Papua New Guinea: Security has been tightened in Mendi, the capital of the Southern Highlands province, on 17 August. Supporters of rival local administrators William Powi and Lawrence Olkoben clashed on 15 August near the town centre. The clashes left dozens of people injured and no reported casualties. As a result, additional police units have been deployed to the area and the local shopping complex remains closed. While there have been no further reports of violence in the town centre, the situation remains tense and there have been isolated reports of illegal roadblocks in the surrounding villages. Violence of this kind is a regular occurrence in Papua New Guinea, where political allegiances are often divided along ethnic, tribal or linguistic lines; clients in the affected area are advised to maintain a low profile, exercise heightened caution and avoid any politically motivated gatherings as the risk of further unrest is high. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: Student unions in Chile have planned to stage a further protest rally in the country's capital, Santiago, on 18 August as part of an ongoing campaign against education privatisation and exclusive policies. Plans for the march were articulated by union leaders on 16 August as they reiterated their intention to continue protesting until their demands were met. The 18 August march is set to see demonstrators gather in Plaza Italia, before moving onto La Alameda and then to an area near Los Heroes, about three blocks from Palacio de La Moneda. Protests linked to the student-led campaign, which began in April, have turned violent on occasion, with incidents of unrest being largely blamed on small break-away groups of youths, intent on sowing disorder within the peaceful protests. Most recently, on 9 August, police and protesters clashed in Santiago after some elements of those protesting pelted riot police with stones; police responded with water cannons and teargas. It is unclear at this stage whether permission for the 18 August protest will be granted. Regardless, clients in Santiago should avoid all large politically motivated gatherings as a precaution. Should the protest march go ahead, illegally or legally, the propensity for violence is high and travel disruptions should also be expected. Furthermore, as the issues at the core of the unrest remain unresolved, further protests are likely and clients in Chile should monitor local media for information pertaining to such gatherings. ——From Travel Alert.

Nepal: A protest by the All Nepal Transport Workers Association and Free Transport Workers Organisation was initiated during the morning of 17 August in the Nuwakot district, located immediately north of the capital, Kathmandu. The protesters have blocked a portion of the Pasang Lahmu Highway (between Kathmandu and Dhunche) resulting in significant transport disruptions. The demonstration was launched to protest the recent criminal case brought against a bus driver for the killing of a motorcycle driver on 13 August in a road accident. The demonstrators have vowed to continue their protest until the case is withdrawn. Clients in Nepal intending to use the affected road are advised to consult with the local authorities prior to travel. Persons in the Nuwakot district are also advised to avoid all street demonstrations as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: A large wildfire burning near Gardnerville in Nevada, has resulted in the temporary closure of Highway 395 between Gardnerville and Topaz Lake. Residents have also voluntarily evacuated approximately 40 residences in close proximity to the fire. Highway 395 is expected to reopen within the next 12 to 48 hours. Travel delays and disruptions as a result of the closure should be anticipated and travellers are advised to avoid the Gardnerville area where possible. Travellers currently in the area are advised to exercise caution, and to monitor the local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has struck off the east coast of central Honshu island. The quake occurred at approximately 21:00 local time, 304km east of Iwaki. There have been no reports of damages or casualties and no tsunami warning has been issued. Clients in the affected area are advised to monitor media closely for updates and advisories. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains has killed at least 30 people and displaced tens of thousands in Pakistan's Punjab and Sindh provinces. As many as 60,000 people have reportedly been displaced in Sindh province alone, with the districts of Tando Mohammad Khan, Mirpurkhas, Thar, Umerkot and Tando Allahyar worst affected. In neighbouring Punjab province, the districts of Sialkot and Kasur are among the areas hardest hit by adverse weather conditions. The monsoon season in Pakistan, which generally extends from May to September, can bring heavy rainfall conducive to flooding. In 2010, heavy rains triggered flooding across large parts of Pakistan, killing nearly 2,000 people and displacing half a million others. Areas worst affected included populated areas located along the Indus River, which burst its banks on several occasions. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan. Persons currently in the affected provinces are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and should monitor local news for possible flood warnings and emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, client should avoid travel to locales in close proximity to storm drains, rivers, drainage channels and saturated hillsides, as these will generally be at greatest risk of further flooding and landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: The Mount Lokon volcano in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province erupted again on 17 August forcing up to 270 local residents to evacuate following the spread of volcanic ash in the area. A number of explosions were reported in July forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people; however, authorities have recently decreased the alert status of the volcano resulting in the majority of local residents returning to the area. Following earlier explosions, authorities have established a 3.5km evacuation zone around the affected site; during previous explosions, aircraft have also been warned to avoid flying within 10km of the volcano. Further eruptions and tremors are possible in the coming days and clients in or planning to travel to North Sulawesi are advised to monitor developments closely. Furthermore, clients should remain aware that while no airline flights have been affected as yet, further eruptions could result in disruptions or the closure of nearby airports, including at Sam Ratulangi International Airport. ——From Travel Alert.

India: At least 12 people have been killed in separate incidents of flooding and subsequent landslides in northern and eastern India on 17 August. Eight people were killed in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, while four people were killed in the eastern states of West Bengal and Meghalaya; a further 5,000 people have reportedly been displaced in the West Garo Hills District of Meghalaya state. Recent heavy rains in the northern and eastern regions of India, as well as in neighbouring Nepal, have added to rising water levels of rivers in the aforementioned states and further flooding is likely. Authorities have indicated dangerously high water levels in the Ganga, Sharda, Ramganga, Yamuna and Ghaghara rivers. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against non-essential travel to the state of West Bengal. Furthermore, persons currently in any of the affected states are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and should monitor local news for possible flood warnings and emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, clients should avoid travel to locales in close proximity to storm drains, rivers, drainage channels and saturated hillsides, as these will generally be at greatest risk of further flooding and landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: (Update) Acts of politically motivated violence has claimed the lives of at least 30 people in Pakistan's port city of Karachi since 17 August. Violence between rival politically affiliated gangs flared in the city following the assassination of former parliamentarian, Waja Karim Dad, who was fatally wounded when a group of unidentified assailants opened fire on a roadside cafe in the Karachi's constituent town of Lyari. It remains unclear as to whether Dad was indeed the target of the shooting. Clashes between rival criminal gangs were also reported in the city's Baldia Town, Maripur and Mangophir areas. In recent months, Karachi has experienced escalating levels of political violence which has seemingly targeted activists linked to the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), Awami National Party (ANP) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). However, in recent weeks the violence has become increasingly indiscriminate in nature and it is believed that scores of innocent civilians have been killed during various shootouts which have targeted crowded public venues such as major transportation hubs, hotels, restaurants and passenger bus services. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan, including the city of Karachi is advised against. Persons currently in the city are advised to maintain a low profile and avoid all protests and gatherings. Clients are further advised to defer all travel to the Orangi Town, Banaras, Qasba Colony, Katti Pahari and Ali Garh areas of Karachi, as these neighbourhoods have been worst affected by the violence. ——From Travel Alert.

Vietnam: (Update) An ongoing hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak has killed at least 81 people and infected 30,000 others in the country's southern regions since January 2011. The majority of cases have occurred in Ho Chi Minh City, but health officials have also reported deaths and infections in several other provinces in the southern regions of the country. Most infections have occurred among children, but adults with compromised immune systems have also contracted the disease. All fatalities however, have been children. HFMD is an infectious disease that is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, vomiting, fatigue, oral lesions and blistering on the hands and feet. There is no specific treatment for HFMD, and symptoms pass within seven to ten days. However, in a minority of cases, fatal complications such as viral meningitis and encephalitis can occur. Clients in Vietnam are advised to practice good hygiene and limit exposure to infected individuals to minimise the risk of infection; clients exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms are advised to consult with a health practitioner. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), also known as the 'red shirts', is set to hold a rally in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, on 19 August. Activists are scheduled to start gathering at the Ratchaprasong intersection in the Pathum Wan shopping district at approximately 16:00 local time and will hold activities there until 00:00 local time. Although the UDD has in the past staged disruptive and violent demonstrations in Bangkok, the upcoming rally is planned to be a peaceful display of activist solidarity. Although the rally is likely to remain peaceful, travellers to Bangkok should avoid the gathering as a precaution and should be prepared for possible transport disruptions in the city. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: A 6.5 magnitude earthquake has been reported 100km north east of the city of Iwaki, located on Honshu island's Fukushima prefecture. There have been no immediate reports of casualties and/or property damage. However, a tsunami warning has been issued for coastal areas of the Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures. The warning may be elevated or suspended within the next few hours. If a tsunami is confirmed, travellers may be required to move inland or to higher ground. Travellers are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Clients in the affected area should also anticipate for further aftershocks for the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Severe travel disruptions should be anticipated at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, following two large and powerful storms, which damaged the concourse, several aircraft and the terminal building on 18 August. Both storms, which affected the airport hours apart, forced the airport to temporarily close several times on 18 August as airport authorities were forced to re-evaluate damage to the terminal and the concourse. At least one person was seriously injured by hail during the storm. Dozens of flights were delayed or cancelled and transport disruptions are expected to continue on 19 August as airport authorities and airlines attempt to clear the backlog of passengers. Clients intending to travel from or transit through Eppley Airfield are advised to contact their airline or travel provider directly for updated flight information. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: At least 50 people have been killed and numerous others wounded following a bomb attack at a predominantly Sunni mosque in Khyber Agency, located in Pakistan's north western Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The incident reportedly occurred while a group of approximately 300 men were attending Friday prayers at the mosque in the village of Ghundi. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, particularly the country's restive FATA region, which continues to serve as the logistical centre for various Islamist insurgent groups such as the Taleban, al-Qaeda and Tehreek-i-Taleban. Clients currently in Pakistan are advised to adopt maximum security precautions at all times and should restrict all movements within the country to major urban centres. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Reports on 20 August indicate that an attack by Maost rebels resulted in the death of at least 11 police officers and four rebels in Chhattisgarh state on 19 August. The attack reportedly occurred between towns of Bhopalpatnam and Bhadrakali in the Bijapur district as a security forces convoy was targeted; a large number of security forces have been deployed in the area following the incident. Maoist rebels, known as Naxalites (a broader term for all groups waging a war for the oppressed and landless), are active in large parts of several of India's eastern states, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. Maoist terrorism rarely affects foreign travellers or large urban centres; however, sporadic attacks against visitors are possible. All non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal should be avoided; this travel definition refers specifically to remote villages, police and army patrols, security force bases, government buildings, and transport and telecommunications infrastructure, as these are primary targets for attacks by the group. Persons intending to travel to the aforementioned regions despite this advisory should implement robust security measures, such as travelling in armed convoy and limiting all movement to daylight hours.——From Travel Alert

India: At least ten thousand people have gathered at the Ramlila Grounds in New Delhi in support of anti-corruption social activist Anna Hazare. Hazare is currently embarked on the fifth day of a 15-day hunger strike in an attempt to force the government to adopt a new legislation. The legislation is aimed at creating a watchdog to have oversight powers over lower bureaucracy, the judiciary and prime ministers in an attempt to stem the countries endemic graft problems. As Hazare continues his hunger strike, further large gatherings by followers of Hazare are to be expected; travellers are advised to avoid the Ramlila Grounds as a precaution against civil unrest. Although related gatherings have been peaceful thus far, the possibility for violent civil unrest exists, and travellers are advised to monitor local media sources closely for updated information and advisories. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: At least three people were killed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a result of flash flooding, which has affected the city since late on 19 August. The worst affected areas of the city include those along the Allegheny River between Highland Park and Penn Hills. Several vehicles have also been stranded in the high water along Washington Boulevard, with a number of people having already been rescued. Although flood waters have receded, a number of roads reportedly remain closed as operations to remove marooned vehicles continue; travel delays along affected routes should be anticipated. Furthermore, stormy weather conditions may persist on 20 and 21 August, prompting further flooding. Clients in Pittsburgh, particularly those in areas near the Allegheny River, should monitor local media for the latest weather updates and advisories from traffic authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Vanuatu: A 7.5 magnitude earthquake has struck 63km south of the country's capital, Port Vila. There have been no reports of damages or casualties and no tsunami warning has been issued. Clients in the affected region are advised to brace for aftershocks. Furthermore, persons in the area should monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Canada: A Boeing 737 charter flight has crashed in Canada's northern Nunavut region, reportedly killing 12 people. First Air charter flight 6560 had 15 people on board, including four crew members, when it crashed near the Resolute Bay airport. The flight had been en route to the town of Resolute from Yellowknife, the capital of the Nunavut federal territory, and was scheduled to continue on to Grise Fiord on Ellesmere Island. A rescue and salvage operation is currently underway, and the cause of the accident is yet to be established. Although the Resolute Bay airport is not believed to have been closed, clients intending to make use of the facility are advised to contact their travel provider, the airport or the affected airline for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Papua New Guinea: Tensions are currently high in Port Moresby's outlying Nine Mile settlement after three people were killed in the area on 21 August following an outbreak of communal violence. The violent confrontations, which also resulted in several residential and commercial properties being looted and burned, was allegedly incited following an altercation between a group of security guards and residents of the area. The cause of the dispute, which later flared into armed clashes between the aforementioned groups, has yet to be confirmed. Clients in Port Moresby are advised to defer all travel to the Nine Mile settlement at this time as the possibility of further violence in the region cannot be discounted. While it is currently considered unlikely that the unrest will spread to other areas of the city, travellers are nonetheless advised to avoid all related protests and gatherings.——From Travel Alert.

India: Authorities have been placed on high alert in the Kandhamal district of India's eastern Orissa state amid reports that Maoist insurgents may have recently infiltrated the region. Concerns regarding a possible Maoist presence in Kandhamal were raised following the 18 August arrest of four suspected rebels who were detained at a security checkpoint along the Kandhamal-Ganjam border near the hill station of Daringbadi. It is believed that the group had crossed over into the district from the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh, which has witnessed a marked increase in insurgent attacks by Maoist-aligned rebels in recent weeks. While unconfirmed, it is believed that Maoist insurgents of the group's Mahasamund-Bargarh division are also seeking to establish a presence in Orissa's Nuapada, Balangir and Kalahandi districts. Maoist rebels, known as Naxalites, are active in large parts of several of India's eastern states, including Orissa. Due to the threat posed by these groups, all non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Orissa state is advised against; this travel definition refers specifically to remote villages, police and army patrols, security force bases, government buildings, and transport and telecommunications infrastructure, as these are primary targets for attacks by the group. Persons intending to travel to the aforementioned regions despite this advisory should implement robust security measures, such as travelling in armed convoy and limiting all movement to daylight hours. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: Hundreds of truck drivers held anti-carbon tax protests in the capital, Canberra, on 22 August. The truck drivers travelled in three convoys, totaling approximately 350 trucks, near the parliament building in protest against the government-proposed tax. Additional protesters, who travelled on foot, also gathered to protest against a range of policies of the administration of Prime Minister Julia Gillard; no violence was reported. Further related protests are set for 23 August and will also involve convoys of trucks; as such, localised road travel delays are likely in the vicinity of the Capital Hill area of the city, where the parliament is located. Clients are advised to anticipate possible traffic disruptions and avoid the affected area and any public protest gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Security has been increased at the Civic Center station, located in the city of San Francisco, ahead of a planned demonstration at the public transportation hub on 22 August. The protest action, which is expected to commence around 17:00 local time, follows a series of related demonstrations which have been organised in protest against the alleged heavy-handed conduct of police officers who are responsible for securing the transport system. The city's Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system has claimed that it may implement various service adjustments, such as possible station closures and/or train cancellations, as a means of responding to the planned protest action. Clients in San Francisco are advised to anticipate possible delays on the BART system and should plan accordingly. Furthermore, clients are advised to avoid all related protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violent civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has been reported off the west coast of Sumatra. The epicentre of the earthquake was approximately 175km south west of Bandar Lampung, the regional capital of Lampung province. There have been no reports of damages or casualties and no tsunami warning has been issued. Clients in the affected area are advised to monitor media closely for updates and advisories. ——From Travel Alert.