Australia: Local authorities have issued a wildfire alert for 23 and 24 August for large parts of the Northern Territory. Areas included in the alert include Darwin, Batchelor, Adelaide River, Pine Creek and Katherine regions, including Litchfield and Coomalie Shire, all of which have experienced hot and windy conditions combined with low levels of humidity in recent days. Authorities have warned that any fires that may start will be unpredictable, uncontrollable and very fast moving, posing a serious danger to people and property. As a result, a total fire ban for 23 and 24 August has been issued in an effort to minimise the threat of wildfires. Clients in the affected areas are advised to adhere to the directives of local officials, and monitor local media for further updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: Multiple bomb attacks in Yala and Pattani provinces have left at least two dead and 14 others injured on 22 and 23 August. The incidents highlight the ongoing terrorist threat in the country's southern provinces. In Pattani's Maung district, one soldier was killed and 13 others, including civilians, were injured in a remote-controlled bomb attack. In the village of Talo, in Yala province, one soldier was killed and another injured in a separate bombing. It is believed that these incidents are related to an ongoing violent separatist campaign in southern Thailand. The provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla have been plagued by ethnic and religious tensions for decades. These tensions stem from allegations of isolation and discrimination of Malay Muslims by Thailand's predominantly Buddhist government. The resulting Islamist insurgency in the region has been accompanied by regular bombings, shootings and skirmishes with Thai security forces, leaving over 4,500 people dead in recent years. The insurgency has gathered momentum since 2004, with a wave of coordinated attacks and bombings against military and police posts and schools across the region. Although foreign travellers have not commonly been directly targeted in attacks, the risk of being affected cannot be ruled out. Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risk from conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to the southern provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. Persons currently in the area should exercise heightened security awareness and implement robust security measures. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: A general strike, titled the Day of Mourning, has led to the complete shutdown of all services in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province. The protest action convened by Karachi's main Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) political party aims to highlight the growing ethnic tensions in the city, following weeks of inter-ethnic violence. The protest has led to the closure of schools, government buildings and services, and the cancellation of bus and taxi services. As many as 100 people have been killed this month in clashes between the majority Urdu-speaking and the minority Pashtu-speaking communities. Several calls have been made for authorities in Pakistan to deploy the army in order quell to the violence. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Sindh province. Clients in the province are advised to maintain a low profile, avoid all related gatherings and should anticipate significant disruptions to business and transportation services across Karachi. Furthermore, clients should also note that the protest may serve as a catalyst for further acts of politically and ethnically 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.

Chile: Labour unions, student groups and some political parties are planning to hold countrywide demonstrations and strikes on 24 and 25 August. The civil action has been called to demand a number of social and political reforms, including limiting the power of the president, providing free education, pension reform and greater investment in the health sector. The demonstrations are likely to result in widespread disruptions in the public and private sectors, and may also impact public transport services. Protests are expected in the capital, Santiago, and possibly in Valparaiso, Concepcion, Antofagasta, Temuco and elsewhere. In Santiago, the authorities are reportedly deploying 1,200 police units on the affected days, while a further 3,000 will remain in reserve in the event that the protests deteriorate into violent civil unrest. The planned protests are the latest in recent months led by political, civil society and labour groupings. A number of recent gatherings have been disruptive, with minor clashes reported between protesters and the police. Attacks on private property, including vehicles, has also occurred. Should the strike and protest action proceed on 24 and 25 August, there is an elevated threat of further confrontations. Disruption to traffic in affected areas should also be expected. Clients in or planning to travel to Chile are advised to monitor developments closely and should avoid all street demonstrations as a precaution. While foreigner nationals have not been targeted during the unrest, there is an incidental threat to persons in the vicinity of protest gatherings. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: Tensions are high following days of rioting near an oil facility on Tiaka island, Central Sulawesi province. Clashes between security forces and protesters occurred several times since 20 August; the most severe clashes took place on 22 August after protesters stormed the facility, which left and least two protesters dead and several more injured. Security forces also detained approximately 20 people. The clashes allegedly erupted after negotiations between the owners of the oil field and local residents over the implementation of a community welfare program broke down. The clashes resulted in the temporary evacuation of ground crew and halting of operations at the oil field. Tensions remain high in the area as the issue remains unresolved; accordingly, further clashes in the short-term cannot be ruled out. Clients in Central Sulawesi are advised to avoid the affected area in the short-term, monitor local developments and avoid discussing the issue with locals as it is an emotive issue and likely to evoke strong reactions. ——From Travel Alert.

Peru: A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 145 km near Pucallpa in central Peru on 24 August. The tremor was also reportedly felt in the capital, Lima, where it shook several buildings and similar infrastructure. There are no immediate reports of any casualties or fatalities at this stage. The area is a remote location in the Amazon forest, located 82 km north of Pucallpa. Although the presence of clients in the specific area of seismic activity is unlikely, those clients in other parts of Peru, including Pucallpa and Lima are advised to prepare for possible aftershocks. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: At least 33 people have died as a result of flash flooding that affected parts of the Kohistan district, in Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on the morning of 25 August. The flood followed heavy rainfall overnight on 24/25 August. No further details are immediately available. The flooding coincides with Pakistan's monsoon season, which occurs annually from May to September, and has already resulted in scores of flood-related deaths across the country in recent weeks. Further heavy rainfall conducive to flooding is expected in the coming days. Please note that due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan. Persons in or intending to travel to the country in the short-term are advised to exercise caution in low-lying areas, particularly near rivers, due to the threat of flooding, and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Tropical Storm Irene is expected to affect the east coast of the United States within the next 33 hours, potentially as a very destructive Category 3 hurricane. Travellers to Dare County, North Carolina, have been ordered to evacuate as of 08:00 local time on 25 August and residents are urged to take all precautions against the approaching storm. Tropical Storm Irene is the first hurricane to affect the United States since Tropical Storm Ike in 2008. Significant storm surges are predicted along the east coast from Charleston, South Carolina, northwards; however, areas of the country as far south as Miami are likely to be affected as the storm system progresses. The storm, which may temporarily upgrade to a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to continue affecting the country for several days as it progresses northward. Areas currently expected to be the worst affected include Charleston, Wilmington, Norfolk, Washington DC, New York and Boston. The possibility exists that Tropical Storm Irene will change course in a north easterly direction thus by-passing much of the United States; however, based on the storms current trajectory, travellers are advised to take all necessary precautions against the impending storm. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. Additionally, the North Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November and further storms are possible in the coming months. ——From Travel Alert.

Local authorities have placed parts of Luzon under Storm Signals 1 and 2 due to the passing of Tropical Storm Nanmadol. Areas under Storm Signal 2, the more severe alert level, include the provinces of Isabela, Cagayan and northern parts of Aurora; provinces under Storm Signal 1 include the areas of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Kalinga, Apayao, Calayan, Babuyan and the Batanes Islands. While the storm system is not predicted at present to make landfall on the Philippines, it is likely to enhance the south west monsoon, which will bring heavy rains to the affected areas, including the capital, Manila, and parts of the Visayas region. Authorities have also warned that there is a possibility of travel delays and disruptions to telecommunications and electricity as a result of the expected heavy rain. Clients in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution, especially in low-lying areas such as dams, lakes and rivers due to the risk of flooding, and in mountainous and hilly regions due to the risk of landslides. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Two separate grenade attacks were reported in Baramulla and Srinagar on 25 August. The first attack occurred near the Jhelum Market in Baramulla when assailants detonated a grenade near a group of Indian security force personnel, killing one and wounding three others. Following the attack local businesses and transport services were reportedly suspended. A second attack was reported in the Batamaloo area of Srinagar and also targeted members of the Indian security forces, wounding at least 11 people. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attacks. Low-level bombing and shooting attacks are regularly reported in the Jammu and Kashmir Valley regions. The attacks, which are typically carried out by anti-Indian separatists, usually target members of the security forces or Indian government interests. The separatists are strongly opposed to the predominantly Hindu Indian government's control of the majority Muslim Jammu and Kashmir. Further attacks should be expected, particularly against security force and government interests. Due to the elevated threat of terrorism, clients are advised against non-essential travel to the Jammu and Kashmir Valley regions. Persons in or planning to travel to these regions are advised to exercise heightened security awareness near areas identified as carrying an elevated risk of attack. ——From Travel Alert.

Authorities have issued a health alert as a result of an ongoing rubella outbreak in the greater Suva area, after 49 cases of the viral infection were reported. Health officials have since contacted the World Health Organisation (WHO) for assistance in identifying the strain, which appears to be highly contagious. Rubella, also referred to as German measles, is a viral disease that can affect persons of any age. Most commonly, it is a mild childhood disease that presents as a rash. However, if a woman contracts the disease in the early months of pregnancy, it can result in the death of the foetus or severe birth defects. Rubella is contracted through contact with an infected person, most commonly when the infected individual coughs or sneezes. To prevent contracting rubella or to limit the effects of the disease, children should be vaccinated at the age of 12 to 15 months and again at four to six years old. Clients in Fiji, especially those in Suva are advised to avoid contact with people who have contracted the disease; clients exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms are advised to consult with a health professional immediately. ——From Travel Alert.

Heavy rain overnight on 24/25 August has lead to flooding, amenity failures and widespread travel delays in Phuket on 25 August. At least one person has died as a result. Several roads have been inundated by floodwaters up to one metre deep, including Rath-U-Thit 200 Pi, Phangmuang Sai Kor and Chao Fa West. Power outages have been reported in Chalong, Rawai, Kata Noi, Karon, Patong, Kalim and Kamala, along with parts of Phuket City. International and domestic flight disruptions and cancellations have occurred, although flight services are expected to normalise in the short-term as adverse weather conditions have begun to ease. Meteorological authorities have forecast further heavy rainfall in the coming days, which may induce additional flooding. Southern Thailand generally experiences its rainy season annually between May and November. Clients in Phuket and other parts of southern Thailand are advised to exercise caution, especially in low-lying areas such rivers, lakes and dams due to the risk of flooding and in mountainous and hilly areas due to the risk of landslides. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

At least 10 people were killed and numerous others wounded when a bomb exploded outside a hotel in the town of Risalpur in the Nowshera district, located in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in north west Pakistan, on 25 August. Several buildings, including stores and another hotel have been damaged and the affected area has been cordoned off. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack; however, the Tehreek-i-Taleban militant group has a strong presence in north western Pakistan and frequently carries out suicide bombings and other attacks. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Persons currently in the country are advised to avoid the affected area for the short-tern and to implement maximum personal security measures at all times. ——From Travel Alert.

(Update) The town of Ocean City, in the state of Maryland, issued a mandatory evacuation order for tourists and residents as Tropical Storm Irene is expected to affect the area from 26 August; the evacuation order is effective as from 00:00 local time on 26 August. Tropical Storm Irene is expected to affect the east coast of the United States within the next 24 hours, potentially as a very destructive Category 3 hurricane. Significant storm surges are predicted along the east coast from Charleston, South Carolina, northwards; however, areas of the country as far south as Miami are likely to be affected as the storm system progresses. A state of emergency has thus far been declared in the states of North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey in anticipation of the storm’s landfall. Further areas expected to be the worst affected include Charleston, Wilmington, Norfolk, Washington DC, New York and Boston. The possibility exists that Tropical Storm Irene will change course in a north easterly direction thus by-passing much of the United States. Given its current trajectory, clients are advised to take all necessary precautions against the impending storm. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. The North Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November and further storms are possible in the coming months. ——From Travel Alert.

Prominent businessman, Shahbaz Taseer, was kidnapped by approximately four unidentified gunmen in the Gulburg area of Lahore on 26 August. He was reportedly travelling with a friend in a car when gunmen stopped the vehicle and forced the two out of the vehicle. The whereabouts of Shahbaz Taseer are currently unknown. Police have responded to the incident by establishing checkpoints at all entrances into the city in an attempt to prevent the kidnappers from leaving Lahore. There have been no reports as yet of a ransom demand. The kidnapping of Shahbaz Taseer is not an unusual event in Pakistan, where both locals and foreign nationals are regularly targeted by both criminal (for ransom) and militant gangs (ransom and political reasons). Shahbaz Taseer is the son of slain former governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer. Salman Taseer was governor from 2008 until his death in January 2011 and sparked controversy with his support of a Christian woman, who was sentenced to death for 'blasphemy'. The assassin, a member of his own security detail, was reportedly opposed to the governor's stated position regarding the criminal case. Since the assassination, the Taseer family has reportedly received a number of threats from Islamist extremists, including the Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP). While no further details are currently available, the incident serves to highlight the elevated ongoing and pervasive threat of kidnapping in Pakistan. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Lahore. Persons in or planning to travel to Pakistan should maintain a low public profile, avoid travel at night and consider making use of a security escort (it is worthwhile to note that Shahbaz Taseer's security escort was not with him at the time of his abduction).——From Travel Alert

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) reported that a train carrying 175 passengers derailed in the south west region of the state of Nebraska on 26 August. The incident occurred approximately 65km south west of the town of McCook, along the California Zephyr passenger rail line. The train was reportedly travelling between Chicago and San Francisco. There were no immediate reports of injuries. While details regarding the incident remain unclear, the train reportedly derailed as it collided with a vehicle crossing the tracks. Travel disruptions along the affected route can be expected in the short-term. Clients planning to use the rail service along the affected 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.

Tropical Storm Irene is due to affect parts of south eastern Canada as a Category 1 hurricane within the next 20 hours. A Hurricane warning has been issued for the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, New Foundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia; parts of south eastern Ontario may also be affected. 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 are expected in the coming days and clients are advised to contact their travel provider for further information on the status of services; disruptions to utilities (water and electricity), should also be expected in the affected areas. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Days of heavy rain has caused flooding and landslides in Mumbai and surrounding areas, resulting in widespread traffic disruptions. Two people were reportedly killed in a landslide in Thane, a north eastern suburb of Mumbai, on 28 August and a number of people suffered injuries due to flooding and landslides elsewhere in Mumbai. Infrastructure damage has also been reported in a number of locations. Commuter railway services have been most severely disrupted, mainly due to waterlogged rail lines and structural concerns in places. Operations at airports in the region have also been interrupted on a number of occasions since 28 August, largely due to low visibility. Road traffic has been affected by flooding in many places, including along the Eastern Express and Western Express highways. Some of the worst flooding has been reported in the areas of Parel, Dadar, Andheri, Malad, Dahisar, Kurla, Sion, Ghatkopar and Byculla in Mumbai; beyond the city, flooding is believed to have affected the suburbs of Thane, Vasai, Nalla-Sopara, Virar, Kalyan, and several villages in Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. The adverse weather conditions are expected to continue until at least 30 August and clients in the affected areas, are advised that further disruptions to air, road and rail transport are possible. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider for further information on the status of services. ——From Travel Alert.

Bus services in the Redlands, Capalaba, the Sunshine and Gold Coast areas of Australia's Queensland state will be disrupted on 1 September due to a 24-hour strike by drivers belonging to the Transport Workers Union (TWU). The industrial action has been organised as part of an ongoing protest campaign against the Translink public transportation service provider, which is being accused of creating inconsistencies regarding wage and labour conditions within Queensland's bus industry. The strike action is scheduled to commence as of 04:00 local time on 1 September and will primarily affect the Surfside, Sunbus and Veolia areas. Translink serves as the authority responsible for awarding contracts to private bus companies in the state. The TWU is claiming that Translink has created a situation where each bus company, which has been awarded a contract by the public transportation provider, is subject to a different set of wage and labour conditions. Clients in the affected areas of Queensland state are advised to anticipate delays in the short-term and an increased demand for alternate forms of public transport. ——From Travel Alert.

Public transport strikes throughout large parts of the country led to widespread road travel delays on 31 August. Pinag-isang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), a labour union representing workers in the public transport sector, called the strikes in response to recent increases in the price of oil in the country. PISTON is also calling on the government to scrap the deregulation of oil prices (previously the government had regulated prices, keeping them low; a reversal of that control has seen prices rise as influenced by the open market) and the 12 percent expanded value-added tax. As the government has not yet responded to the demands of PISTON, the labour union has threatened that further large-scale transport strikes are possible in the short-term. Should these go ahead, they are likely to cause widespread travel disruptions. Street protests, associated with the strike, are also possible. Clients in the Philippines are advised to monitor local media for further updates on possible strike action; should it occur, clients are further advised to anticipate widespread travel disruptions and to allow for increased travelling time. In addition, if possible, clients are advised to source private means of transport. Any related protest action should be avoided as a precaution.——From Travel Alert.