China: Heavy rain has been forecast for next the 72 hours for parts of Sichuan, Guizhou and Shaanxi provinces, and Chongqing municipality, in western China. The rains are the latest round of inclement weather set to impact the region; heavy rains in Sichuan province since 30 June have left at least six people dead and displaced over 27,000. The rains have also inundated a number of roads in Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan provinces, including a primary regional interstate highway, State Highway 213. The region is currently experiencing its rainy season, which generally falls between May and September, and further heavy rain is expected in the coming weeks. Persons currently in the affected areas are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and should monitor local news for possible flood warnings and emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, it is advisable that travel to areas in close proximity to storm drains, rivers, drainage channels and saturated hillsides be avoided, as these will generally be at greatest risk of further flooding and landslides. Finally, clients are advised to anticipate localised travel delays and disruptions to amenities such as electricity and telecommunications. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: The leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) political alliance has stated its intention to hold protests outside the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard in the capital, Manila, in the coming days and weeks. The group is protesting against US-Philippines naval drills, which it perceives as a threat to the sovereignty of the Philippines. Most recently, at least 20 Bayan supporters were injured when police forcibly dispersed demonstrators outside of the US Embassy on 4 July. The protest coincided with US Independence Day and Filipino-American Friendship Day, which commemorates the Philippines' liberation from Japanese occupation during World War II. Bayan has stated that it will hold further rallies ahead of President Benigno Aquino's state of the nation address on 25 July. The US Embassy will likely remain the focus of the protests, though the national legislature building in Quezon City is an additional possible rallying site. These demonstrations could result in traffic disruptions in the vicinity of the protest sites, and as the 4 July incident demonstrates, such protests pose a credible potential for unrest. This form of unrest carries an incidental risk to bystanders and clients are advised to monitor local media for developments and to avoid all large politically motivated demonstrations as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

China: At least 18 people have been killed and several more injured after heavy rains resulted in landslides in the town of Lueyang, in Shaanxi province, overnight on 5/6 July. Large parts of China are currently experiencing the annual rainy season, which generally falls between May and September; further heavy rain is expected in the coming weeks. In Shaanxi province, local emergency services are on high alert and have begun evacuating people from high-risk areas as further heavy rain has been forecast for the coming 24-hours in both Shaanxi and neighbouring Sichuan provinces. Persons currently in the affected areas are advised to avoid low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding, as well as mountainous and hilly areas due to the risk of landslides. Clients are further advised to monitor local news for possible flood warnings and emergency broadcasts. ——From Travel Alert.

India: (Update) Clashes between pro-Telangana protesters and security personnel have flared for a second consecutive day at Osmania University in Andhra Pradesh's state capital, Hyderabad. The violent confrontations coincide with the second day of a 48-hour general strike (bandh) in Andhra Pradesh, which has been organised by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) to pressure the central government into granting statehood to the Telangana region. Apart from the violence, the general strike has also caused significant disruptions to transport, recreational, business and public services across much of the region, with the city of Hyderabad particularly affected. Specifically, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has suspended all bus services in Hyderabad, while the South Central Railway (SCR) has similarly cancelled all rail services in the city for the duration of the strike. Other districts in the area have also been significantly affected. While the general strike is scheduled to expire on 6 July, the JAC has stated its intention to disrupt rail travel in the state on 8 and 9 July. Additionally, student activists are expected to stage further state-wide rallies on 7 July. Pro-independence protesters claim that the Telangana region has been politically and economically neglected by the Andrha Pradesh state government and are demanding that the region be recognised as an independent federal state. Travellers are advised against all non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Andhra Pradesh due to the risk of conflict and terrorism. Clients in or planning to travel to the state should remain aware of the current political tensions, which could manifest into violent civil unrest; all large public gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

New Zealand: Approximately 50 cases of measles, affecting primarily children, have been confirmed in Auckland since June, in an ongoing outbreak of the highly infectious disease. No deaths have been reported as yet, however, at least four people have been hospitalised as a result of the outbreak. Early symptoms of measles include a rash, fever and coughing and normally occur between ten and 12 days after exposure to the disease and last for approximately two weeks. Provided that a person is in good health and receives medical attention, long-term implications are unlikely; however, the disease can be serious and possibly fatal in young children or those with a compromised immune system. There is no cure available at this time; however, vaccinations against the disease are available. Persons planning to travel to Auckland should be vaccinated prior to departure. Clients currently in the country are advised to seek immediate medical attention should they display any of the above-mentioned symptoms. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: (Update) At least 20 people have been injured as opposition political activists clashed with security personnel in the capital, Dhaka, the south eastern city of Chittagong and several other towns. The violent civil unrest coincided with the first of two scheduled days of countrywide general strikes in the country, which have been organised by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its coalition parties, in protest against the ratification of an unpopular bill. On 30 July, the Bangladesh parliament amended the country's constitution by abandoning the political tradition of employing a caretaker government during electoral periods. The BNP is claiming that the bill was passed to allow the ruling Awami League (AL) party to rig the country's 2014 general elections in its favour. Due to various security concerns, particularly the threat from civil unrest, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bangladesh. Clients currently in the country are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and avoid all related protests and gatherings. Furthermore, significant disruptions to transportation, recreational and business services should be anticipated for the duration of the strike, which is scheduled to conclude on the evening of 7 July. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: (Update) The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has extended Tiger Airways Australia's flight suspension until 1 August, citing ongoing concerns over safety issues. CASA had first ground Tiger Airways flights on 1 July, after having investigated the safety standards of the airline in March 2011 regarding its maintenance procedures and pilot training, and subsequently imposed conditions on the airline's operator's certificate as a means to improve the safety standard. Since then, the airline has twice flown below the minimum safe altitude level, raising safety concerns and resulting in the current grounding of flights. However, CASA has stated that if investigations into the safety standards of the airline determine that it poses no threat to air safety, flights may be allowed to resume prior to 1 August. Clients in Australia are advised that due to the extended suspension, there is likely to be an increased demand on other airlines offering domestic flight services. Clients who have already booked tickets with Tiger Airways are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider directly for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Tonga: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has been reported 211km east of the Kermadec Islands. There have been no reports of damages or casualties. A tsunami warning has been issued for Tonga. The warning may be elevated or suspended within the next few hours. If a tsunami is confirmed travellers may be required to move inland or to higher ground. Travellers are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Persons in the affected area should also brace for aftershocks for the short term. ——From Travel Alert.

New Zealand: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has been reported 211km east of the Kermadec Islands. There have been no reports of damages or casualties. A tsunami warning has been issued for some coastal regions, including East Cape. The warning may be elevated or suspended within the next few hours. If a tsunami is confirmed travellers may be required to move inland or to higher ground. Travellers are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Persons in the affected area should also brace for aftershocks for the short term. ——From Travel Alert.

Malaysia: A man armed with a hammer has taken at least 30 children and three teachers hostage in the Seri Kids kindergarten in Sungai Abong, Muar District, Johor state. Unconfirmed reports suggest that one child has sustained injuries. Security forces are currently negotiating with the hostage taker and a cordon is in place around the facility. Clients are advised to avoid the wider area until the security incident has been resolved and the area has been cleared by security forces. Localised traffic disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the kindergarten due to road closures and security checkpoints. ——From Travel Alert.

Malaysia: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (known locally as Berish), an umbrella organisation consisting of over 65 non-governmental organisations, is set to hold a major rally to call for the government to reform the electoral process in the country on 9 July. Up to 100,000 protesters had originally planned to gather at several locations in Kuala Lumpur before marching to Istana Negara (The National Palace). However, the government has raised security concerns over the rally, as a 2007 Berish rally, attended by an estimated 30,000 people, descended into clashes between protesters and police, and several demonstrators were injured. There are disagreements over the protest venue between the organisers and the government; organisers have stated they will hold it at Merdeka Stadium in downtown Kuala Lumpur, while the government have denied permission for this and will only allow the rally to take place at a stadium in an opposition-dominated state. Although it is presently unclear where the rally will take place, the disagreement over the venue has elevated political tensions in the country; security forces have arrested up to 200 prominent activists in recent days, citing security concerns. Counter rallies by the nationalist Perkasa party and the youth wing of the ruling United Malays National Organisation have also been announced, although as these are pro-government groups, the threat of clashes between police and demonstrators is significantly lower. Nonetheless, security forces in Malaysia have been known to use a heavy hand in dealing with dissent, and clients in the country are advised to avoid any politically motivated gatherings due to the risk of violent civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: Meteorological authorities have issued a severe weather warning for parts of Tasmania for late 7 July and early 8 July, local time. Damaging winds gusting up to 110km/h have been forecast for the Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley, South East and East Coast districts. Authorities have warned that the strong winds could damage roofs and down power lines and trees; thus travel delays and disruptions to amenities such as electricity and telecommunications are possible in the affected areas. Clients in or intending to travel to the region are advised to monitor local media for possible further travel disruptions and to follow the directives of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: Suburban train drivers belonging to the Australian Rail Tram and Bus Industry Union (RTBU) are set to go on strike between 09:00 and 15:00 local time in Adelaide on 8 July over a pay dispute. All buses and trams are scheduled to run as per normal, although clients should anticipate an increased demand for these services as a result of the strike. Clients in Adelaide should also expect travel disruptions in the city both during and after the strike, as its consequent effects may continue to be felt. If practically possible, clients are further advised to source private means of transport on 8 July. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: (Update) A rally planned by the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), which was to take place in central Karachi on 8 July, has been cancelled amid increasing levels of violence and security countermeasures in the city. The rally, which was set to commence at the Karachi Press Club and conclude at the Chief Ministers Secretariat, was organised by the MQM in protest against the central government's inability to stymie incidents of politically motivated violence in the city which has left more than 70 people dead since 5 July. The announcement to cancel the event was made soon after security authorities allegedly issued a shoot-on-sight advisory for groups of gunmen who have been responsible for much of the violence in the city's Orangi Town, Banaras, Qasba Colony, Katti Pahari and Ali Garh areas. On 7 July, armed assailants killed at least 34 people when they opened fire, seemingly indiscriminately, on a number of passenger buses transiting routes in the aforementioned areas. Violence continued across parts of Karachi on 8 July and has reportedly spread to several other neighbourhoods in the city, causing significant disruptions to business and transport services. Politically motivated violence has escalated in recent days following an alleged assassination attempt by suspected supporters of the MQM against an Awami National Party (ANP) official. Dozens of people have been killed in the violence, which has also led to sporadic clashes between supporters of the two political groups, which are also largely divided along ethnic lines. Although there are no indications to suggest that foreigners have been targeted during the recent upsurge in targeted killings, the violence has resulted in the deaths of several innocent bystanders. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Karachi. Persons currently in the city are advised to maintain a low profile and avoid all protests and gatherings. Clients are further advised to, if possible, avoid all travel to the Orangi Town, Banaras, Qasba Colony, Katti Pahari and Ali Garh areas. . ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: At least 12 opposition parties have called for a countrywide general strike (locally known as a hartal) on 10/11 July in protest over a recent amendment which removes a religious phrase from Bangladesh's constitution. The general strike is set to commence at 06:00 local time on 10 July and conclude at 12:00 on 11 July. In addition, the Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) has also called for a separate day-long strike in the capital, Dhaka, on 10 July. The recent parliamentary ratification of a series of amendments to the Bangladeshi constitution has incited widespread objections by the country's opposition groups, which claim that the ruling Awami League (AL) is proposing these amendments to garner greater political control of the country and to abolish the country's inherent Islamic system of governance. General strikes related to these issues have been called by opposition parties on numerous occasions in recent weeks, often resulting in widespread acts of violence between rival political activists. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bangladesh, including Dhaka. Clients already in the country are advised to remain aware of the strike conditions, which usually include the suspension of all public transport and business services, as well as the restriction of both inter- and intra-city travel. Associated protests and gatherings are also likely to accompany the general strike; these should be avoided as the potential for violence at these events is considered high.——From Travel Alert

India: Indian authorities have reportedly ordered all airports in the country to increase security following a US intelligence warning that terrorist elements may be planning to surgically implant explosive devices in their bodies to target US aviation interests. There appears to be no specific intelligence related to India, with the US warning relating simply to the ongoing but developing threat to the aviation industry in general. Nonetheless, media reports indicate that the Indian authorities have increased security measures at Indira Gandhi International Airport (serving Delhi) and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (serving Mumbai); both airports service direct flights to the US. However, increased security should also be anticipated at all Indian airports with international flights to the US via Asian and European cities. Elevated security measures may include an increased security force presence and more stringent pre-departure checks and luggage screening; such procedures may increase airport transit times. The Indian authorities regularly issue terrorism alerts and increase security; the vast majority of alerts are false alarms. Nonetheless, India faces a significant terrorism threat and all warnings should be taken seriously. Clients are advised to exercise heightened caution and vigilance at airport facilities and should report any suspicious behaviour or packages to the authorities immediately. Clients are further advised to arrive well in advance of their scheduled departure time and to allow additional time to pass through check-in and security at Indian airports in the coming days and weeks. Clients should also comply politely with official security directives and carry identification at all times to facilitate swift passage through security checks. ——From Travel Alert.

Canada: Residents in the town of Peace River, Alberta province, have been placed on evacuation alert amid concerns that further heavy rainfall may result in significant flooding in the region. The advisory was issued on 9 July after it was anticipated that as much as 115 millimetres of rainfall could saturate the Peace River region over the course of the next 24 hours. Areas anticipated to be worst affected include the South Peace region, and the waterside communities of Gundy, Tupper, Tomslake, One Island Lake and Kelly Lake. Persons currently in the Peace River region are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and should monitor local news for possible flood warnings and emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, it is advisable that travel to locales in close proximity to storm drains, rivers, drainage channels and saturated hillsides be avoided, as these will generally be at greatest risk of flooding and/or landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: A 7.0 magnitude earthquake has been reported off the east coast of Honshu island; the epicentre of the earthquake is believed to have been some 212km east of the north eastern city of Sendai. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. However, authorities have issued a warning of a possible tsunami of up to 50cm in height for the prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, all of which are areas that were affected by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami on 11 March 2011. In addition, personnel have reportedly been ordered to evacuate the stricken Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima as a precaution. Clients currently in the region are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for possible updates and advisories from the authorities. Clients should also note that aftershocks are possible in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: (Update) Protesters and police have clashed in the towns of Kanchpur and Keraniganj, located on the outskirts of the capital, Dhaka on 10 July. Police purportedly used batons and fired teargas to disperse stone-throwing protesters who tried to block roads to the capital. The protesters are partaking in a countrywide general strike (locally known as a hartal), in demonstration over a recent amendment which removes a religious phrase from Bangladesh's constitution. The strike, which began at 06:00 local time on 10 July, is scheduled to conclude at 12:00 on 11 July. The recent parliamentary ratification of a series of amendments to the Bangladeshi constitution has incited widespread objections by the country's opposition groups, which claim that the ruling Awami League (AL) is proposing these amendments to garner greater political control of the country and to abolish the country's inherent Islamic system of governance. As a result, there have been numerous strikes and associated violence, related to these issues in recent weeks. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bangladesh, including Dhaka and the towns of Kanchpur and Keraniganj. Clients already in the country are advised to remain aware of the strike conditions, which usually include the suspension of all public transport and business services, as well as the restriction of both inter- and intra-city travel. There is a high possibility of further clashes as the countrywide strike continues, as such all associated protests and gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Train services on the Howrah-Kalka Mail line to Delhi have been disrupted after a commuter train derailed near Fatehpur Malwa station in Uttar Pradesh on 10 July, injuring at least 100 people. Rescue personnel have been deployed to the scene and an investigation into the cause of the derailment is underway. Travellers should expect extensive delays to services along the Howrah to Delhi route and are advised to contact their travel provider prior to departure to confirm the status of services on the train line.——From Travel Alert.

Russia: At least 2 people are dead and 96 more are missing after a cruise ship carrying over 170 passengers sank in the Volga River, near the village of Syukeyevo, located in the Kansko-Ustinovsky district of the Tatarstan region. It is unclear at present why the vessel sank. Emergency personnel have been deployed to the area and efforts are ongoing to recover passengers and/or crew members who remain unaccounted for. ——From Travel Alert.

Nepal: The National Federation of Nepal Transportation Entrepreneurs (NFNTE) has called for an indefinite strike in Nepal's Far Western region from 11 July. The strike has been called in protest over the recent registration of a new transportation committee and the mistreatment of transport workers by the local authorities. Transport disruptions in the region are possible, particularly in the regional capital, Dipayal. Clients in the affected area are advised to contact their travel provider or the local transport authorities for further updates on the status of transport services. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: At least six people were killed and as many as 20 more injured in a blast targeting a political rally held by the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) party on 11 July, in the Battagram district in Pakistan's western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A suicide bomber has been blamed for the attack; however, no group has yet claimed responsibility. Despite the incident, the PML-Q has stated that the scheduled rally will continue. Due to various security concerns, including the extreme threat of terrorism, all travel to Pakistan is advised against. Persons currently in Battagram district are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and should defer all travel to the affected area, due to possibility of a secondary attack, targeting emergency personnel and/or large crowds which have gathered at the scene. In addition, the attack may prompt a significant increase in security measures across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including the implementation of security checkpoints, identification checks and vehicle searches, all of which should be anticipated at sensitive sites such as government buildings, security installations, major transportation hubs, foreign diplomatic missions and in crowded public areas. As such, it is advisable that clients carry certified copies of all relevant identification information while travelling in the aforementioned areas. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: Hundreds of people have been evacuated after increased volcanic activity at Mount Lokon, in Indonesia's Northern Sulawesi province, prompted authorities to raise the volcano's alert status to the highest possible level on 10 July. Local authorities have evacuated all people within a 3.5km radius of the volcano as a precautionary measure, following a significant rise in volcanic activity since 9 July. However, there are concerns that if westerly winds continue to blow, thousands of additional people located to the east of the volcano may also have to be evacuated as a result of ash, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide that the volcano is currently emitting. Clients in the affected area are advised to follow the directives of the local authorities and defer all travel to the exclusion zones. Clients in nearby populated areas should consider shutting all windows and doors and switching off air-conditioning systems in order to mitigate the possibility of hazardous gases entering their place of accommodation. Disruptions to transport, particularly air services, should also be anticipated at this time. ——From Travel Alert.

South Korea: At least 13 people have been killed or remain missing after heavy rain which lead to subsequent flooding since 8 July, with the southern provinces of South Gyeongsang and Jeolla being the worst affected. However, the central province of Chungcheong has also experienced flooding. The Korean Meteorological Agency has forecast further heavy rains for the northern and central parts of the country in the coming days, including the capital, Seoul. Persons currently in the affected areas are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and should monitor local news for possible flood warnings and emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, it is advisable that travel to areas in close proximity to storm drains, rivers, drainage channels and saturated hillsides be avoided, as these will generally be at greatest risk of flash flooding and landslides. Clients are advised to anticipate localised travel delays and disruptions to amenities, such as electricity and telecommunications. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Authorities are on high alert in India's state of Assam following a bombing that derailed a train operating services between the city of Gawati in Assam state and the city of Puri in Orissa state on 10 July. Additional security personnel have been deployed to areas considered vulnerable to rebel attacks in the state. An improvised explosive device was used to target the train in Kamrup district, Assam; at least 100 people were injured. Suspicion originally fell on the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, an insurgent group which has been fighting a separatist campaign against the Indian government for several years. A smaller group, linked to the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) separatist group, the Adivasi People's Army, has, however, since claimed responsibility for the attack. The ULFA has regularly used improvised explosive devices to attack transport infrastructure and marketplaces in the past. A number of militant separatist groups are active in the region and regularly carry out such attacks in their quest for independence. Assam, in particular, has been adversely affected by terrorist attacks. Due to the threat from these secessionist groups, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Assam. Persons already in the region are advised to exercise caution at this time and expect an increased security presence; disruptions to travel should also be expected due to the train derailment. ——From Travel Alert.

French Polynesia: Air Tahiti Nui announced a planned indefinite strike beginning on 12 July. The protest action is in response to the dismissal of Cedric Pastour; the airline company's current CEO. A similar strike occurred on 1 July over the pending dismissal and caused widespread travel disruptions. Clients who have booked or who are intending to book tickets with Air Tahiti Nui are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: Multiple bomb and gun attacks in Yala and Narathiwatt provinces, which left at least two dead and ten others injured on 11 July, highlight the ongoing terrorist threat in the country's southern provinces. In Narathiwatt's Rangae district, an imam and his wife were killed in a gun attack, while in Yala's Raman district several people were injured after a bomb exploded at a rubber plantation, and a second explosive device subsequently detonated while security forces were investigating the first explosion. In addition, an army truck was targeted in a roadside bomb attack in Muang district, also in Yala. It is believed that these incidents are related to an ongoing violent separatist campaign in southern Thailand. The provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla have been plagued by ethnic and religious tensions for decades. These tensions stem from allegations of isolation and discrimination of Malay Muslims by Thailand's predominantly Buddhist government. The resulting Islamist insurgency in the region has been accompanied by regular bombings, shootings and skirmishes with Thai security forces, leaving over 4,500 people dead in recent years. The insurgency has gathered momentum since 2004, with a wave of coordinated attacks and bombings against military and police posts and schools across the region. Although foreign travellers have not commonly been directly targeted in attacks, the risk of being affected cannot be ruled out. Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risk from conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to the southern provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. Persons currently in the area should exercise heightened security awareness and implement robust security measures. ——From Travel Alert.

Russia: The pilot of an Angara Airlines flight en route to Surgut from Tomsk was forced to initiate an emergency landing on the Ob River on 11 July, following a fire in one of the plane's engines. The accident on the Antonov-24 plane, which had approximately 33 people on board, left at least five people dead. There are serious safety concerns surrounding a number of Soviet-era aircraft, including the Antonov-24. Clients in Russia are advised to avoid the use of domestic charter flights if possible. Furthermore, clients intending to fly on Angara Airlines should contact their travel provider or the airline for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

United States: A severe thunderstorm has caused widespread travel disruptions and downed power supply to over 615,000 people across the greater Chicago area. Dozens of flights at O'Hare International Airport as well as Midway Airport were grounded. Flights have largely resumed; however, delays continue to be reported at both airports. Train services were also affected, with the Union Pacific North Line, Northwest Line and West Line stopped for the duration of the storm. Although train services have largely resumed, delays and disruptions to normal operations should be expected in the short-term. Travel disruptions to rail, road and air travel should also be anticipated in the greater Chicago area in the immediate-term. Clients intending to fly from or transit O'Hare International or Midway airports are advised to contact their travel provider prior to travel to check the status of your flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported off the west coast of the Negros Oriental province. The epicentre of the earthquake is believed to have been at least 126km west of the city of Dumaguete. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Clients are advised to brace for aftershocks in the affected area. Travellers are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Two US nationals of Philippines origin and a Filipino were kidnapped during the early morning of 12 July from their residence in the Tictabon Island area of Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. The militants, thought to be aligned to the Abu Sayyaf group, approached the area on two motor boats before overpowering the victims' unarmed bodyguards and abducting the trio. There have been no ransom demands made as yet. The kidnapping is the latest in the southern Philippines where a number of Islamist militant and criminal groups operate. In light of the ongoing insecurity in the region, clients are advised against all travel to the Mindanao region, including Zamboanga City. Persons in or planning to travel to the region are advised to implement maximum security measures at all times. ——From Travel Alert.