Cuba / United States (Security threat levels – 2 / 2): As of 0700 local time (1200 UTC) on 10 November 2020, Tropical Storm Eta was located approximately 100 km (60 mi) northwest of the western tip of Cuba and was moving south at 7 kph (5 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 100 kph, with higher gusts. Eta is forecast to become stationary later on 10 November and gradually track north beginning on the night of 10 November and continue in that direction through 12 November. Concurrently, the storm is expected to strengthen through 11 November and start weakening the following day. At present, Eta is forecast to approach the Gulf Coast of Florida on 14 November.
Heavy rains and subsequent flash floods affected areas in southern Florida on 9 November. Streets in downtown Miami were impassable due to flooding, and several homes and businesses in the city as well as in nearby Fort Lauderdale sustained flood-related damage. However, there were no reports of injuries or deaths in the state.
The storm is expected to produce additional rainfall over the following areas through 10 November: 75-125 mm (3-5 in), with isolated maximums of up to 765 mm, over parts of western Cuba; and 25-50 mm, with isolated maximums of up to 500 mm, across parts of southern Florida and the Florida Keys. A Tropical Storm Watch is currently in effect for the Cuban provinces of Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Pinar del Río and Isla de la Juventud.
Mexico (Security threat level – 4): During the evening of 9 November 2020, riot police fired live ammunition into the air to disperse protesters gathered outside city hall in central Cancún. The demonstrators were protesting recent femicides in Quintana Roo state, where Cancún is located, and were attempting to force their way into the government building when authorities fired into the air to disperse the crowd. Additionally, the protesters attempted to set fire to the state prosecutor’s office building. Two journalists suffered gunshot wounds while covering the protest; authorities arrested and detained more than 20 people for vandalism. Officials have called for investigations into the use of live ammunition to disperse the protesters.
Peru (Security threat level – 3): On 9 November 2020, the Congress of Peru voted to remove President Martín Vizcarra from office over allegations of government corruption and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the country’s constitution, the head of Congress — Manuel Merino de Lama — will serve out the remainder of Vizcarra’s term through July 2021, with a swearing-in ceremony planned for 1700 local time (2200 UTC) on 10 November. In a statement, Vizcarra announced that he would accept the results of the vote and would step down without mounting a legal challenge. Dozens of protesters gathered in the Plaza San Martín in the capital Lima following the vote, before being dispersed by police officers for violating current prohibitions on public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no reports of protest-related violence.
Philippines (Security threat level – 4): As of 0900 UTC on 10 November 2020, Tropical Depression Vamco — known as Ulysses in the Philippines — had strengthened into a tropical storm and was located approximately 765 km (475 mi) east of Manila, according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Vamco was moving west-northwest at 9 kph (6 mph) and was generating maximum sustained winds of 74 kph, with gusts of up to 93 kph. On its current forecast path, the storm will continue to the northwest through 10 November before shifting west toward Luzon Island, where it will likely make landfall between 11 and 12 November. Authorities have warned that Vamco is likely to strengthen into a typhoon before making landfall and could produce moderate to heavy rainfall in Apayao, Cagayan and Ilocos Norte provinces.
Vietnam (Security threat level – 3): As of 0900 UTC on 10 November 2020, Tropical Storm Etau had weakened into a tropical depression and was located approximately 330 km (205 mi) northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and was moving west at 19 kph (12 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Etau was generating maximum sustained winds of 56 kph, with gusts of up to 74 kph. On its current forecast path, the storm is expected to continue weakening as it moves over southern Vietnam and into eastern Cambodia and will dissipate by early on 11 November. However, the storm is still expected to produce rainfall totals of up to 250 mm (10 in) in Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen and Binh Ding provinces. Authorities in Vietnam have closed the following five airports ahead of Etau’s landfall: Tuy Hoa Airport (VVTH), Cam Ranh International Airport (VVCR/CXR), Phu Cat Airport (VVPC/UIH), Buon Ma Thuot Airport (VVBM/BMV), Lien Khuong Airport (VVDL/DLI).
Armenia / Azerbaijan (Security threat levels – 3 / 3): Overnight on 9-10 November 2020, hundreds of protesters gathered in the Armenian capital Yerevan to protest the earlier announcement that the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan had signed a peace deal with Russian mediation to end the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh. The protesters assembled outside government buildings in the city center and shouted slogans denouncing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan while several breakaway groups gathered outside the residences of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Armen Sarkissian; the two officials had already been taken to secure locations and were not in danger. There have been no reports of widespread violence or injuries. However, sporadic reports suggest that isolated clashes broke out near the parliament building and the speaker of the parliament suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being accosted by hostile crowds. Individuals should avoid all large gatherings as a general precaution and those with interests in Yerevan or elsewhere in Armenia should keep abreast of developments.
Earlier in the day, the governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia signed a ceasefire agreement, ending the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh. Under the terms of the agreement, which went into effect at 0100 local time on 10 November (2100 UTC on 9 November), the two sides will retain the districts under their control according to the current frontlines. In addition, approximately 2,000 Russian military peacekeepers will deploy to the region under an initial five-year mandate. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan will commit to an exchange of prisoners and the reopening of transport links to facilitate trade and commerce.
Lebanon (Security threat level – 4): On 10 November 2020, authorities announced plans to impose a nationwide lockdown from 14-30 November amid a surge in new COVID-19 infections. During the lockdown, public and private gatherings will be prohibited, and movement will be restricted except for essential purposes. Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (OLBA/BEY) — Lebanon’s primary international airport — as well as the country’s land and sea borders will remain open, and a number of business sectors, including industry and health care will be exempt from the restrictions. Security forces will be deployed throughout the country to enforce the lockdown. Additional details have yet to be released.
Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 6 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Bogota issued updated information regarding changes to the entry requirements for travelers to Colombia, which reads in part as follows: “As of November 5, travelers arriving to Colombia are no longer required to obtain a negative COVID test to enter the country. However, passengers must complete Migracion Colombia’s Check-Mig immigration form and follow other protocols upon arrival. This includes reporting to the Colombian Government any flu-like symptoms that occur within 14 days of arrival in Colombia. Personal biosecurity measures such as masks are required in airports and on flights. For further information, see the Colombian Health Ministry announcement and COVID-19 information page.”
The full text of the alert is available here.
Honduras (Security threat level – 4): On 9 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa issued a Health Alert regarding the suspension of the national curfew, which reads in part as follows: “The Government of Honduras announced the temporary suspension of the national curfew to facilitate Tropical Depression Eta response efforts. Shopping and essential activities will be allowed daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. without regard to identification number.
“Any changes to the national curfew or the circulation schedule will be announced later this week.
“All U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to respect the curfew and minimize trips out of their home. It is mandatory to use face masks, sanitary gel, and social distancing in public.”
Malaysia (Security threat level – 3): On 9 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur issued an update regarding COVID-19 restrictions, which reads in part as follows:
“On October 26, the Government of Malaysia announced an extension of the CMCO in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. On November 7, this CMCO was extended again until December 6, and expanded to include the states of Kedah, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Melaka, Johor, and Terengganu. The following restrictions will be enforced:
Poland (Security threat level – 2): On 9 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy issued an alert regarding an upcoming demonstration in Warsaw, which reads in part as follows: “Event: The Independence March Association “Stowarzyszenie Marsz Niepodleglosci” has announced plans to hold a “motorized” march with cars and motorcycles to celebrate Polish Independence Day on November 11, at 2:00 PM, at the Dmowski Roundabout in central Warsaw. Expect heavy traffic congestion as well as road closures and parking difficulties.”
Romania (Security threat level – 2): On 9 November 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest issued a Health Alert regarding increased coronavirus-related restrictions, which reads in part as follows: “Due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, the Government of Romania announced additional restrictions that will go into effect November 9, 2020. These restrictions will remain in place for 30 days and are subject to being renewed. New COVID-19 restrictions as of November 9, 2020:
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