AMERICAS

Chile (Security threat level – 2): On 5 February 2019, the Chilean government declared a “state of catastrophe” in parts of the Biobio, La Araucania and Los Rios regions due to forest fires. The declaration of catastrophe allows military forces to take part in combating the fires. The forest fires have killed two people and burned 9,500 hectares (23,500 acres) of land, and record high temperatures in the coming days are expected to spread the fires.

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3): On 6 February 2019, authorities announced the arrest of a man who had conducted a fatal knife attack in Huining County, Gansu province, on 5 February. The assailant reportedly entered at least one home and killed at least eight people and wounded another seven. The man reportedly confessed that he carried out the attacks after suspecting his wife of infidelity.

EUROPE

Germany (Security threat level – 3): According to reports on 6 February 2019, the Ver.di union has called for warning strikes at Dusseldorf International Airport (EDDL/DUS) and Hannover Airport (EDDV/HAJ) on 7 February due to an ongoing negotiation over pay and working conditions. The strike, which will include ground handling providers, will take place from 0300 to 1100 local time (0200 to 1000 UTC). Dusseldorf Airport authorities have warned that delays and cancellations are possible and advised passengers to check with their airline before traveling to the airport.

Turkey (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 1630 local time (1330 UTC) on 6 February 2019, an eight-story apartment building collapsed in Istanbul’s Kartal district, located on the Asian side of the city. Rescue teams are currently searching for individuals trapped under the rubble; the cause of the collapse has not yet been determined.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Australia (Security threat level – 2) : On 6 February 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Australia, which reads in part as follows:

Haiti (Security threat level – 4): On 6 February 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

Haiti (Security threat level – 4): On the morning of 6 February 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a Demonstration Alert that reads in part as follows:

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 5 February 2019, the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

Zimbabwe (Security threat level – 4): On 6 February 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Zimbabwe, which reads in part as follows:

“Availability of fuel is sporadic and queues are common. Fuel is now dual priced at some petrol stations, with a lower price available when payment is made with an international payment card.”

Security threat levels range from 1 (Very Low) to 5 (Very High) and are determined using a comprehensive system that utilizes both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The primary factors used to determine a location’s security threat level are Armed Conflict, Crime, Demonstrations/Strikes, Ethnic/Sectarian Tensions, Graft/Corruption, Kidnapping, Political Instability, Government Restriction and Terrorism.