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09-December-2022

ASIA

Russia (Security threat level – 4): On the morning of 9 December 2022, a massive blaze broke out on the roof of the Mega Khimki mall on Leningradskoye Highway, located approximately 25 km (15 mi) northwest of central Moscow. The fire engulfed approximately 7,000 sq. m (8,370 sq. yd) of the mall, killing one person and causing the roof of the building to collapse. At least one explosion occurred within the building during the blaze, likely due to the ignition of aerosol spray cans in a home improvement store. Firefighters extinguished the blaze several hours later. The mall once housed multiple Western retail stores but they closed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Authorities suspect that an electrical issue caused the fire and have launched an investigation into the matter.

EUROPE

France (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 2215 local time (2115 UTC) on 8 December 2022, a large power outage occurred in several districts of the capital Paris due to a technical issue. A transformer malfunction cut power to a buried high-voltage power line, prompting an electricity outage that affected approximately 65,000 customers in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 14th administrative districts of Paris. The outage affected residences, traffic lights and streetlamps. Power was restored to all affected customers by 0100 local time.

MIDDLE EAST

Turkey (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 1115 local time (0815 UTC) on 9 December 2022, a fire broke out on the fourth floor of the Ciragan Palace Kempinski hotel, located in the Yildiz neighborhood of Istanbul. Police officers temporarily cordoned off Ciragan Street. Firefighters supported by 20 firetrucks extinguished the blaze about one hour after it began. Three hotel workers sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. The cause of the fire, which began in an area of the hotel that is currently undergoing renovations, remains unknown.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Ecuador (Security threat level – 3): On 8 December 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Quito issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Ecuador’s Emergency Operations Committee reinstated a nationwide mask requirement for indoor spaces effective December 8. Masks are now required in workplaces, public transport, classrooms, health facilities and for individuals with symptoms of respiratory disease. Masks are recommended in open spaces where social distancing is not practical. These requirements will be in place for at least fifteen days.”