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January 31, 2022
31-January-2022

AMERICAS

Brazil (Security threat level – 3): During 28-30 January 2022, heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides that resulted in downed trees and powerlines throughout São Paulo state. At least 19 people were killed and at least 500 homes were destroyed. Numerous injuries were reported as well. In the municipality of Várzea Paulista — located north of the city of Sao Paulo — five people were killed when their home was destroyed by a landslide. The municipalities of Aruja, Embu das Artes, Francisco Morato and Franco da Rocha were most affected by the inclement weather. In response to the crisis, the governor of São Paulo allocated 15 million reais (2.8 million U.S. dollars) of emergency aid to affected areas.

Canada (Security threat level – 2): Demonstrations against mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for truck operators are expected to continue in the capital Ottawa on 31 January 2022. Thousands of people gathered on Parliament Hill and convoys of trucks blockaded streets in the city center during the past weekend. The “Freedom Convoy” initially arrived in the capital on 28 January from the western city of Vancouver, British Columbia, to protest the government mandate requiring truckers crossing the Canada-U.S. border to be fully vaccinated. There were no reports of violence or arrests during the demonstrations over the weekend, although police officials have launched probes into multiple criminal acts. In anticipation of continuing disruptions on 31 January, authorities have advised the public to avoid nonessential travel to downtown Ottawa and work from home if possible. Protest organizers maintain that they will continue their actions until the government rescinds coronavirus-related restrictions.

United States (Security threat level – 2): A severe winter storm produced heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions throughout the eastern coastal area of the United States over the weekend of 29-30 January 2022. The storm, which affected areas from North Carolina to Maine, brought up to 30 in (75 cm) of snow to parts of the northeastern region. More than 100,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages at the peak of the storm, especially in Massachusetts. Reports indicate that more than 5,600 flights at U.S. airports were canceled from 28-30 January due to the inclement weather; Massachusetts’ Boston Logan International Airport (KBOS/BOS) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK/JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (KLGA/LGA) were among those particularly affected. In New York, officials reported three weather-related fatalities on Long Island. There were no reports of other significant injuries or deaths due to the storm.

ASIA

North Korea (Security threat level – 3): On 31 January 2022, North Korean state media confirmed the launch of a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) — which is capable of transporting nuclear warheads an estimated range of up to 4,500 km (2,800 mi) — into the Sea of Japan on 30 January. The launch reached an altitude of 2,000 km and traveled a distance of approximately 800 km, according to South Korean and Japanese authorities. The recent launch was the seventh for North Korea since the beginning of 2022. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has threatened to lift a self-imposed moratorium on long-range ballistic missile and nuclear tests.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

United Arab Emirates (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0130 local time on 31 January 2022 (2130 UTC on 30 January), authorities at Abu Dhabi International Airport (OMAA/AUH) temporarily suspended inbound and outbound passenger flights due to a failed ballistic missile attack on the airport launched by Houthi rebels operating in Yemen. Security forces intercepted the projectile before it landed near the airport. There were no reports of injuries or damage to the airport as a result of the attack. Authorities stated that several flights which were scheduled to land were rerouted to other airports in the area.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Kenya (Security threat level – 4): On 28 January 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “There is the potential for increased crime and acts of violent extremism in Kenya this time of year.

“The U.S. Embassy reminds the public of the continued need for sustained vigilance in public locations such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, clubs, restaurants, transportation hubs, schools, places of worship and other areas frequented by tourists. Public events, such as demonstrations and celebratory gatherings, are also at a higher risk for violence.”