LEGEND TRAVEL NEWS ALERT 23 APR 2019 APRIL 23, 2019

AMERICAS

Chile

On Thursday, April 25, travelers in urban centers should avoid protests by various students’ organizations due to the potential for local unrest. In Santiago, participants will march at 11:00 AM local time from Plaza Baquedano to the Los Heroes Metro Station via Avenida Libertador General Bernardo O’Higgins. In Concepcion, students will march at 12:00 PM local time from Universidad Catolica de la Santisima Concepcion, Universidad del Bio-Bio, and Plaza Peru. They plan to congregate at the intersection of Avenida Los Carrera and Calle Paicavi.

Mexico

Today, travelers should exercise caution after a magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck at 3:15 PM local time yesterday around 5.6 miles southeast of Cuajinicuilapa. The tremblor struck at a depth of 13 miles. Tremors were felt in several areas, including Mexico City. No injuries or serious damage have been reported.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Regional

Travelers in Comoros and Mayotte should plan journeys accounting for potential disruption during the passage of a tropical weather system. The Comoros National Agency for Civil Aviation and Meteorology has issued an alert for severe thunderstorms and strong winds in the archipelago beginning today. The weather system has not yet developed into a cyclone, though this remains a risk in the coming days.

Burkina Faso

Travelers in Ouagadougou and other urban centers should avoid all demonstrations related to a nationwide lawyers’ strike. The ongoing work stoppage will continue through Friday, April 26, but a march is also expected on Monday, April 29 in Ouagadougou. Lawyers are protesting frequent trial delays.

Egypt

Travelers in urban centers should continue to exercise caution and avoid all gatherings linked to a controversial constitutional referendum. The voting period on April 20- 22 passed off without incident. The National Election Authority will release the results by Saturday, April 27. While significant unrest is unlikely, local scuffles and demonstrations are possible; however, security forces should contain any unrest swiftly. There is also a heightened risk of militant attacks around the plebiscite.

Travelers should continue to exercise caution and expect heightened security around churches during the ongoing Coptic Christian Easter period. The holiday period started with Palm Sunday on April 21 and will end with Easter Sunday on April 28. Police closed streets near churches on Palm Sunday as the holiday period began. Travelers should minimize time spent in the vicinity of churches and religious gatherings as a precaution, as Coptic Christians remain an attractive target for Islamist extremist groups.

Lebanon

Today, travelers in Tripoli should avoid an ongoing demonstration at the sea port. Employees are protesting unpaid wages, causing significant disruption to port operations. Reports indicate one demonstrator has attempted to set himself on fire Travelers should avoid the area as a precaution and to minimize disruption. Tomorrow, travelers in Beirut should plan journeys bypassing a rally commemorating the killing of Armenians by Ottoman troops in 1915. Participants will march at 6:30 PM local time from Bourj Hammoud to the Armenian Orthodox Church in the town of Antelias, three miles northeast of Beirut.

Libya

All travel to Libya should be deferred due to ongoing fighting between forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) and the rival Libyan National Army (LNA). Those in Libya, particularly Tripoli and other northwestern areas, should depart. Most fighting in Tripoli has focused on the city’s southern outskirts, namely Qasr bin Ghashir, Khallet al-Furjan, Wadi Alrabie, Ain Zara, and Souq al-Ahad. Shelling has also affected more central residential areas, including Abu Salim. Mitiga International Airport (MJI), which serves Tripoli, has been fully operational since yesterday, with the resumption of daytime flights.

Malawi

Travelers in the Northern region should exercise caution due to the risk of landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. On April 20, landslides killed at least three people and injured dozens in Rumphi district, between Mphompha Hills and Lake Malawi. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs has said that emergency services have had difficulties reaching the affected area because of its isolated location and poor road access. Further rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast to affect numerous districts in the Northern region.

Mauritania

Travelers in urban centers, including Nouakchott, should avoid any protests associated with an ongoing nationwide teachers’ strike. The work stoppage will continue through tomorrow. Teachers are demanding an improvement in working conditions and an increase in salaries and allowances. Protest flashpoints in Nouakchott include the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Mozambique

Travel can resume to Manica, Zambezia and Sofala provinces, as well as the cyclone-affected areas of Niassa, Gaza, Inhambane and Tete provinces, following an improvement in conditions after the passage of Tropical Cyclone Idai in March. Floodwaters have receded in most areas, though disruption and damage continue in Beira and its surroundings. Travelers should continue to anticipate heightened security around key institutions such as government buildings and shops in larger urban areas, including Beira, to deter criminality and looting.

South Africa

Travelers in Pretoria should plan journeys avoiding an ongoing demonstration by police reservists in the Central Business District. Around 300 participants gathered at 10:00 AM local time at the Asiatic Bazaar. They plan to march along Struben, Sophie De Bruyn, and Francis Baard streets before reaching the South African Police Service (SAPS) headquarters by 1:00 PM local time. The protesters are demanding permanent employment.

Today and tomorrow, travelers in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Western Cape should plan journeys accounting for potential disruption caused by heavy rainfall. The South African Weather Service has warned of torrential rains and the risk of local flooding and mudslides, particularly in coastal locations between Durban and East London, as well as in adjacent interior areas. This could exacerbate traffic congestion as people travel home after the Easter weekend holiday.

Tunisia

Tomorrow and Thursday, April 25, rail travelers should plan itineraries accounting for disruption during a strike by workers affiliated to the UGTT trade union. The industrial action is linked to disputes with national rail operator SNCFT over working conditions. Trains in Tunisia are generally safe, though first-class coaches are recommended for business travelers.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Afghanistan

On Sunday, April 28, travelers in Kabul and other urban centers should anticipate enhanced security measures related to Mujahideen Victory Day. The day, a public holiday, marks the victory of Afghan fighters over the former Soviet-backed government in 1992. The commemoration may include public rallies and other celebratory events. There is a risk of militant attacks due to the symbolism of the date. Travelers should exercise heightened vigilance.

China

Today through Saturday, April 27, travelers in Beijing should anticipate heightened security and associated disruption around the second Belt and Road Forum, taking place April 25-27 at the China National Convention Center. President Xi Jinping and leaders from 36 other nations will attend the event, along with more than 150 foreign delegations. The forum is linked to the government’s Belt and Road Initiative, an infrastructure development and investment strategy.

Japan

Today, passengers transiting Yamagata Airport (GAJ) should reconfirm flight schedules. The facility’s runway was closed at around 4:45 PM local time due to an aircraft incident. It is unclear when operations will resume.

Palau

An outbreak of dengue fever is underway. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and is present in both rural and urban areas. Dengue can cause a range of symptoms and has no particular treatment. Some people, especially those who have been infected before, get a more severe form that can lead to fatal complications. Although a vaccine is available in several locations, it is only recommended for people who have been infected with dengue in the past and are living or traveling in areas with high levels of dengue transmission. Travelers should prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.

Philippines

Travelers in the Eastern Visayas region should exercise caution after a magnitude 6.4 earthquake occurred near Tutubigan at around 1:37 PM local time today. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 33.5 miles, according to the US Geological Survey. Damage to roads and buildings has been reported in Tacloban and San Julian. While no widespread significant damage or casualties has so far been reported, the full impact of the incident may not become apparent until after authorities have carried out a complete assessment.

Flights remain suspended at Clark International Airport between Mabalacat and Angeles cities (CRK), following a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck near Floridablanca municipality yesterday. There are reports that the airport will partially resume operations this afternoon despite damage to the terminal building. The temblor was felt as far as Metro Manila; however, most reports of damage were confined to Pampanga, where at least 11 people died. Travelers to the province should reconfirm itineraries prior to setting out.

Sri Lanka

Travel to Sri Lanka can resume with stringent precautions and comprehensive journey management planning. Authorities have increased security deployment and measures following the wave of fatal bombings on April 21. A nationwide nighttime curfew has been re-imposed through 4:00 AM local time today, while a State of Emergency took effect beginning at 12:01 AM local time today to facilitate counter-terrorism operations. These follow smaller-scale incidents yesterday, when suspicious objects and explosives were found in Colombo.

Thailand

A notable increase of Streptococcus suis infections have been reported in April, with a cluster in Uttaradit province. Streptococcus suis is a bacterium that usually causes infection in pigs. Humans can become infected after consuming raw pork products or handling raw pork. The infection can cause meningitis, which can be fatal. Travelers should ensure all pork products are thoroughly cooked before consumption and avoid contact with pigs and handling raw pork products. On April 18, a man was charged with the sexual assault of a female British National at Loh Dalum Beach. The attack occurred early on April 15 outside a hotel restaurant, where the woman had fallen asleep after returning from a bar. The incident underscores the need for travelers to exercise sensible precautions at all times.

Turkey

Tomorrow, travelers in Istanbul should avoid events by local human rights organizations commemorating the killing of Armenians by Ottoman troops in 1915. Gatherings are planned at 12:00 PM local time at Sultanahmet Square and at 2:30 PM local time at the Sisli Armenian Cemetery. Police forcibly dispersed a related gathering last year. The potential for local disturbances increases if nationalist groups attempt to stage counter-demonstrations.

EUROPE

Albania

Travelers in Tirana and other urban centers should continue to anticipate and avoid further anti-government protests. The main opposition Democratic Party of Albania (DP) has recently held weekly demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over alleged government corruption. The next such event will take place in Tirana on Thursday, April 25. Participants have threatened to block main roads in the city during the gathering, which is expected to take place during the evening. A related national rally has also been called for the evening of May 11.

Belgium

On Friday, April 26, travelers in Brussels should avoid a rally calling for the end of nuclear power in Belgium. Participants will gather at 3:00 PM local time at Gare du Nord and march towards the nearby headquarters of energy corporation Engie Electrabel at 4:00 PM local time. The demonstration is taking place on the anniversary of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Cyprus

Tomorrow, travelers in Nicosia should plan journeys avoiding a commemorative rally by the Committee of Memory for the Armenian Genocide. Participants will march at 5:30 PM local time from a parking lot on Makarios Avenue, opposite the Zena Kanther Building, to the Armenian Church. The event is being held to commemorate the killing of Armenians by Ottoman troops in 1915.

Denmark

Travelers in Copenhagen should expect and avoid further unruly demonstrations by and against the far-right Stram Kurs (SK) party. SK plans to stage a rally at 5:00 PM local time tomorrow at Blagards Plads. Authorities had previously banned demonstrations called by the group in central areas of Copenhagen; however, party leader Rasmus Paludan has said that he will continue organizing protests. SK protests on April 14 resulted in rioting and violence in several parts of the city. Counter-protests since then have also resulted in local disturbances.

France

Travelers should continue to avoid weekly Saturday protests by the “Yellow Vests” movement due to the risk of local unrest. Fresh demonstrations have been planned for Saturday, April 27. In Strasbourg, participants will gather at 1:00 PM local time at Place de l’Etoile. In Paris, demonstrators plan to assemble at 10:00 AM local time on Avenue des ChampsElysees, where demonstrations have previously been banned. Additional security and traffic restrictions can be expected

in affected areas.

Tomorrow through Friday, April 26, passengers of Norwegian Air transiting Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) should anticipate disruption due to a planned strike by the airline’s cabin crew. The industrial action has been called to demand better salaries and improved working conditions. Travelers should reconfirm flights if due to transit the airport.

Ukraine

Today, passengers transiting Kiev International Airport (IEV) should anticipate disruption after an evacuation was begun at the facility when authorities received an anonymous bomb threat. All flights have been grounded until further notice. There has been a series of anonymous bomb threats across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) since February. While all have so far proved to be hoaxes, travelers should nonetheless exercise caution and follow all official directives.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

April 23
Australia: Easter Tuesday
Colombia: Language Day
Spain: Day of Aragón
Spain: Castile and León Day
Israel: Pesach IV (Passover)
Nauru: Easter Tuesday
New Zealand: Southland
Anniversary Day
Turkey: National Sovereignty and
Children’s Day
United Kingdom: St. George’s Day
Holy See: St George’s Feast
Kosovo: Day of Turks

April 24
Armenia: Genocide Remembrance

Day
Argentina: Action Day for
Tolerance and Respect between
People
Israel: Pesach V (Passover)
Niger: Concord Day

April 25
Argentina: Sixth Day of Passover
Australia: ANZAC Day
Cook Islands: ANZAC Day
Egypt: Sinai Liberation Day
Faroe Islands: National Flag Day
Israel: Pesach VI (Passover)
Iceland: First Day of Summer
Italy: Liberation Day
Italy: The Feast of St Mark
North Korea: Chosun People’s
Army Foundation Day

New Zealand: ANZAC Day
Portugal: Liberty Day
eSwatini: National Flag Day
Tonga: ANZAC Day

April 26
Good Friday (Orthodox)
Argentina: Seventh Day of
Passover
Belarus: Day of Remembrance of
the Chernobyl Tragedy
Colombia: Secretaries’ Day
Israel: Pesach VII (Last Day of
Passover)
Mongolia: Intellectual Property
Day
Tanzania: Union Day
United States: Arbor Day

April 27
Easter Saturday (Orthodox)
Argentina, Australia, Canada,
United Kingdom, United States:
Last Day of Passover
Aruba: King’s Day
Colombia: Children´s Day
Curacao: King’s Birthday
Moldova: State Flag Day
Malaysia: Birthday of the Sultan of
Terengganu
Netherlands: King’s Birthday
Slovenia: Day of Uprising Against
Occupation
Sierra Leone: Independence Day
Sint Maarten: King’s Day
Togo: Independence Day
South Africa: Freedom Day

April 28
Easter Sunday (Orthodox)
Afghanistan: Afghan Victory Day
Barbados: National Heroes Day
Gibraltar: Workers’ Memorial Day
Montenegro: Passover
Turkmenistan: Turkmen Racing
Horse Festival
Wallis and Futuna: St. Pierre
Chanel Day

April 29
Easter Monday (Orthodox)
Barbados: National Heroes Day
(Observed)
Colombia: Day of Trees
Gibraltar: Day off for Workers’
Memorial Day
Japan: Shōwa Day
Montenegro: Passover Holiday
Ukraine: Orthodox Easter Day
Holiday
United States: Confederate
Memorial Day
Vietnam: Liberation Day/
Reunification Day Holiday

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