AMERICAS

United States

Normal movement on Route 9 near the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Natick, MA can resume after the building was evacuated due to a reported shooting earlier today. While police received a report that a shot was fired within the hotel shortly before 3:00 AM local time, it has not been established that such an incident actually occurred, and no suspect has been located. Residual delays in the vicinity of the hotel are possible while police investigation continues.

Colombia

Travelers in the southwestern departments of Cauca, Huila, Narino, and Valle de Cauca should continue to plan journeys avoiding protests and associated roadblocks by indigenous groups. Roadblocks have halted transportation on major roads, including the Pan-American Highway (Highway 25) between Cali and Popayan, Highway 24 to La Plata, and Highway 20 to Pitalito. Transportation disruption has resulted in shortages of fuel and other goods. Further demonstrations are likely as indigenous groups and the government have yet to reach an agreement.

Mexico

Today through Thursday, March 28, travelers in Mexico City should avoid protests organized by the CNTE teachers’ union as a precaution. Participants will gather at 7:00 AM local time at the Legislative Palace of San Lazaro each day. The rallies are being held over educational reform. Similar protests on March 20 resulted in the closure of several roads and the suspension of a planned Legislative session.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Regional

Travelers in Israel and the Gaza Strip should remain vigilant following recent crossborder hostilities, despite conflicting reports on a possible ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza. This follows Israeli airstrikes on targets in Gaza City and Khan Younis, and the firing of rockets into southern Israel by Palestinian militants last night. The most recent escalation was triggered by a rocket attack overnight on March 24-25 that injured seven people in Mishmeret, north of Tel Aviv. Despite the reported truce, hostilities could resume without warning.

Central African Republic

There is an ongoing risk of yellow fever in Central African Republic. Yellow fever is a potentially severe viral illness spread via mosquito bites. It can be prevented through vaccination and by avoiding mosquito bites. Travelers entering the Central African Republic are required to show proof of vaccination and should receive the vaccine at least 10 days prior to arrival. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may also be required for onward travel.

Comoros

Travelers should exercise caution and continue to avoid all political gatherings linked to the March 24 Presidential and Regional elections. Clashes occurred on Election Day between opposition supporters and security forces, particularly on Anjouan and Grande-Comore islands, amid accusations of electoral fraud. Yesterday, police used tear gas and water bullets to disperse a related demonstration in Anjouan, resulting in multiple injuries. Preliminary results are yet to be released. Should no candidate secure at least 50% of the vote, a second round of elections will take place on April 21.

Congo (DRC)

Several confirmed cases of measles have been reported in Haut Uele and Kwango. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. The illness can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure they are fully immunized against measles.

Ethiopia

Yesterday, a reported fatal explosion at a restaurant in Dhagaxmadow highlights the need to avoid all travel to the Somali region, with the exception of the Fafan and Sitti zones. Local reports claimed the blast, which killed at least four people and injured several others, was triggered by children playing with unexploded ordnance.

Guinea

An increase in measles activity has been reported. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. Measles can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure that they are fully immunized against measles.

Iraq

Travelers in the Kurdistan Region (KR), as well as northern, eastern and southern provinces of federal Iraq, should exercise caution and anticipate further disruption caused by adverse weather. Authorities in several provinces have issued warnings to residents, especially those along the banks of rivers where water levels have significantly increased in recent days, including Shatt al Arab in the south and the Diyala River in the north. The Fish-Khabur crossing between the KR and Syria was closed yesterday due to flooding, while roads and bridges across affected areas have also been blocked.

Kenya

Today, reports indicate that the Baraka Estate section of Baraka Road, near Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), has been closed due to an ongoing protest.

Madagascar

A large outbreak of measles is affecting most of the country. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. Measles can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure that they are fully immunized against measles.

Mali

An increase in measles activity has been recorded in some districts. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Outbreaks occur frequently in under-vaccinated populations. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. Measles can result in serious complications, particularly when very young children, the elderly or pregnant women are infected. All travelers should ensure that they are fully immunized against measles.

Mozambique

Travelers in Cabo Delgado province are reminded of the need to exercise increased vigilance. This comes after at least five people were reportedly killed when suspected members of the Islamist militant group al-Sunnah attacked villages in Ancuabe, Macomia and Meluco districts between March 22-24. The village of Bengala Il was targeted twice on March 22, while Ancuabe, Iba and Mpataula were attacked on March 23-24.

Somalia

Today, travelers in Mogadishu should avoid central areas of the city following a reported suicide car bomb attack at the KM4 Junction. There are also unconfirmed reports of a second blast, though the location is not known.

South Africa

A protest is ongoing along Allandale Road in Midrand. According to reports, demonstrators have used rocks and burning tires to block the road.

Sudan

Today, travelers in Khartoum and Omdurman should avoid planned marches by university students and professionals. Participants will gather at 1:00 PM local time at various universities across both cities. Some of the rallies will proceed towards the Presidential Palace in Khartoum and the National Assembly in Omdurman. Police are liable to forcibly disperse gatherings, posing incidental risks to bystanders.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Bangladesh

Travelers in Bangladesh should minimize time spent in the vicinity of preparations for and voting in the last two of five phases of Local Council elections on March 31 and June 18. During the third phase of polls on March 24, four voters were shot by rival political supporters in Pekua, while a policeman was shot in Chandanaish. While major unrest is not expected during the electoral cycle, political rivalries are liable to manifest themselves in periodic security incidents.

New Zealand

Travelers in Westland district should reconfirm itineraries and expect disruption due to adverse weather. Today, authorities declared a State of Emergency due to flooding and landslides in parts of the district. A stretch of State Highway (SH6) between Hokitika and Makarora has been closed through tomorrow as a precaution. Communications and power supplies remain operational. Authorities are assessing the need for an evacuation of areas south of the Waiho River, including areas near Fox Glacier.

Sri Lanka

Travelers should anticipate disruption to essential services during scheduled power outages. Yesterday, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said it would implement daily power cuts between 8:30 AM and 10:00 PM local time, after dry weather reduced hydropower output. While no specific end date for the outages has been announced, reports suggest that they will persist until the next inter-monsoon period, expected to begin in late April.

EUROPE

Belarus

Travelers in Brest should plan routes bypassing weekly Sunday protests against the construction of a battery factory to minimize inconvenience. The most recent protest was held on March 24. Demonstrations have been focused on Lenin Square, with participants also marching along Sovetskaya and Pushkinskaya streets, disrupting traffic. The protesters claim the factory will be hazardous. Although related gatherings have passed off peacefully, authorities have recently arrested demonstration leaders and journalists, which is likely to sustain tensions.

Germany

Today, passengers transiting Frankfurt Airport (FRA) should reconfirm flights and expect delays due to ongoing air traffic control software issues. Lufthansa (LH) has canceled dozens of flights today.

Italy

Travelers in Liguria should follow official directives and reconfirm the status of routes due to an ongoing forest fire. The fire is affecting the Cogoleto area of Genoa, and strong winds are fanning the flames towards the neighboring province of Savona. Travel on the A10 Highway connecting Genoa with Ventimiglia has been affected; the section between Arenzano and Varazze has been closed. Residents of nearby villages have been evacuated as a precaution.

Montenegro

Travelers in Podgorica should plan journeys bypassing a series of demonstrations complaining of poor governance and demanding the resignation of the President. Previous rallies have been held every Saturday at Independence Square at 6:00 PM local time. A related student demonstration is planned for 5:00 PM on March 30 at St Peter Cetinjski Square.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS