LEGEND TRAVEL NEWS ALERT 22 APR 2019 APRIL 22, 2019

AMERICAS

Brazil

Today, travelers in Rio de Janeiro should plan routes bypassing any protests associated with a 24-hour strike by municipal cleaners to minimize inconvenience. While details of specific related demonstrations are unclear, a gathering at City Hall is likely. The work stoppage has been called in connection with a wage dispute.

Canada

Travelers in southern parts of Quebec province, including Montreal, Laval, TroisRivieres and Quebec City, should plan journeys accounting for disruption related to ongoing flooding. Authorities have declared States of Emergency in several municipalities. The flooding has affected around 1,000 homes and prompted the evacuation of more than 1,200 people. Local road closures are in place in some affected areas. Relief efforts are ongoing; around 600 army personnel have been deployed to affected communities.

Colombia

On Thursday, April 25, travelers in urban centers should anticipate disruption and avoid planned nationwide gatherings over various issues, including the National Development Plan. Protesters plan to gather on streets and highways across the country. Several ethnic, social, and student groups as well as labor unions will be participating.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Comoros

Normal travel to Comoros and normal movement within the country can resume following recent political unrest, as the situation is currently calm, with all services operating as usual; however, travelers should continue to avoid all political gatherings following the Gubernatorial Elections. Yesterday’s second round of voting on Moheli and Grande-Comore islands passed off peacefully; however, there remains a risk of unrest amid continued tensions over President Azali Assoumani’s disputed victory in the March 24 Presidential Election.

Congo (DRC)

On Thursday, April 25, travelers in Kinshasa should plan routes bypassing a sit-in protest organized by the Fight for Change (LUCHA) civil society group in protest of the cost and quality of telecommunications. Demonstrators are due to gather outside the offices of the Vodacom telecommunications provider on Boulevard du 30 Juin at 10:00 AM local time. Similar protests occurred in North and South Kivu provinces in the past weeks, leading to protesters’ arrests in Butembo. While the protest is likely to pass off peacefully, local disruption may occur.

Egypt

Today, passengers transiting Cairo International Airport (CAI) should anticipate disruption at the facility and allow additional travel time for journeys in its vicinity. Significant disruption has been reported around voting booths set up outside of the facility for the three-day voting period for a referendum on constitutional amendments.

Travelers should also expect heightened security at the facility throughout the voting process and follow all directives from authorities.

Today through Coptic Christian Easter Sunday (April 28), travelers in Egypt should exercise caution and expect heightened security around churches. 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.

Gabon

Tomorrow through Friday, April 26, travelers in urban centers, including Libreville, should avoid all protests linked to a teachers’ strike. The planned industrial action follows related student protests on April 8-19 against the government’s education policies. The teachers are demanding better salaries and working conditions. Most related gatherings have passed off peacefully; however, some demonstrations have been forcibly dispersed by security forces, such as student protests in Port Gentil and Libreville on April 8 and 11, respectively.

Jordan

On Friday, April 26, a demonstration is planned for 4:30 PM local time in the Dead Sea coastal town of Swemeh, which is in the vicinity of several popular resorts. The gathering has been called for by the Islamic Action Front, the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, over recent developments in the Palestinian-Israel conflict. While most such events pass off peacefully, they do occasionally become unruly, posing incidental risks to bystanders. Travelers should avoid the gathering as a precaution and to minimize inconvenience.

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, is operating between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM local time.

Mali

Yesterday, suspected militants attacked a Malian military camp in Guire, close to the border with Mauritania and around 250 miles northeast of Bamako. At least 12 soldiers were killed. The incident highlights the need to avoid non-essential travel to locations within 60 miles of the frontier.

Morocco

Today, passengers transiting Casablanca Mohammed V Airport should reconfirm flights and expect significant delays during an indefinite strike by baggage handlers.

Nigeria

Non-essential travel to Zamfara should be deferred due to the risks posed by banditry. Seven suspected bandits and one soldier were killed during clashes in Aljumana Fulani and Ketere villages on April 18. Security operations “Sharam Daji” and “Harbin Kunama III” are ongoing in Zamfara amid an increase in killings and kidnappings. The banditry prompted the indefinite suspension of all mining activity in the state on April 7 amid concerns that illegal miners are involved in these incidents.

Two people, including a British aid worker, were killed, and three others abducted by armed men who stormed the Kajuru Castle Resort, 37 miles southeast of Kaduna City on April 19. On April 12, kidnappers released an Italian National who had been taken captive on March 30 while traveling by taxi from Abuja to Kaduna. Non-essential travel to Kaduna should be deferred.

Saudi Arabia

Today, travelers in the Riyadh, Al Jawf, Eastern, and Qassim regions should exercise caution and plan journeys accounting for possible disruption due to forecast adverse weather. The General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection has forecast dust storms and thunder in these locations until 3:00 PM local time. Visibility will be significantly limited, making driving conditions hazardous.

South Africa

Today, travelers in coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces should plan journeys accounting for potential disruption caused by heavy rainfall. The South African Weather Service has warned of severe thunderstorms in coastal locations between Durban and East London, as well as in adjacent interior areas. This could exacerbate traffic congestion as people return after the Easter weekend.

Togo

On Saturday, April 27, travelers in Lome should avoid a demonstration called by the opposition “En Aucun Cas” (In No Case) movement due to a credible risk of unrest. The protest has been called to demand government reforms and the release of political prisoners, as well as to denounce police violence during anti-government protests on April 13. One person was killed in Bafilo during clashes between supporters of the opposition Pan-African National Party (PNP) and security forces. Two PNP leaders were later arrested by authorities.

Uganda

Today, travelers should continue to avoid the Busabala beach area south of Kampala following unrest over the cancellation of a concert by pop star turned opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). Police and military officers used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds and blocked the MP’s convoy from reaching the concert site. Local media reports that Wine and several of the event’s organizers have been arrested, which could prompt further protests and disturbances by the MP’s supporters.

Zimbabwe

Cyclone Idai and associated heavy rains have led to extensive damage and flooding in parts of the country. A State of Disaster has been declared in parts of Manicaland province. The number of injuries and fatalities is expected to rise. Infrastructure damage has occurred, including to power, communications and health facilities. Food and safe drinking water may be limited. Increased health risks posed by the flood waters include injury, diarrheal diseases, skin infections, and insect-borne diseases. Non-essential travel to affected areas should be deferred.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Cook Islands

Cases of dengue fever have been reported after a lapse of approximately two years. 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.

Fiji

An outbreak of leptospirosis has been declared in Central Division. The bacterial disease is mainly spread through contaminated water entering the body through the skin or mucous membranes. Symptoms are often mild and flu-like, but the infection can be severe. Untreated, it can cause organ failure which can be fatal. Travelers should prevent infection by avoiding contact with contaminated waters.

Philippines

Today, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Pampanga province at around 5:11 PM local time. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 25 miles near the province’s Floridablanca municipality. The tremor was felt in parts of Metro Manila, located around 59 miles southeast of Floridablanca. Some buildings have been evacuated.

Sri Lanka

Today, the area around St Anthony’s Shrine in the Kochchikade district of Colombo has been cordoned off, followed by reports of a small explosion – possibly a controlled detonation – near the church, shortly before 2:00 PM local time. St Anthony’s was among the churches hit by an explosion in the series of bombings in Sri Lanka yesterday, which also targeted three high-end hotels. Travelers in Colombo should avoid the area, expect disruption in the wider vicinity, and follow all official directives today.

The Sri Lankan government has imposed a new nationwide curfew from 8:00 PM local time today through 4:00 AM local time tomorrow in the wake of a series of fatal explosions that rocked the country yesterday. The new measure comes after an earlier night-time curfew was lifted at 6:00 AM local time today. Security is extremely tight after the bombings in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa. Travelers should adhere to all official directives, including curfews.

Thailand

High levels of air pollution have been recorded in northern parts of the country, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Polluted air can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes and nose. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with underlying heart or lung disease are particularly vulnerable. To lessen the risk of potential health problems, travelers should reduce exposure by decreasing time and physical activity outdoors.

Turkey

Today, travelers in urban centers, including Ankara, should avoid ongoing nationwide protests, which began at 12:00 PM local time. Demonstrators are denouncing yesterday’s mob attack on the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, in Ankara, while he was attending a military funeral.

EUROPE

Regional

Travelers in Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK should anticipate and avoid further protests by the Extinction Rebellion (XR) environmentalist activist group. On Saturday, April 27, a rally is scheduled in Budapest at 2:00 PM local time. XR is calling on governments to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2025.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

April 22
Easter Monday
Canada: St. George’s Day
Falkland Islands: Queen’s Birthday
(Observed)
Israel: Pesach III (Passover)
Serbia: Holocaust Remembrance

Day
United States: Confederate
Memorial Day
Uruguay: Landing of the 33
Orientals
South Africa: Family Day

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

April 23
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

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published.