China: Two simultaneous explosions have wounded at least five people in the city of Fuzhou, located in China's Jiangxi province. While the cause of the blasts, which targeted a state prosecutors' office and a district government office, was not immediately confirmed, it is believed that the explosions may have been triggered by explosive devices which were placed in two vehicles parked outside of the aforementioned facilities. Local authorities have since cordoned off the area. Clients in Fuzhou are advised to exercise heightened vigilance at this time, particularly if transiting through areas located in proximity to government buildings and state-aligned institutions. Furthermore, all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities. Finally, while it has yet to be confirmed whether the blasts were indeed caused by explosive devices, clients should be aware that the incident will more than likely result in a significant increase in security across the city which may cause travel disruptions. ——From Travel Alert.

Peru: As many as 10,000 protesters blockaded Peru's south eastern city of Puno on 25 May as protests over a proposed mining project on the shores of Lake Titicaca intensified. The protests, which first started on 9 May, have already caused significant disruptions along Peru's border with neighbouring Bolivia due to the erection of a number of roadblocks in the region. However, the blockade of Puno city has prompted authorities to deploy armed forces to the region to restore order. At least four provinces in the Puno region have since called a 48-hour strike in solidarity with the protesters and further protests and demonstrations, including roadblocks, are expected in the coming days. Clients in the affected region are advised to expect localised travel disruptions and should avoid all large protest gatherings due to the risk of violent civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

Nepal: There is a heightened threat of politically motivated unrest in Nepal following the Constituent Assembly's proposal to have the 28 May deadline, which was set aside for the ratification of the country's new constitution, extended. Initially scheduled to have been decided upon in May 2010, the release of the new draft of the constitution, which forms an intrinsic part of a tentative peace agreement which ended a ten-year long civil war, was postponed for a period of 12 months after the country's then ruling coalition, which comprised of an alliance between the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) (CPN-UML) and the Nepali Congress, failed to reach a compromise with several opposition parties, most notably the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (UCPN-M), over the fundamental terms of the new constitution. An issue which proved to be of particular contention was the subject of reintegrating former UCPN-M rebels within the country's armed forces. As it appears that no agreement has been formulated over the issue of combatant reintegration, along with several other socio-political grievances, there are concerns that the CA may fail to ratify a new constitution by the 28 May deadline. If this proves to be the case, it is likely that the opposition UCPN-M and its coalition parties may call for a significant anti-government protest campaign, which would inevitably seek to destabilise the incumbent CPN-UML administration. The opposition coalition has already called for a series of general strikes (locally known as bandhs) in the run up to the deadline as a means of pressurising the government into finalising the constitution. These general strikes which have and/or scheduled to occur across various parts of the country, including the capital, Kathmandu, have lead to a total suspension of business and transport services in the affected areas. Travellers in Nepal should anticipate a possible escalation in anti-government protests and demonstrations in the coming days; these events should be avoided due to the risk of violent civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: At least 24 people have been killed and another 56 wounded after a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden truck in the north western city of Hangu. According to local officials, the blast took place near several government buildings in the city, which is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Although no group has yet claimed responsibility for the incident, suspicion has fallen on the Taleban, which has carried out numerous attacks in the north western regions of Pakistan in recent years in retaliation for ongoing government-led military offensives against it and other militant groups. The group has also increased its activity following the 1 May killing of Osama bin Laden, conducting what appear to be revenge attacks. Due to the extreme threat of terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Hangu. Clients operating in Pakistan, particularly in the north west of the country, are advised to implement maximum security measures at all times. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Thousands of people have been left without electricity in Georgia as severe thunderstorms affect the northern parts of the state. As many as 200,000 people have reportedly been left without electricity in the state capital, Atlanta, with as many as 215,000 others experiencing power outages elsewhere in the state. According to reports, two people were killed in the Buckhead area of Atlanta after a tree fell onto their vehicle. Flight disruptions have also been reported at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Clients should note that severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect across northern Georgia. Clients in the affected region are advised to monitor local weather developments carefully and should anticipate travel disruptions in the region until the adverse weather conditions dissipate. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: Tropical Storm Songda is set to affect Japan's southern Ryukyu islands, including Okinawa, within 30 hours as a Category 3 typhoon. Although the exact direction in which the storm is expected to move after making landfall in the Ryuku islands is not certain, Tropical Storm Songda is expected to affect Japan's Kyushu region within 48 hours as a Category 1 typhoon. Flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in mountainous regions and coastal storm surges are possible within the next 72 hours. 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 the local authorities. Clients should also note that Japan normally experiences typhoons from June to September and further storms are likely in the coming months. ——From Travel Alert.

China: Thousands of ethnic Mongolians protested in the autonomous Inner Mongolia region in northern China on 26 May. Thousands of herders and students participated in the protests, held in both the Hunveet Shar and Ujumchin regions; the protest was sparked by the death of a Mongol herder who was run over by a truck driven by a member of China's dominant Han ethnic group on 10 May. The protesters called for protection by the central government against the perceived marginalisation of ethnic Mongolians in the area. Tensions in the region have been further exasperated by a recent relocation process initiated by the Chinese government to relocate more than 250,000 ethnic Mongolians in the area, reportedly in an effort to protect the ecosystem in the region. While protests have historically passed peacefully, a heavy police presence has been reported, and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out entirely. Travellers are advised to avoid all large protest gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: A gun attack on the home of a Democratic Party (DP) canvasser in Bangkok on 26 May underscores the heightened political tensions ahead of the 3 July elections. This is the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to the upcoming elections; on 10 May, an assassination attempt was made on a former member of parliament for the province of Samut Prakan and member of the opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP), Pracha Prasopdee. Thailand's political landscape remains deeply polarised between the ruling DP and the opposition PTP following widespread protests by the pro-PTP and anti-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) group between March and May 2010, which left at least 80 people dead and hundreds more injured. While the situation has since calmed, tensions remain high, as demonstrated by the recent acts of political violence, as well as by a series of small bomb attacks in Bangkok between July and November 2010 that resulted in a number of casualties. Accordingly, further acts of politically motivated violence are possible both before and after the elections. While foreign nationals are unlikely to be targeted, there is an incidental risk of being caught up in unrest. Clients are advised to practice heightened situational awareness and avoid any gatherings of a political nature. ——From Travel Alert.

Russia: The sixth annual gay pride rally is scheduled to take place on 28 May at Bolotnaya Ploshchad in Moscow. The event is likely to proceed despite the Russian authorities' refusal to grant permission for it to go ahead. On 22 May, around 60 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights activists held an unsanctioned rally on Gogolevsky Boulevard in central Moscow in protest at the decision; however, the participants dispersed peacefully as the police approached and no arrests were made. On 21 May, an estimated 500 people demonstrated at Bolotnaya Ploshchad in protest over the 28 May event. LGBT activists have held annual rallies in Moscow despite official bans in the past and the upcoming event, in which an estimated 5,000 people will take part, can be expected to go ahead as planned. Organisers, however, may change the event's venue with little or no warning and as such, client should also anticipate possible disruptions at Senatskaya Ploshchad and Ploshchad Truda, as well as at Bolotnaya Ploshchad. Clients are advised to expect a heightened police presence in these areas and some associated traffic disruption. Counter-rallies by neo-Nazi groups are also a credible possibility and clashes between neo-Nazi groups and LGBT activists, and between protesters and the police are a concern; such confrontations will pose an incidental threat to bystanders. Clients are advised to avoid all large politically motivated gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: (Update) Tropical Storm Songda is set to affect Japan's southern regions, including Osaka, within 12 to 24 hours. The storm is currently rated as a Category 1 typhoon; however, forecasts indicate that it will have downgraded to a tropical storm when it hits Japan's southern Kyushu region within the next 12 hours. While the exact direction of the storm remains uncertain, Tropical Storm Songda is expected to reach the central regions of Japan, including the capital Tokyo, within the next 36 hours. Current forecasts also suggest that the storm might affect the Fukushima prefecture, where the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is located. The plant was severely damaged on 11 March following an 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Local technicians have been able to largely stabilise the plant; however, as the storm approaches concerns over the release of radioactive material remain. To prevent a possible dispersion of radioactive material, authorities are currently in the process of putting preventive measures in place, including the spraying of synthetic resin to bind loose particles around the plant. Due to ongoing security concerns, all travel to areas within an 80km radius of the nuclear facility is advised against; clients within this zone should, if practically possible, relocate out of the area. Clients currently in the southern and central regions of Japan should note that flooding in low-lying areas, landslides in mountainous regions and coastal storm surges are possible within the next 12 to 36 hours. Disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), should be expected. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: The governor of South Dakota has advised an estimated 17,000 people living in the communities of Yankton and Dakota Dunes to prepare for possible evacuation due to a flood threat posed by the overflowing Missouri River. Already swollen due to record snow melt and the release of excess water from nearby dams and reservoirs, the Missouri River is expected to peak in the coming days following the forecast of further heavy rains in the region. Clients in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media broadcasts which will disseminate any advisories related to the flooding situation. At present, clients are advised to a prepare an emergency evacuation kit, which should ideally contain items such as bottled water, non-perishable foodstuffs, basic medical supplies, warm clothing and footwear, a portable battery-operated radio and certified copies of all important documentation. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: At least 400 flights have been cancelled, and numerous other delayed, at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport as result of a severe storm which is currently affecting the Midwestern US region. The inclement weather system, which has brought strong wind and heavy rain, has also caused disruptions at Midway Airport in Chicago, as well as Detroit Metro Airport in Detroit, Michigan. Parts of both Illinois and Michigan are also under a flash flood warning. Clients planning to make use of the affected airports are advised to contact their travel provider or the airport directly for further information on the status of their flights. Furthermore, clients in the US Midwestern states are advised to remain aware of local weather developments and should exercise caution in areas currently under a weather warning. Disruptions to utility services should also be expected. ——From Travel Alert.

Australia: Heavy rainfall has resulted in flash floods in various parts of Sydney, resulting in widespread transport disruptions. Worst affected areas include Botany Road near Bourke Street at Zetland, Elizabeth Street near Joynton Avenue at Zetland, O'Riordon Street at Alexandria, Barker Street at Kingsford, as well as Parramatta and Rydalmere. Bus, ferry and train services have also been adversely affected. Further heavy rainfall conducive to flooding is expected in the short-term. Clients should monitor local news and emergency broadcasts for the latest information and make provision for travel delays in the affected areas. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: Education institutions in Chile have indicated their intention to stage a countrywide strike on 1 June in protest against purported privatisation and exclusive policies being adopted by the government of incumbent president Sebastian Pinera. The strike is expected to be observed countrywide by both teachers and students from all education levels, who are demanding that the government provide greater financial support to public education institutions. The most heavily affected cities are likely to be the capital, Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepcion and Talca. Although the general strike is likely to conclude peacefully, clients should nonetheless avoid all related gatherings as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the associated protest marches are expected to be well attended and take place in the largest urban centres, travellers to the country are advised to anticipate significant travel disruptions and delays. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: Hardline Islamic and nationalist groups are to hold anti-government rallies in Jakarta on 1 June to protest against a number of economic and social issues, as well to to call for the implementation of Shariah law throughout the country. The protests will coincide with with Pancasila Day, which commemorates the 1 June 1945 adoption of the concept of Pancasila, the embodiment of five basic principles of an independent Indonesian state that are set out in the constitution. Hardline Islamic groups will also demand the outlawing of Ahmadiyah Muslims, a minority sect that many mainstream Muslims view as being heretic. It is unclear at this stage how many people will attend the rally, as levels of support for the nationalist groups taking part are not yet known. Nonetheless, violence has erupted at previous rallies involving hardline Islamic groups and the risk of further violence occurring cannot be ruled out. There is also the possibility that the demonstration may take on an anti-Western tone; accordingly, clients are advised to avoid the rally as a precaution and to anticipate localised travel disruptions as a result of the rally. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Over 20,000 people have been displaced amid ongoing flooding since 28 May in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Davao del Norte, all located in the southern Minadanao region. At least two people are reported to have died as a result of the flooding thus far. In addition, a number of highways have been inundated with floodwaters, resulting in road travel disruptions. The recent floods are believed to have been caused by heavy rain associated with the passing of Tropical Storm Songda. Further rain is expected in the coming weeks and months, as the three affected provinces fall within a region of the Philippines that receives the majority of its rainfall between May and October. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, including terrorism and conflict, all travel to the southern Mindanao region, including the Sulu archipelago, is advised against; clients currently in the region are advised to implement robust security measures. Furthermore, clients are advised to monitor local media for broadcasts and advisories from local authorities regarding the ongoing flooding. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Security has been heightened at Bangalore International Airport and Chennai International Airport amid multiple terrorist threats made against the commercial hubs. On 31 May, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) received both email and telephonic correspondence stating that multiple explosive devices were present in the facility. Several hours later a second anonymous call was made to the airport claiming that explosive devices were also present at Chennai International Airport. The bomb threats have since resulted in a significant increase in security at both airports; security personnel have been conducting random identification checks, vehicle searches and inspections of commercial aircraft. Clients travelling through either airport are advised to anticipate possible disruptions as a result of the increased security measures. Furthermore, as the validity of the threats has yet to be determined, clients are advised to report all suspicious persons and/or unattended luggage to the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: Indonesia's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency raised the alert level at the Mount Dieng volcano, located in the country's Central Java province, on 30 May. The decision to issue the advisory at Mount Dieng was made following a phreatic eruption at the volcano's Timbang crater, one of six active craters located on the volcanic mountain. While only a gaseous mixture of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide was emitted during the eruption, an estimated 1,179 people residing in the nearby Simbar and Sumber villages were evacuated amid concerns that the gases may pose an immediate health concern. A state of emergency has also been declared in the Banjarnegara district and authorities have imposed a 1km exclusion zone around Mount Dieng in anticipation of a possibly larger eruption at the Timbang Crater. Clients in the affected area are advised to follow the directives of the local authorities and defer travel to the current exclusion zone. Clients in nearby populated areas should consider shutting all windows, doors and switching off air-conditioning systems so as to mitigate any hazardous gases from entering their place of accommodation. Disruptions to transport, particularly air services, should also be anticipated at this time. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: Police are currently investigating a bomb threat which has been received at Ngurah Rai International Airport, on Bali, on 1 June. Although the majority of bomb threats are hoaxes, there is nonetheless a high threat of terrorism in Indonesia, particularly on Bali, which has suffered numerous attacks in 2002 and 2005, which left over 200 people, including many foreigners, dead. It is unclear at this stage if any flights have been delayed as a result of the threat, but clients should anticipate increased security measures, which may result in travel disruptions. Clients are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and report any suspicious people, activities or packages to the relevant authorities immediately. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: A 6.4 magnitude earthquake has been reported off the coast of the Biobio region in Chile; the epicentre of the earthquake is believed to have been some 96km south west of Concepcion. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Travellers are advised to brace for aftershocks in the affected area. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the local authorities.——From Travel Alert.

United States: At least four people have been killed and many more have been injured after a series of tornadoes touched down in parts of Massachusetts on 1 June. At least one person died in West Springfield and Brimfield and two casualties have been reported in Westfield. Tornadoes have also been confirmed in Wilbraham, Sturbridge, Monson, Oxford, Charlton, Worcester and Agawam where the tornadoes have reportedly caused severe infrastructural damage. A state of emergency has been declared across Massachusetts, and members of the National Guard have been called in to assist in recovery operations. Clients in or planning to travel to Massachusetts are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from the authorities as further tornadoes are possible in the short term. Clients should also anticipate localised travel disruptions, including to air and road transportation. ——From Travel Alert.