India: Police in the city of Hyderabad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh, have been placed on high alert ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Mecca masjid bomb attack observed on 18 May. On the same day in 2007, at least 14 people were killed when a group of suspected Hindu extremists detonated a pipe bomb at the mosque, located in Hyderabad's Old City area. Following the attack, widespread riots flared in the city, which resulted in a further five deaths after security forces opened fire using live ammunition on the demonstrators who had attacked several private and government interests in the city. Since the attack in 2007, the anniversary was traditionally marked with a series of fatal attacks on police services in the city. Police have since claimed to have apprehended the Islamist militant believed to behind these attacks, and there are no indications suggesting that there will be any acts of violence during the observation of the 2011 anniversary; however, security has been increased across the city, particularly in and around government buildings, security installations, places of worship and other public areas. Travellers to Hyderabad are advised to maintain a low profile and exercise heightened vigilance when travelling in the city. As a precautionary measure, crowded public places, government buildings, places of worship and security installations should be avoided as these venues are considered to be at highest risk of being targeted by a potential act of violence. While no commemorative rallies have been planned in the city, travellers are nonetheless advised to avoid any related public gatherings as the potential for violent civil unrest at such events are considered high. ——From Travel Alert.

Fiji: An ongoing typhoid outbreak in Bua province, on the northern Vanua Levu island, has infected dozens of people since it was first detected in January 2011. In a bid to halt the spread of the infectious disease, local authorities have imposed a temporary ban on large public gatherings in Bua province. Typhoid is an infectious disease and is transmitted through ingesting contaminated food or water. Symptoms may include a sustained fever as high as 39 to 40 degrees Celsius, headache, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and constipation. Some infected individuals also experience a rash. Clients experiencing any of these symptoms are advised to consult with a health practitioner immediately. Travellers in Fiji are advised to take preventative measures, such as washing their hands with soap regularly, drinking only bottled water or water that has been boiled or otherwise sterilised, not consuming ice unless it is made from bottled or boiled water, eating foods that have been thoroughly cooked and that are still hot when served, avoiding raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled and not purchasing food or beverages from street vendors, as food hygiene standards are often low. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Several people have been killed and numerous others wounded after a suspected suicide bomber attacked a security checkpoint on the outskirts of the city of Quetta, Balochistan province. Following the attack, which occurred at a checkpoint of the paramilitary Frontier Corps, two additional suicide bombers were gunned down by local security forces. An exchange of gunfire between the security personnel and a group of unidentified militants was also reported near the installation. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan, including Quetta, is advised against. Clients currently in the city should implement robust security precautions, undertake all road travel in the presence of an armed escort and defer all travel to sensitive sites, such as government buildings, security installations and places of worship, which are considered to be at heightened risk of being targeted in a terrorist attack. ——From Travel Alert.

New Caledonia: A general strike organised by the USOENC union commenced on 17 May in the South Province. The general strike has been called in protest at increasing costs of living and to demand tax reforms. The industrial action, which was accompanied by a rally involving an estimated 10,000 people, in the capital Noumea, has been widely observed and has caused significant disruptions. A large number of businesses and schools in the province have closed, traffic has been disrupted and domestic flights, as well as the service between Tontouta International Airport (NOU) and New Zealand's Auckland International Airport (AKL), have been affected. Related stoppages are scheduled for the North and Loyalty Island provinces on 18 and 19 May; accompanying rallies are expected. Persons are advised that although the government did reduce prices on several basic foodstuffs earlier in May, such concessions have failed to placate USOENC members and further industrial action and protests should be expected. Clients are further advised to anticipate significant business and travel disruption for the duration of the strikes. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Dozens of militants attacked a security checkpoint 10km from the north western city of Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province early on 18 May; two policeman and 15 insurgents were killed in the attack. The clash, which took place at the Sangu Mera checkpoint, ended after three hours of fighting when security forces managed to push back the attacking militants. The incident comes amid Taleban threats to avenge the 2 May killing of Osama bin Laden by US forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan; however, it is as likely that the attack was related to ongoing conflict in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province between the Pakistani military and a number of militant groups active in the region. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is advised against. Clients currently in the province should implement robust security precautions, undertake all road travel in the presence of an armed escort and defer all travel to sensitive sites, such as government buildings, security installations (including checkpoints) and places of worship, which are considered to be at heightened risk of being targeted in an insurgent attack. ——From Travel Alert.

India: At least seven security personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed on 17 May when the vehicle in which they were travelling struck a landmine, purportedly placed by Maoist rebels, on a national highway between Sukma and Dornapal, in India's eastern Chattishgarh state. Following the attack, the Communist Party of India (Maoist) (CPI-M) called for a 48-hour general strike to protest the detention of at least three of the banned organisation's leaders. The general strike is scheduled to commence on 21 May and will be observed in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chattishgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal. Indian security officials have made explicit their concerns that Maoist rebels may use the general strike conditions to launch attacks targeting government and security interests, with the threat assessed to be highest in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand where several senior commanders of the dissident movement are believed to be based. Due to ongoing threats posed by an ongoing Maoist insurgency, all non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal states are advised against. Clients who will be travelling to or those who are currently in the aforementioned regions are advised to restrict their travel itinerary to major urban centres and should use domestic air travel if wishing to conduct inter- or intra-state travel in any of the insurgent-hit states of India. Furthermore, visitors are strongly advised to adhere to strike conditions which often necessitates the suspension of all business and recreational services in the affected areas. Dependent on the public adherence to the general strike, visitors are also advised to anticipate the possible suspension of all public transport services in areas that are under the bandh conditions. ——From Travel Alert.

India: (Update) Separatist activists have called for a sit-in protest at government buildings across Andhra Pradesh's Telangana region on 19 May as part of an ongoing campaign to declare Telengana a separate state. The sit-in protests, locally known as 'dharnas', have been organised by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) which has also called for similar demonstrations in the region on 25 May. In addition, the TRS has also called for road and rail blockages in Telangana on 30 May. Workers of the state-owned coal mining company, Singareni Colleries, have also indicated that they will join the protest action from 20 May to 5 June. The protests are expected to focus on Hyderabad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh. Clients intending to travel in the affected areas are advised to monitor political developments closely and to avoid all street demonstrations. While the protests are unlikely to directly impact foreigners, there remains an incidental threat to travellers in the vicinity of protests. Clients in the state during the protest periods are also advised to plan for possible road and rail disruptions. Due to the threat of conflict between the security forces and Maoist rebels, clients are advised against non-essential travel into rural and remote areas of Andhra Pradesh state. ——From Travel Alert.

Myanmar: Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least two people have been killed and eight more injured in a bomb attack on a train in Tatkone township, near the capital, Naypyidaw, on 18 May. Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least two people have been killed and eight more injured in a bomb attack on a train in Tatkone township, near the capital, Naypyidaw, on 18 May. Should these reports be confirmed, it will be the third such incident in less than a week, after two bombs exploded on 14 May in Mudon in Mon State, and Tangyan township in Shan State North, killing one and injuring several others. Small-scale events of this kind occur sporadically in Myanmar, where a number of ethnic and separatist rebel groups have been engaged in low-level armed conflicts with the central government for several decades. It is also possible that the increase in incidents has been timed to coincide with the visit of a senior US envoy to Myanmar, which commenced on 18 May. As a result of the blasts and the visit of the envoy, clients in Myanmar should expect heightened security at all government and military installations and transport hubs, and increased numbers of roadblocks and security checkpoints, especially on roads leading to major urban centres such as Naypyidaw, Yangon and Mandalay. Clients are further advised to anticipate possible travel disruptions as a result of the elevated security. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: Flash flood warnings have been issued for several provinces in the north and north east of the country for 20 to 22 May. Affected areas include the Bor Klua, Thung Chang, Pua, Chiang Klang and Tha Wang Pha districts of Nan province; Jae Hom and Wang Nua districts of Lampang province; Muang, Phum Kam Yao, Mae Jai and Dok Kum Tai districts of Phayao province; Wiang Pa Pao district of Chiang Rai and areas of Chiang Mai, Mukdahan and Sakhon Nakhon provinces. Clients in the affected regions should exercise heightened caution in low-lying areas such as rivers, lakes, dams and levees due to the risk of flooding, and in mountainous areas, such as Phu Phan mountain, due to the risk of landslides. Clients are further advised to monitor local weather developments, adhere to the advisories of local authorities and anticipate possible travel disruptions in the affected areas. ——From Travel Alert.

Madagascar: Anti-government demonstrations are scheduled to be held in the capital, Antananarivo, on 19 May. A related rally on 18 May outside the headquarters of the ruling High Authority of the Transition (HAT) in the central Anosy area of the city descended into violence after protesters attempted to erect roadblocks near the building and attacked a journalist; the police eventually fired teargas in an attempt to disperse the protesters, and seven individuals were reportedly arrested. University students also clashed with security forces on 17 May in the Ankatso area of the city; students reportedly threw stones at police, who responded by using teargas. As such, there is a credible risk of further violence at the 19 May demonstration. Although details on the timing and location of the protest are currently unavailable, protests are likely to focus again on the HAT headquarters or the presidential palace. Alternative protest venues include other government buildings, Democracy Square Park, the Tana Waterfront, Lake Anosy, Jumbo Score, Place du 13 Mai and the railway station. Student demonstrations are likely to centre on the Ankatso area, near the University of Antananarivo campus. Clients should anticipate heightened security and associated traffic disruptions in the vicinity of these sites. Given the potential for violent confrontations between protesters and the police, and the incidental risks to bystanders, clients are advised to avoid all large politically motivated gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

India: On 16 May, the Indian authorities commenced a daily runway closure at Sardar Vallabhbhai International (AMD), which serves the city of Ahmedabad (Gujarat). The closure is scheduled to take place between 10:30 and 17:00 local time and will remain in effect until 15 June. The closure will affect flight schedules at the airport. Jet Airways has announced that two of its flights from the capital, Delhi, and Mumbai destined for Sardar Vallabhbhai International will be diverted to the Vadodara airport, which is located approximately 100km south east of Ahmedabad; other airlines operating services to the airport are also likely to begin diverting flights to Vadodara. Clients planning to fly to or from Sardar Vallabhbhai International are advised to contact their airline, travel provider or the airport to ascertain any potential changes to flight schedules. Clients planning on transiting through Vadodara airport are advised to anticipate increased passenger volumes and associated delays at passport control and to flights; travellers should allow additional time for journeys. ——From Travel Alert.

India: At least 56 people have been killed and dozens more injured following severe dust and rain storms in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states on 18 May. The adverse weather severely affected Siddhartha Nagar, Jaunpur, Varanasi, Bhadohi and Ambekarnagar. Heavy rainfall and severe winds also affected Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Bahraich and Sultanpur. Widespread infrastructural damage has been reported and power supply has been intermittently disrupted to some districts. Scattered rain showers characterised by high winds are still being reported in Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Bahraich and Sultanpur; however, adverse weather conditions are expected to subside by 22 May. Clients in the affected regions should exercise heightened caution in low-lying areas such as rivers, lakes, dams and levees due to the risk of flooding, and in mountainous areas, due to the risk of landslides. Clients are further advised to monitor local weather developments, adhere to the advisories of local authorities and anticipate possible travel disruptions in the affected areas. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 111km east of Tokyo, Honshu island. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Clients currently in the region are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for possible updates and advisories from the authorities. Travellers should also note that aftershocks are possible in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: At least one person has been killed and ten others wounded following a bomb attack in Peshawar's Abdarra road, located in the University Town area of the city. While unconfirmed, it is believed that the bomb attack targeted a convoy transporting two US nationals believed to be employees of the US consulate in the city. Both individuals were wounded as a result of the attack; however, the extent of their injuries has not been disclosed. Although there have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack, it is believed that the incident may have been perpetrated by militants aligned with al-Qaeda and/or Taleban Islamist extremist organisations. Following the death of al-Qaeda figurehead Osama bin Laden, who was killed by US special forces during an operation in the city of Abbottabad on 1 May, both groups made explicit their intention to avenge his death by attacking US interests and personnel based in Pakistan. Due to various security concerns, particularly the extreme threat of terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Peshawar. Clients currently in Peshawar are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and should ideally defer all travel to the affected area, particularly due to the fact that a secondary attack, targeting emergency personnel and/or large crowds which have gathered at the scene of the incident, cannot be discounted at this time. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: Several people have been killed and over a dozen injured in separate clashes and bomb attacks in the country's restive southern provinces of Yala and Narathiwat since 18 May. On 20 May, two car bombs injured 11 people, including civilians, in Narathiwat's Su-ngai Padi district; on 19 May, four militants were killed in clashes with government troops in Yala's Tharn To district, and on 18 May, eight people were injured after an unidentified assailant threw a grenade at a truck carrying government troops in Yala municipality, Yala province. It is believed that all three incidents are related to an ongoing violent separatist campaign in southern Thailand. The provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla have been plagued by ethnic and religious tensions for decades. These tensions stem from allegations of isolation and discrimination of Malay Muslims by Thailand's predominantly Buddhist government. The resulting Islamist insurgency in the region has been accompanied by regular bombings, shootings and skirmishes with Thai security forces, leaving over 4,500 people dead in recent years. The insurgency has gathered momentum since 2004, with a wave of coordinated attacks and bombings against military and police posts and schools across the region. Although foreign travellers have not commonly been directly targeted in attacks, the risk of being affected cannot be ruled out. Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risk from conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to the southern provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. Persons currently in the area should exercise heightened security awareness and implement robust security measures. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: Clashes between security forces and some elements of those protesting a proposed hydroelectric project took place in the capital, Santiago, late on 20 May. Although the majority of the 40,000 demonstrators that had gathered conducted themselves peacefully, small bands of hooded demonstrators reportedly attacked police and engaged in acts of vandalism; police responded with water cannons and tear gas and at least 10 people were wounded. The protest started earlier in the evening at Plaza Italian and ended at the front of the La Moneda presidential palace. Further protests were held in Concepcion, Iquique and Valparaiso. The protest action on 20 May was the latest in a series of demonstrations against a government plan to build five hydroelectric dams on the Baker and Pascua rivers in the country's southern Aysen region. Although discontent at the plan has been voiced for several months, the project was approved by parliament on 9 May. Detractors claim that the flooding of nearly 6,000 hectares of wild forest for the dams will not only endanger several dozen threatened animal species but will also critically affect ecotourism in the region. Due to the emotive nature of the issue, further protests are expected. Travellers are advised to avoid all large protest gatherings as a precaution against violent civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

New Zealand: A 6.1 magnitude earthquake has been reported 103km north east of the Kermadec Islands. There have been no reports of damages or casualties. A tsunami warning has not been issued. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area and travellers are advised to take the necessary precautions including following the directives of the local authorities. Travellers are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Thousands of people are participating in a two-day anti-US sit-in protest on the Jinnah Bridge in Karachi. The Tehreek-e-Insaf party are leading the sit-in, which is aimed at blocking the main supply lines to NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan. The action is being carried out to protest the ongoing drone strikes by the US military within Pakistan. The drone attacks, which mostly target militants based in the northern tribal areas, have also killed dozens of civilians and have continued unabated, despite demands from the Pakistani government for them to cease. Due to the emotive nature of the issue, further or more widespread protests are a possibility. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan, including Karachi, is advised against. Clients currently based in the city should avoid all protests and demonstrations as the potential for unrest at these events are considered highy. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: A powerful tornado left at least 30 people dead and damaged infrastructure across Joplin city in the US state of Missouri on 22 May. The storm also cut power lines and telecommunications in the city. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and additional emergency response personnel have been dispatched to region to assist the local authorities in search and rescue operations. Clients intending to travel to the state are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from the authorities. Further tornadoes are possible in the short term. Clients should also anticipate localised travel disruptions, including to air and road services in places. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Militants launched an attack on the PNS Mehran naval base in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi during the late evening on 22 May in an attack which continued during the morning of 23 May. The battle has left at least seven soldiers dead; militants have also destroyed at least one naval aircraft. Approximately 15 militants are believed to be involved in the attack at the base, which has been claimed by the Pakistan Taleban. The group has stated that the attack is in revenge for the killing of Osama bin Laden by US forces on 1 May. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Karachi. Clients currently in the city should avoid the affected naval base until the situation calms. Furthermore, persons in or planning to travel to Pakistan should implement robust security precautions, undertake all road travel in the presence of an armed escort and defer all travel to sensitive sites, such as government buildings, security installations and places of worship, which are considered to be at heightened risk of being targeted in an insurgent attack.——From Travel Alert.

Nepal: Several organisations aligned to the CPN-Maoist grouping, including Madhesi Mukti Morcha Nepal, Kirat Khumbuwan Rastriya Morcha Nepal, Kirat Limbuwan Rastriya Morcha Nepal, Rastriya Tamang Mukti Morcha Nepal, Tharuwan Rastriya Mukti Morcha Nepal and Seti-Mahakai Chhetri Mukti Morcha, have called for a countrywide bandh (shutdown) on 24 May. The bandh call relates to an ongoing dispute surrounding the 28 May deadline for the finalisation of a long-awaited constitution. A number of bandhs have been called in the country in the past fortnight in an attempt to pressure the government to finalise the document; however, it is becoming increasingly likely that Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal will call on Nepal's legislature, the Constituent Assembly, in the coming days to vote on extending the body's term in order to finish the document. Clients in Nepal are advised to monitor political developments closely. There is a strong possibility of an increase in the number of politically motivated bandhs and protests in the country prior to and after the 28 May deadline. Travel disruptions and delays on 24 May are likely and clients are advised to contact their travel provider, tour operator or the local transport authorities for further information regarding the status of services. Clients are further advised to avoid all street demonstrations as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Tropical Storm Songda is set to affect the Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Luzon regions within 30 hours as a Category 1 typhoon. However, the exact location of where the storm system will make landfall is uncertain at present as it has begun to change direction in recent hours, changing from a westerly to a more north westerly path. Nonetheless, strong winds and heavy rainfall conducive to coastal storm surges and flooding are likely. Clients in the affected area are advised to exercise caution in coastal and low-lying areas due to the threat of flooding and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. Disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), should be expected. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is scheduled to hold a demonstration in Dhaka on 24 May. The protest has been arranged in response to recent fuel price increases and alleged political persecution. The exact time and location of the protest is not currently known, although one protest rally is planned to be held in front of the BNP's central office in the Naya Paltan area of the city at around 15:00 (local time). Counter-demonstrations by the ruling Awami League (AL) party are possible. All protests could be well attended with both parties having wide support. As such, clients should anticipate traffic disruptions due to the large crowds and associated traffic restrictions that may be imposed. Tensions between the two political groups are also heightened and clashes between rival supporters are a credible threat, particularly if their protests coincide. In the event of clashes between activists, or protesters and the security forces, the police are likely to use robust crowd control measures, including baton charges. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, including the threat of violent civil unrest, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bangladesh. Clients currently in the country are advised to avoid all large politically motivated gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: The Islamic Law Implementation Committee (ILIC), which is led by the opposition Islami Oikaya Jote (IOJ) Islamic party, has called for countrywide demonstrations as part of an ongoing protest campaign against secularism in Bangladesh and recently proposed government policy that promotes equal inheritance rights for women; the ILIC and IOJ claim that such measures are a violation of Sharia (Islamic Law). The planned demonstrations on 27 May will be held in Dhaka and Chittagong, and all divisional capitals, and may be followed by a countrywide strike on 29 May. The protests will carry a credible risk of clashes between protesters and the security forces. Previous rallies and protests have degenerated into violence, with demonstrators utilising rudimentary weapons such as sticks and rocks and security forces responding with robust crowd control tactics, including the use of teargas and water cannon. Such confrontations pose a clear incidental risk to bystanders. The rallies are likely to be well-attended by activists who may set up roadblocks. Security checkpoints are also likely and will contribute to traffic disruption. Due to various security concerns, particularly the elevated threat of civil unrest, all non-essential travel to Bangladesh is advised against. Clients in the country should avoid all related protests and gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

New Caledonia: An outbreak of chikungunya in and around the capital, Noumea, has left at least 26 people infected. Although no fatalities have been reported as yet, this is the first reported outbreak of the disease in the region and local authorities are taking measures to prevent its spread, such as spraying insecticide and encouraging residents not to let standing water stagnate. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease, and shares some clinical symptoms with dengue fever; misdiagnosis can occur in areas where dengue fever is common. Symptoms include an abrupt fever that is frequently accompanied by joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. There is no cure for the disease; preventive measures depend entirely on avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, such as pools or containers of stagnant water. Clients in the affected area are advised to consult with a health practioner immediately should they exhibit the aforementioned symptoms. ——From Travel Alert.

India: A small explosion in a vehicle outside of the Delhi High Court building has prompted a security alert and subsequent sweep of the area, causing disruptions to travel on Shershah Road. No fatalities or injuries were reported as a result of the explosion. The vehicle was reportedly stationed in the lawyers' parking area on the high court premises. The authorities have not determined the cause of the blast; however, they have stated that it is unlikely to have been terrorism-related. Disruptions to traffic on Shershah Road are likely to continue for the next few hours and may cause increased congestion on Mathura Road. Clients are advised to avoid the area while security forces investigate the incident and should monitor local media for developments. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: (Update) Tropical Storm Songda is set to make landfall over parts of Luzon within 24 hours, although weather conditions have already deteriorated significantly, particularly in the Eastern Visayas region, as the storm system approaches. It is unclear if Songda will make landfall as a Category 3 or Category 4 typhoon as it is still strengthening, but local authorities have ordered the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents from high-risk areas along the Philippines' eastern seaboard. Several domestic and international flights have been cancelled or diverted and thousands of people remain stranded after vessels were unable to leave from a number of ports. Clients in the affected area are advised to exercise caution in coastal and low-lying areas due to the threat of flooding and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. Disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), should be expected. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.