Brazil (Security threat level – 3) : As of 31 May 2022, search and rescue operations remain underway in the northeastern states of Alagoas and Pernambuco, following widespread flooding and landslides. Pernambuco’s Recife metropolitan area, particularly the Jardim Monte Verde neighborhood of Recife, as well as the communities of Córrego do Jenipapo, Sítio dos Pintos and Camaragibe, are the most-affected areas. Authorities temporarily suspended operations at Recife International Airport (SBRF/REC) after heavy rains flooded the airport tarmac. The rainfall also caused an approximately 30 m- (100 ft)-high perimeter wall to collapse; emergency personnel were deployed to install a temporary fence and surveil the airport. Thus far, 93 people have been reported killed and at least 26 others remain missing.
Mexico (Security threat level – 4): As of 0700 local time (1200 UTC) on 31 May 2022, Tropical Depression Agatha was located approximately 90 km (55 mi) north of the seaport of Salina Cruz, Oaxaca state, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Agatha made landfall the previous day as a Category 2 storm near the town of Puerto Angel in Oaxaca state. The storm is expected to continue farther inland later on 31 May and could merge with another storm system near the Yucatán Peninsula before strengthening and tracking toward the southeastern Gulf of Mexico later in the week. The storm is projected to produce 254-405 millimeters (10-16 inches) of rain in Oaxaca state, 125-255 millimeters in Chiapas state and 50-100 millimeters in the states of Veracruz and Tabasco, with isolated maximums of 150 millimeters. Life-threatening landslides and flash flooding are likely in the affected states. Additionally, the southern Mexican coastline may experience swells that will generate dangerous surf and riptide conditions.
In response to the storm, federal authorities opened more than 200 shelters in the affected areas. In the nearby tourist destination of Huatulco, government officials closed schools, beaches and bays for seven days in preparation for the hurricane’s effects. However, no major casualties or damage have been reported as yet.
China (Security threat level – 3) : On 29 May 2022, authorities in Beijing and Shanghai relaxed several coronavirus-related restrictions due to a decrease in reported new infections. In Shanghai, authorities announced that businesses will be allowed to resume operations without applying for approval beginning on 1 June. Additionally, at least 22 million Shanghai residents will be allowed to travel throughout the city as metro, taxi and bus services are restored to normal operating capacity following the two-month-long lockdown that required all residents to stay at home. Meanwhile in Beijing, several major shopping centers, hotels and amusement parks have reopened. Public transportation services in Beijing’s main business district have also resumed. Restaurants in the city continue to operate on a take-out basis only.
Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 28 May 2022, the Tokyo metropolitan government designated more than 100 subway stations as evacuation facilities following multiple recent North Korean missile tests in which projectiles have landed near Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The shelters comprise 105 Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro Stations, as well as four underground subway stations in the Shinjuku and Ueno districts. According to government officials, more subway stations may be designated as evacuation shelters, dependent upon future North Korean missile tests.
Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 1530 local time (0900 UTC) on 31 May 2022, an explosion occurred at the Bar road bus stop located on 35th street in Kyauktada township in downtown Yangon. According to military officials, an unexploded grenade was also found near the site of the explosion. At least one person was killed, and nine others were injured. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.
Analyst Comment: Although explosions frequently occur near government buildings and police stations throughout Myanmar, this is the first time that a civilian transportation hub has been targeted in central Yangon since the military coup in early February 2021.
Nepal (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 1000 local time (0415 UTC) on 29 May 2022, air traffic control lost contact with a commercial aircraft transporting 19 passengers and three crew members from the western city of Pokhara — located approximately 125 km (80 mi) from the capital Kathmandu — to Jomsom, a popular tourist destination situated in the Mustang district. According to local aviation authorities, air traffic control lost contact with the DHC-6-300 aircraft (registration 9N-AET) operated by Tara Air five minutes before the flight was scheduled to land at Jomsom Airport (VNJS/JMO).
The next day, rescue teams discovered the wreckage of the aircraft, which had struck a mountainside and crashed in the Thasang area of Mustang. The dead bodies of all 22 people on board the aircraft, including two German nationals and four Indians, were recovered. The aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder was also recovered and has been transferred to the capital for examination. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal stated that its preliminary investigation into the crash suggests inclement weather could have been a contributing factor.
Cyprus (Security threat level – 2): On 27 May 2022, authorities revoked all coronavirus-related entry restrictions nationwide, effective 1 June. All travelers, regardless of their country of origin and vaccination status, will no longer be required to present vaccination certificates, proof of recovery from the virus or a negative PCR or antigen test. Additionally, face masks are no longer required inside airport buildings.
Iran (Security threat level – 3): On 28 May 2022, police officers fired live ammunition toward demonstrators participating in anti-government protests in the southwestern city of Abadan — located approximately 10 km (6 mi) northeast of the Iran-Iraq border. Video footage circulating on social media shows police officers beating protesters with clubs and firing tear gas at them. The demonstration marks the third day of protests following the collapse of an apartment building in the city, which resulted in at least 34 fatalities. Protesters are demanding that those responsible for the building’s collapse — including the city’s mayor and other government officials — be tried in court due to claims that several safety warnings were ignored prior to the accident.
Chad (Security threat level – 5): On 28 May 2022, Chadian officials banned protests in the capital N’Djamena after warning of an imminent terrorist attack. Officials stated that three suspected Boko Haram militants entered the capital on 28 May. A heavy presence of security personnel has been reported in the streets of the capital.
Sudan (Security threat level – 5): On 29 May 2022, Sudan’s military-led Transitional Sovereign Council announced that the nationwide state of emergency that has been in effect since October 2021 when the military took over the government, will be lifted immediately. The state of emergency was revoked by decree of the Transitional Sovereign Council’s leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who cited that the annulment was in the interest of promoting stability and meaningful dialogue with civilian socio-political actors during the transition period. The announcement follows prolonged external pressure by the U.N., the African Union, and the Horn of Africa’s Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to end the state of emergency, as frequent violent repression during multiple anti-government protests resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths since the military coup in 2021.
Sweden (Security threat level – 2): On 31 May 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm issued a Demonstration Alert regarding multiple demonstrations scheduled for 1-5 June, which reads in part as follows:
“Location: Stockholm, Sweden
“Event: Swedish authorities have approved permits for rallies/demonstrations in the Spånga area of northwestern Stockholm for multiple days. These events have the potential to spark counterdemonstrations and protests. As a general precaution we remind all citizens to remain vigilant if in the area of protests and demonstrations as these events can be unpredictable and quickly turn violent.
“Dates and Locations:
Daily, Wednesday, 01 June through Sunday, 05 June (13:00 – 15:00) – Near Spånga Athletic Facility”
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