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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(ARKANSAS, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, TEXAS) - A state of disaster has been declared in Louisiana and Texas following more than a week of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms which have caused widespread flooding and extensive damages in the affected areas, particularly along the border between the two states, in addition to extensive damages in Mississippi. Reports indicate that over two million people are affected by the floods. The National Guard has evacuated thousands of people in affected areas, with six casualties so far reported. Heavy rains have also caused extensive disruptions in Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama. Flood warnings remain in place for parts of Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. Continued adverse weather in these areas may result in travel delays and disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Disruptions associated with the flooding are also expected to persist over the near-term. Clients in the affected states are advised to monitor media closely for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Persons operating in these areas should contact their travel provider for an update on the status of their transport service(s) and for travel alternatives. Heightened caution is advised when travelling near rivers and in flood-affected areas. For updates on current flood locations and warnings, please visit http://water.weather.gov/

UNITED KINGDOM(LIVERPOOL, NORTH WEST ENGLAND) - Localised travel and business disruptions have been reported in Liverpool, UK, following the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb along the Paul Mall thoroughfare, early on 15 March. Emergency services are currently surveying the area around the bomb and a mandatory evacuation order has been implemented for a 200m radius around the explosive. It is currently unclear how long bomb disposal operations will take. This is the third bomb to have been discovered along Paul Mall, one of Liverpool's busiest commuter routes, in two days. At least two other explosives were discovered by construction workers on Paul Mall on 14 March, triggering similar evacuation orders and related disruptions in the area. Urban centres in the United Kingdom were subject to heavy bombing during the final stages of the Second World War; many devices failed to explode and have subsequently been found during construction work. The detonation or disposal of these bombs usually concludes without incident; despite this, safety precautions, such as mandatory evacuations, are still implemented by authorities. Persons currently operating in Liverpool, or planning to travel to areas covered by the evacuation order, are advised to monitor developments closely and adhere to advisories issued by the local authorities. Localised disruptions to travel and business services in the vicinity of the bomb are expected to continue in the immediate-term; as such, clients are advised to adjust their travel plans accordingly.

GERMANY(BERLIN) - A vehicle exploded along Bismarckstrasse in the Charlottenburg area of Germany's capital, Berlin, earlier on 15 March. The explosion left the driver dead. The cause of the blast is unclear. Police are on the scene and the section of Bismarckstrasse between Richard-Wagner-strasse and Leibnizstrasse has been closed. Local residents have been urged to remain indoors. Persons in Berlin should avoid the affected area until the police operation has concluded.

THAILAND(NOK AIR) - According to reports released on 14 March, Thailand's low-cost carrier, Nok Air, is expected to experience disruptions to scheduled services. The airline is scheduled to cancel approximately 60 flights a day until 31 March, due to budgetary and technical constraints. Disruptions to all Nok Air services, including additional delays and cancellations, should be anticipated. An increased demand for flights on alternative airlines is likely to continue in the immediate-term. Residual disruptions resulting from a backlog of flights remain possible after 31 March. Persons intending to make use of Nok Air services in Thailand are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider for further information regarding the status of their flight(s).

ALGERIA(SERIF INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - Setif International Airport, also known as Ain Arnat Airport, located in Setif, Algeria, has been temporarily closed on 15 March. The closure is expected to affect the airport for the following ten months due to re-structuring and scheduled maintenance work. Airport authorities have named alternative facilities capable of accommodating additional scheduled services and passenger transfers; these include Bejaia Airport, Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport, and Batna International Airport. Personnel intending to fly to and from the aforementioned facilities in the coming months are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Rail transport services on the underground service in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, have been disrupted on 15 March due to a bomb threat. An anonymous call was sent to emergency services earlier indicating that there was an explosive device at the Beli Dunav station. Police have reportedly prevented commuters from entering the Nadezhda and Beli Dunav stations. Persons intending travelling via the underground on 15 March should plan for possible delays. The directives of the local authorities should be closely adhered. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the police.

ANGOLA(YELLOW FEVER) - (Update) Latest reports on 15 March indicate that at least 138 people have died as a result of an ongoing yellow fever outbreak in Angola. A further 813 suspected cases of infection have been reported in the country since the disease was first recorded in the capital, Luanda, in late December 2015. The disease has since spread to several other locations, including the provinces of Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Huambo, and Huila. However, Luanda remains the worst-affected area to date. Yellow fever is a viral disease primarily transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. Most infections are mild, but a severe infection can result in high fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, vomiting, loss of appetite and backache. After three to four days, most patients improve and their symptoms disappear; however, some infected persons may enter a 'toxic phase', which often proves fatal to those infected. There is no specific treatment for the disease. Angolan authorities have stated that the current outbreak is being exacerbated by poor sanitation. A significant vaccination campaign has been launched in the country in order curb the spread of the disease. Persons currently in or intending to travel to Angola in the medium-term should ensure that they have been vaccinated against yellow fever. Furthermore, clients are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Persons who show symptoms of yellow fever are advised to consult a medical practitioner.

LIBYA - At least 15 Egyptian nationals have reportedly been abducted by suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in Libya. The abduction occurred on 14 March as they were returning to Egypt from Libya's capital, Tripoli. It is unclear exactly where the abduction occurred or if any ransom has been demanded. There is an extreme risk of kidnapping in Libya. The threat stems from various groups, including IS. IS maintains strongholds in central Libya around Sirte and is present in north western Libya around Sarbatha and in the Benghazi and Derna areas. The group conducts kidnappings to raise ransoms and for political purposes. Many of its hostages have been murdered following their capture. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds. Travellers should maintain crisis management plans in conjunction with their security provider.

IRAQ(ANBAR GOVERNORATE) - Islamic State (IS) forces have reportedly withdrawn from Hit, Rutba and Kubaysa and redeployed to al-Qaim in Anbar governorate. The purported withdrawal from these areas follows the initiation of Operation Desert Lynx by pro-government forces in Anbar on 12 March. The apparent withdrawal of forces from these cities and towns is unconfirmed. However, the development does coincide with recent IS losses in the wider Anbar governorate and renewed attempts by pro-government forces to reclaim control of towns and cities along the Euphrates River. Despite recent setbacks, IS forces continue to launch almost daily assaults against pro-government positions across the governorate. The group also maintains control of Fallujah. Clients are advised against all travel to Anbar governorate. Clients operating in the region should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds.

BANGLADESH(CHITTAGONG DIVISION) - Clashes between villagers resulted in casualties in the Chittagong division of south eastern Bangladesh on 14 March. Two people were killed and at least 60 others wounded when members of a minority Islamic group clashed with local villagers over the construction of a mosque in the Noakhali district. Security personnel who were deployed to the scene are reported to have fired rubber bullets and teargas to disperse the violent crowd. The incident serves to highlight the high-risk travel environment in Bangladesh. Further incidents of this nature remain possible. Clients in Bangladesh are advised to exercise heightened levels of personal security awareness at all times. Heightened caution is advised in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, where the security situation is more volatile than in other parts of the country, due to a low-level insurgency.

COTE D'IVOIRE - Terrorism risk rating for Cote d'Ivoire upgraded from low to medium in light of a recent major act of terrorism and the risk of further such attacks over the medium-term. The risk rating does not impact the country's overall risk rating, which is high. The terrorism risk in Cote d'Ivoire has, historically, been low. The most significant risks in-country have stemmed from political instability, crime and conflict. However, in recent years, the risk from Islamist extremists, particularly those based in the wider region, notably in Mali, has grown. A major attack on 13 March in Grand Bassam, which left 18 people, including a number of foreign nationals, dead, has served to underscore this risk. The attack, which was claimed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Mabghreb (AQIM), was conducted by three to six gunmen who infiltrated the city and attacked persons at three hotels in a beach resort area. AQIM stated that its affiliate, al-Murabitoun, was behind the assault. This band, led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar, reintegrated with AQIM in 2015 and was also responsible for the hotel attacks in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) in January, Bamako (Mali) in November and Sevare (Mali) in August. The attack in Grand Bassam follows several attacks in southern Mali near the Cote d'Ivoire border. Militants in Mali have increasingly targeted state and Western interests further south in Mali since 2015. Cote d'Ivoire is the latest manifestation of this general trend. Given the relatively poor counterterrorism capability of the local security forces, porous borders and dearth of potential targets in Cote d'Ivoire, further attacks remain a probability. All non-essential travel to Cote d'Ivoire is advised against due to various security concerns and against all travel to the western administrative regions of Dix-Huit Montagnes, Moyen-Cavally and Bas-Sassandra which border Liberia, as these areas are known to be particularly insecure due to the presence of numerous criminal groups and armed militias. Clients operating in the country should consider the use of a security escort. Residential compounds or hotels should have adequate security in place, including a 24-hour physical security presence, access control and perimeter security.

TURKEY(DIYARBAKIR) - Clashes between security forces and militants linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) were reported in parts of the city of Diyarbakir, in south eastern Turkey, overnight on 14/15 March. The fighting was reported in the Baglar, Kosuyolu and Seyrantepe areas and surrounds. A number of casualties were reported. The city and the wider Diyarbakir province have been affected by low-level violence between security forces and PKK militants since mid-2015. The authorities have responded with heavy deployments of police and military and have implemented curfews in many areas. The fighting is expected to persist. Note that PKK supporters and militants regularly establish road blocks in cities and between urban centres. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Diyarbakir province. Persons in the region should travel with a trained security driver and avoid travel at night. Intercity travel should be avoided, if possible.

MACEDONIA(SKOPJE) - The civil platform for politics, Ajde, has called for a protest march in Macedonia's capital, Skopje, on 15 March. Participants are expected to gather in front of the Government Building at 18:00 local time and march to the National Office of the President and Parliament, before arriving at the Constitutional Court, where they will remain overnight until the scheduled Constitutional Court session on 16 March. The gathering has been organised to coincide with the vote for amnesty by the Constitutional Court, which will allow for the pardoning of officials suspected of election fraud. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the Constitutional Court as a result of the protest and vigil. The risk of violence at the upcoming gathering is expected to be low; nonetheless, the possibility of low-level clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Skopje on 15 March are advised to avoid all street protests as standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

NIGERIA(LAGOS) - Students involved in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are set to stage a mass demonstration in Lagos, Nigeria, on 15 March. The protest action has been called in response to perceived irregularities in the aforementioned examination, which is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The students are demanding the removal of the JAMB registrar in light of their grievances. Although the specific starting time and gathering point of the event is unclear, local media report that the demonstration will conclude at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Ikeja on the day. The upcoming demonstration is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the protest action. Although the event is expected to conclude peacefully, the potential for isolated skirmishes between security forces and protesters cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in Lagos on 15 March are advised to monitor local media for updates on the protest action and any related advisories from the local authorities. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to accommodate potential travel disruptions in the vicinity of demonstration sites.

HUNGARY(BUDAPEST) - Teachers in Hungary have called for a mass rally in the capital, Budapest, on 15 March. Participants are anticipated to gather at Hero's Square at 15:00 local time and proceed along Andrassy Avenue via Kossuth Square before concluding at the Parliament building. The protest has been called in response to the government's inability to provide basic school supplies and in opposition to the current school curriculum. At least 7,000 teachers and members of society are anticipated to participate in the upcoming gathering. Although the protest is expected to conclude peacefully, the threat of violent confrontations cannot be discounted. Furthermore, the march is expected to result in significant travel disruptions within the march route. Clients in Budapest on 15 March are advised to avoid all protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Furthermore, as the protest march is expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

SPAIN - Various political parties and civil organisations have called for countrywide protests in Spain on 16 March. The protests which are expected to take place in various urban centres are anticipated to begin at 18:30 local time; further information is unavailable. The demonstrations have been called in opposition to the European Union (EU)-Turkey immigration deal which was provisionally agreed upon on 7 March. The EU-Turkey deal proposes to return thousands of refugees from Greece to Turkey. Various organisations are opposed to the agreement as they deem it to be in contravention of international law and inhumane. Incidents of civil unrest, including demonstrations regularly take place in Spain's major urban areas, particularly in the capital, Madrid, and the second-largest city, Barcelona. These take place over a range of both domestic and international concerns, and are usually peaceful in nature. The upcoming protests are likely to be well attended as a result localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of protest locations. Clients in Spain on 16 March are advised monitor local media broadcasts for updates on the upcoming protests. Persons are also advised to avoid all protests and related street gatherings as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the gatherings are expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

BOLIVIA(LA PAZ) - The National Confederation of Neighbourhood Councils has called for a pro-government rally in the city of La Paz, Bolivia on 16 March. Participants are anticipated to gather in the city's downtown area and march to the Federation of Neighbourhood Committees of La Paz building. Further information is unavailable. The gathering has been called in support of the President Evo Morales, following a 21 February referendum that barred him from running for an additional term in 2019. Disruptions to road travel should be expected in affected parts of the city, particularly along the march route. The threat of violence at such gatherings is considered elevated. Clashes between police and protesters are frequently reported. A common protester tactic is to establish roadblocks along roads. Violent civil unrest is commonly triggered when the security forces attempt to remove these structures. Clients in Bolivia on 16 March are advised to monitor local media for related updates. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ARGENTINA - The State Workers Association (ATE) has called for a countrywide strike in Argentina on 16 and 17 March to demand the reinstatement of recently retrenched state workers. Associated demonstrations are also planned, including in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Disruptions to state operations should be expected during the strike period. Protests are expected to be held in major public squares in cities and towns across the country. Clients in Argentina during the strike period should monitor local media for further information on the location of planned rallies. These should be avoided as a standard precaution.

LATIVA(RIGA) - Marches commemorating Legion Day are expected to take place in Latvia's capital, Riga, on 16 March. Participants are anticipated to gather at the Doma Cathedral and march to the Freedom Monument in the city centre. The annual event is organised by the Daugavas Vanagi veterans' association and is typically supported by right-wing and nationalist groups. Although unconfirmed, anti-fascist groups are likely to hold counter-demonstrations on the day. As such, security in the capital is likely to be heightened, including the erection of barricades by police to separate rival demonstrators. Opposition to Legion Day, an unofficial annual commemoration, remains pronounced throughout the country, as the day is seen as a celebration of Latvia's alliance with Nazi Germany during the Second World War. Officials in Riga have attempted to ban Legion Day commemorations in the past; however, events have been sanctioned in recent years, including in 2016. Recent events have concluded without major incident. Nevertheless, confrontations between rival demonstrators cannot be dismissed. Furthermore, localised traffic disruptions are possible in the vicinity of the Freedom Monument. Clients in Riga and possibly elsewhere in Latvia are advised to avoid all Legion Day commemorative events and counter-demonstrations as a precaution.

SRI LANKA(COLOMBO) - A coalition of opposition groups, including the United People's Freedom Allianace (UPFA) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), are scheduled to hold a rally in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, on 17 March. The anti-government rally is being held in opposition to economic reforms initiated by President Maithripala Sirisena. The rally forms part of a newly initiated anti-government campaign by a joint opposition in support of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The campaign will address decreasing agricultural subsidies and the Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) trade pact between India and Sri Lanka, as well as the postponement of elections; related protest activity in this regard is expected to increase in the coming weeks and months. The upcoming rally is expected to conclude peacefully; nonetheless, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the gathering. Clients in Colombo are advised to avoid all demonstrations, rallies and protests as a precautionary measure. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for announcements relating to further protests or politically motivated rallies.

SRI LANKA(COLOMBO) - The ruling United National Party (UNP) has called for a demonstration march in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 15 March. Participants are reported to be gathering at city's Hyde Park area. The gathering has been called in protest against corruption allegations made by the opposition. Protests and demonstrations related to political and socio-economic issues occur sporadically in Sri Lanka; however, these occur more frequently in Colombo and other major urban centres. Travel disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the protest location. Clients in Colombo are advised to avoid all protests and related street gatherings. Clients in the protest area advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays.

SRI LANKA - Authorities in Sri Lanka have ordered the deployment of military personnel to power facilities countrywide as of 14 March. The heightened security measure was prompted by a countrywide power failure on 13 March. The failure was the most recent and third countrywide power failure reported in a period of six months. According to local reports, authorities have deemed these incidents as unusual and possibly an act of sabotage. Investigations into the ongoing power failure incidents are underway. The military has been deployed to protect all installations and electricity substations connected to the National Power Grid; as such, localised travel disruptions and associated checkpoints are likely in the vicinity of these facilities. Clients in Sri Lanka are advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays due to the aforementioned security measures over the near-term.

COLOMBIA - A national strike is expected in Colombia on 17 March. The countrywide strike was called for by a coalition of organisations including political parties, civil society organisations, student bodies, and labour unions, including the large Confederation of Workers of Colombia (CUT), in response to economic issues, including low minimum wages, student debt, privatisation programs, and tax reform. The main rally is set to take place in the capital, Bogota; participants are expected to gather at the District Administrative Centre (CAD) at 10:00 local time and proceed to Plaza de Bolivar. Rallies in urban centres elsewhere in the country will likely centre on central squares and government buildings. The strike is a continuation of a series of protest acts since 2013 by a number of the aforementioned groups and is expected to be well attended, particularly the rally in Bogota. As such, localised disruptions are anticipated along the protest route. The risk of violence at the upcoming strike is assessed to be low; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between participants and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Colombia on 17 March are advised to avoid all street rallies as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be adjusted to make allowances for potential travel disruptions, particularly in Bogota, Cali and Medellin.

ECUADOR(QUITO) - Various organisations, including the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) and the United Workers Front (FUT), have called for a demonstration in Ecuador's capital, Quito, on 17 March. The demonstration is scheduled to commence at 16:00 local time in the northern centre of the city and proceed to the Plaza de Santo Domingo. The protest has been called to denounce economic reforms implemented by the Rafael Correa administration, which opponents allege are unconstitutional. Ecuador has been affected by regular anti-government protests over constitutional amendments and other concerns since 2015. Amendments relating to the lifting of presidential term limits, as well as economic and labour reforms, have been of particular concern to CONAIE and other activist and indigenous groups. CONAIE and other groups, such as the Popular Front and FUT, have led several high-profile demonstrations. The majority of the events have been peaceful, although the risk of violence remains. Localised road traffic disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration. Clients in Quito on 17 March are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the demonstration and avoid large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be adjusted to accommodate potential road travel disruptions.

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