallies have descended into violent confrontations between opposition activists and security forces in a number of cities, including Abidjan. Given the anti-government nature of the upcoming protest, further acts of political violence and unrest are possible. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Cote d'Ivoire due to various security concerns. Persons in the country ahead of the elections should monitor local media closely for information on planned protests. All street demonstrations should be avoided as a standard precaution. 

SOUTH AFRICA - South Africa's largest trade union federation, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), has called for mass cross-sector strikes throughout the country on 7 October. The industrial action has been organised to coincide with World Day for Decent Work; COSATU reportedly intends to use the international observance to bring attention to the slow pace of job creation in South Africa. Several affiliate unions, including the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), have already expressed their intent to support COSATU's call to strike. An estimated 250,000 members are expected to participate in the work stoppages on the day. Details surrounding any associated protests have not been disclosed; however, demonstrations are likely in major urban centres such as the capital, Pretoria, as well as the cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein. Such events will likely occur within the aforementioned cities' central business districts. Protests and demonstrations stemming from political issues and labour disputes are common in South Africa. Although anticipated to pass peacefully, precedent suggests that the potential for violence and/or criminality at COSATU demonstrations cannot be discounted. Furthermore, significant disruptions to road travel, in addition to other public services, should be anticipated for the duration of the industrial action. Persons in South Africa on 7 October are advised to monitor local media for updates on the industrial action and announcements on the locations of associated demonstrations. Clients are further advised to make allowances for possible travel and business disruptions on the day. All large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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