Pakistan: Several people have been killed and dozens of others wounded after twin bomb attacks targeted the Lahori gate area of Pakistan's north western city of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the first incident, a remote-controlled explosive device detonated near a vehicle transporting security personnel. Minutes later a female suicide bomber threw a grenade at a nearby police checkpost before detonating her suicide vest. While unconfirmed, it is believed that the attacks were more than likely perpetrated by militants linked to the Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan movement, which maintains a significant presence in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which borders Afghanistan. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan, including Peshawar, is advised against. Clients currently in the city are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and should defer all travel to the Lahori gate area, particularly due to the fact that secondary attacks, targeting emergency personnel and/or large crowds, cannot be discounted. In addition, clients should also be aware that the attacks may likely prompt a significant increase in security measures across Peshawar 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 transport 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 if they intend on transiting to the aforementioned areas. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Dengue fever outbreaks have been reported in a number of areas of the Philippines recently. On 10 August, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) stated that at least six people have died and 456 others have been infected by the disease in Antipolo City, Rizal province. In Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur provinces at least 37 people have succumbed to the disease since the beginning of the year, with cases reportedly increasing by over 200 percent as compared with the previous year. Dengue fever is regularly reported in the Philippines, with cases typically spiking during the country's rainy season, which occurs annually from June to September. Clients intending to travel to the country are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Persons exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, backache and joint pain are advised to contact their medical practitioner. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Various nationalist political parties have called for a general strike in Pakistan's Sindh province on 13 August. The strike action has been called in protest over the suggested reintroduction of former president Pervez Musharraf's local government system by the province's ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Nationalist parties claim that the reintroduction of the controversial local government system will hamper economic revenue, disrupt the province's health care and education sectors, and further entrench ethnic divisions between Sindh's Sindhi- and Urdu-speaking communities. In addition to the strike action, various political parties opposed to the local government system will also hold a sit-in protest outside the Sindh Assembly Building in the provincial capital, Karachi. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Sindh province. Clients who will be in the province on 13 August are advised to maintain a low profile, avoid all related gatherings and should anticipate significant disruptions to business and transportation services across the country. Furthermore, clients in Karachi should also note that the general strike may serve as a catalyst for further acts of politically motivated violence in the city, which has claimed the lives of more than 300 people since 5 July. Areas of Karachi which carry a heightened threat of politically motivated violence include the Orangi Town, Banaras, Qasba Colony, Katti Pahari and Aligarh neighbourhoods; travel to these areas should be avoided. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Security has been significantly increased in Guwahati, Assam state, following the discovery of various small arms and explosive devices on a passenger bus in the city's Dhubri district on 10 August. Along with the ammunition and crude explosive devices, authorities also discovered a letter which made reference to several key locations in Guwahati, most notably the city's popular Jalukbari and Ganeshguri areas. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident. As a precautionary measure, security has been heightened at public areas and sensitive sites in the city. The increased security measures are anticipated to continue in the short-term. A number of militant groups operate in India's north eastern states and their causes range from demands for increased autonomy to outright secession. Prominent groups include the ULFA, which has been fighting for an independent state since 1979, and which frequently carries out bomb attacks on rail infrastructure, markets, police and government installations. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to Assam state, including Guwahati, is advised against. Clients currently in the city are advised to maintain a low profile and exercise heightened security awareness at all times. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: At least two people have been killed and over 850 hospitalised in an ongoing heat wave across large parts of the country. In the capital, Tokyo, 87 people were taken to hospital, while another 76 were hospitalised in Saitama, 72 in Kanagawa, 62 in Aichi, 55 in Ibaraki, 34 in Chiba, 20 in Gunma and 10 in Tochigi. On 10 August, temperatures exceeded 35 degrees Celsius in 151 areas around the country, including in Hokkaido, Aomori and Okinawa. In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued severe heat alerts for 29 of Japan's 47 prefectures. In addition, as a result of the heat and accompanying increase in energy demands, the Tohoku Electric Power Company, which provides electricity for parts of north eastern Honshu which was partly affected by the 11 March earthquake and subsequent tsunami, has stated that it may have to institute rolling blackouts in its area of responsibility. The high temperatures are expected to continue until 17 or 18 August; 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.

Australia: Meteorological authorities have issued a moderate flood warning for the Macalister and Thomson rivers and minor flood warnings for Bunyip River and Western Port catchment at Yallock Outfall, Cora Lynn and Iona, and Traralgon Creek at Traralgon in the Gippsland region of Victoria due to ongoing heavy rains. Several other rivers in the affected area, such as the Mitchell and Wonangatta rivers are also expected to exceed flood levels in the short-term. While there are no current plans to evacuate residents from low-lying areas, the State Emergency Service has announced that there is potential for widespread flooding and road closures, and the South Gippsland Highway is expected to be cut off south of Sale in the coming days. In addition, electricity, water and sewage services may be cut off or damaged by floodwaters in the coming hours and days. Clients in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution, particularly in low-lying areas such as rivers, lakes and dams due to the risk of flooding and monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

China: A 5.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported near the city of Kashgar in China's north western Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. The epicentre of the earthquake was some 100km north east of the city. At least 26 people are believed to have been injured, some critically, and a number of structures have reportedly collapsed following the quake. Clients in the affected area are advised to expect aftershocks and are subsequently advised to evacuate damaged structures and to follow the directives of building supervisors and/or local emergency crews. Transport, communication and public amenities (water and electricity) may also have been affected and disruptions to these services should be anticipated. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: The Springfield-Branson National Airport near Springfield, Missouri, will be closed for 72 hours from 11:00 local time on 12 August to 11:00 on 15 August. The closure is due to planned resurfacing of a runway at the facility. Persons intending to fly via the airport are advised to contact their travel provider or the airport directly for further information and for alternative transport options. ——From Travel Alert.

India: India will commemorate its Independence Day on 15 August. Security is increased annually for the commemorative anniversary amid concerns that Islamist militants, who are disgruntled with India's continued administration of the predominantly Muslim Jammu and Kashmir Valley region, may execute attacks on symbolic days. Security is anticipated to be particularly stringent in and around the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and the cities of Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore, which have all been targeted by Islamist militants in the past. Independence Day celebrations may also incite acts of civil unrest by Muslim separatists in the Jammu and Kashmir region, in addition to the country's Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura states, which have also been the focal points of separatist insurgencies. Clients are therefore advised against all non-essential travel to these areas. Clients in India on 15 August should exercise heightened security awareness and should avoid all public festivals and other commemorative events, which will be at an elevated risk of being targeted in a terrorist attack. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Pakistan will commemorate its Independence Day on 14 August. The anniversary is considered as being at an elevated risk from Islamist militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan, which may seek to disrupt commemorative public events with bomb attacks and other acts of violence. While government buildings and security installations in the country's insurgent-embattled Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces are considered as being at highest risk of a potential terrorist attack, militants have shown both the intent and operational capabilities of striking at even the most well-guarded facilities, including in major urban centres such as Islamabad, and the cities of Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan is advised against. Clients who will be in the country on 14 August should exercise heightened security awareness and should avoid all public festivals and other commemorative events, which will be at an elevated risk of being targeted in a terrorist attack. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: National Mourning Day will be observed on 15 August. The day commemorates the 1975 anniversary of the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's first president, who is widely viewed as the 'father of the nation'. Official events and rallies are likely in the capital, Dhaka and other major cities through the course of the day. Security is expected to be increased on the day, particularly near government sponsored gatherings, which are likely to attract leading Bangladeshi politicians and public figures. Clients are currently advised against non-essential travel to Bangladesh due to a number of security concerns. Persons in or planning to travel to the country on 15 August should note that National Mourning Day is a public holiday and business and state service disruptions are likely. Localised traffic disruptions and additional security checkpoints are also expected in areas near official events. Clients should anticipate possible road travel delays in places through the course of the day. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: A US national has reportedly been kidnapped in Pakistan's north eastern city of Lahore. According to media reports the man, a long-term resident in Pakistan, was abducted during the morning of 13 August from his residence in the Model Town area of the city by a group of approximately 10 gunmen. The assailants reportedly broke into the victim's compound and overpowered the security guards before capturing the man. No further details are currently available. The incident is the latest in a spate of kidnappings in the country targeting Western interests. At least eight local aid workers employed by a US-based NGO were kidnapped in Balochistan province on 19 July near Quetta. On 1 July, two Swiss nationals were kidnapped in the same province in the Loralai district by members of Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP). Islamist militant groups, organised criminal syndicates, politically motivated groups and lone individuals all pose a kidnap threat in Pakistan. Due to a number of security concerns, including kidnapping, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan. Persons in the country are advised to adopt maximum personal and residential security measures and should maintain a low public profile. Travel with a security escort is advisable. ——From Travel Alert.

New Zealand: The Meteorological Service of New Zealand issued a severe weather warning for parts of the South Island as extremely cold conditions and heavy snowfall is expected on 14 August. The areas likely to be worst affected include the Fiordland, Southland and Otago regions, including the city of Dunedin. Snowfall may also reach the southern parts of the North Island on 14 August. Heavy snowfall is expected to continue over the next 48 hours and is likely to cause travel disruptions. Clients in or intending to travel to the affected areas should prepare adequately for extreme temperatures; clients are further advised to monitor local media for weather updates and road closures and to exercise caution as ice and other road hazards are likely. ——From Travel Alert.

India: A group of unknown gunmen opened fire on vehicles along National Highway 37 in the north eastern Assam state's Golaghat district; one person was killed and at least 12 others injured. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, security forces suspect the involvement of the Karbi People's Liberation Tigers (KPLT). The KPLT is one of a number of rebel groups in the area that has called for a general boycott of India's Independence Day celebrations on 15 August, including a general ban on vehicle movement along National Highway 37; further violence in the region can be expected ahead of Independence Day. travel alert currently advises against all non-essential travel to a number of north eastern states, including Assam. Clients currently in the area are advised to maintain a low profile, exercise heightened security awareness and should avoid all public festivals and other commemorative events, which will be at an elevated risk of being targeted in a terrorist attack. Travel along National Highway 37 in Assam should also be voided in the short term as further attacks by rebel groups along this route are possible. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: The security forces in central and western Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, have been on alert since 12 August as a result of recent security incidents. On 13 August, the authorities discovered and defused bombs along a highway and at a bus terminal in the vicinity of Tacurong City. On 12 August, two suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) militants were killed in Kidapawan City when the bomb they were carrying exploded prematurely. Additionally, recent fighting between two rival MILF groups over agricultural land is ongoing, and at least 23 people have been killed and thousands displaced in the conflict, which has taken place in the Datu Piang area between MILF Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). The armed forces are prepared to deploy troops to the area should the situation remain volatile. The MILF is an Islamist militant group, which has been battling for a separate Islamic state in the southern Philippines since the 1980s. The group is currently engaged in peace negotiations with the Philippines government; however, a number of its local commanders operate semi-autonomous bands across the central Mindanao region and have been recently implicated in acts of terrorism and criminality, including kidnapping. Due to the ongoing insecurity in the region, clients are advised against all travel to Mindanao. Persons in the region are advised to exercise heightened security measures at all times, particularly if conducting independent travel outside of main urban centres and in the vicinity of likely terrorist targets, including government and security force facilities, transport interests and crowded public areas.——From Travel Alert

China: Tens of thousands of people are demonstrating in the People's Square area of Dalian, in China's north western Liaoning province on 14 August. The demonstrators are calling for the relocation of the controversial Fujia factory chemical plant, in the Jinzhou industrial complex, due to safety concerns. Minor scuffles between protesters and the police have been reported, and the threat of further skirmishes or an escalation in violence cannot be ruled out. While the mayor of the city has addressed the crowds and promised that the plant will be relocated, further protests are still possible in Dalian in the coming days. Clients in the affected area are advised to avoid all street demonstrations as a precaution. Particularly vigilance is advised in the vicinities of People's Square and the Jinzhou industrial complex. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: A bomb explosion at a hotel in the town of Dera Allah Yar, in Pakistan's south western Balochistan province, has left at least 11 people dead and wounded a number of others on 14 August. The blast, which coincided with the country's Independence Day, reportedly destroyed the hotel. The attack may have been conducted by Baloch separatists or Islamist extremists, and the motive remains unknown. The police have also stated that the attack may have been connected to a personal dispute. Due to the extreme threat of terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan. Persons in or intending to travel to the country are advised to implement maximum security measures. ——From Travel Alert.

South Korea: Independence Day celebrations are expected throughout South Korea on 15 August. The commemoration marks 66 years of independence from Japanese colonial rule. The main celebration will be at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts located in central Seoul. Although incidents of unrest are not anticipated, the possibility of opportunistic crimes such as petty theft and pickpocketing cannot be excluded. As such clients are advised to remain vigilant of both their surroundings and possessions if participating in the festivities. Clients should also expect travel disruptions in the vicinity of the commemorative events. ——From Travel Alert.

New Zealand: (Update) Travel disruptions have been reported across the country after a storm brought intensive snowfall on 13 and 14 August. In the capital, Wellington, and the cities of Christchurch and Dunedin numerous roads and public transport facilities have been closed due to icy conditions and ongoing snowfall. In addition, temporary power outages were reported in parts of Wellington, Christchurch and on the Coromandel Peninsular. Due to ongoing adverse weather conditions, airport services have been suspended in Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown on 15 August. The international airport in Wellington is open; however, parts of its runway are closed and flight services have been disrupted. Further snowfall is forecast over the next 24 hours along the southern parts of the South Island, while weather conditions are expected to ease on the North Island of New Zealand. As such, clients should expect continued disruptions to road and air transport over the next 24 hours. Persons intending to use one of the above-mentioned airports are advised to contact their airline, the airport or their travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Public transport in Miami-Dade County, Florida, is expected to be partially disrupted on 15 and 16 August due to a go-slow strike by members of the Transport Workers Union. The strike has been called amid an ongoing labour dispute over a planned increase in healthcare contributions. Disruptions are expected to affect Metrorail and Metrobus services; however, authorities do not anticipate any delays at at the Metromover as it is an automated rail transit system. Clients currently in Miami-Dade County should expect delays and the potential cancellation of some public transport services on 15 and 16 August. Clients intending to use public transport services are advised to contact the relevant transport authorities prior to departure.——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: Independence Day is scheduled to be commemorated countrywide on 17 August. Security will be heightened from 16 August onwards, particularly in urban areas and in the capital, Jakarta. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is set to lead a number of events during the course of 17 August, beginning with a ceremony at 00:00 local time at the National Heroes ceremony in South Jakarta. Following that there will be a number of other events in which the president will be involved in. Although there have been no indications that anti-government elements seek to disrupt events or target government officials or installations in any attacks, Indonesian security forces have disrupted such attempts in previous years. Accordingly, security is likely to be tightened at any events in which government officials will be taking part. Associated travel disruptions are also possible, as well as an increased demand for public transport. Clients in Indonesia, especially in urban areas are advised to anticipate possible travel disruptions and plan for an increase in travelling times. Clients attending ceremonies and large public events should exercise heightened situational awareness due to the increased risk of petty crime, and should be vigilant and report any suspicious people, packages or activities to the authorities immediately. ——From Travel Alert.

East Timor: Tensions are heightened in Zumalai, near the country's southern coast following rioting and looting by armed mobs on 15 August. Over 100 houses, businesses and vehicles were set on fire by members of a gang after an alleged police informant, who was also a member of the gang, was killed in a stabbing incident. There were no reports of casualties as a result of the violence. It is unclear why his death triggered the rioting, but local security forces have made several arrests and riots have thus subsided. Despite this, tensions remain elevated and the risk of further violence erupting cannot be ruled out. Should further rioting break out, there is a risk that clashes between security forces, who are ill-equipped to deal with public disorder, and gangs, who have a significant presence throughout the country may occur, further escalating the situation. Clients in the affected area are advised to exercise caution, maintain a low profile and avoid any large public gatherings as a precaution against violent civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

Cambodia: Reports on 16 August indicate that at least six people have been killed and hundreds more displaced as a result of flooding along the Mekong River in Kratie, Stung Treng and Kampong Cham provinces. The rising water level in the Mekong River is expected to cause further flooding in the Kandal and Prey Veng provinces in coming days. Flooding in the aforementioned regions has been exacerbated by recent heavy rains and further flooding in all the aforementioned provinces is likely. Clients currently in the aforementioned provinces are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone regions 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. Clients are advised to anticipate localised travel delays and disruptions to amenities such as electricity and telecommunications. ——From Travel Alert.