Travel Securely Securely Travel
Today’s Securely Travel brief is culled from global travel warnings and alerts.
SUMMARY:
- Wildfires Greece
- Wildfires Sweden
- Laos hydroelectric dam bursts
- Nicaragua - Do Not Travel
- Global Elections - Cambodia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Comoros, and Mali
Securely Travel Brief – 24 July 2018
Wildfires Greece
The extreme heat and dry conditions have created catastrophic fires in Greece, as multiple villages are devastated. According to the AFP, 74 people have died in Greece as fires devoured their homes. A state of emergency exists in the eastern and western portions of Greater Athens area.
Travelers should be constantly monitoring local media, including social media and be alert for rapidly changing situations involving local first responders. Recommendation for those in proximity, if unable to evacuate at this time, to consolidate belongings to only the essentials (closed-toe shoes, medication, one change of clothes, documents, and some pre-wrapped protein bars and water) into a “go-bag” to grab and go.
Call +30 210 324 8098 for updates in English.
#NOAA20 satellite captured the devastating fires around #Athens #Greece last night which have already caused significant loss of life and severe damage to the area. Winds over 50 mph contributed to the rapid spread of the deadly fires. pic.twitter.com/otHw6Wzt6L
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) July 24, 2018
Wildfires Sweden
Multiple media outlets are covering the wildfires which are burning in multiple locals in Sweden. The fires, burning for over a week, have necessitated assistance from throughout the EU is on its way, including 150 fire fighters from Poland to fight the Swedish wildfires. As of today, 24 July 2018, Sweden is fighting four critical fires and the risk of additional fires is very high, as the government of Sweden advises that the current threat of fires spreading is “extremely high. (Swedish language)”
Travelers may keep up-to-date on the wildfires via this official Swedish website: Crisis Information Sweden.
Sweden has been forced to ask other European nations for help in battling against its worst wildfires in decades.
Smoke can even be seen from space https://t.co/BfKTWGap1s pic.twitter.com/2rOC2YjEcI
— ITV News (@itvnews) July 20, 2018
Laos hydroelectric dam bursts
Large volumes of water were released when the hydroelectric dam on the Xe Pian River in southern Laow burst on 23 July. The ensuing flood resulted in casualties. The Laos News Agency noted that 5 billion cubic meters of water was released affecting areas in southern Laos. Hundreds of persons are missing, and more than 6,000 are now homeless.
Nicaragua - Do Not Travel
The United States has previously declared Nicaragua a Do Not Travel zone. U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning concerning multiple demonstrations taking place in Managua and reminding its constituents that foreigners risk arrest and expulsion if they participate.
Global Elections: Cambodia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Comoros, and Mali
Cambodia - The Canadian government issued a travel advice re the general elections scheduled for 29 July 2018 in Cambodia. The advice is straightforward: Avoid all demonstrations, monitor local media, including social media for the most current information, and adhere to the instructions of local authorities.
Comoros - The US Department of State has issued a Security Alert re Comoros advising citizens to be especially vigilant when moving about urban areas, especially Anjouan as the run-up to the constitutional referendum approaches. The voting day is 30 July 2018. On 21 July 2018, the vehicle carrying Vice President Moustadroine Abdou was fired upon by unknown assailants.
Mali - The Canadian government issued a travel advice re the first round of the Presidential elections in Mali scheduled for 29 July 2018. The warning is explicit in calling out the possibility that terrorist groups may wish to disrupt the election. Citizens are advised to avoid demonstrations and adhere to the instructions of local authorities.
Pakistan - The Australian government has issued a travel advice re the general elections to be held on 25 July 2018 in Pakistan. The advice is specific. Avoid crowds, keep a low profile. Expect phone and internet services to be interrupted. Should violence occur in various cities, notify your next of kin of your location and safety.
Bangladesh - The Australian government has issued a travel advice re the local elections to be held 24-27 July 2018 in Cox’s Bazaar. The risk of political violence is high. Their recommendation is to avoid the area and roads leading in and around the refugee camps.
Zimbabwe - The Canadian government issued a travel advice re the elections scheduled to take place on 30 July 2018. Demonstrations are expected in the central business districts of Harare, Bulawayo, and other urban centers. As always, the recommendation for foreigners is to void demonstrations, monitor local media for updates and be alert at all times.
