Canada: Ongoing wildfires in the north western region of Ontario province have prompted the evacuation of more than 2,000 people on 20 July. The areas around Cat Lake and Keewaywin have already been evacuated, while residents in districts surrounding Red Lake region have been called to leave the area. A further 1,500 people are set to be evacuated from the Kingfisher First Nation, Wunnumin Lake First Nation and the Sandy Lake First Nation on 21 July. More than 100 wildfires are burning in the area and up to 300,000 hectares of land have been destroyed thus far. The Canadian government has availed a number of military aircraft and buses to evacuate people in the affected areas, some of which are only accessible by air. Clients currently in the affected areas, specifically around the Red Lake region, are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so and to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

East Timor: Security has been heightened in the capital, Dili, following a recent spate of fatal shootings in the Fatuhada and Bidau areas of the city during the week of 11 to 17 July. In response, Timorese police have set up several checkpoints/roadblocks throughout the capital and are conducting searches for weapons and other contraband. The reasons for the shootings remain unclear, although government officials have claimed that local criminal elements have been paid to carry out the shootings in order to foment instability in Dili. However, due to widespread poverty and ease of access to small arms, there is still a high threat of petty and violent crime in East Timor, particularly in Dili, despite the claims of the officials, which remain unsubstantiated. Accordingly, clients are advised to exercise caution, maintain heightened situational awareness and limit travel after dark as far as practically possible. In addition, clients are advised to allow for extra time for travel within the city, carry identification documents with them to facilitate passing through the security checkpoints and adhere to the directives of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for parts of coastal New South Wales, including the Sydney metropolitan, South Coast, Illawarra, Hunter and mid-North Coast regions. Flood warnings are also in place for the Murray and Snowy rivers, as well as a high wind warning for coastal waters between Point Danger and Gabo Island. The warnings are a result of a low pressure system which is currently sitting east of the New South Wales coastline and is expected to continue affecting the region until 23 July. In Sydney a number of small-scale power outages were reported, however, electricity has since been restored. Several roads have also been blocked by downed trees. There have been no flight disruptions at Sydney Airport as a result of the inclement weather. Clients in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution, anticipate further localised travel disruptions and monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Nepal: Flooding and subsequent landslides have killed at least 16 people in the central and eastern parts of Nepal following two days of heavy rainfall on 20 and 21 July. The worst affected areas include the Rasuwa, Jhapa, Morang, Mahottari and Rautahat districts. Roads have been inundated by floodwaters, and several bridges have been washed away, resulting in ongoing road travel disruptions. The heavy rains in Nepal coincide with the country's annual monsoon season, which generally extends from June to September. As such, further rainfall conducive to flooding is possible in the coming months. Clients in or planning to travel to the affected areas are advised to exercise caution in low-lying areas, particularly near rivers, and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. 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 further flooding and landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

India: The pro-independence Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) has called for a day-long general strike (bandh) in the Telangana region of India's eastern Andhra Pradesh state on 22 July. The strike action, which has prompted the suspension of business and transport services across much of the region, has been called in protest against the detention of scores of separatists by Andhra Pradesh's government. The separatists were arrested while attempting to attend the funeral procession of a prominent pro-Telangana activist on 21 July. Thousands of activists have called for the Telangana region to be declared independent from the state of Andhra Pradesh amid allegations that the region has been politically and economically neglected by the state government. Authorities have heightened security across Telangana amid concerns that any associated protests may descend into violent civil unrest. Previous bandhs related to the Telangana independence issue have degenerated into violence, with demonstrators utilising sticks and rocks and security forces responding with robust crowd control tactics, including the use of teargas and water cannons. Such confrontations pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Should demonstrations occur, these are likely to be well attended, and clients are advised to anticipate traffic disruptions and heightened security measures in the region, including roadblocks and security checkpoints. Travellers should also adhere to the general strike conditions and are advised to avoid all related protests gatherings due to the threat of violent civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: At least 22 people have died since 18 July due to heat-related illnesses amid an ongoing heat wave affecting more than 33 US states. Midwest and southern states have been particularly affected, with high temperatures, often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, and humidity expected to continue in these areas in the coming days. Reports also indicate that the ongoing heat wave is placing pressure on the national power supply and sporadic power outages, particularly in large urban centres, are possible. Furthermore, continued high temperatures and dry conditions heighten the threat of wildfires; as of early July, wildfires in a number of states in the United States have burned nearly 5 million acres. The heat wave is expected to continue until late on 22 July, after which thunderstorms and hail are predicted. However, hot dry conditions are likely to continue in the short-term. Clients in the affected areas, particularly the elderly and those with high blood pressure, are advised to take precautions to avoid heat stroke and exhaustion, including limiting their exposure to direct sunlight, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding unnecessary physical exertion. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: Meteorological authorities have issued severe weather warnings for the northern, eastern and western regions of the country, with rain and heavy thundershowers creating the risk of localised flash flooding and landslides in some areas. The provinces expected to be worst affected include Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi, where heavy rain is expected on 22 July and is set to continue for at least the next 48 hours following that. Clients in the affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures, including avoiding low-lying areas such as dams, rivers and levees due to the risk of flooding, and in mountainous areas due to the risk of landslides. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Fiji: A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 45km north east of Ndoi island. There have been no reports of damages or casualties. A tsunami warning has not been issued. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area and clients are advised to take the necessary precautions, including following the directives of the local authorities. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Sri Lanka: Local government elections are scheduled to be held in the northern districts of Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu on 23 July amid fears of renewed violence in Sri Lanka's restive northern region. The polls on 23 July are the first local council elections since the central government defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009 after a protracted conflict that lasted 29 years. The LTTE is a separatist organisation that has been fighting for an independent Tamil state in northern Sri Lanka since 1983, and in pursuing this objective launched a violent campaign against the central government and civilians in southern Sri Lanka. Since the group's defeat, and in the run up to the elections, the central government has been involved in intimidating and coordinating violent campaigns against several opposition groups, specifically the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), a coalition of Tamil parties representing Tamil interests. An unfavourable election result for both the government and the TNA and TNA-aligned parties is likely to cause post-election violence and civil unrest. travel alert currently advises against non-essential travel to all areas in northern Sri Lanka, including Kilinochchi, and Mullaittivu. Clients are advised to exercise heightened security at this time due to the possibility of politically motivated violence. ——From Travel Alert.

Papua New Guinea: All Air Niugini flights between Japan and Papua New Guinea are set to be cancelled from 7 September. The airline has stated that low passenger numbers and competition from other carriers has left this route between the two countries unsustainable in terms of cost. However, Air Niugini has arranged connecting flights to Japan's Narita airport in Tokyo from Hong Kong, as it will still offer services between Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong. Clients set to be affected by these changes are advised to contact their travel provider, airline or departure airport for the latest updates and advisories and should alter their travel plans accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: A 6.4 magnitude earthquake reported approximately 112km south east of Morioka, Honshu 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.

India: A general strike is currently being observed in India's Jammu and Kashmir Valley region. The strike, which has been accompanied by widespread protest action, has been called by Muslim separatists to protest the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a civilian by Indian security personnel. On 22 July, reports of the alleged sexual assault resulted in clashes between local security forces and demonstrators which left at least ten people wounded in Kulgam town. In response to the general strike, security has been increased significantly across the Jammu and Kashmir Valley region, particularly in the summer capital, Srinagar, and the flashpoint districts of Anantnag and Baramulla. Due to various security concerns, particularly the ongoing and persistent threat of civil unrest, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Jammu and Kashmir Valley region. Clients currently in the region are advised to maintain a low profile and to avoid all protest gatherings as a precaution. Severe transport disruptions have also been reported and travellers should plan accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Adverse weather has caused extensive disruptions to road, rail and air travel in Chicago. Overnight rains has inundated several major roads in the city, including thoroughfares leading to the O'Hare International airport. Flight services at the commercial air hub have also been disrupted with more than a 100 flights cancelled, while others are being subject to significant delays. Operations at the city's Midway Airport have reportedly been unaffected. The Chicago Transportation Authority has also reported disruptions to train services in the city, with rail line closures reported on the Blue Line between O'Hare and Rosemont and on the Pink Line between 54th/Cermak and Pulaski. Shuttle services are being used to accommodate the affected commuters. Clients in Chicago are advised that road conditions remain variable in the city and extensive delays should be anticipated. Furthermore, visitors conducting commercial air travel at the O'Hare International airport are advised to contact their respective airline and/or travel provider to confirm the status of their flights. ——From Travel Alert.

China: (Update) Reports on 24 July indicate that up to 33 people have been killed and 190 injured in the derailment of a passenger train in China's Zhejiang province. The accident reportedly occurred after a high-speed passenger train, D3115, travelling from the city of Hangzhou to Wenzhou, came to a standstill after it was hit by lightning; a second passenger train, D301, subsequently crashed into the rear of the immobile train causing two of its carriages to derail. The trains involved were operated by the Shanghai Railway Bureau and Nanchang Railway Bureau respectively. Travel disruptions along the affected route can be expected as the line remains closed amid ongoing efforts by emergency services to free remaining survivors. Clients planning to use the rail service along the route 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.

Japan: A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported 79km southeast of the town of Sendai on the Japanese east coast. There have been no reports of damages or casualties. A tsunami warning has not been issued. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area and clients are advised to take the necessary precautions, including following the directives of the local authorities. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities.——From Travel Alert

Papua New Guinea: A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported 110km south west of the town of Arawa, capital of Bougainville province. There have been no reports of damages or casualties. A tsunami warning has not been issued. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area and clients are advised to take the necessary precautions, including following the directives of the local authorities. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

New Zealand: Heavy snow is resulting in severe air and road travel delays on the South Island, on 25 July. Flight delays and cancellations have been reported at Christchurch International Airport, Dunedin Airport as well as Queenstown Airport. Furthermore, a number of highways around Otago and Dunedin have been closed for traffic, including sections of the SH1 Highway in the vicinity of the Waitaki bridge, State Highway 87, the H8 Highway and State Highway 93. 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. Clients intending to use the aforementioned airports over the next 48 hours are advised to contact their airline or the airport for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: (Update) Up to 44 people have been killed and scores more injured since 23 July in ongoing politically motivated violence in Karachi, with the areas of Landhi, Orangi Town and Malir being worst affected. Authorities have stated that an additional 200 security forces, in addition to those already deployed as a result of the violence, will be deployed to these areas in an attempt to quell the violence. Politically motivated violence in Karachi has escalated significantly since 5 July following an alleged assassination attempt by suspected supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) against a rival Awami National Party (ANP) official. Much of the violence is ethnic in nature, with clashes between the Mujahirs, who largely support the MQM and Pashtuns, who support the ANP, although there are reports that some of the violence has been communal in nature, primarily split along Sunni-Shiite lines. However, the latest round of violence that began on 23 July is believed to be caused by the acquittal of Afaq Ahmad, leader of the MQM-H, a breakaway faction of the MQM. Following his acquittal, his supporters tried to enter their former stronghold districts of Malir, among others, and the clashes ensued. Political violence in recent weeks has left at least 330 people dead, and although foreigners have not been specifically targeted, the violence has resulted in the deaths of a number of innocent bystanders. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Karachi. Persons currently in the city should maintain a low profile and avoid all protests and gatherings. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: (Update) Several people have been killed and thousands more displaced as Tropical Storm Nock-Ten made landfall over the Bicol region of Luzon on 26 July. At least seven people have been killed in landslides in Albay province, several more killed in Cataduanes province and dozens of domestic flights have been cancelled. In the capital, Manila, road travel disruptions have been reported due to heavy rain and localised flooding; these conditions are set to continue until at least 27 July as the storm system moves over the city. Meteorologists have warned that while the tropical storm is not bringing excessively strong winds, it is being accompanied by heavy rain, which in turn creates the risk of flooding in the areas over which it passes. Nock-Ten is currently moving in a north westerly direction and is due to affect parts of northern and western Luzon in the coming 24 hours. Clients in the affected areas are advised to avoid mountainous and hilly areas due to the risk of landslides and low-lying areas such as rivers, lakes, dams and levees due to the risk of flooding. Clients in coastal areas are advised to the possibility of storm surges. In addition, clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

South Korea: Tensions are heightened on the Korean Peninsula ahead of the 27 July commemoration of the end Korean War. The anniversary will commemorate the signing of the armistice that ended armed conflict between North and South Korea, which took place between 1950 and 1953; technically the two countries still remain in a state of a war, as a truce and not a peace treaty, was signed. In addition, North Korea is set to hold military drills in the coming days and while it regularly holds such drills, the one set to take place appears to be combined army, navy and air force drills and recent days have seen a build up of military personnel and hardware in North Korea's western port of Nampo. It is unclear exactly when the drills will take place due to the secretive nature of the North Korean state; however it is unusual to hold them near the armistice anniversary. It is believed that the drills may be a North Korean response to moves by the South Korean military to open new command centres to protect disputed islands near the two countries' western sea border in the Yellow Sea. Tensions between the two countries have escalated at times, most recently in November 2010, when the North Korean military fired scores of shells at South Korea's Yeonpyeong island, leaving several people dead, causing significant infrastructural damage and heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Clients in South Korea are advised to exercise heightened caution and should anticipate a heightened security presence and possible anti-North Korea protests, particularly in major urban centres such as the capital, Seoul.——From Travel Alert.

Peru: Independence Day will be commemorated from 27 to 28 July in Peru. Public celebrations and other festivities are likely in several of the country's major urban centres, including the capital, Lima, and the cities of Cusco, Arequipa and Trujillo. The occasion will also coincide with the inauguration of president-elect Ollanta Humala and the summit of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), which are both due to take place in Lima on 28 July. Significant travel disruptions should be expected as a result of these three events, as there may be numerous road closures and transport delays in Lima and in cities where Independence Day commemorations are being held. Although incidents of unrest are not anticipated, opportunistic criminals may take advantage of large crowds to conduct petty theft; clients are advised to remain vigilant of both their surroundings and possessions if participating in the festivities. ——From Travel Alert.

Myanmar: Days of heavy rain have led to flooding in the Kayin and Rakhine states and in the the Bago Region of the country, with the Chindwin, Pegu, Ngawun, Salween and Thanlwin rivers all flooding their banks. In the capital city of Bago Region, Bago city, widespread power outages have been reported. Flooding in Hpa-an City, the capital of Kayin State, has also displaced several thousand people. Myanmar is subject to heavy monsoon rains, which affect the country between May and November, with the risk of flooding highest in July and August. Further heavy rain conducive to flooding is likely in the coming weeks. Clients in Myanmar are advised to exercise caution in low-lying areas such as dams, levees, lakes and rivers due to the risk of flooding and in mountainous regions due to the risk of landslides. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: (Update) Ongoing flooding in the Cox's Bazar District in south eastern Bangladesh has left seven dead and 20,000 displaced in recent days. The flooding has largely been a result of the heavy monsoon rains which have led to the bursting of the banks of the Bakkhali and Matamuhuri rivers. The overall situation has been further exacerbated by widespread deforestation in the affected area. The monsoon season in Bangladesh extends from June to September. Further heavy rain conducive to flooding is expected in the country, including Cox's Bazar. Clients are advised to exercise caution in low-lying areas, such as rivers, due to the threat of flooding. ——From Travel Alert.