Cuba / Dominican Republic / Haiti / Puerto Rico (Security threat levels – 2 / 3 / 4 / 2): As of 0800 local time (1200 UTC) on 11 August 2021, Tropical Storm Fred was located approximately 95 km (50 mi) east-southeast of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Fred was moving west-northwest at 26 kph (16 mph) and had maximum sustained winds of 65 kph, with higher gusts. Fred is forecast to continue on its current track, moving over or near the Dominican Republic and the northern portion of Haiti later on 11 August. The storm is then expected to pass near the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas on 12 August before moving north of Cuba the following day.
Power outages were reported in Puerto Rico as heavy rains associated with the storm reached the territory. Authorities plan to close most government agencies by 1200 local time, and some gas stations had already closed after running out of fuel. In the Dominican Republic, the Center of Emergency Operations has issued a red alert for the following eight provinces: La Altagracia, La Romana, Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macoris, El Seibo, San Cristobal, Monsenor Nouel, and San Jose de Ocoa.
The storm is expected to produce 50-100 mm (2-4 in) of rainfall over Puerto Rico, with isolated maximums of up to 150 millimeters. The heavy rainfall has the potential to cause flash flooding and mudslides across the island. In addition, 25-75 millimeters of rain, with isolated maximums of 125 millimeters, is expected across Haiti, the Turks and Caicos, eastern Bahamas and eastern Cuba.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic in areas east of Punta Palenque and on the northern coast in areas east of the Haiti-Dominican Republic border. Meanwhile, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect in Haiti from the northern border with the Dominican Republic to the commune of Gonaives, the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas.
Thailand (Security threat level – 3): On 11 August 2021, clashes between anti-government protesters and police officers continued in the capital Bangkok. Shortly after 1500 local time (0800 UTC) protesters marching toward Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s residence from the Victory Monument were blocked by police officers near Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. Reports indicate that protesters threw paint and other objects at the officers, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets. Shortly afterward the demonstrators dispersed. At least 12 people were arrested during the clashes.
On 10 August police officers deployed tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets in Bangkok’s Din Daeng area against demonstrators driving motorcycles to protest Prayuth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to demand reforms to the monarchy. At least 48 people were arrested following the unrest.
Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 11 August 2021, the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne issued a Health Alert regarding the extension of the ongoing lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. The alert reads in part as follows: “Lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria extended for another seven days. The Victorian government announced on August 11, 2021, that the lockdown for metropolitan Melbourne would be extended for another seven days, through 11:59 pm on Thursday, August 19, 2021.
“The restrictions require staying at home except for when engaged in essential activities. When outside the home, residents will be required to wear masks. For more information, please see https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. ”
Jamaica (Security threat level – 3): On 11 August 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued updated advice regarding the coronavirus-related curfew, which reads in part as follows: “There are a range of local measures to limit the spread of the virus and the Jamaican authorities will seek to prosecute people who breach COVID-19 protocols, including those who break quarantine protocols, which may result in a fine and/or prison sentence.
“There is an island-wide curfew with extended hours at weekends. The curfew hours are:
nightclubs and amusements will be closed.”
We use cookies on this website to improve functionality and performance, to analyze traffic, and to enable social media features. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.