Pakistan: Protests and incidents of civil unrest linked to the disbanding of the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) organisation are likely to continue in the D-Chowk area of Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, in the coming days. On 22 June, at least 12 people were wounded when security forces used teargas and baton charges to disperse scores of NCHD employees who were holding disruptive demonstrations near the House of Parliament. An estimated 20 people were arrested following the clashes which ensued. The NCHD, founded in 2002, is scheduled to be dissolved on 1 July 2012 due to a lack of funding. The public organisation's dissolution will effectively result in an estimated 16,000 people being left without any formal employment. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan is advised against. Travellers currently in Islamabad are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and avoid all related protests and demonstrations which will more than likely be focused on the city's D-Chowk area and nearby government and demonstrative institutions. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: High school students are to protest against the privatisation of education in central Santiago, commencing at 11:00 on 23 June, around Plaza Italia. A rally is set to start at Plaza Italia and run through Parque Forestal, Cardenal Jose Mar??a Caro, Mapocho and San Martin, while concluding near the offices of the Ministry of Education. Students are demanding an end to privatization of education and calling for free schooling throughout Chile. Similar protests in other locales around Chile are also likely. The protest comes only weeks after demonstrations for education reforms by university students in Santiago. These demonstrations were marred by clashes between police and students. Clients in Chile, including Santiago, are advised to avoid all large gatherings as a precaution as such protests are often characterised by violence; travel delays in the aforementioned areas can also be expected. ——From Travel Alert.

India: The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) have called for mass countrywide demonstrations in India on 23 June in protest to rising fuel and basic commodity prices. The protests, which are expected to take the form of sit-ins, are scheduled to take place outside government directorates in major urban centres throughout the country. While the protest action is anticipated to conclude peacefully, clients in India are nonetheless advised to avoid all related rallies and demonstrations as the possibility of violent civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, the publlic demonstrations also carry the potential to cause localised travel delays in the affected areas. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Unions representing an estimated 30,000 employees of the AirIndia commerical airline company have threatened strike action over unpaid salaries. It is claimed that AirIndia employees have yet to receive their salaries for the month of May and are planning to hold a wildcat strike if they are not compensated immediately. A spokesperson for AirIndia claimed that employee salaries would be paid by no later than 24 June but admitted that the airline was struggling to cover overheads due to increasing fuel costs and other financial issues. It is highly probable that AirIndia employees may very well participate in industrial action if they are not compensated within the next 24 hours. As such, travellers intending to use the services of AirIndia in the short-term are advised to contact the airline and/or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Russia: At least five militants and five police officers have reportedly been killed in recent days in an ongoing security operation in Russia's southern region of Dagestan; a further 12 police officers have been injured in the hostilities. According to reports released on 22 June, a special operation was launched in the forested Kizlyar district on 20 June and heavily armed military reinforcements have since been deployed to the region to assist in the operation. Russia's North Caucasus Federal District has experienced prolonged instability and violence following the break up of the Soviet Union, as insurgents, most notably in Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia and Kabardino-Balkaria have sought independence from Russia. Ongoing conflict between insurgents and Russian security forces, associated terrorism and kidnapping as well as local organised crime groups all contribute to the high levels of violence. Due to the high levels instability and associated insecurities, clients are advised against all travel to Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region). Furthermore, clients should avoid all non-essential travel to Karachai-Cherkessia, North Ossetia and Stavropol's south eastern districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsy, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kurskoyi which border Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia and Kabardino-Balkaria. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Inclement weather caused by the passing of Tropical Storm Meari has forced authorities to cancel dozens of domestic and international flights on 23 June. The majority of flights affected are those going either to or from the capital, Manila. Although Tropical Storm Meari has not made landfall over the country, the residual effects of it passing by have resulted in high winds, localised heavy rain and the resultant flight cancellations. In addition, approximately 7,000 people have been displaced by the flooding in the Bicol region of Luzon, and a number of ferry services have been cancelled as a result of heavy seas. Further cancellations and delays are possible on 24 June; if flights are not cancelled, clients are nonetheless advised to anticipate delays and an increased demand for flights as the backlog of previously cancelled flights is cleared. Clients intending to use air transport in the Philippines are advised to contact their airline, travel provider or departure airport to enquire about the status of their flight(s). In addition, clients in the Bicol region are advised to anticipate localised travel delays to public transport as a result of the flooding. ——From Travel Alert.

Vietnam: Tropical Depression Haima is due to affect north eastern Vietnam, including Hanoi, as a tropical storm in the next 12 to 24 hours. Flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in mountainous regions and coastal storm surges are possible. 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 the local authorities. Clients should also note that Vietnam normally experiences typhoons from June to December and further storms are likely in the coming months. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: Tropical Storm Meari is due to affect Japan's southern Ryukyu islands, including Okinawa, within 12 to 24 hours. Flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in mountainous regions and coastal storm surges are possible. Disruptions to air, maritime and road 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 the local authorities. Clients should also note that Japan normally experiences typhoons from June to September and further storms are likely in the coming months. ——From Travel Alert.

Taiwan: Tropical Storm Meari is due to affect north eastern Taiwan, including Taipei, within 24 hours. Flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in mountainous regions and coastal storm surges are possible. 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 the local authorities. Clients should also note that Taiwan normally experiences typhoons from May to November and further storms are likely in the coming months. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: A 7.4 magnitude earthquake has been reported 64km south west of Amukta Island, Alaska. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. A warning of a possible tsunami has been issued for coastal areas of Alaska from Unimak Pass to Amchitka Pass. The warning may be elevated or suspended within the next few hours. If a tsunami is confirmed travellers may be required to move inland or to higher ground. 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.

Solomon Islands: A 6.3 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 at least 25km south east 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. Travellers are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

India: A suspected outbreak of encephalitis in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar state has left 40 people, mostly children, dead in recent days. Encephalitis is caused by a virus that is spread to people through the bite of infected insects, usually mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, tremors, headaches and spastic paralysis. Clients currently in the affected area are advised to take necessary precautions such as applying insect repellent. Individuals exhibiting the above-mentioned symptoms are advised to consult a medical practitioner immediately. ——From Travel Alert.

Myanmar: Bomb blasts were reported in the central city of Mandalay and the capital, Naypyidaw, on 24 June. In Mandalay, the blast occurred near the Zay Cho Market and in Naypyidaw, near the Tha Pyay Gone Market, and are believed to be a coordinated attack as they both took place at approximately 11:30 local time. No casualties have been reported as a result of the blasts. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, although previous incidents in the country have been attributed to a number of the ethnic rebel groups seeking regional autonomy; these groups have been engaged in a low-level conflict with the central government for decades. In recent weeks, however, conflict levels in the north eastern Kachin state have escalated significantly, resulting in several deaths and the displacement of thousands of people as government troops clashed with rebels from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Further blasts are possible in the short- to medium-term in in Naypyidaw and Mandalay, as well as the country's largest urban centre, Yangon. Although foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted, there is a credible incidental threat; clients are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and report any suspicious people, packages or activities to the authorities immediately. ——From Travel Alert.

Madagascar: Travel disruptions and protests are likely in Antananarivo ahead of Independence Day celebrations on 26 June. Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960. The day is particularly well observed in Antananarivo, and as such, travel disruptions should be anticipated due to road closures, route diversions and an increase in both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Although Madagascar is a relatively stable country, tensions remain elevated following a 2009 coup by Andry Rajoelina that led to the democratically elected president Marc Ravalomanana seeking political asylum in neighbouring South Africa. Several, often violent, protests have taken place in Madagascar, specifically in Antananarivo, since the ousting of Ravalomanana, with the most recent violent protest taking place in May 2011. Although violence is not expected, all large gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: (Update) Localised flooding in the capital, Manila, on 23/24 June due to the passing of Tropical Storm Meari has led to widespread travel delays in the city. Thousands of commuters were stranded after a large number of local public transport services were cancelled as a result of the flooding, and several thousand more people were displaced by rising floodwaters. Although Tropical Storm Meari has not made direct landfall over the country, the residual effects of it passing by have resulted in the high winds and localised heavy rain that has been experienced in the past 36 hours. Local meteorological authorities have stated that the rain will ease over the northern Philippines in the coming 24 hours, although localised travel delays can still be expected as floodwaters recede. Clients in Manila and on Luzon are advised to exercise caution, anticipate localised travel delays in the short-term and monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Vietnam: (Update) Several people have been killed and travel delays reported after Tropical Storm Haima made landfall over the northern regions of the country. Flooding has been reported in the capital, Hanoi, resulting in severe delays to road and rail travel as a result of inundated roads and downed trees. In the port town of Haiphong, approximately 850 houses were destroyed by high winds, and there are reports that localised flooding and landslides have occurred in more mountainous areas in the north and north central areas of the country. Haima has been predicted to weaken and dissipate as it moves further inland; nonetheless, heavy rain, localised flooding and further travel delays can be expected in the short-term. Clients in northern and central Vietnam are advised to exercise caution and monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

India: At least six people have been wounded following a grenade attack which occurred near a police station in Sopore town, located in the Baramulla district of India's restive Jammu and Kashmir state. While there have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the incident, it is believed that the attack was more than likely perpetrated by separatist elements. There is a high risk of terrorism and conflict in Indian-administered Kashmir. The threat primarily stems from separatist groups in the region who are opposed to Indian rule in Kashmir. Bomb blasts, grenade attacks and shootings occur frequently in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in main cities, such as the winter capital, Jammu, and the summer capital, Srinagar. Due to these and various other security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state is advised against. Clients currently in the region are advised to maintain a low profile and exercise heightened vigilance in locales associated with government and security interests. ——From Travel Alert.

China: Tropical Storm Meari is due to affect coastal areas of the Zhejiang province and the Shanghai municipality, including Shanghai city, within 12 hours. Coastal areas of the Jiangsu and Shandong provinces are due to be affected by the storm within the next 24 hours. Flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in mountainous regions and coastal storm surges are possible. 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 the local authorities. Clients should also note that China normally experiences typhoons from May to December and further storms are likely in the coming months. ——From Travel Alert.

South Korea: Tropical Storm Meari is due to affect western parts of the country within the next 24 hours, passing over Jeju island before making landfall in Jeolanam province. Flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in mountainous regions and coastal storm surges are possible. 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 the local authorities. Clients should note that South Korea generally experiences typhoons between July and August and further storms are likely in the coming weeks. ——From Travel Alert.

India: The Private Bus Operators Co-ordination Committee has stated its intention of holding a one day strike on 29 June in Kerala state. The group has called for the strike to demand that the government raise bus fares in light of the recent decision by the authorities to increase the cost of fuel. The committee has also stated that if its demands are not met that it will order an indefinite strike. There are approximately 30,000 private buses operating in Kerala state compared to approximately 5,000 operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation. The strike action has the potential to cause significant transport disruptions through the course of the affected day. Clients in or planning to travel in Kerala on 29 June are advised to source alternative forms of transport such as taxis and private car rental or use public bus services, which are expected to continue as per normal.——From Travel Alert.

United States: Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents of Los Alamos in New Mexico, as a large wildfire threatens the town. The wildfire continues to burn largely uncontained and travellers are advised to avoid all travel to the county until the blaze has been brought under control. Travellers currently in the area are advised to depart the county as soon as its safe to do so and to monitor local media for updated and advisories from the authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: An All Nippon Airways (ANA) pilots' strike is possible on 28 June as the pilots' unions have as yet failed to reach an agreement with ANA in negotiations over receiving training to fly larger aircraft. The pilots in the dispute have been flying primarily small jets and propeller planes, but have been demanding to receive training to fly larger aircraft. Talks are still ongoing and it has not yet been confirmed if the strike will go ahead. However, if the strike does go ahead on 28 June, approximately 166 domestic flights could be cancelled and a further 36 delayed. Clients in Japan are advised to anticipate an increased demand for flights with other airlines in the event of a strike and to contact ANA, their travel provider or departure airport prior to travel for the latest updates and advisories. ——From Travel Alert.