Thailand: Power outages are scheduled to take place on 12, 20 and 26 May on parts of Phuket due to planned maintenance work, local authorities have announced. Outages have been planned on 12 May for Chao Fa West Road, from the entrance to Ananda Garden Hill Villa to Home Pro near Chalong Circle, including Soi Pratthana and Soi Anusorn in Chalong; on 20 May, along Chao Fa West Road, from in front of Wat Chalong to Soi Baan Klang, including Soi Glum Yang and Soi Baan Klang, and in Ao Yon from Ao Yon-Khao Khad Road to The View development, including areas throughout Baan Ao Yon; and on 26 May along Muang Thong-Khao Khad Road, from Soi Bor Rae to Khao Khad Viewpoint, including Soi Somboon, Naam Sai Villa, Piam Sook Villa, Soi Baan Na, Soi Pracha Ruamjai and Soi Bor Rae Khao Khad in Whichit. Clients in Phuket are advised to anticipate possible disruptions to essential services as a result of the power outages, including to transport and telecommunications. Clients are further advised to contact the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority for the latest updates and advisories. ——From Travel Alert.

Nepal: A series of general strikes (bandhs) is set to affect business and transport services in various parts of Nepal on 11, 12 and 13 May. On 11 May, general strike conditions will be imposed in the administrative zones of Gandaki, Lumbini, Dhaulagiri and Bardiya from 06:00 to 18:00 local time. The strike has purportedly been organised by the Nepali Chettry Samaj party in a bid to implore political parties in the affected areas to adhere to the 28 May deadline set for finalising the country's long-awaited constitution. On 12 May, a general strike is also scheduled to take place in the Western, Karnali, Surkhet and Dailekh districts over the same issue. On 13 May, several ethnic organisations in Nepal have called for a countrywide general strike to demand that the government restructure the country into autonomous states formed on the basis of ethnicity. The various strikes are anticipated to cause extensive travel disruptions across the country and authorities have warned that road closures, the suspension of transport services and the blockade of major highways, may occur under the strike conditions. Furthermore, various businesses, including shops and banks, are also likely to suspend all activities during the strikes. Visitors to Nepal are advised to plan accordingly. Furthermore, as a precaution, clients in the country should avoid all protests, rallies and/or public gatherings related to the general strike as these events have turned violent in the past with little or no warning. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: (Update) Tropical Storm Aere is set to affect eastern parts of Japan's Kansai region within 12 hours. Strong winds and heavy rainfall conducive to coastal storm surges and flooding are possible. Clients in the affected area are advised to exercise caution in coastal and low-lying areas due to the threat of flooding, and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. Disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), are possible. Travellers are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

New Zealand: Severe gales have caused power outages and travel disruptions in Otago and Southland regions of the country's South Island. Several trees and power lines have been downed, resulting in a number of road closures; State Highway 97, between Ellis Road and Mossburn in Northern Southland, State Highway 1 from Waitati to Dunedin and State Highway 6 at Mossburn, amongst others, have been closed. In addition, several domestic flights to and from the two regions have been cancelled. Further inclement weather and associated travel delays are possible in the short-term; clients are advised to monitor local media for the latest updates and advisories from local authorities and alter their travel plans accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

India: (Update) The hardline Hurriyat Conference seperatist group has called for a general strike (bandh) in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state on 14 May in protest against the ongoing detention of several persons who have been accused of perpetrating acts of politically motivated violence and/or unrest. The strike action, which is anticipated to culminate with a suspension of all business and transport services in the region, will also coincide with several anti-government protests, the first of which is scheduled to take place in the district of Shopian on 13 May. Related rallies are also expected in the state's summer capital, Srinagar, and the districts of Anantnag and Baramulla. Kashmir is an area on India's northern border with Pakistan, officially referred to as Jammu and Kashmir. The region is volatile and has been the source of a long-standing interregional dispute between India and Pakistan, in which each country claims Kashmir as a part of its territory, resulting in violent civil unrest and frequent terrorist attacks by separatist groups who favour the entire region to be annexed to Pakistan. The current situation in Indian-administered Kashmir is tenuous and, presently, concessions remain elusive. Consequently, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the region. If travel is undertaken, clients are advised to maintain a low profile, to avoid all protest gatherings, and to adhere to the general strike conditions. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Pro-Telangana activists plan to stage a series of protests, sit-ins and rail and road blockades from 14 May to demand a separate Telangana state in the north western parts of Andhra Pradesh state. The protests are being led by Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS). On 14 May, TRS have announced plans to block rail and road routes across the Telangana region. On 19 and 25 May, sit-in or 'dharnas' are planned near government buildings while on 30 May further rail and road blockades will be held. The workers of the state-owned coal mining company, Singareni Colleries, have also indicated that they will join the protest action from 20 May to 5 June. The protest action is expected to focus on Hyderabad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh, which is located in the Telangana region. Clients intending to travel in the affected areas are advised to monitor political developments closely and to avoid all street demonstrations. While the protests are unlikely to directly impact foreigners, there remains an incidental threat to clients in the vicinity of protests. Persons in the state during the affected protest periods are also advised to plan for possible road and rail disruptions. Please note that due to the threat of conflict between the security forces and Maoist rebels, clients are advised against non-essential travel into rural and remote areas of Andhra Pradesh state. ——From Travel Alert.

India: At least four workers of the Trinamool Congress (TC) political party were wounded when unidentified assailants detonated a number of bombs at a TC political party office in the Titagarh area of North 24 Parganas district in India's West Bengal state on 12 May. The attack comes a day before West Bengal and a number of other states begin the vote counting process for recently held state elections. Politically-motivated violence is not unusual in West Bengal and further incidents should be expected during the vote counting process and once elections results are released. Due to a number of security concerns clients are advised against non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of West Bengal. Persons in or planning to travel in the state in the coming days are advised to exercise vigilance in the vicinity of political party offices and election-related facilities. ——From Travel Alert.

China: Dozens of people have reportedly been killed and several more injured after an unidentified assailant threw a petrol bomb at a bank in Tianzhu County, Gansu province. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack and the motive for the attack has yet to be confirmed. Travellers should exercise heightened vigilance at this times and are advised to report any suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: At least 69 people have been killed and dozens more injured following a twin bombing at a training centre in Shabqadar, Charsadda district. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the attack may have been perpetrated by two suicide bombers. The attack occurred as cadets were getting into buses to go on leave following the completion of their training course. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack; however, militants have threatened to avenge the death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of US Special Forces on 2 May. Security personnel have subsequently been deployed and have cordoned off the impacted area. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, including an extreme risk of terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Shabqadar. Persons currently in the city are advised to avoid the affected area for the short-term. Maximum personal security measures should be implemented in Pakistan at all times. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Flash floods have displaced an estimated 8,000 families in the province of Maguindanao, in the Philippines' Muslim Mindanao Autonomous Region. Several villages have already been affected in the region and authorities are considering extending mandatory evacuation advisories if the situation worsens. Due to various security concerns, all travel to the Muslim Mindanao Autonomous Region, including the Sulu Archipelago, is advised against. Clients intending to travel to or who are currently in the region, should defer travel to the affected areas and anticipate significant disruptions to travel across the region. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: A public transport strike is scheduled to take place on 16 and 17 May in Negros Occidental province, in the Visayas region, over high petrol prices and poor working conditions. Should it go ahead, there are likely to be widespread travel disruptions as up to 95 percent of transport workers are expected to take part in the strike. In addition, the strikers are set to hold a number of rallies; in Bacolod City, the provincial capital, they will be held at 27th, Libertad and Burgos Streets, Magsaysay Avenue, Dona Juliana Subdivision, Bangga Cory in Taculing, Bangga Totongin Handumanan, Bangga Goodyear in Alijis, Lopue's East, Bangga Escala in Villamonte, Bangga Pepsi in Bata, Ceres Shopping Terminal and Ceres Sambok Terminal. Although violence is not expected at these rallies, the risk nonetheless remains and clients are advised to avoid all protest action as a precaution. In addition, clients are advised to anticipate severe public tranport disruprions and to source private means of transport where possible. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: A Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line passenger train has collided with dump truck in the Chicago suburb of Mount Prospect, near the Cumberland station. The train engine has reportedly derailed as a result of the collision, but none of the passenger cars have derailed and no passengers are believed to be seriously injured. The driver of the truck; however, is believed to have been killed and part of the railway track has been damaged. Clients in Chicago planning to make use of rail services along the affected line 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.

Japan: A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 57km north east of Iwaki, Honshu island. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Clients currently in the region are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for possible updates and advisories from the authorities. Travellers should also note that aftershocks are possible in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: (Update) As many as 25,000 people are to be evacuated from parts of southern Louisiana as authorities intend to conduct a controlled flooding of the region on 14 May. The decision comes as the lower reaches of the Mississippi river have reached alarmingly high levels, raising concerns over the integrity of flood levees protecting the cities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Heavy rain in Canada and parts of the United States has fed the upper reaches of the Mississippi river and its tributaries in recent weeks, flooding parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Kentucky, and prompting a number of flood warnings in many of these states. The opening of the Morganza Spillway is expected to affect Pointe Coupee, St Landry, St Martin, Iberia, Iberville, St Mary and Terrebonne in Louisiana. Clients in the affected region are advised to stay updated on developments and to adhere to the advisories from local authorities. Local travel disruptions are also possible as authorities have warned of localised road closures. In addition, maritime traffic along much of the Mississippi river's lower reaches is expected to remain suspended or disrupted. Clients are advised to plan accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

Peru: Security is likely to be heightened throughout Peru in anticipation of the 17 May anniversary of the Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) rebel group's first attack in the country. Heightened security measures, such as an increased police presence and military checkpoints, are likely in the administrative regions of Huanuco, Ucayali and San Martin, where the rebel group continues to maintain a strong, clandestine presence, and in other parts of the country, particularly in the capital, Lima, and the urban centres of Cusco and Sucre. Although the group has not issued any direct threats relating to the anniversary, it does come at a politically sensitive time ahead of the second round of presidential elections, scheduled for 5 June. Travellers to Peru are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and to limit travel to sensitive sites, such as government buildings and security installations, which are likely targets in the event of a rebel attack. ——From Travel Alert.

Papua New Guinea: A 6.5 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 122km west of the city of Arawa located on the island of Bougainville. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Clients currently in the region are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for possible updates and advisories from the authorities. Travellers should also note that aftershocks are possible in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: (Update) Authorities in Japan have extended the exclusion zone around the country's stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which was damaged following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and resultant tsunami which affected Honshu island's north eastern coastline on 11 March. Repairs at the facility have also been halted after it was discovered that potentially hazardous levels of radioactive material had continued to be emitted from several reactors. To date, the newly-implemented exclusion zone, which was extended from a 20km to 30km radius from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility, has prompted the relocation of an estimated 5,000 people from the towns of Kawamata and Iitate to evacuation centres. Thousands more are expected to be moved from the area and housed in temporary evacuation centres in the coming days. Due to the ongoing containment and recovery efforts at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, travel alert continues to advise against all travel to areas within an 80km radius of the facility as a precautionary measure; clients within this zone should, if practically possible, depart the area. In addition, all non-essential travel to the coastal regions of Aomori, Chiba, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Iwate, Nagano, Niigata and Miyagi prefectures is advised against as a result of the 11 March earthquake and subsequent tsunami; these areas present a challenging operational and travel environment. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Significant disruptions to road travel have been reported across India's capital, Delhi, as hundreds of protesters have blocked several major and secondary thoroughfares in the city. Areas worst affected by the protests include the city's Akshardham Temple, Red Fort, BRT Corridor, Ambedkar Nagar, Subash Nagar, and Moti Nagar crossing areas. The demonstrations have been organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in protest over a recent fuel price hike, which was imposed across the National Capital Territory of Delhi on 14 May. Travellers in the city are advised to avoid all related protests and gatherings as the potential for violence at these events is considered high. Furthermore, clients are advised to anticipate continued delays in the affected areas and are advised to plan accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

Canada: Thousands have been evacuated from the town of Slave Lake, Alberta Province, where two separate wildfires continue to cause widespread destruction. To date, the wildfires have destroyed several commercial and residential properties, including the town hall, and it is estimated that the blazes have affected at least half of the town. Unconfirmed reports suggest that local authorities are arresting persons who are not complying with the mandatory evacuation orders, which have been enforced for all residents of Slave Lake. Clients are advised to defer travel to Slave Lake until further notice. Clients in Slave Lake should comply with the directives of the local authorities and evacuate the town immediately. If travelling by car, ensure that all windows are locked and that the air-conditioning system turned off to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle. Travellers are advised to keep a portable radio on hand to stay informed of any designated evacuation routes which have been established by the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: An employee of the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia was killed on 16 May when unidentified gunmen opened fire on his vehicle in the Pakistani port city of Karachi. The attack occurred as the victim, who was reportedly travelling in an official vehicle, was en route from his residence to the Saudi consulate located on Khayaban-e-Hafiz in the Phase-V district of the Defence Housing Authority area of the city. The incident follows a grenade assault on the Saudi consulate in Karachi on 11 May; the attack caused minor damage to the building but no casualties. No group has claimed responsibility for the incidents and the motivation behind them is currently unclear. However, the attacks may be linked to the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on 1 May by US Special Forces in Abbottabad (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province). Bin Laden was a Saudi Arabian national who was later stripped of his citizenship and had his assets frozen by the Saudi Arabian royal family after he was critical about King Abdul Aziz Assad's relationship with the US. It is also believed that the Saudi Arabian government had refused to accept his body following his death, which prompted US authorities to controversially bury him at sea. In addition, al-Qaeda issued a statement threatening retaliatory attacks for bin Laden's death against the US and its allies, including Saudi Arabia, on 6 May. As a consequence of this and numerous other security concerns, all travel to Pakistan, including Karachi, is advised against. Clients currently in the country should exercise extreme caution and vigilance, particularly in the vicinity of government buildings, security installations, diplomatic assets and Western business interests, and ensure robust security precautions are in place for the duration of their visit. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: The Filipino authorities have increased security in the vicinity of the United States Embassy in Manila in response to threats from several groups to stage demonstrations over the four-day visit of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier; the US warship, which arrived off the coast of Pasay City on 15 May, carried and buried the body of Osama bin Laden after he was killed by US Special Forces on 1 May. Members of the Maradeka coalition of Muslim organisations and the leftist League of Filipino Student (LFS) have already staged, or attempted to hold, demonstrations outside the US Embassy in protest of the annual joint exercises between the Philippines and the US military, and have stated that they will conduct further rallies. Clients should anticipate an increased police deployment and checkpoints and roadblocks in the vicinity of the embassy, which is located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard. Although any demonstrations are unlikely to result in violence against US nationals or assets, such protests may degenerate into clashes between protesters and the police and there is an incidental risk to bystanders. As a consequence, all large politically motivated demonstrations should be avoided and clients are advised to monitor local media for developments. Clients should also anticipate traffic disruptions in the vicinity of the US Embassy in the coming days and possible restrictions on access to the diplomatic facility. ——From Travel Alert.

India: A group of unions representing the interests of auto-rickshaw operators in India's National Capital Territory of Delhi have called for an indefinite strike, scheduled to commence on 19 May. The strike action, which is also anticipated to affect as many as 10,000 taxis, has been called in protest against a government initiative aimed at ensuring all of the city's auto-rickshaw and taxi vehicles are equipped with global positioning system (GPS) devices. However, the various auto-rickshaw unions are demanding that the government decrease the cost of GPS systems and are calling for the establishment of a welfare board to protect the interests of the city's auto-rickshaw drivers. The strike action is expected to cause significant travel disruptions across the city and heighten the demand for other modes of public transport; travellers are advised to anticipate delays and should book alternative modes of transport in advance. While some auto-rickshaw and taxi services may continue to operate despite the strike, clients are strongly advised to refrain from using these services as these vehicles and their operators may face antagonism for not participating in the industrial action. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: The British Embassy in Jakarta has been closed since 16 May for non-security related reasons. Diplomatic representatives have stated that it is not in response to a specific threat or a change to the overall threat level in Indonesia. It remains unclear when it will re-open; however, emergency services, including consular assistance, will continue off-site at present. The embassy contact number has also temporarily changed; clients wishing to contact the embassy can do so on +62 (0)21 3907 484, and on +62 (0)21 2356 5220 for after hours emergency assistance. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Further violent and disruptive protests against ongoing load shedding and associated power outages are likely in Pakistan's port city of Karachi in the coming days. On 16 May, hundreds of disgruntled residents protested over prolonged power outages in Karachi's MT Khan Road, New Karachi, Banaras, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Moti Mehal and Orangi areas. The protesters proceeded to block several roadways with burning barricades and there were reports of several motorists being pelted with rocks and stones. The violent demonstrations eventually concluded after security forces used teargas to disperse the crowds; at least three people were reportedly injured. In recent days, Karachi has experienced prolonged and unannounced power outages purportedly caused by a strike by employees of the city's Karachi Electricity Supply Company (KESC). The power outages, which have ranged between four to 36 hours, has also affected the provision of water in the city with the Karachi water and sewerage board claiming that the load shedding has disrupted services at several of its pumping stations. As it remains unclear as to when the situation will be rectified, further protests and demonstrations related to the issue are possible in the city in the coming days. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan, including Karachi, is advised against. Clients currently based in the city should avoid all related protests and demonstrations as the potential for unrest at these events are considered high. Furthermore, clients should anticipate disruptions to banking, internet, telecommunications, and other electronic-based services as a result of the ongoing blackouts. Travel delays caused by non-functioning traffic lights are likely to severely disrupt road travel in the city. Finally, clients in Karachi should remain cognisant of the possibility of criminal activity increasing due to the power outages, particularly after dark when criminals will be able to operate with a fair degree of anonymity. It is advisable that travellers ensure that their houses and/or places of accommodation are secured. If possible, all non-essential road travel should be avoided after dark. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: The anti-government group, 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 May to commemorate the first anniversary of the clashes between troops and UDD supporters on 19 May 2010. Between March and May 2010, the UDD held sustained anti-government protests; although initially peaceful, violent clashes between protesters and security forces occurred numerous times, and left over 80 people dead and hundreds more injured. Activists are scheduled to gather at the Ratchaprasong intersection from 16:30 local time. The UDD has in the past staged disruptive and violent demonstrations in Bangkok, but the upcoming rally has been organised as a peaceful display of activist solidarity. However, the gathering is likely to be larger than usual, as the political opposition Puea Thai Party, which is supported by the UDD, has made known its preferred prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming 3 July elections. Thousands of extra police officers will be deployed to ensure security; clients in Bangkok should avoid the gathering as a precaution and should be prepared for possible transport disruptions in the city. ——From Travel Alert.