AMERICAS

Belize / Guatemala / Honduras / Mexico (Security threat levels – 3 / 4 / 4 / 4): Tropical Storm Nana formed in the Caribbean Sea, just south of Jamaica, on the afternoon of 1 September 2020. Nana was located approximately 240 km (150 mi) east-northeast of Limón, Honduras, and about 490 km east of Belize City, Belize, as of 0800 local time (1200 UTC) on 2 September, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, the storm was moving westward at 30 kph (18 mph) and was generating maximum sustained winds of 95 kph, with higher gusts. On its current forecast path, Nana will continue moving westward off the northern coast of Honduras and will strengthen into a hurricane by the evening of 2 September as it approaches the coast of Belize. It is expected to make landfall as a hurricane along Belize’s central coast overnight on 2-3 September. Nana is forecast to weaken as it continues to move inland across Belize, Guatemala and southern Mexico’s Chiapas state overnight on 3-4 September.

Nana is expected to produce the following rainfall amounts through the evening of 3 September: 75-150 mm (3-6 in), with isolated maximums of up to 200 mm, across central and southern Belize, northern Guatemala, northern portions of the Honduran coast and in northern areas of Mexico’s Chiapas state; and 50-100 mm over southeastern portions of Mexico’s Quintana Roo state. Hurricane conditions are anticipated across much of Belize and tropical storm conditions are expected in Guatemala, northern Honduras and southern Mexico by the evening of 2 September. Swells generated by the storm are currently affecting coastal areas of the Cayman Islands and southern Jamaica and will spread along coastal areas of Belize and Honduras later on 2 September. Storm surges of between 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) are expected to affect coastal areas of Belize.

A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for Quintana Roo state from Puerto Costa Maya south to Chetumal and the coast of Belize. Meanwhile, a Hurricane Watch is in effect for the entire coast of Belize and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for areas in northern Honduras west of Punta Patuca to the Guatemalan border, the Bay Islands and Roatán Islands of Honduras and Guatemala’s Caribbean coastline.

ASIA

India / Indonesia (Security threat levels – 3 / 4): The Directorate General of Civil Aviation extended the suspension of international commercial flights to and from India through 30 September 2020. However, passenger flights between India and eight other countries — including Canada and the U.S. — are currently operating as part of bilateral air travel arrangements. Additional details regarding such arrangements outlined by the Ministry of Civil Aviation are available here . International flights to and from India were initially banned on 23 March in an attempt to control the spread of COVID-19; the ban exempts commercial cargo, humanitarian and repatriation flights.

In Indonesia, on 31 August a nightly curfew went into effect in Depok, a city located approximately 22 km (14 mi) south of central Jakarta, until further notice. Under the curfew order, public activities are not permitted beyond 2000 local time (1300 UTC). Grocery stores, restaurants and shopping centers must close by 1800 local time, and delivery services are permitted until 2100 local time. Residents whose work hours extend beyond the curfew are exempt from the order, but must carry an identity card and a letter from their employer. Authorities did not specify the time when the curfew ends each day.

Japan / South Korea (Security threat levels – 1 / 2): As of 1800 local time (0900 UTC) on 2 September 2020, Typhoon Maysak was located approximately 130 km (80 mi) southeast of Jeju City, South Korea, and about 225 km west-southwest of Sasebo, Japan, and was moving northward at 20 kph (13 mph), according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Maysak was generating maximum sustained winds of 185 kph, with gusts of up to 230 kph. On its current path, the storm is forecast to pass between South Korea’s Jeju Island and Japan’s far western Kyushu Island by the late afternoon hours and make landfall along the border of South Korea’s Gyeongnam and Jeonnam provinces near or over the city of Yeosu overnight on 2-3 September. Rainfall of between 4-8 in (100-200 mm), with isolated maximums of up to 300 mm, is forecast for areas along the path of Maysak, including Busan, South Korea, and Japan’s Kyushu Island. The storm is generating a maximum significant wave height of 12 m (40 ft), creating dangerous sea conditions over a large area.

The Japanese coast guard launched a search and rescue operation early on the morning of 2 September after a Panamanian-flag cargo ship called the Gulf Livestock1 issued a distress signal as it sailed about 185 km west of the Japanese island of Amami Oshima. At least 43 crew members are aboard the ship. Search efforts are ongoing.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Lebanon (Security threat level – 4): On 1 September 2020, security forces set up checkpoints in downtown Beirut following a series of clashes with anti-government protesters. Earlier in the day, security personnel deployed tear gas and rubber bullets during clashes with demonstrators in front of the parliament building, which is located in the downtown area. Protesters threw rocks at security personnel and briefly breached some of the metal barricades in front of the building. At least 21 people were injured in the clashes, including one who required hospitalization. Demonstrators had gathered to protest alleged government corruption and mismanagement following the 4 August explosion at the Port of Beirut.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Italy (Security threat level – 3): On 1 September 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Rome issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:

"Location 1: Rome, at the intersection of via Bissolati and via Veneto

"Event: On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, a group of citizens in support of Chico Forti have planned a static demonstration. 15 participants are expected. Police will be monitoring the event.

"Location 2: Rome, Piazza Barberini

"Event: On Friday, September 4, 2020, from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm, the “Associazione Neri Italiani” (Black Italians Association), in support of the “Black Lives Matter” movement, has planned a static demonstration. 30 participants are expected. Police will be monitoring the event

"Location 3: Rome, Piazza Bocca della Verità

"Event: On Saturday, September 5, 2020, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, a static demonstration is planned, sponsored by multiple groups, including, but not limited to: NO VAX, Orange Vests, Forza Nuova – protesting against current Italian Government policies. 2,000 participants are expected. Police will be monitoring the event

"Location 4: Rome, at the intersection of via Bissolati and via Veneto

"Event: On Monday, September 7, 2020, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, a static demonstration has been planned by Associazione pro Julian Assange in support of Julian Assange. 15 participants are expected. The police will be monitoring the event."
North Macedonia (Security threat level – 3): On 1 September 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Skopje issued a Security Alert regarding suspension of consular services, which reads in part as follows:

"Event: Suspension of Consular Services at the Embassy

"On August 31, 2020, the Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia reported that three persons were arrested following police operations in Kumanovo and Skopje on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities. During this operation, police officials also found a large quantity of weapons.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia will be suspending all non-emergency consular services until further notice. In an emergency please contact the Embassy. The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed."

The full text of the Security Alert can be read here .
Qatar (Security threat level – 2): On 2 September 2020, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Qatar, which reads in part as follows:

"Public transport, including the metro and bus services, began running a limited service on 1 September. No more than four people are allowed in a vehicle, if they are not part of the same family. The authorities may also stop vehicles to enquire about the reason for the journey."

"Qatar moved to phase 4 of its roadmap for re-opening on 1 September. Parks, beaches, gyms and outdoor swimming pools have reopened, as have malls, some restaurants, museums and libraries, though with varying restrictions on entry, hours and capacity. Gatherings of up to 15 people inside and up to 30 outside can now take place as long as precautionary measures are taken. Mosques and most hairdressers have also reopened, with restrictions, and restaurants have a maximum of four people per table, or up to six from the same household."