CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

El Salvador / Guatemala / Honduras / Mexico / Nicaragua (Security threat levels – 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4): Search and rescue efforts are underway across Central America and southern Mexico as of 11 October 2022, after Tropical Storm Julia’s passage through the area resulted in widespread damage and numerous casualties. At least 28 fatalities have been reported following the passage of the storm. In Nicaragua, 1 million customers experienced power outages; severe rainfall destroyed more than 2,000 residences and damaged 3,000 others. In Honduras, approximately 13,000 households were evacuated from high-risk areas, while nearly 9,200 people took refuge in emergency shelters. At least 10 storm-related deaths were reported in El Salvador, including five soldiers killed when a residence collapsed in the town of Comasagua in La Libertad department. Meanwhile in Guatemala, President Alejandro Giammattei declared a state of calamity after eight people died in the storm and seven others suffered injuries. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns that further landslides and flooding may occur in the affected areas until 11 October.

Haiti (Security threat level – 5): On 10 October 2022, anti-government demonstrators gathered in multiple Haitian cities to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry after he formally requested international support on 7 October to curb ongoing gang violence and shortages of basic necessities. In the capital Port-au-Prince, police officers used tear gas to disperse protesters as some individuals looted local businesses during the gathering. The clashes left one person dead, while several others suffered gunshot wounds. Violent demonstrations have become commonplace in Haiti in recent months due to the high cost of living, a deteriorating security environment, shortages of fuel, food and potable water, and most recently, a cholera outbreak.

OCEANIA

Australia (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0630 local time on 11 October 2022 (1930 UTC on 10 October), officials at Melbourne Airport (YMML/MEL) deplaned thousands of passengers from several Qantas Airways flights and rescreened travelers after a single passenger walked past a security detector without being inspected. At least 10 flights were delayed while one flight to the Gold Coast was canceled due to the incident. In a separate event that occurred later the same morning, authorities at Adelaide Airport (YPAD/ADL) ordered about 2,000 passengers to go through additional security checks after a security detector failed for approximately 30 minutes. At least 10 flights experienced delays at the latter facility.

SOUTH AMERICA

Chile (Security threat level – 2): On 10 October 2022, demonstrators and police officers clashed on Alameda Avenue in central Santiago, the capital, after members of several indigenous groups, including the Mapuche Warriache Organization, gathered to oppose the militarization of indigenous territories in southern Chile. Police officers fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters and arrested 10 participants. Authorities stated that one police officer was injured in the violence. The Santa Lucía and Universidad Católica metro stations were shut down for approximately one hour due to the demonstration.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

South Africa (Security threat level – 4): On 11 October 2022, the U.S. mission in South Africa issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Due to an increase in crime, to include the recent murder of a foreign tourist, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa recommends that U.S. Citizens avoid Numbi Gate at Kruger National Park and instead use either Paul Kruger or Phabeni gates when entering and leaving the park. Please remember to be situationally aware when traveling and make stops at designated areas, such as garages, and service stations. Be mindful that protests and road closures are frequent in the area. It is recommended that everyone contact their lodge or hotel before travel to understand current road and travel conditions. If you encounter issues, contact the Police or your lodge.”