AMERICAS

Chile (Security threat level – 2): On 11 April 2022, government officials announced a citywide water rationing plan for the capital Santiago amid an ongoing drought that has entered its 13th year. The plan consists of a four-tier, color-coded alert system that determines how the city will respond to the ongoing water crisis. Under a “Green Alert,” the city will implement public service announcements that emphasize water conservation, while “Preventive Early Warning” and “Yellow” alerts are designed to reduce water pressure throughout the city. A rotational 24-hour-long water cutoff will be applied under a “Red Alert.” The alert system levels are determined by the capacity of the Maipo and Mapocho rivers, which supply much of Santiago’s water.

Mexico / United States (Security threat levels – 4 / 2): On 11 April 2022, truck drivers protesting new border inspection requirements blocked all traffic at Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, located between the U.S. city of Pharr in the state of Texas and the Mexican city of Reynosa in Tamaulipas state. The demonstration was organized to protest more stringent border inspection requirements implemented by Texas officials on 7 April, which truck drivers allege have stranded some drivers for up to 16 hours at the U.S border. Similar blockades were also reported at other border crossings between Mexico and Texas, including at the border crossing between the city of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua state, and El Paso, Texas. While there are no reports of additional disruptions planned for 12 April, travelers with plans to cross the U.S. border into Texas from Mexico should be mindful of the potential for significant delays.

United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0830 local time (1230 UTC) on 12 April 2022, a gunman detonated a possible smoke grenade and then fired shots at multiple people in the 36th Street subway station in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. At least 13 people have been transferred to nearby hospitals. Local media reports indicate that at least five people suffered gunshot wounds, while eight others are being treated for smoke inhalation and panic-related injuries. According to a New York City Fire Department spokesperson, several undetonated devices were also found in at least one Brooklyn subway station but there are no active explosive devices at the scene. Police officers have advised the public to avoid areas near the 36th Street and 4th Avenue subway stations in Sunset Park.

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3): On 11 April 2022, local authorities announced that the southern city of Guangzhou is closed to nonessential arrivals and departures amid an increase in locally transmitted COVID-19 cases. Residents and travelers wishing to leave the city must seek approval from authorities to do so and test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their departure from Guangzhou. Dozens of arriving and departing flights at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (ZGGG/CAN) have been canceled, and public transportation throughout the city has been curtailed. Additionally, on 8 April authorities announced the imposition of coronavirus testing for all 11 districts in the city.

Analyst Comment: If local coronavirus cases continue to surge in Guangzhou, government officials may institute a citywide lockdown similar to those that officials have imposed in larger cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen. However, due to recent logistical issues and essential goods shortages in Shanghai, local officials may focus on isolating neighborhoods and districts where cases are surging instead of instituting a full citywide lockdown.

China (Security threat level – 3): On 11 April 2022, health officials in Shanghai eased citywide lockdown measures despite a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Authorities introduced a three-tier COVID-19 containment system, which allows residents in areas with no reported cases of the virus for 14 days to leave their homes. Additionally, residents in areas with no reported cases for seven days may leave their homes for food deliveries or take walks at designated locations. All other residents must continue to follow lockdown measures.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Philippines (Security threat level – 4): On 11 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Manila issued a Natural Disaster Alert regarding the Taal Volcano, which reads in part as follows: “The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has lowered Taal Volcano’s status to Alert Level 2 .

“Following the phreatomagmatic eruption of the Main Crater on 26 March 2022 and six (6) weak phreatomagmatic bursts until 31 March 2022, unrest at Taal Volcano has markedly declined.

“PHIVOLCS is lowering the alert status of Taal Volcano to reflect the overall decreasing trend in the level of monitored parameters. Alert Level 2 means that there is decreased unrest but should not be interpreted that unrest has ceased or that the threat of an eruption has disappeared. Should an uptrend or pronounced change in monitored parameters occur, the Alert Level may be raised back to 3.”