Travel Securely Securely Travel
SUMMARY:
- United Kingdom - Wildfires
- Nigeria - President calls for calm
- Nigeria - Enhanced airport security
- Bangladesh - Terror threat
- Papua New Guinea - Polio outbreak
- Ecuador - Sierra Negra volcano erupts
Securely Travel Brief – 27 June 2018
Today’s brief is culled from global travel warnings and alerts.
VIDEO SUMMARY:
United Kingdom - Wildfires
The BBC reports that a moorland fire in Saddleworth Moor (Greater Manchester area) has destroyed multiple homes and continues to spread given the bone-dry conditions. The BBC report notes:
“More than 50 homes have been evacuated in Carrbrook, near Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, and 150 people affected.
One resident described seeing “ash falling like rain” and another said it “looked like the apocalypse”.”
Homes evacuated as huge fire on Saddleworth Moor continues to spread in Greater Manchesterhttps://t.co/eUROMm7A7v pic.twitter.com/Krlr6oL9qo
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 27, 2018
Nigeria - President calls for calm
The AFP reports that Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari calls for calm following the killing of more than 80 people by nomadic herders in the central area of Nigeria. Multiple media outlets report on the state of unrest within central Nigeria. Readers may recall the 17 May 2018 brief, which highlighted the threat to travelers within the Kaduna state, when more than 87 passengers were kidnapped from their vehicles.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari calls for calm after 86 people are killed in an attack by suspected nomadic herders against farming communities in the restive central state of Plateau.https://t.co/BPAXANfeMi pic.twitter.com/KKpDBJgLRb
— AFP Africa (@AFPAfrica) June 25, 2018
Nigeria - Enhanced airport security
The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory concerning the enhanced security protocols at Nigerian airports. They caution travelers both in and out of Nigeria to be prepared for their luggage to be thoroughly inspected and to allow adequate time.
#Nigeria: Due to security concerns, Customs Service has intensified screening of all passengers and luggage into and out of Nigeria. Remain vigilant and allow extra time for increased security measures at airports. https://t.co/ck3XPNmSWS
— travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) June 26, 2018
Bangladesh - Terror threat
The Australia government is advising its citizen to reconsider travel to Bangladesh at this time, due to heightened security concerns. The entire Australian travel brief is available: Australia travel brief on Bangladesh
We commend to our reader’s attention the 04 April 2018 travel warning re Bangladesh which we crafted. This warning, was also drawn from the Australian alert to their citizens.
Reconsider your need to travel to #Bangladesh due to the uncertain security situation. Read the latest travel advice here. https://t.co/gkZrmq4VXU
— Smartraveller (@Smartraveller) June 27, 2018
Papua New Guinea - Polio outbreak
Confirmed cases of Polio have been detected in Papua New Guinea according to the UK FCO, who issued a warning to its citizens.
Papua New Guinea has been featured in previous briefs with focus on inter-tribal violence and the presence of the Zika virus.
The 22 June and the 20 June briefs highlighted the warning from the Australian government: “Reconsider your need to travel to Mendi in Southern Highlands Province. Tensions remain high and could turn violent without warning.” and the travel advice from the UK FCO: “The FCO now advise against all but essential travel to Hela and Southern Highlands provinces, following significantly increased levels of tribal fighting and the declaration of states of emergency by the PNG government.”
Ecuador - Sierra Negra volcano erupts
The US Department of State noted the eruption of the Sierra Negra volcano located in the Galapagos Islands. Travelers to the region should verify travel arrangements if a trip to the Galapagos was part of their itinerary.
#Ecuador Natural Disaster Alert: According to the Ecuadorian Geographic Institute, the Sierra Negra Volcano began erupting on June 26. Rural area inhabitants have been evacuated to Puerto Villamil as a precaution. Visitors are advised to avoid Sierra Negra until further notice. pic.twitter.com/0nqGDIdvwp
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) June 27, 2018
