Papua New Guinea: Landowners have cut off the water supply to the town of Kundiawa, capital of Chimbu province, over compensation they claim the government still owes them. The landowners claim that the Papua New Guinea government had agreed to pay them money for the water it was sourcing from their land and then piping into Kundiawa; however, the money has not been paid and the landowners have stated that they will not turn the water supply back on until the government pays them the money they are owed. It remains unclear when water supplies will resume in the town; clients in Kundiawa are advised to source water from alternative sources and anticipate increased demand for bottled water in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: (Update) Local authorities have declared parts of coastal New South Wales, including the areas of Greater Taree, Port Stephens, Nambucca, Dungog and Port Macquarie-Hasting, as disaster areas on 16 June due to ongoing flooding that has affected the region in recent days; the towns of Taree and Kempsey are reported to have been the worst affected. At least 2,000 people have been displaced and a further 10,000 have been cut off by inundated roads and closed bridges as a result of swollen rivers. Meteorologists have predicted that the rain will ease during the course of 16 June, and no further rain is expected in the coming days. However, floodwaters will take several days to recede and rivers are set to rise further due to ongoing rain further inland. Accordingly, travel delays and disruptions to amenities such as electricity and telecommunications are likely to continue in the short-term. Clients in the affected region are advised to exercise caution and monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

China: Foreign nationals, including tour groups, have been banned from travelling to China's autonomous region of Tibet ahead of the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party on 1 July. The order was purportedly issued by the provincial authorities earlier in the year and sent to several Chinese travel agencies. Authorities claimed that foreign visitors would contribute to the spread of civil unrest in Tibet after protests by ethnic Mongolians in May over the death of a herder received international media attention. Although no exact details of the ban have been made available, it is believed that the ban is to last through June and July with a relaxation of travel restrictions expected in August. Clients intending to travel to Tibet are advised to contact their travel provider or tour operator for further information. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: (Update) The spread of an ongoing wildfire south of the city of Sierra Vista in the US state of Arizona has prompted more evacuations on 16 June. The fire spread eastward of Arizona's highway 92, prompting highway closures south of Sierra Vista, and evacuations in Hereford and the Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Standing evacuation orders are in place for the area between Hereford Road and Ash Canyon Road west of highway 92 as well as Hereford Road and Circle S. Ranch Road east of the highway. Additionally, in the south east, all areas between highway 92 and Pioneer Lane have been evacuated. The wildfire, which originated in the Bear Wallow Wilderness on 29 May, has continued to spread, helped by strong winds, low humidity and dry conditions. Clients are advised to defer travel to the affected areas of eastern Arizona until the fire has been contained. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and adhere to the advisories of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

China: (Update) Approximately 555,000 people have been evacuated in south eastern China after authorities escalated their flood warning level in response to ongoing flooding and landslides on 16 June. At least seven provinces have been affected by the flooding, which has been ongoing since 3 June and left at least 105 people dead. The worst affected provinces include Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan and Guizhou. China, particularly the southern regions of the country, is prone to flooding and landslides during its rainy season, which occurs annually from May to September. Clients currently in the affected regions are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and should monitor local news for possible flood warnings and emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, it is advisable that travel to locales in close proximity to storm drains, rivers, drainage channels and saturated hillsides be avoided, as these will generally be at greatest risk of further flooding and landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand:
The fatal shooting of a key political canvasser in the capital, Bangkok, on 16 June highlights the ongoing political tensions in the country ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, which are set to take place on 3 July. Suban Chiraphanwanit, the president of the Lop Buri Administration Organisation and canvasser for the minority Bhumjaithai party, was on a visit to Bangkok when an unknown assailant approached him in the street and shot him, his wife and another person accompanying him several times; he later died as a result of the gunshot wounds. Chiraphanwanit was the elder brother of Mallika Chiraphanwanit, a constituency candidate for the Bhumjaithai party in Lop Buri province. It is believed that the shooting is related to local political tensions ahead of the parliamentary elections, which will take place amid strained and highly politically polarised conditions. In response, local security forces have identified several areas in the country in which they believe political violence is most likely to occur. Of a total of 77 provinces, seven have been marked as 'red zones' in which there is a high-risk of political violence occurring, and a further 21 as 'orange zones' in which there is a medium-risk of violence occurring. While foreigners have not been targeted in any incidents, there is nevertheless a credible incidental risk and clients are advised to avoid all gatherings and rallies of a political nature, as well as all political party offices. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Authorities in Arlington Country, Virginia, have closed several roads around the Pentagon as police are investigating a suspicious vehicle in the area. Road closures in the vicinity of the Pentagon include Routes 27 and 110, all ramps to and from Interstate 395 and eastbound Interstate 66 to Route 110. Due to road closures, delays can also be expected on Metro buses in the area. Police have reportedly arrested one person after finding a suspicious device in the occupants' vehicle. Clients are advised to defer travel to the affected area until the security incident has been resolved. Further travel disruptions on the aforementioned roads can also be expected, and clients should make provisions for extended travel times in the area. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Significant delays and cancellations have been reported to United Airline flights across the United States as a result of a countrywide computer malfunction. Airline officials are in the process of attempting to resolve the technical problems, while employees check passengers onto flights manually at airports throughout the country. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, one of the airline's largest hubs, was particularly affected. Clients that have booked flights with United Airline are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider directly for further information on the status of their flight(s), or to make alternative travel arrangements. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Tropical Depression Six is set to affect the country's Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley regions within 24 hours as a tropical storm. Strong winds and heavy rainfall conducive to coastal storm surges and flooding should be expected. 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), should be expected. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: Travel disruptions are likely to increase as Virgin Australia cancels flights in and out of Adelaide and Mildura in south eastern Australia following the movement of an ash cloud from a Chilean volcano over Australian airspace. Several other airlines, including Qantas, Jetstar and Tiger Airways are closely monitoring the situation and they do not expect cancellations at this stage. However, onouncements on the situation will be made on 20 June or early on 21 June as the impact of the ash cloud becomes clearer. Chile's Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano began erupting on 4 June, releasing a plume of ash into the air which made its way across the Atlantic and Indian oceans, causing travel disruptions in several countries, including Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Clients conducting travel in Australia are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: According to reports released on 20 June, at least six people were killed and another 11 injured following two separate clashes between government troops and New People's Army rebels near Pamplona, in the Negros Occidental province of the Central Visayas region on 18 June. This latest round of clashes comes despite peace negotiations currently taking place between the central government and the NPA, which began in February 2011 after having been stalled for several years. The NPA was formed in 1969 as the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The group largely uses guerrilla tactics and carries out regular attacks on military and government personnel and installations, particularly in the rural areas of the southern Philippines. However, the group is known to have a presence in most parts of the country, including Manila and other major cities. Attacks against or affecting foreign nationals are rare; however, there is an indirect threat to clients in rural areas, where NPA groups are particularly active. As such, clients in or intending to travel to the Philippines are advised to exercise elevated security awareness. In addition, due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are also advised against all travel to the southern Mindanao region due to ongoing and elevated levels of insecurity. ——From Travel Alert.

China: (Update) More than 1.6 million people have been displaced and 175 more killed by ongoing flooding in central, southern and south eastern China. Millions more have been affected. Flooding and landslides caused by persistent heavy rains have affected at least eleven provinces since 3 June, including Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan, as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the municipality of Chongqing. According to reports, Hubei and Zhejiang provinces have been worst affected; flood levels in Lanxi city are believed to have reached critical levels. Adverse weather conditions and possible flooding is expected to continue in the coming days, particularly the southern regions of the country, which are prone to flooding and landslides during the rainy season, which occurs annually from May to September. Clients currently in the affected regions are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and should monitor local news for possible flood warnings and emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, it is advisable that travel to locales in close proximity to storm drains, rivers, drainage channels and saturated hillsides be avoided, as these will generally be at greatest risk of further flooding and landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: A 6.3 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 90km north east of the city of Calama in Chile's northern Antofagasta region. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Nevertheless, clients currently in the region are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for possible updates and advisories from the authorities. Clients should also note that aftershocks are possible in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: (Update) A number of airlines have cancelled flights to and from airports in Adelaide, Mildura, Port Lincoln, Canberra and Sydney on 21 June due to the presence of an ash cloud from a Chilean volcano over Australian airspace; disruptions are likely to continue until at least 14:00 local time at Adelaide, Mildura and Port Lincoln, and from 12:00 and 15:00 at Canberra and Sydney respectively. Those airlines affected include, but are not limited to, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Regional Express and Tiger Airways. Other airlines operating out of the affected airports are reportedly monitoring the movement of the ash cloud and further flight disruptions cannot be ruled out. Chile's Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano began erupting on 4 June, releasing a plume of ash into the air which made its way across the Atlantic and Indian oceans, causing travel disruptions in several countries, including Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Clients conducting travel in Australia are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Russia: A passenger plane has crashed on its final approach to Petrozavodsk airport in north west Russia, killing at least 38 people. The Tu-134 Rusaero Airlines plane, which was travelling from Moscow to Petrozavodsk when the incident occurred, was carrying 43 passengers and five crew members. Persons intending to use Petrozavodsk airport over the next few hours are advised to contact their airline, the airport or travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Solomon Islands: A 6.1 magnitude earthquake has been reported off the coast of the Santa Cruz Islands, part of the Solomon Islands archipelago; the epicentre of the earthquake is believed to have been some 93km south of Lata. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Clients are advised to brace for aftershocks in the affected area. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

China: Hangkang,Authorities have declared a scarlet fever outbreak after hundreds of people have been infected, the majority of whom are children. There have been over 400 confirmed cases and at least one death since the beginning of 2011; 142 new cases were reported in the first half of June. This is a significantly higher number than in 2010 when approximately 150 cases were reported for the whole of the year, which is attributable to the fact that the current strain of scarlet fever appears to be more resistant to antibiotics previously used to treat the disease. Scarlet fever is a highly contagious disease caused by the streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. The most common symptom is red blotches that turn into a pink-red rash and feel like sandpaper to the touch; the rash then spreads to several areas on the body. Other symptoms include fever, swollen glands, headache and a white coating on the tongue that turns red over a number of days. The majority of infections occur amongst young children and are generally mild, although complications may develop in young children or adults with a compromised immune system. Clients in Hong Kong should minimise the risk of infection through good hygiene practices such as regularly washing hands and limiting contact with infected individuals. Clients exhibiting any of the above symptoms are advised to consult with a medical practitioner immediately. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: The Democrat Party is scheduled to hold an election rally at the Ratchaprasong intersection in the capital, Bangkok, on 23 June. The rally is part of pre-election campaigning by the Democrats in the run up to the 3 July parliamentary elections, which are being held amid heightened political tensions; three companies of police will be deployed to the rally site as a precautionary measure. This will be the first election since current prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ascended to power via a parliamentary vote in 2008, which led to accusations of Vejjajiva being an unelected puppet of the military and political elite; these tensions then escalated into sustained anti-government protests between March and May 2010, which left over 90 people dead and 1,400 injured. While the security situation has since calmed, the issues that drove the protests and subsequent violence remain unresolved, and have left the country politically polarised. Sporadic acts of election-related violence have been reported, and although foreign nationals are not targeted, should any unrest occur there remains an incidental risk and accordingly, all politically motivated gatherings, election rallies, political party offices and polling stations should be avoided. Furthermore, clients in Bangkok should anticipate localised travel delays in the vicinity of the Ratchaprasong intersection and plan accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Thousands of people have been affected as powerful storms moved across Chicago on 21 and 22 June. The storm system has left at least 10,000 people without power, and caused disruptions to road, rail and air transport, after strong winds downed trees and power lines. The north east Illinois commuter rail system, Metra, confirmed that all Union Pacific Northwest Line trains and Union Pacific West Line trains were stopped, while some Union Pacific North Line trains were halted; disruptions to the early morning commute should be expected. Furthermore, at least 300 flights were cancelled at O'Hare International Airport while all incoming and outbound flights have been delayed by at least an hour as thunderstorms continue to affect the area; similar disruptions were experienced at Midway Airport. Severe travel disruptions and congestion to road, rail and air services should be expected across Chicago in the short-term; clients are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider for updated information on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure. ——From Travel Alert.

Canada: The Trans-Canada highway has been closed indefinitely from Whitewood to Balgonie due to ongoing flooding. The 150km stretch of highway has been inundated with rain in recent weeks. Detours have been set in place, with the majority of traffic being directed onto Highways 9 or 10. Further heavy rainfall is possible in the short-term, further exacerbating the ongoing flooding situation. Clients in the region are advised to expect travel delays and disruptions and to make alternate travel arrangements where possible.——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Severe flooding has resulted in at least 14 deaths across the Philippine island of Mindanao. Several rivers have burst their banks, including the Pulangui, Rio Grande and Lanang, three of the largest rivers on the island. Flooding was also reported in parts of Luzon, including in areas of the capital, Manila, after a storm passed the east coast on 20 June. Further heavy rainfall and a tropical storm, expected on 24 June, are likely to intensify the ongoing flooding in the region. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Travellers to Mindanao should also note that clients are advised against all travel to the southern region of Mindanao, including the Sulu Archipelago. ——From Travel Alert.

India: The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for four consecutive days of countrywide protest action, from 23 to 26 June, against alleged corruption within the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition. The planned protest action will be centred on government buildings and UPA coalition party offices in major cities across the country with the largest of the anti-corruption gatherings anticipated to occur in the capital, Delhi, and the cities of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. A key demand of the protesters is the passing of the controversial Jan Lokpal anti-corruption bill which, if ratified, would permit government officials accused of corruption to be investigated by an independent anti-corruption body. If found guilty, state officials would face criminal prosecution under the terms of the Jan Lokpal legislation. While the demonstrations are anticipated to conclude peacefully, there is nevertheless potential for incidents of politically motivated civil unrest. As such, clients in India are advised to avoid all public gatherings related to the issue and should anticipate localised travel disruptions. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Authorities in North Dakota have issued an evacuation order for an estimated 12,000 people living in the city of Minot to prepare for evacuation by 18:00 local time on 22 June due to a flood threat posed by the rising water levels of the Souris River. Already swollen due to record snow melt and the ongoing heavy rainfall, the Souris River is expected to peak in the coming days following the forecast of further heavy rains in the region. Clients in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media broadcasts which will disseminate any advisories related to the flooding situation. Clients in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution near all rivers and in low-lying areas. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Two people have been killed and dozens injured in clashes with police during an anti-eviction protests in the north eastern city of Gauhati on 22 June. Up to 10,000 people took part in the protest opposing evictions of squatters from huts constructed around the city. Police clashed with protesters in an effort to stop them from marching towards the Assam state government headquarters in central Gauhati. As protesters were unable to meet with government officials, tensions remain high and similar protests are likely in the short term. Clients in the city are advised to avoid the protest area as a precaution and should expect traffic disruptions in central Gauhati. Due to ongoing threats from conflict and terrorism, travel alert advises against non-essential travel to the north eastern states including Assam and Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. ——From Travel Alert.

Peru: (Update) Protests against a proposed mining project intensified in Peru's south eastern Puno region on 22 June. Thousands of protesters have demonstrated in Azangaro, Melgar, and Chucuito provinces of Puno, blocking roads on major routes. The Puno-Cusco and Juliaca-Cusco roads have been blocked. Protesters have further forced the closure of the international bridge in Desaguadero and have threatened to close the Inca Manco Capac International Airport in the city of Juliaca and, as such, the airport is subject to a heightened police presence. The anti-mining protests have resumed after having been suspended from 30 May in light of the country's presidential run-off vote on 5 June. These incidents demonstrate that the emotive nature of the issue has enabled the anti-mining movement to mobilise significant support and further travel disruptions and outbreaks of unrest should be anticipated in the Puno region in the comings days and weeks as protests resume. Clients are advised to defer all travel to the affected areas at this time. Clients planning travel in the wider Puno region are advised to monitor local media for developments and to avoid all large politically motivated demonstrations as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: A 6.7 magnitude earthquake has been reported off the east coast of Honshu island; the epicentre of the earthquake is believed to have been some 88km south east of the north eastern city of Hachinohe. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. An advisory warning of a possible tsunami of up to 50cm in height has been issued for areas affected by the 11 March earthquake and subsequent tsunami, including coastal regions of Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. Clients currently in the region are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for possible updates and advisories from the authorities. Clients should also note that aftershocks are possible in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

China: Tropical Storm Haima made landfall off the coast of China's southern Guangdong province on 23 June. The storm system is forecast to bring heavy rains and gale force winds to the provinces of Guangdong, Hainan and Fujian, which have all experienced flooding in recent weeks as a result of southern China's annual rainy season. The onset of Tropical Storm Haima has already prompted the cancellation of several flights at Meilan International Airport in Haikou, Hainan province, while several commercial passenger vessels operating in the Qiongzhou Strait have suspended services due to the gale force winds which are being generated by the storm system. China is vulnerable to typhoons from May to December. Typhoons most frequently make landfall south of the Yangtze River, particularly in Guangdong, and can affect areas up to 400km inland. The storms often cause significant damage, including to transport, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, primarily as a result of coastal surges, heavy rains and flooding. Clients currently in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution and should defer travel to all coastal and/or low-lying areas due to the threat of flooding. It should be noted that a combination of heavy rains and strong winds may also elevate the risk of landslides in populated areas located beneath saturated hillsides. Furthermore, extensive disruptions to transport services, particularly air and maritime travel, should be anticipated in storm-affected parts of Guangdong, Hainan and Fujian over the course of the next 24 hours. ——From Travel Alert.