AMERICAS

Mexico (Security threat level – 4) : During the early hours of 31 March 2022, a fire broke out in the Mercado Libertad, located in Guadalajara’s San Juan de Dios neighborhood approximately 3 km (2 mi) north of the city center. The Guadalajara Fire Department extinguished the blaze after approximately three hours. While there were no reports of injuries, the blaze consumed at least a quarter of the building, which houses what is considered the largest covered market in Latin America. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire ignited near the market’s food court and caused several gas tanks to explode.

United States (Security threat level – 2): A severe weather system swept through the southern region of the U.S. on 30 March 2022, causing damage to homes and businesses in multiple states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. The Tennessee town of Jackson sustained major damage while a side of exterior paneling collapsed at a hotel in downtown Nashville, forcing guests to relocate to other parts of the building. In Arkansas, a tornado struck the rural towns of Johnson and Springdale early in the morning. At least seven people were injured, including two who suffered critical injuries. Thus far, there have been no reports of weather-related fatalities. The inclement weather is forecast to produce strong winds and heavy rainfall across the eastern coast of the U.S. on 31 March.

ASIA

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 4): As of 31 March 2022, daily nationwide rolling 13-hour power cuts are underway across Sri Lanka due to fuel shortages. Dwindling petrol supplies and resulting electricity cuts have plagued the country amid a worsening economic crisis. A government official has stated that the rolling electricity outages could continue until May.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Ghana (Security threat level – 3): On 30 March 2022, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Ghana, which reads in part as follows: “There is an increased Ghanaian military presence in Upper East to strengthen security, centred around Bawku. A curfew in Bawku from 8pm to 5am has been introduced and motorbikes and smocks have been banned. Travellers should expect more frequent security cordons, and be prepared to show identification for themselves and their drivers. You should be prepared for the security response to change without notice; follow the advice of local authorities.”

Israel (Security threat level – 4): On 30 March 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Due to recent terrorist attacks in the area and potential security issues associated with the upcoming April 2022 holidays, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted until further notice from entering the Old City of Jerusalem after dark (dusk to dawn) and on Fridays. Damascus, Herod’s, and Lions’ Gates are off limits as well…U.S. citizens should take this into consideration when planning their own activities.”