AMERICAS

Chile (Security threat level – 2): In the evening hours of 2 March 2020, demonstrators gathered in cities across Chile for a day of protest against the government and high living costs. Violence broke out in the cities of Antofagasta, Concepcion, Santiago and Temuco. In downtown Santiago, protesters forced the closure of several metro stations and erected burning barricades on several roads, disrupting transportation in the area. Additionally, rioters attacked several police stations. According to Chile’s interior minister, authorities arrested 283 people while 76 police officers were injured in the clashes. Anti-government activists have publicly warned that demonstrations will be held throughout the month of March in order to mark the anniversary of victims of the 1973-90 military dictatorship.

United States (Security threat level – 2): In the early hours of 3 March 2020, a powerful tornado struck an area located northwest of downtown Nashville, the state capital of Tennessee, amid a severe storm that passed through the area. The tornado moved into the community of Hermitage, located approximately 10 mi (16 km) east of the city, and caused approximately 40 structures in the area to collapse; a number of other buildings — primarily in the downtown and eastern districts — were severely damaged. John C. Tune Airport (KJWN/JWN), in West Nashville, sustained significant damage; multiple hangars at the facility were destroyed. At least two additional tornadoes caused fatalities and damage to infrastructure in other parts of central Tennessee — including Benton, Putnam and Wilson counties. At least eight people were killed and an unspecified number of others have been injured in the region; two of those fatalities occurred in East Nashville. Emergency crews continued to conduct rescue and relief efforts in the affected areas, where more than 44,000 homes and businesses were without power as of last report. Schools in the Nashville area have been closed for the day and local officials in Wilson County — located just east of Nashville — have suspended classes for the remainder of the week.

ASIA

Indonesia (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 0520 local time on 3 March 2020 (2220 UTC on 2 March), Mount Merapi — located about 30 km (20 mi) north of Yogyakarta in West Java province — erupted, sending a column of ash about 6 km into the air. The ash then drifted into nearby communities located within a 10-km radius. Authorities temporarily suspended flight operations at Adisumarmo International Airport (WAHQ/SOC) from 0910-1130 local time as a precaution. Officials advised the public to avoid the existing 3 km exclusion zone around the volcano, but did not alter the volcano’s alert status, which remains at Level 2, the second lowest on a four-tier scale.