Pakistan: Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes amid an ongoing military offensive in Pakistan's Kurram tribal region, located in the country's north western Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Since early July, the Pakistani military has been engaged in large-scale counterinsurgency operations in Kurram, in addition to the nearby Orakzai Agency, amid concerns that these areas are being used as the operational and logistical bases of the Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP). To date, it is believed that more than a 100 people, predominantly militants have been killed in the offensive. While Pakistan's north western FATA and neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces continue to be the focal points of the TTP insurgency, it should be noted that counterinsurgency operations in the aforementioned areas may incite retaliatory attacks by the TTP and its affiliates in areas outside of the primary conflict zones. In 2009, a protracted government offensive in South Waziristan, coined operation Rah-e-Nijat (Path to Salvation), resulted in a significant increase in insurgent activity targeting both civilian, government and military interests across the country, with terrorist attacks registered in the capital, Islamabad, and the urban centres of Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi. A similar response to the current Kurram offensive cannot be discounted. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan is advised against. Clients in the country are advised to exercise heightened security awareness, register their presence in Pakistan with their respective diplomatic representation, and coordinate all movements in the presence of an armed escort. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: Significant disruptions to Garuda Indonesia's flight schedules are anticipated on 28 July amid reports than in excess of 650 pilots employed by the airline company may partake in strike action. A union representing pilots of Indonesia's national air carrier called for the industrial action in response to allegations that foreign pilots employed by Garuda Indonesia are being compensated more than local ones. The airline company has stated that it would replace the striking pilots with former pilots now working in administrative positions within the airline company as a means of averting significant flight disruptions. Clients who have booked tickets with Garuda Indonesia for 28 July are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline to confirm the status of their flights. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Continental airlines has cancelled several flights in New York due to a pilot shortage. The airline company claimed that several of its New York pilots called in sick on 27 July forcing the cancellation of at least 21 flights. Services elsewhere in the country have reportedly been unaffected. Clients in New York who have booked tickets with Continental Airlines are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline to confirm the status of their flights. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Security has been increased in and around the Guruvayoor and Sree Padmanabha Swamy shrines following the discovery of a letter alleging that the al-Qaeda Islamist extremist group may be seeking to execute attacks at these venues. The letter, which was allegedly sent from Chennai, also threatened the imminent assassinations of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalaalitha. Bomb disposal squads have since been deployed to both the Guruvayoor and Sree Padmanabha Swamy shrines, located in the town of Guruvayur and the city of Thiruvananthapuram respectively, however, no explosive devices have been found at either of the religious sites. Clients are advised to defer all travel to the Guruvayoor and Sree Padmanabha Swamy shrines until the validity of the threats have been verified. In addition, clients visiting either Guruvayur or Thiruvananthapuram are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at this time and should anticipate for possible travel disruptions caused by the increased security measures. ——From Travel Alert.

China: Tropical Storm Nock-Ten is expected to affect China's southern island province of Hainan within the next 30 hours. The storm is expected to result in storm surges along the country's southern coastline and heavy rainfall. In light of this threat, the National Commission for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) and the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) issued a statement on 27 July warning the authorities in the Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan and Yunnan provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to remain on alert and to monitor the path of the storm. Clients in or planning to travel to the affected areas in the coming days are advised to monitor developments closely. Due to the threat of flooding and landslides clients are further advised to exercise caution in low-lying areas and mountainous regions, respectively. Clients in the affected area should also anticipate air, land and maritime public transport disruptions over the next 48 to 72 hours. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Clashes between the military and suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the Patikul area of Jolo island, in the southern Philippines, have left at least seven soldiers dead and 21 others wounded. No militant casualties have been reported as yet. The military forces were reportedly following a small band of Abu Sayyaf militants when they were ambushed by a larger group of gunmen. Abu Sayyaf is an Islamist extremist group which is opposed to the central government. It carries out regular kidnap for ransom operations and attacks against security force and government interests in the southern Philippines. Due to the presence of a number of armed groups in the region, clients are advised against all travel to Mindanao, including Jolo. Persons currently on Jolo island are advised to avoid the Patikul area as further clashes are likely in the immediate-term. ——From Travel Alert.

South Korea: (Update) Up to 41 people have been killed and 12 more remain missing following heavy rain since 26 July that has led to severe flooding in the northern parts of the country. The worst affected areas include the capital, Seoul, and the provinces of Gyeonggi and Gangwon. Although rain began to ease early on 28 July in these areas, floodwaters still remain at high levels and meteorological authorities have predicted further rain on 29 July, which is likely to result in continued travel disruptions, primarily to road and rail travel. In Seoul, several bridges that run over the Han River, which runs through the centre of the city, were closed, and sporadic power outages were reported. In addition, large numbers of secondary and primary roads remain inundated, and as a result, several thousands troops have been deployed to conduct rescues and clear roads of debris. Flights at Incheon International Airport, the primary air hub serving Seoul, remain unaffected. However, as further rain has been forecast for 29 July, clients should anticipate further travel disruptions and interruptions to services, such as electricity and telecommunications, across northern parts of the country. Clients are advised to exercise caution and avoid low-lying areas such as rivers, dams, lakes and levees due to the risk of flooding and hilly and mountainous regions due to the risk of landslides. In addition, clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Nepal: A landslide has blocked the Bahrabise to Tatopani road section of the Araniko Highway in Nepal, stranding over 100 vehicles since 22 July and resulting in ongoing travel disruptions along the route. The Araniko Highway provides the route for travel between the capital, Kathmandu, and the town of Kodari, where the border crossing for entry into China is located. Although rescue efforts are underway, heavy rainfall is hampering efforts to clear the landslide. The heavy rainfall and subsequent landslide in Nepal coincides with the country's annual monsoon season, which generally extends from June to September. As such, further rainfall conducive to landslides, 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 landslides and flooding. Travellers are also advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Tropical storm Don is due to affect the southern US state of Texas within the next 30 hours. The storm is expected to make landfall to the north of the coastal city of Corpus Christi early on 30 July. Flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in mountainous regions and coastal storm surges are possible within the next 30 to 72 hours. Disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity) are also possible. Travellers are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of the local authorities. Travellers should also note that that the United States is prone to tropical storms between June and November and further storms are likely in the coming months. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Security has been increased in parts of India's Orissa state ahead of Maoist commemorations for 'martyrs' week', which is due to begin on 28 July and end on 3 August. Martyrs' week honours rebels slain in the movement's war against the central government. The week will also be commemorated by Maoists elsewhere in eastern India. In West Bengal, Maoists have called on locals to observe martyrs' week from 29 July to 4 August and have also called for a two-day state-wide general strike on 3 and 4 August. Similar commemorations or general strikes are possible in other Maoist-affected states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. There is an increased possibility of clashes between the security forces and the rebels in these areas for the duration of the commemorative week, although these are more likely to occur in rural and remote areas than in urban settings. Rallies and demonstrations are also possible in both rural and urban areas, and all large political gatherings should be avoided. Due to an ongoing Maoist insurgency,clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal. Persons already in these areas are advised to maintain a low profile and to keep abreast of local developments. ——From Travel Alert.

China: Adverse weather conditions has prompted the delay of more than 40 flights at Chengdu's Shuangliu International Airport. An estimated 6,000 travellers have been affected by the inclement weather which has led to the cancellation of at least three flights at the facility. Clients scheduled to either arrive at or depart from Chengdu's Shuangliu International Airport on 29 July are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: Meteorological authorities have issued severe weather warnings for large parts of the country between 30 July and 2 August, with heavy showers and the possibility of localised flash flooding. Areas that may be affected include the north, north east, western part of the Central Plains region, and east and western parts of the south of the country. High winds and large, choppy swells are also expected in the Andaman Sea, located off Thailand's west coast, during the same period and may affect ferry services. Clients in the affected areas of the country are advised to exercise caution, especially in the vicinity of low-lying areas such as rivers, dams and lakes due to the risk of flooding and in hilly or mountainous areas due to the risk of landslides, and to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. In addition, clients intending to use ferry services on the west coast of the country are advised to contact their travel provider for the latest information on the status of services. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: The Australian Defence League (ADL) is set to hold anti-Sharia protests in Sydney on 30 July. The rally is scheduled to be held from 12:00 to 14:00 local time at Saint Martin Place, between Elizabeth Street and Phillip Street, adjacent to the Channel 7 studio buildings. It is unclear how many people will attend, but it is likely that counter-demonstrations by anti-racist/anti-fascist groups will also be held in the same location, increasing the possibility of violent clashes between the two groups. Clients in Sydney are advised to avoid the affected area on 30 July and anticipate possible localised travel disruptions as a result of the demonstration and counter-demonstration. ——From Travel Alert.

Vietnam: Tropical Storm Nock-Ten is due to affect northern Vietnam within the next 30 hours. The storm, which is currently passing over China's southern island province of Hainan, is projected to make landfall to the north of Vinh. Flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in mountainous regions and coastal storm surges are possible within the next 48 hours. Disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), should be expected. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of the local authorities. Clients should also note that Vietnam normally experiences typhoons from June to December and further storms are likely in the coming months . ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Unidentified gunmen have attacked a group of people standing at a bus stop on Spini Road in Quetta. The shooting has left at least 11 people dead and three others wounded. The victims are all believed to be Shiite pilgrims who were preparing to travel to Iran. Following the attack the local security forces deployed to the affected area. The gunmen remain at large and further security incidents are possible. Due to a number of security issues clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Quetta. Clients currently in the city are advised to maintain a low profile and exercise heightened situational awareness.——From Travel Alert

Japan: The authorities remain on heightened alert in the central Nigata and Fukushima prefectures due to ongoing heavy rainfall and flooding. The local authorities have issued evacuation orders for tens of thousands of local residents over the past 24 hours and warned of possible mudslides in elevated areas and of further flooding. The flooding has damaged or destroyed private and public property in a number of areas and resulted in sporadic power outages in both areas. Numerous rivers in the affected area have burst their banks and flooded surrounding areas. Clients in or planning to travel to the affected regions in the short-term are advised to exercise caution in elevated areas due to the threat of landslides and in low-lying areas, particularly near rivers, due to the threat of further flooding. Further disruptions to the road network, public transportation, telecommunications and power supply should also be expected in the immediate term. ——From Travel Alert.

South Korea: Demonstrators protesting against the December 2010 retrenchment of hundreds of workers of the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction company plan to hold a march and rally in Busan on 30 July. Protesters are expected to march from a number of areas in the city towards the company's shipyard where a rally will be held. The police in Busan have reportedly gone on alert and deployed additional security force units to prevent disruptions to traffic, particularly in the city centre. There is a high threat of low-level violence should protesters cause traffic disruptions. Clients in the city are advised to exercise caution, particularly near the shipyard, and should avoid all street demonstrations/rallies as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: A 6.4 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 84km north east of the town of Mito and 100km from Fukushima, 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.

Laos: Tropical Storm Nock-Ten is due to affect central Laos within the next few hours. In neighbouring Vietnam, heavy rains from the storm have prompted authorities to evacuate tens of thousands of people from vulnerable areas, mostly in Thanh Hoa province. Similar measures may be instituted in Laos where flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions are possible within the next 48 hours. Disruptions to air, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), should be expected. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of the local authorities. Clients should also note that Laos normally experiences typhoons from June to December and further storms are likely in the coming months. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: (Update) At least 16 people were killed and many more injured on 30 July in ongoing politically motivated violence in Pakistan's port city of Karachi. A further eleven people were killed on 29 July as violence erupted in many of the city's flashpoint neighbourhoods. Most of the fatalities followed targeted shootings with the areas of Landhi, Sherpao Colony, Hussaini Chowrangi and Pak Colony being worst affected. 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 Mujahirs, who largely support the MQM, and Pashtuns, who support the ANP, clashing frequently. However, some of the violence has been communal in nature, primarily split along Sunni-Shiite lines. Violence in the city has spiked since 23 July following the acquittal of Afaq Ahmad, the leader of a breakaway faction of the MQM, and subsequent efforts by his supporters to enter their former strongholds, particularly the district of Malir. More than 90 people are believed to have been killed in Karachi since 23 July and deaths during the month of July are believed to number into the hundreds. Although foreigners have not been specifically targeted, clients should note that 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 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.

China: At least six people have been killed and 28 others injured in an armed attack in the city of Kashgar, located in China's western Xinjiang region, late on 30 July. Two knife-wielding assailants reportedly hijacked a truck and drove it into a crowd of people at a food market before commencing to stab bystanders at random. One of the assailants is believed to have been killed as the crowd succeeded in subduing the attackers. According to some unconfirmed reports, the attack was preceded by at least two explosions in the city. The incident comes less than two weeks after an attack on a police station in the city of Hotan, also located in the Xinjiang region, claimed the lives of at least 18 people. Xinjiang has been plagued by incidents of ethnic violence and terrorism linked to a secessionist campaign by Uighurs, a largely Muslim ethnic group that sees Xinjiang as its homeland. Sporadic acts of ethnic violence between the Uighurs and the majority Han Chinese population are common. Clients in Kashgar are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and should anticipate a significant increase in security measures in the city and the wider Xinjiang region. These may include the implementation of security checkpoints and random identification checks. Clients are advised to carry certified copies of all relevant identification documents at this time. ——From Travel Alert.

Vanuatu: A 6.1 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 360km north east of the city of Port Vila, Shefa Province. 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.

Russia: At least one person has been killed and 28 more injured after a tornado touched down in the eastern city of Blagoveshchensk; widespread damage to infrastructure has also been reported, including disruptions to electricity and phone services. Local authorities have reportedly issued a state of emergency and various emergency agencies have been deployed throughout the city. Clients in or planning to travel to Blagoveshchensk are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from the authorities. Clients should also anticipate localised travel disruptions, including to air and road transportation. ——From Travel Alert.

India: At least one person has been killed and dozens more injured in a collision between two commercial trains in West Bengal state. The collision reportedly occurred in the Malda district of West Bengal state between Jamirghata and Gourghata stations. The Bangalore-bound Guwahati-Bangalore Express train derailed and an oncoming passenger train from Jiaganj Azimganj later collided with the derailed carriages. The accident has resulted in disruptions of train services between the affected stations and the cancellation of trains from the town of Howrah; it is unclear as to when services will resume. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against non-essential travel to the rural areas of West Bengal. However, clients in or intending to travel to West Bengal and who plan to make use of rail transport are advised to contact their travel provider or the local transport authorities for further information on the status of rail services. ——From Travel Alert.

Papua New Guinea: A 6.8 magnitude earthquake has been reported off the north coast of Papua New Guinea. The epicentre was located approximately 131km east of the city of Wewak in East Sepik province. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Travellers are advised to brace for aftershocks in the affected area. Persons in the region should monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: At least 21 people have been killed in separate violent incidents in the Abepura and Puncak districts of Indonesia's Papua province in recent days. Clashes between rival supporters of candidates for the 9 November 2011 local elections, Simon Alom and Elvis Satuni, left at least 17 people dead on 30/31 July. The rival supporters were reported to have set houses alight and were involved in stone-throwing and shooting of bows and arrows. Security personnel have been deployed to the scene and the situation is reported to be under control. Separately, on 1 August, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a minibus in the Abepura district, killing at least four people and injuring several others. The attackers are suspected to belong to the Free West Papua Movement (Organisesi Papua Merdeka, or OPM), which seeks independence for Papua from Indonesia. As political tensions are currently high, particularly in Puncak, further violence is likely in the run up to the local elections. Furthermore, due to the ongoing threat posed by militants, and protests that frequently result in violence, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Papua and West Papua provinces. Clients in the region are advised to avoid all protest gatherings due to the threat of violent civil unrest and to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: A transport strike in Bogra District, located in the north of the country, has severed road access to at least eleven northern districts and the rest of the country, including the capital, Dhaka. Road travel has come to a halt after transport workers from the Bogra Transport Owners Association recently blocked off access to the Dhaka-Bogra highway, Banani point and several secondary roads. The transport workers are protesting against a government decision to divert road travel and against the recent assault of a driver. The ongoing protest action has caused significant road travel disruptions in the affected area. Persons intending to travel via road through the affected areas are advised to contact their travel provider or the local transport authorities prior to departure. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Security forces in the southern Muslim-majority Mindanao region are on a heightened state of alert for the holy month of Ramadan amid an increased threat of terrorist attacks. Extra troops have been deployed in urban centres in regions such as Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Zamboanga City. Police spokespeople also claim to have discovered at least ten improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in recent weeks, that were set to be used in terrorist incidents during Ramadan. In addition, two attempted bombings were foiled in Tacurong City and Lambayong, in Sultan Kudarat province. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by the Fast of Ramadan, which commemorates the month when Muslims believe the Koran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. During this period there is a also a heightened threat of bomb and gun attacks by any of several Islamist separatist groups operating in Mindanao. Due to this and a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Mindanao, including the Sulu Archipelago. Clients currently in the region are advised to maintain a low profile, implement robust security protocols and report any suspicious people, packages or activity to the police immediately. In addition, clients in Muslim majority communities and countries are advised to respect local cultural and religious sensibilities during this period and should refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours. Particular care should be exercised in or near religious sites and in rural areas. ——From Travel Alert.