United States: The planned closure of a 16km portion of the I-405 (San Diego Freeway or 'the 405') for maintenance and road upgrades is expected to cause major traffic disruptions across many areas of Los Angeles (LA) between 15 and 18 July. The closure is expected between the US 101 (Ventura Freeway) and I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway) on the I-405. The affected road is located immediately north of Los Angeles International Airport. The road closure is expected to begin at 19:00 local time on 15 July and end at approximately 06:00 on 18 July. Local officials are urging motorists in LA to avoid road travel and make use of public transport during the upcoming affected period. Persons intending to fly via Los Angeles International Airport are also encouraged to arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled flight. For further information on planned road closures and alternative routes clients should check the Los Angeles World Airports website (http://www.lawa.org/405/). ——From Travel Alert.

New Zealand: Heavy snow is resulting in road travel delays on South Island, on 13 July. Several primary and secondary roads, particularly mountain passes have been closed as snow ploughs have been unable to clear the heavy snowfall quickly enough. Emergency services rescued a number of motorists from their cars after they skidded off roads, as a result of the icy weather. Severe weather warnings have been issued for Clutha, Southland, South Westland and Fiordland on South Island, with heavy snow to sea level expected on 14 July. Meteorological authorities have issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Tararua, Kapiti-Horowhenua, Wairarapa, Wellington, Marlborough and Nelson, on North Island, and winds of up to 100km/h have also been forecast. The severe weather is set to ease slightly on 15 July, and is expected to lift by 18 July; clients in New Zealand are advised to anticipate disruptions to road and possibly air travel in the coming days, as well as possible disruptions to amenities such as, electricity and telecommunications as a result of the weather. Clients planning to undertake road travel in the coming days are advised to exercise caution, monitor local media for updates on possible road closures, and consult with local authorities on the use of snow/tyre chains if necessary. ——From Travel Alert.

India: An undisclosed number of casualties have been reported following a series of explosions in the Dadar, Opera House and Zaveri Bazar areas of Mumbai. Although unconfirmed, it is believed that the blasts may have been caused by bombs. Clients in Mumbai are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at this time and should ideally defer all travel to the affected areas, particularly due to the fact that secondary attacks, targeting emergency personnel and/or large crowds which have gathered at the scene, cannot be discounted. In addition, clients should also be aware that the explosions may likely prompt a significant increase in security measures across the city, and the implementation of security checkpoints, random identification checks and vehicle searches should be anticipated at sensitive sites such as government buildings, security installations, major transportation hubs, foreign diplomatic missions and crowded public areas. As such, it is advisable that travellers ensure that certified copies of all relevant identification information are kept on their person at all times. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: The opposition Islami Oikya Jote party has called for anti-government demonstrations in the capital, Dhaka, on 14 July. The protests have been organised as part of an ongoing protest campaign against the removal of an Islamic phrase from the country's constitution. The same movement has also called for a 48-hour countrywide general strike on 15 and 16 July over the same issue. 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, all non-essential travel to Bangladesh is advised against. Clients already in the country are advised to monitor local developments as the possibility of further related strikes, rallies and protests in the coming days and weeks is high; such events should always be avoided due to the ongoing and persistent threat of violent civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Thousands of rail passengers are expected to face significant travel disruptions in the Telangana region of India's north eastern Andhra Pradesh state on 14 July. The South Central Railway (SCR) company cancelled at least 31 express train services, in addition to diverting hundreds of others, in response to a rail strike called by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC). The rail strike forms part of an ongoing protest campaign by the TJAC to pressurise the central government into granting statehood to the Telangana region. Rail services expected to be cancelled during the strike include the Balharshah-Secunderabad-Balharshah Bhagyanagar, Secunderabad-Guntur-Secunderabad Golconda, and Visakhapatnam-Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Garibrath express trains. Train services subject to rescheduling include the 12723 Hyderabad-New Delhi express, the 12604 Hyderabad-Chennai express, 12728 Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam express, and the Mumbai-Secunderabad Duronto express. The strike action is anticipated to cause significant travel disruptions across the Telangana region and delays should be expected. As the strike will more than likely result in an increase demand for other modes of public transport, clients should ideally organise and/or book their preferred means of inter- and intra-city transport well in advance. ——From Travel Alert.

Russia: Russia's federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsiya, has suspended the operator's license of Moscow-based airline, RusAir. The decision follows an investigation into the recent crash of a RusAir Tu-134, which was carrying 43 passengers and five crew members on its final approach to Petrozavodsk airport in north west Russia on 21 June; 44 people were killed in the incident. The investigation reportedly revealed unspecified violations by the operators. Clients who have already booked tickets with RusAir are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider directly for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

United States: A number of planes at Denver International Airport have been damaged and travel disruptions have been reported, following a severe hail storm late on 13 July. At least 35 aircraft from various airlines have been damaged as a result of the storm; United Airlines, which maintains a large portion of its fleet at the airport, has been particularly severely affected. Further delays in flights to and from the airport can be expected over the next 24 to 48 hours. Clients intending to travel to or from Denver International Airport are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for the latest information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

China: (Update) Over 600 people were displaced due to ongoing flooding in Sichuan province on 14 July. This incident is the latest consequence of weeks of heavy rains that have led to flooding, landslides and widespread travel disruptions across parts of southern and south western China. The Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hubei, Guangdong, Sichuan, Shaanxi and Yunnan provinces, as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the municipality of Chongqing, have been the worst affected, where hundreds of people have been killed and over 1.5 million displaced. In Sichuan province, at least six people have been killed and over 27,000 displaced since 30 June. A number of important road links in the province, including State Highway 213 and 318, have also been closed due to flooding and landslides. Further heavy rain conducive to flooding is expected in the short-term. Persons currently in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution in low-lying areas, which are prone to flooding, and mountainous areas, which can be affected by landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: (Update) Authorities have ordered the evacuation of thousands of people after Mount Lokon, located in North Sulawesi province erupted late on 14 July. Increased volcanic activity since 9 July had prompted authorities to raise the volcano's alert status to the highest possible level on 10 July, and initiated the evacuation of all people within a 3.5km radius of the volcano as a precautionary measure. Mount Lokon is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and has erupted on several occasions in the past, and an eruption in 1991 killed a Swiss tourist. 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.

Chile: As a result of an emerging trend of violent civil unrest in Chile, travel alert has decided to increase the country's political risk rating from low to medium. Since the beginning of 2011, there has been a marked increase in the number of non labour-related protest campaigns aimed at securing government concession vis-? -vis a number of grievances. Most significantly, violence has characterised protests against a proposed hydroelectric project in Aysen and an ongoing and countrywide student-led protest campaign in favour of widespread education reforms. During such demonstrations, Chilean police have, at times, resorted to using teargas and water cannons to disperse protesters; arrests have also been made. These incidents have not only caused travel disruptions in the affected areas, particularly Santiago, but have also posed an incidental risk to non-participants caught in the vicinity of the gatherings. Although Chile remains a politically stable country despite these instances of unrest, the issues at the core of such protests often remain unresolved for some time, thus posing a challenge to the regime of President Sebastian Pinera. Clients are advised to monitor local media for information pertaining to protests in Chile and should avoid these as a precaution; as recent events highlight, there is potential for sporadic violence. Travel disruptions are also likely in the affected areas during protest action, and clients should anticipate increased security and possible roadblocks and checkpoints. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Clashes between suspected Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) Islamist militants and the Indian security forces are ongoing in Maodanpora village in the Lolab area of Kupwara District, Kashmir Valley region. The clashes have left at least three militants dead and two soldiers wounded. The clashes were sparked on 15 July, after the Indian security forces received intelligence of possible militant movements in the affected areas. Upon inspection, the security forces encountered the band and a skirmish ensued. The presence of Islamist militants in Jammu and Kashmir is not unusual. A number of groups opposed to Indian rule of the territory, including LeT, are present in the region and regularly attack Indian government and security force targets. The recent incident serves to highlight the ongoing threat in the region from conflict and terrorism. In light of this threat clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Jammu and Kashmir Valley regions of India. Clients should also note that the threat is marginally elevated in areas closer to Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, including in the Kupwara District, which lies on the border between the two territories. Pakistan-based militants, who have a strong anti-Western outlook, frequently cross the border into India from Pakistan. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has been reported off the south west coast of Valparaiso; the epicentre of the earthquake is believed to have been some 47 km west south west of the city. 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.

Thailand: The authorities have issued flash flood warnings for a number of areas of the country for 16 and 17 July. The areas covered by the advisory include the north eastern Si Wilai (Bueng Kan province), Seka (Bueng Kan province), Fao Rai (Nong Khai province), Muang (Sakon Nakhon), Si Songkhram (Nakhon Phanom province) and Pla Pak (Nakhon Phanom province) areas and the northern Mae Chan (Chiang Rai province) area. Storm surges are also expected along the country's Andaman Sea coastline. Officials have warned shipping in the area to proceed with caution and smaller vessels to keep ashore until 18 July. Thailand is currently experiencing its annual monsoon season and further heavy rainfall conducive to flooding is expected until October. Clients in the country are advised to monitor media closely for updates and advisories and should exercise caution in low-lying areas due to the threat of flooding and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Flooding and landslides have been reported in a number of areas of India's remote north east state of Arunachal Pradesh. Flooding and landslides have cut off a number of roads, including the Bazaarline and ALC line in Seppa and disrupted fresh water supply to the state capital, Itanagar and nearby town of Naharlagun. The community of Seijosa in the East Kameng district has also been cut off from the rest of the state. The heavy rains in Arunachal Pradesh coincide with the regions annual monsoon season. Further heavy rainfall is expected in the region until September. Clients intending to travel to Arunachal Pradesh are advised to exercise caution in low-lying areas, which are prone to flooding, and in mountainous regions, due to the threat of landslides . ——From Travel Alert.

North Korea: The country reportedly experienced heavy rainfall and flooding between 12 and 15 July, which resulted in widespread road and residential infrastructural damage. Media reports on 16 July indicate that the worst affected regions were the western Hwanghae and north eastern Hamgyong areas. While no exact figures have been released, casualties are thought to have occurred in the city of Hamhung in Hamgyong. North Korea is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to widespread deforestation and poor drainage systems in urban centres. Flooding during the country's summer rainy season is regularly reported. Further rainfall conducive to flooding is possible in the coming weeks. Clients in or planning to travel to the country are advised to exercise caution in low lying areas, particularly near rivers, and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. While reconstruction efforts are currently under way in flood-affected areas, clients should still anticipate road travel delays in places.——From Travel Alert

Pakistan: The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) political party plans to hold a series of demonstrations in urban centres across Pakistan on 19 July. The rallies have been organised as a means of highlighting a spate of political killings in Pakistan's southern Balochistan province, which is currently experiencing a low-level insurgency by tribal elements seeking greater political and economic autonomy from the central government. The JI movement is set to hold a sit-in protest in the provincial capital, Quetta, while related protest gatherings are also scheduled to take place in the cities of Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Hyderabad and Abbottabad. It is also believed that these gatherings will be used by the JI to voice its ongoing discontent with the deteriorating economic situation in Pakistan, the country's current fuel and electricity crisis, and ongoing military operations by NATO-led forces in the insurgent-embattled Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Due to various security concerns, clients are adivised against all travel to Pakistan. As the planned demonstrations are likely to carry a strong anti-Western sentiment, foreign nationals are advised to remain in a secure location for the duration of these events and should avoid all related gatherings. ——From Travel Alert.

China: An attack on a police station in Hotan, located in the western Xinjiang region, has left at least four people dead. Unidentified gunmen invaded the police station and held several police officers and civilians hostage. A fire fight ensued between the police and the gunmen, leaving one police officer, one civilian and two of the gunmen dead. The motive for the attack remains unknown; however, the attack is believed to be part of general increasing insecurity in the region. A similar attack occurred in August 2010, when a Uighur individual rammed a van laden with explosives into a police vehicle, killing seven paramilitary police officers. Xinjiang has in the past been plagued by ethnic, and sometimes violent, secessionist attempts by Uighurs, a largely Muslim ethnic group that sees Xinjiang as its homeland. Sporadic acts of violence between the Uighurs and the majority Han Chinese population are common, with Uighurs seeing Han Chinese as 'invaders'. Clients in Hotan are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at this time and should also be aware that the attack may likely prompt a significant increase in security measures across Hotan and the wider Xinjiang region. The implementation of security checkpoints, random identification checks and vehicle searches should be anticipated at sensitive sites, such as government buildings and security installations. As such, it is advisable that travellers ensure that certified copies of all relevant identification information are kept on their person at all times if they intend on transiting to the aforementioned areas. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: (Update) Tropical Storm Ma-On is currently affecting the regions of Kyushu and Shikoku, as well as the southern regions of Honshu island as a Category 1 typhoon. Although the system is yet to make landfall, the leading edge of the storm is bringing heavy rain and high winds to the affected areas, resulting in disruptions to road, rail and air travel. In addition, several flights, predominantly domestic ones, have been cancelled on 18 July and more flights are set to be cancelled on 19 July, primarily to and from Kyushu and Okinawa. The storm system is expected to travel in a northerly direction before changing course and moving in a more north-easterly direction within the next 72 hours. Despite this change of course, large parts of southern and eastern Japan are expected to be affected by the inclement weather during this time; clients are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Furthermore, clients are advised to exercise caution in coastal regions due to the risk of storm surges, in low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding, and in mountainous areas due to the risk of landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: At least 47 people have been injured after an express train collided with a truck at a road crossing in Thailand's western Ratchaburi province on 19 July. The incident reportedly took place in Ratchaburi's Pak Tho district and involved the Bangkok-Surat Thani express train carrying more than 100 passengers. At least 23 foreigners are believed to be among the injured. Emergency personnel and salvage crews are currently attending to the scene. Travel disruptions are anticipated and clients intending to make use of rail services along the affected lines are advised to contact the relevant transport authorities prior to travel to check the status of services, or should make alternative travel arrangements. ——From Travel Alert.

India: The security forces in India's north eastern city of Siliguri and its immediate surrounds were placed on high alert on 20 July after intelligence was received that three terrorists had recently infiltrated the area. Security has reportedly been increased in crowded public areas, including bus stops, markets, shopping malls and near cinema theatres. The terrorists, who have been named by the security forces, are thought to have arrived in the area from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Further specific information regarding the threat has not been released. There is a high threat from terrorism in India stemming from Islamist extremists. While the majority of recent Islamist extremist-inspired terrorist activity has occurred in the country's western half the eastern regions share the general threat. Clients should note that there is also a threat from Maoist-related violence in West Bengal; however, the threat is assessed to be greatest in rural and remote areas of the state and less so in the state's urban centres. In light of the Maoist threat clients are advised against non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of West Bengal. In light of the recent security force response to the presence of suspected terrorists in Siliguri, persons currently in or near the city are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and caution, particularly in crowded public areas.——From Travel Alert.

Solomon Islands: A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported off the island of Makira, a part of the Solomon Islands archipelago. The epicentre was located approximately 27km east of Kira Kira, the capital of the Makira-Ulawa Province, on the north coast of the island. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Clients currently in the region are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for possible updates and advisories from the authorities. Travellers should also note that aftershocks are possible in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.