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Securely Travel Brief – 18 May 2018
Today’s Securely Travel brief is culled from the travel warnings and travel alerts found via news media, government and social networks.
SUMMARY:
- United States - Hawaii - Kilauea volcano erupted as forecast launching ash plumes 30,000 feet into the air. Ash fallout to the Southeast of the cauldron continues.
- Ebola - Deaths continue to rise and virus spreads in the DRC (Congo)
- Colombia - Rebel factions continue their attacks
United States - Hawaii - Kilauea volcano erupted as forecast launching ash plumes 30,000 feet into the air.
Ash fallout to the Southeast of the cauldron continues, as face masks, donated by 3M are handed out, one per family. CNN reports approximately 18,000 masks have been dispensed. Meanwhile within the East Rift Zone, a 21st fissure has opened as the line of fissures continues its march toward the northeaster shore of the Big Island. Geologists anticipate additional eruptions. Hawaii’s governor visited media outlets to emphasize the localized nature of the volcano activity and that the rest of Hawaii is open for visitors.
We concur with the Governor’s assessment. Travel to the north and northwest portion of the Big Island of Hawaii will be minimally affected by the Kilauea volcano activity. The other islands making up the state of Hawaii are also largely unaffected, except for the occasional volcanic smog alert. Should winds shift to the northwest ash from the Kilauea summit eruptions may affect a larger swath of the Big Island.
Visitors to the south and south east portion of the Big Island would be well served in acquiring an Ash Mask. Mayor Harry Kim advised,
- Masks may be picked up at Cooper Center in Volcano, Pahala Community Center and Naalehu Community Center. Shipman Park Pavilion in Keeau does not have any more masks.
- Distribution will continue on Friday from 1pm to 7pm at Cooper Center and Ocean View Community Center.
- One mask per family member.
Eruption Update at 1800: HVO has reported new fissure 21 down rift of Makamae St., Leilani Estates. Several fissures have reactivated. Lava is pahoehoe, flows have been generated. Residents be aware. Ash masks available Friday at Cooper Ctr & Ocean View Cmty Ctr #MayorHarryKim
— Mayor Harry Kim (@MayorHarryKim) May 18, 2018
Hawaii authorities are handing out masks for protection as people living near Kilauea volcano brace for an explosive eruption at the peak’s summit. https://t.co/MvipNRzjFM
— AP West Region (@APWestRegion) May 18, 2018
Ebola - deaths continue to rise and virus spreads in the DRC (Congo)
Death in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to rise and medical officials have confirmed Ebola has spread to major population centers. The international health community is rushing 4,000 dosages of a new experimental drug from the World Health Organization. The 4,000 dosages are hoped to allow the DRC officials to stop the spread of Ebola, by vaccinating all in contact with those infected.
Our recommendation is to avoid travel to the DRC, including the capital city Kinshasha until health officials give the all clear with respect to the presence of Ebola.
Two years after the worst Ebola epidemic in history finally subsided, the virus is surging again. A new deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now spread to a city.@DrLaPook explains. https://t.co/iggCROP6St pic.twitter.com/z2EFOAemhI
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 17, 2018
Colombia - Rebel factions continue their attacks
The Australian government warned all travelers to avoid the area of the Venezuelan and Ecuador borders with Colombia, except the Pan American Highway crossing at Ipiales. They specifically note that the cities of Buenaventura and Tumaco are “Do Not Travel” areas.
Take care while taking in the sights of #Colombia. Some small rebel factions continue to disrupt the peace process with targeted attacks. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and read our travel advice https://t.co/4db6D8OQBC
— Smartraveller (@Smartraveller) May 18, 2018
