China (Security threat level – 3): On 10 October 2022, health authorities in China announced coronavirus-related restrictions in the cities of Hohhot and Fenyang, as well as the entirety of Xianjiang province, due to a surge in COVID-19 cases following the 1 October National Day holiday. In Fenyang, located in northern Shanxi province, residents are prohibited from outside travel as of 10 October. Additionally, beginning on 11 October, no outside vehicles or passengers will be allowed to enter Hohhot — the capital of Inner Mongolia region — while residents in Xinjiang province will be banned from outside travel. The lockdowns come as a part of China’s “zero-COVID” prevention policy and follow the detection of 1,900 coronavirus cases across China on 9 October, with the majority of cases reported in Inner Mongolia, Shanxi and Xinjiang provinces.
Japan / North Korea / South Korea (Security threat levels – 1 / 3 / 2): Shortly before 0200 local time on 9 October 2022 (1700 UTC on 8 October), the North Korean military test-fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, according to South Korean and Japanese military officials. The missiles were launched from the southeastern city of Munchon — located approximately 140 km (90 mi) east of Pyongyang — and covered a range of 350 km while reaching an altitude of 90-100 km. Both missiles landed in waters outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone. The missile launches follow the conclusion of joint U.S.-South Korean naval drills off the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula and are the seventh occurrence of such tests since late September.
El Salvador / Guatemala / Mexico (Security threat levels – 4 / 4 / 4): At approximately 0315 local time (0715 UTC) on 9 October 2022, Hurricane Julia made landfall as a Category 1 storm near the Pearl Lagoon municipality in the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region of Nicaragua and has since weakened into a tropical storm. As of 0700 local time (1200 UTC) on 10 October, Tropical Storm Julia was located approximately 65 km (40 mi) west of San Salvador, El Salvador, and was moving west-northwest at approximately 25 kph (15 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Julia had maximum sustained winds of approximately 65 kph, with higher gusts. The storm is expected to continue its current trajectory toward the west-northwest, passing near or over the coastal areas of El Salvador and Guatemala later on 10 October before dissipating during the evening hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Pacific coastal areas of Honduras and El Salvador, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Guatemala’s Pacific coastline. Julia is projected to produce rainfall in the following areas: approximately 125-250 mm (5-10 in) in El Salvador and southern Guatemala, with isolated maximums of 380 mm; 75-150 mm in western Honduras and in Mexico’s Isthmus of Tehuantepec, with isolated maximums of 250 mm; 25-50 mm in Belize, other areas of Honduras, Nicaragua and northern Guatemala, with isolated maximums of 380 mm; 25-75 mm in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, with isolated maximums of 150 mm. Swells that generate life-threatening surf and riptide conditions have been reported along the coastlines of Colombia’s Providencia and San Andres Islands, as well as the Central American Caribbean coastline. Heavy rainfall from Julia is forecast to produce dangerous flash flooding and landslides across Central America and Mexico’s Isthmus of Tehuantepec until 11 October.
Authorities have reported three storm-related deaths near the Honduras-Nicaragua border. Additionally, the effects of the storm killed at least person in Panama and two others in El Salvador. In Venezuela, rainfall from Julia and previous storms led to a landslide on the evening of 8 October in the city of Las Tejerías — located in Aragua state’s Santos Michelena municipality — that killed at least 25 people; at least 52 residents remain missing. Flooding has also been reported in Colombia, Costa Rica and Honduras. On Colombia’s San Andres Island, the storm’s passage damaged multiple residences and downed trees as it passed directly over the island. In Nicaragua, authorities evacuated 9,500 residents to 118 shelters before Julia made landfall. There are reports of power and telecommunications outages in several areas of Nicaragua. The government of El Salvador has declared a 15-day state of emergency in anticipation of Julia’s arrival.
Germany (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 1400 local time (1200 UTC) on 8 October 2022, a major fire broke out in the Ebertplatz subway station, located approximately 2 km (1 mi) north of Cologne’s city center. Service on Lines 12, 15, 16 and 18 – all of which pass through Ebertplatz station — was temporarily suspended as firefighters and other emergency personnel deployed to the scene. At least five people were injured due to the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Ukraine (Security threat level – 5): On the morning of 10 October 2022, the Russian military launched a series of missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and multiple other cities across the country, including Kharkiv, Lviv and Odesa. Ukraine’s air force stated that 83 projectiles were launched toward the country, but they were able to intercept 43 of them. The missiles struck parks and roads across Kyiv, including in Shevchenkivskyi district. Meanwhile in Lviv, the missiles struck energy infrastructure and caused widespread blackouts. At least 10 people have been reported killed and 60 others wounded in the latest attacks. The Russian military has stepped up its attacks on Ukraine as retribution for an 8 October explosion that seriously damaged a bridge over the Kerch Strait, which links the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula to Russia.
Malaysia (Security threat level – 3): On 10 October 2022, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the dissolution of Parliament and called snap elections, which are projected to be held in early November. The elections must take place within 60 days of Parliament’s dissolution. The elections come approximately nine months before the end of the current government’s term. Yaakob’s decision to dissolve his government and hold early elections follows reports of criticism in regard to the legitimacy of his governing Parliament.
Singapore (Security threat level – 1): On 10 October 2022, authorities lifted all coronavirus-related restrictions for non-vaccinated individuals in Singapore. Unvaccinated individuals will no longer be barred entry from restaurants, nightclubs and bars, or events with more than 500 participants. Additionally, SafeEntry and TraceTogether requirements have been lifted for some establishments, and businesses have begun allowing employees to return to the workplace. Those who test positive for coronavirus must continue to uphold cautionary measures, such as wearing face masks and engaging in self-isolation.
Thailand (Security threat level – 3): On 9 October 2022, a shooting occurred along a roadway near the entrance to Khon Kaen Airport (VTUK/KKC), located in eastern Khon Kaen province. One person was killed in the shooting. Authorities believe the shooting was related to an isolated personal conflict; however, police officers have not detained any suspects.
Haiti (Security threat level – 5): On 7 October 2022, the U.S. Department of State released an updated travel advisory for Haiti, which reads in part as follows: “On October 07, 2022, the Department authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency U.S. government employees. U.S. citizens should depart Haiti now in light of the current security and health situation and infrastructure challenges. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.”
The full text of the advisory is available here.
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