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March 10, 2022
10-March-2022

EUROPE

France (Security threat level – 3): During the evening of 9 March 2022, violence broke out in multiple cities on the island of Corsica during demonstrations to protest a 2 March attack on an imprisoned pro-independence militant by another inmate. The victim of the attack remains in a coma. In the city of Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital, approximately 400 protesters gathered in front of the courthouse before breaking into the building and setting fires both inside and outside the structure. Demonstrators also threw Molotov cocktails at police officers, who responded by firing tear gas. Violence was also reported in the towns of Bastia and Calvi. At least 37 people sustained injuries due to the clashes.

Ukraine (Security threat level – 5): As of 10 March 2022, Russian forces have encircled and are shelling the cities of Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol and Sumy. Although representatives from Russia and Ukraine agreed on 9 March to the creation of temporary civilian evacuation corridors away from the cities of Enerhodar, Izyum, Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy and Volnovakha, heavy artillery attacks prevented civilians from fleeing most cities, with the exception of Sumy. Individuals trapped in affected cities continue to experience food, water and power shortages. In Mariupol, Russian forces bombed a children’s and maternity hospital during the brokered 12-hour ceasefire, leaving at least 17 people injured. A Russian spokesperson claimed that the attack, which has been condemned by the U.N. and other international organizations, was justified due to the “equipped combat positions” within the hospital. Reports indicate that a nearby university, government buildings and residential communities also sustained heavy damage during Russian airstrikes. According to Mariupol city officials, approximately 1,300 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the Russian invasion and about 400,000 individuals remain in the city. Fighting continues in areas northwest of the capital Kyiv. However, Russian forces have yet to make significant advancements on the capital.

Also on 9 March, Ukrainian officials stated that electricity had been cut to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Authorities warned that while backup diesel generators will provide power to the plant for 48 hours, radioactive material could be released later due to power disruptions. Members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that, while the Chernobyl nuclear plant had been disconnected from power, the situation has yet to have a critical impact on safety.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Mozambique (Security threat level – 4): On 10 March 2022, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Mozambique, which reads in part as follows: “Tropical cyclone Gombe is expected to make landfall between Angoche and Nacala in Nampula Province in northern Mozambique on 11 March, before moving south over the coming days. High winds and heavy rainfall may cause flooding and damage to buildings, roads and bridges in northern and central regions. Communications, power and water supplies may also be disrupted.

“You should monitor the National Meterological Institute (in portuguese) for the latest information and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

Turkey (Security threat level – 3): On 10 March 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Istanbul issued a Weather Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Due to adverse weather conditions, the Istanbul Governor’s Office has issued an Orange alert for Istanbul. According to data received by the Meteorology Regional Directorate, adverse weather conditions are expected to continue over the next few days. All public and private basic education, secondary education, higher education, and affiliated institutions will be suspended until Monday, March 14, 2022.

“Routine consular services at the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul are suspended on Friday, March 11, 2022 due to the inclement weather. All appointments for visas, passports, and other consular services on Friday, March 11, 2022 have been canceled and applicants will be notified by email to reschedule.”