ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): As of 1430 local time (0900 UTC) on 10 May 2022, Tropical Cyclone Asani was located nearly 1,070 km (665 mi) southwest of Kolkata — the state capital of West Bengal — and was moving in a westerly direction at a speed of 20 kph (13 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that point, the cyclone had maximum sustained winds of 120 kph, with gusts of up to 148 kph. Meteorologists forecast that the cyclone is likely to move closer to the coastal areas of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha within the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in the aforementioned areas. In response, the Indian navy has begun preparations to provide assistance in areas that will be affected by the cyclone. Authorities have canceled at least 10 flights scheduled to operate through Tamil Nadu’s Chennai International Airport (VOMM/MAA). Further flight disruptions are likely due to the inclement weather.

Philippines (Security threat level – 4): Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, is expected to secure victory in the Philippine presidential election that occurred on 9 May 2022. According to unofficial results, Marcos Jr. won almost 60% of the total vote, with nearly 97% of the ballots tallied. His closest rival, Vice President Leni Robredo, secured just 28% of the vote. Following the release of the unofficial results, opponents of Marcos Jr. staged demonstrations against the election results. In the capital Manila, approximately 400 demonstrators, mainly students, gathered at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) building in the Intramuros area to protest alleged voting machine failures and ballot fraud. Riot police were deployed to scene, and firetrucks were reportedly stationed within the vicinity of the site. However, there were no reports of associated violence.

EUROPE

Austria (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1800 local time (1600 UTC) on 9 May 2022, two passenger train carriages derailed near Münchendorf in the Muckendorf-Wipfing municipality, located in Lower Austria state. The accident, in which one of the derailed cars rolled, killed one person and injured at least 12 others. Emergency responders treated the casualties and transported the uninjured passengers to a nearby Red Cross disaster relief center. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 4): On 10 May 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a Security Alert regarding ongoing protests and the national curfew, which reads in part as follows: “There continue to be protests across Sri Lanka. The island-wide curfew remains in effect. There are official and unofficial checkpoints at many intersections, and several roads continue to be blocked.

“Emergency consular services for U.S. citizens continue to be available, but the Embassy is rescheduling routine consular services in light of the government curfew.

“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.”