Tropical Storm Talas is expected to affect Japan within the next 30 hours. The storm system, currently located approximately 600km south of Japan, is due to affect the southern regions of the country, including major cities such Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued weather warnings for the prefectures of Kochi, Tokushima, Wakayama, Mie, Aichi, Shizuoka, Yamanashi, Kanagawa, Tokyo, Saitama and Gumma, where heavy rainfall and storm surges along the coast are possible. Tropical storms occur regularly in Japan between the months of June and September. During this period, storm systems bring heavy rainfall, flooding and mudslides. Disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities, including water and electricity, should be expected. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

A gunman opened fire on a minibus carrying Shiite Muslims in the FATA region of north western Pakistan on 1 September killing at least seven people. The attack occurred on the road between Alizai and Parachinar. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack. Tensions between minority Shiite and majority Sunni Muslim Pakistanis have resulted in significant acts of sectarian violence in the past. The attack is likely a continuation of this trend. The attacker could have been working independently or under orders from a larger militant body. A connection between the attacker and the Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP), which maintains a presence in the FATA area, cannot be discounted. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan. Persons in or planning to travel to the country, particularly the highly insecure FATA region, are advised to implement robust personal, travel and residential security measures. ——From Travel Alert.

(Update) Two wildfires burning on the outskirts of Oklahoma City, in the US state of Oklahoma, have forced the evacuation of hundreds of people and continue to threaten homes and businesses. The largest fire broke out in the heavily populated north western outskirt of the city, between North East 50th Street and North Sooner Road, on 30 August. The fire is burning in a northerly direction and is expected to threaten the residential area of Edmond if it is not contained. A second fire was sparked in the south east of the city on 31 August and has resulted in several dozen evacuations; it also resulted in the closure of a 70 km section of Interstate 44 between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Hot, dry and windy conditions are hampering fire-fighting efforts and the possibility that the fires might strengthen in intensity cannot be ruled out. Wildfires occur predominantly in the western and southern parts of the United States between the months of May and September when the weather is dry and hot. Rural and heavily forested areas, including national parks and small holdings, face a higher risk. Wildfires can start suddenly, without warning, and spread rapidly. Clients in Oklahoma City are advised to monitor local media closely for the latest updates and advisories from the authorities and avoid the affected areas. Fires spurred by strong winds can spread quickly and unpredictably, and accompanying heavy smoke can pose health risks to the young and elderly, or those with respiratory conditions. ——From Travel Alert.

More than 100 people have been hospitalised, while thousands others have experienced respiratory complications, after up to 50 litres of bromine gas was accidentally released in the city of Chelyabinsk. The highly toxic gas was inadvertently released into the atmosphere after the containers in which it was being transported ruptured. Authorities are currently in the process of containing the leak. Bromine is a highly toxic gas which can cause organ failure, nervous system damage, and/or respiratory complications in individuals exposed to sufficient quantities of the chemical gas. Clients in Chelyabinsk are advised to limit outdoor travel at this time and should ensure that all windows and doors are sealed to prevent any hazardous gases from entering their house and/or building. Clients experiencing any form of medical complications are advised to consult a medical practitioner. ——From Travel Alert.

At least ten transport associations in the Narayani zone are currently observing an indefinite transport bandh (shutdown) in protest against the recent murder of a transport employee. The associations, including the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs and Narayani Transport Entrepreneurs' Association, have stated that they will block transport services in the zone until the persons responsible for the murder are arrested and charged. Please note that due to a number of security concerns clients are advised against non-essential travel to the southern Terai region, which includes part of the Narayani zone. Persons in or planning to travel to the Narayani zone should monitor developments closely. Furthermore, clients should contact the local transport authorities prior to travel to determine if roads are open or public transport is available. ——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.