by Michael Laferriere

Talking Points: South Korea (April 14, 2017)

Talking Points – South Korea

The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing safe travel to South Korea. (April 14, 2017)

1. Despite rising tensions between North and South Korea, the U.S. State Department has not issued a Travel Alert or Travel Warning nor has it stated that Americans should avoid travel to South Korea.

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. Despite rising tensions between North and South Korea, the U.S. State Department has not issued a Travel Alert or Travel Warning nor has it stated that Americans should avoid travel to South Korea.

According to The Wall Street Journal, “In the past few days, the rhetoric has grown more heated from all sides. Meanwhile, satellite imagery shows signs that North Korea may be preparing a nuclear test ahead of its biggest holiday, the birthday of the country’s founder, Kim Il Sung.”

o “Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on [April 14] said Beijing was urging all sides to avoid inflammatory or threatening statements and deeds, adding that no one would win in a war.”

 On April 13, CNN reported that “The Pentagon sent the 97,000-ton USS Carl Vinson [to the Korean Peninsula] with an escort of a guided-missile cruiser and two destroyers after the latest missile test by North Korea last week.”

o “The strike group has been at sea since January and conducted military exercises with other nations in the western Pacific,” including Japan and the Republic of Korea and Australia.

o “Many analysts believe the movement of US warships is likely defensive in nature, setting the stage for a scenario in which the Vinson strike group could be called upon to perform a missile intercept.”

 Even in light of escalating rhetoric between North and South Korea, and the appearance of a military build-up, it is business as usual for the majority of people living in, and visiting, South Korea.

o According to Reuters, “The nonchalance about the possibility of conflict with the North has grown in recent years in the South, which remains technically in a state of war with its neighbor.”

“South Koreans, especially young people, have become used to the bellicose rhetoric and nuclear bluster in the region.”

“Retailers in Seoul said there was no indication that people were hoarding food or goods in preparation for a conflict.”

 The U.S. State Department has not issued any sort of alert or warning for Americans traveling to South Korea.

 

 The U.S. military has maintained a presence in South Korea since the end of the Korean War in the 1950s and conducts joint military exercises with South Korea annually.

2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.

We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.

 We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.

 While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:

o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.

o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.

o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.

o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.

o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.

o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.

 If there is an emergency situation in South Korea, visitors can:

o Monitor the Embassy website (http://seoul.usembassy.gov) for updates and information.

o Monitor AFN (American Forces Network) (PDF 95.9KB) radio stations and follow the international and local news outlets for additional information.

o Citizens may also call the U.S. State Department toll free at 888-407-4747 in the U.S. or call the regular toll line at 202-501-4444 Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time).

3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.

We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.

 Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.

 We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

Talking Points: Yellow Fever in Brazil (April 14, 2017)

Talking Points – Yellow Fever in Brazil

Copyright © 2017 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing the recent outbreak of yellow fever and travel to Brazil. (April 14, 2017)

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its Level 2 Alert for Brazil, due to an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever. While the CDC does not warn against travel to Brazil, it recommends travelers should practice enhanced precautions.

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in Brazil.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its Level 2 Alert for Brazil, due to an ongoing outbreak of yellow fever. While the CDC does not warn against travel to Brazil, it recommends travelers should practice enhanced precautions.

Brazil’s outbreak of yellow fever began in December 2016, and fatalities have occurred as a result of the disease.

o The CDC’s Alert – Level 2 says that the states of Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and numerous parts of the southern and southeastern areas of the state of Bahia have been affected. Because of this, the CDC now recommends the yellow fever vaccine for all of the states of Espirito Santo, São Paulo (minus the city of São Paulo), Rio de Janeiro and much of Bahia.

It is important to note that although the state of São Paola have been affected by the yellow fever outbreak, the city of São Paulo is not part of this warning.

Vaccination is recommended for all of Rio de Janeiro state, including the city of Rio de Janeiro, although the city has not reported any yellow fever cases yet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the areas where yellow fever is affecting Brazil is expanding.

o “As of 3 April 2017, yellow fever virus transmission continues to expand towards the Atlantic coast of Brazil in areas not deemed to be at risk for yellow fever transmission prior to the revised risk assessment.”

o “Epizootics [an epidemic-like disease event in an animal population] and human cases are under investigation from 3 April 2017 for yellow fever virus infection in Bahia State along the northern coastal area, including the urban area of Salvador, with an epizootic confirmed to be due to yellow fever virus infection in the municipality of Feira de Santana; epizootics associated with yellow fever virus infection were confirmed in the proximity of the urban area of Campinas in São Paulo State, with additional epizootics being under investigation in the same area; and, in Rio de Janeiro State, epizootics are under investigation for yellow fever virus infection in the proximity of the urban areas of Rio de Janeiro City and Niterói. These reports are consistent with the increased yellow fever activity

 

observed in the southern areas of Bahia State, bordering Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais States, and in the areas of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo States, all sharing the same ecosystem – tropical and sub-tropical moist broad leaves forest.”

 Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitos and is typically found in tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa.

o It is a virus that usually causes symptoms 3-6 days after exposure.

o Symptoms include fever, chills, and head, back and muscle aches.

o Complications occur in about 15% of those afflicted, and can lead to organ failure and death.

 On April 4, the Rio Times said that “Last week the state’s health department confirmed a sixth case of yellow fever, five from Casimiro de Abreu, in the interior of Rio de Janeiro in an area that stretches inland between Buzios and Macaé and another from São Fidelis, about 100km from Casimiro.”

o Due to this, “the expectation of state officials is to vaccinate, until the end of this year, the entire population of the state. This, say health authorities, will require between 8 and 9 million additional doses of the vaccine.”

 STAT reports: “Although Brazil experiences what is known as a ‘sylvatic’ cycle of yellow fever — in which the virus is spread between mosquitoes and monkeys in the jungle — the current outbreak has fanned far beyond the Amazon jungle and out to the coast. It has confounded specialists, doctors, and health officials, and raised fears of an epidemic in Brazil’s urban areas that could be devastating if not quickly contained. It is the worst outbreak of yellow fever in this country in recent memory.”

In addition, the Los Angeles Times has reported that the sudden spread of yellow fever in Brazil and shortages of the vaccine is causing concern.

o “Doctors in the United States should be asking for travel histories from any patients who turn up after a brief, mild illness appeared to go away, but was quickly followed by the hallmark symptoms of yellow fever’s “intoxication stage” — high fevers, internal bleeding, severe liver dysfunction and jaundice (hence the name “yellow fever”), kidney failure, cardiovascular abnormalities, central nervous system dysfunction and shock.”

o “It’s a perilous moment, made more so by the fact that, while an effective vaccine against yellow fever has been around since 1937, worldwide stockpiles are all but depleted. In a series of yellow fever outbreaks in Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo two years ago, public health officials ran so short of the vaccine that they resorted to giving each person one-fifth of a dose.”

2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure while traveling in Brazil.

Fortunately, there is a vaccine available for yellow fever.

o Due to the yellow fever vaccine shortage, anyone planning to travel to Brazil should consult their physician as soon as they can. The vaccine must be given 10 days before arrival in Brazil.

o All persons over the age of nine months should receive the vaccine when planning on traveling to an area with yellow fever.

o Normally, one dose of yellow fever vaccine per lifetime is sufficient.

 

o Travelers should consult their physician to see if they need a booster dose if they have previously been vaccinated, and are going to a high risk area.

 Since yellow fever is spread via mosquitoes, preventing their bites can help protect against yellow fever. The CDC recommends:

o Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

o Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), IR3535, or 2-undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone).

o If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

o Use permethrin-treated (clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents).

o Stay and sleep in screened or air conditioned rooms.

o Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top priority.

We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believe it to be unsafe. Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.

 We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.

 We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.

 By working with a trusted travel professional, we can provide providing alternative travel arrangements should the need arise.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: New Zealand- Auckland Travel Disrupted (April 12, 2017)

April 12, 2017

While Tropical Cyclone Cook has been downgraded, it is still impacting travel throughout New Zealand due to strong winds and heavy rain.

Those traveling to or from Auckland should anticipate flight delays and possible cancellations due to the storm.

According to TVNZ:

Auckland Transport says that public transport services are likely to be disrupted [Thursday] due to the cyclone. Wind gusts up to 140km/h as well as heavy rain could mean ferry sailings will be cancelled and bus restrictions will be in place for the Harbour Bridge. Rail services could be reduced or even cancelled. AT Metro Operations Manager Brendon Main said they are closely monitoring forecasts. “Our advice to public transport users is to follow media reports and look for updates on the AT website, Twitter and Facebook and allow extra time for your commute.”

Stuff.co.nz, an award-winning news website in New Zealand, reports:

Flight delays, cancellations in Auckland.

The forecast has sparked warnings from the Auckland Council, Civil Defence and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

People should expect delays and cancellations to certain train services in the city’s south. Flights in and out of the city are being impacted as well, with cancellations occurring.

Newshub reports: Travel Leaders • 3033 Campus Drive Ste W320 • Plymouth, MN 55441

Auckland Civil Defence is warning people to postpone travel on Thursday afternoon. Cook is expected to hit between noon and 6pm.

Auckland Transport warns ferries may be cancelled, restrictions imposed on tall vehicles on the harbour bridge and reduced or cancelled train services.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: Germany- Arrest Made over Explosions in Westphalia (April 12, 2017)

April 12, 2017

In the aftermath of yesterday’s multiple explosions near the team bus of one of Germany’s top football teams, police have made an arrest. One of the players from Borussia Dortmund was injured in the attack.

According to ABC News:

Police have made one arrest following an incident in which multiple explosions went off near the team bus of Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s top soccer clubs, as it set off for a Champions League quarterfinal match on Tuesday evening. One of the team’s players was injured in the attack.

Two suspects “from the Islamist spectrum have come into the focus of the criminal prosecution,” according to authorities, and their apartments have been searched.

The chief prosecutor in the investigation also provided more details about the man who was injured in the attack. “One of the passengers incurred serious injuries on his arm from a broken window pane,” the chief prosecutor said in a statement. “The explosive devices were loaded with metal pins. One metal pin embedded itself in the headrest of one of the bus seats. The explosive devices had an explosive effect of more than 100 meters,” the statement added.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: Hawaii- Outbreak of Rat Lungworm Disease, 9 Confirmed Cases including Two Visitors (April 12, 2017)

April 11, 2017

News reports from Hawaii indicate that there is an outbreak of “rat lungworm disease” with nine confirmed cases, including among two visitors to Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Health has issued guidelines for prevention.

According to KHON-TV (Honolulu):

Researchers are calling it an epidemic: a big spike in the number of people infected with rat lungworm disease in Hawaii. The Department of Health says so far there are nine confirmed cases of the disease. Four are Maui residents, two are visitors who contracted it on Maui, and three live on Hawaii Island.

State officials are also looking into three possible cases on Maui, and one on Hawaii Island. The Department of Health adds 11 cases were confirmed on Hawaii Island in 2016.

The disease starts out as a parasitic worm that invades the human brain. The worm is carried by rats, then spread through snails or slugs that crawl onto fruits or vegetables.

University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers say rat lungworm disease is preventable, but only if people are informed. They’re asking for more funding from the state to let people know about the dangers, as well as to find out the most effective vegetable washes so people can continue to eat local and fresh produce safely.

Both researchers want to create a safety campaign on the dangers of eating raw fruits and vegetables that haven’t been properly washed.

Click here for what the state says is the proper way to wash your produce.

They believe the rise in cases is due to a “semi–slug,” an invasive species that spread from Hawaii Island to Maui. Both call it an epidemic.

The Hawaii Department of Health has issued a flier on how to avoid rat lungworm disease. It advises:

The rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, can cause a disease called angiostrongyliasis, which can affect the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include severe headache, stiffness of the neck and back, skin tingling, pain and sensitivity, Travel Leaders • 3033 Campus Drive Ste W320 • Plymouth, MN 55441

sensitivity to light, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting and sometimes coma and death. Symptoms will vary from person to person.

Foods such as raw produce, raw or undercooked snails, freshwater prawns, crabs and frogs can be contaminated by an unseen parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm). Fish are not known to carry this parasite. The rat lungworm is found most often in snails and slugs and has also been found in the flatworm. The worm infects rats, which pass the parasite to snails, slugs, freshwater prawns, crabs and frogs. Humans become infected by ingesting an infected host.

Prevention:

  • • DO NOT eat raw foods contaminated with the slime from snails or slugs or visible snail or slugs.

 

    • • RINSE PRODUCE in potable water completely, and boil snails, freshwater prawns, crabs, and frogs for AT LEAST 3-5 MINUTES.
  • • Do not handle snails and slugs with bare hands.
  • • Control slugs and snails at your residence.

 

    • • Cover your catchment tanks to prevent slugs and snails from having access.
  • • Controlling rodents can also help control the rat lungworm.

 

Visit our website for more prevention methods If you think you may have angiostrongyliasis, see your health care provider and let him/her know of your exposures. For more information call the Hawai‘i District Health Office Disease Investigations office: 808-933-0912 or see CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/angiostrongyliasis/index.htm

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: FCC- Proposal to Terminate Plan Allowing Cellphone Calls on Airplane (April 10, 2017)

April 10, 2017

Alert – FCC: Proposal to Terminate Plan Allowing Cellphone Calls on Airplane

Earlier today, the Chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Ajit Pai issued a statement recommending that the 2013 proposal to allow phone calls during flights be shelved. FCC Commissioners must now vote on Pai’s order to decide whether to permanently ax the plan.

FCC Chairman issued the following statement:

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement regarding his proposal that the FCC terminate its 2013 proceeding that sought to relax rules governing mobile communications on planes:

“I stand with airline pilots, flight attendants, and America’s flying public against the FCC’s ill-conceived 2013 plan to allow people to make cellphone calls on planes. I do not believe that moving forward with this plan is in the public interest. Taking it off the table permanently will be a victory for Americans across the country who, like me, value a moment of quiet at 30,000 feet.”

According to CNET:

This is a turnaround from former Chairman Tom Wheeler’s perspective. In 2013, Wheeler emphasized that the ban on phone calls was based on whether cell phones would cause technical disruptions on flights.

If the FCC did end up changing its rule, the final determination would have been left up to the US Department of Transportation — and then to individual airlines — on whether to allow phone calls. Airlines would have needed to install special technology to give their passengers a cell signal while flying much higher than any of the planet’s cell towers.

“The FCC is the expert agency when it comes to technical communications issues,” Wheeler said in 2013. “We are not the Federal Courtesy Commission.”

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: Turkey- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Crash Kills Tourist, Injures Another 7 (April 9, 2017)

April 9, 2017

Alert – Turkey: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Crash Kills Tourist, Injures Another 7

Today, two different attacks on Coptic Christian churches occurred in Egypt – one in Alexandria killing 16 and another in Tanta killing 29. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the explosions that were timed to coincide with Palm Sunday services.

As a reminder, the U.S. State Department has a Travel Warning in place for Egypt (the Travel Warning was last updated in December), which states in part: “The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of threats from terrorist groups in Egypt and to consider the risks of travel to the country.”

According to BBC:

Two blasts targeting Coptic Christians in Egypt on Palm Sunday have killed at least 45 people, officials say.

In Alexandria, an explosion outside St Mark’s Coptic church killed 16 people. Pope Tawadros II, head of the Coptic Church, had been attending Mass inside and was unhurt, state media reported. An earlier blast at St George’s Coptic church in Tanta killed 29 people.

So-called Islamic State (IS) says it is behind the explosions. The group has recently targeted Copts in Egypt.

Following the attacks, President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi ordered military deployments to protect “vital and important infrastructure” across the country, the government said in a statement.

Four police officers, including one policewoman, were among those killed in Alexandria, the interior ministry said. The suicide bomber blew himself up after they stopped him from entering the church.

The first explosion in Tanta, 94km (58 miles) north of Cairo, took place near the altar. The explosions injured at least 71 people in Tanta and 35 others in Alexandria, the health ministry said.

The Egyptian government announced three days of mourning.

The blasts appear to have been timed for maximum impact, as people gathered to mark Palm Sunday. It is one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Egyptian security forces had been put on alert in anticipation of attacks.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: Egypt- ISIS Claims Responsibility for Coptic Church Attacks Killing at Least 45 People (April 9, 2017)

April 9, 2017

Alert – Egypt: ISIS Claims Responsibility for Coptic Church Attacks Killing at Least 45 People

Today, two different attacks on Coptic Christian churches occurred in Egypt – one in Alexandria killing 16 and another in Tanta killing 29. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the explosions that were timed to coincide with Palm Sunday services.

As a reminder, the U.S. State Department has a Travel Warning in place for Egypt (the Travel Warning was last updated in December), which states in part: “The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of threats from terrorist groups in Egypt and to consider the risks of travel to the country.”

According to BBC:

Two blasts targeting Coptic Christians in Egypt on Palm Sunday have killed at least 45 people, officials say.

In Alexandria, an explosion outside St Mark’s Coptic church killed 16 people. Pope Tawadros II, head of the Coptic Church, had been attending Mass inside and was unhurt, state media reported. An earlier blast at St George’s Coptic church in Tanta killed 29 people.

So-called Islamic State (IS) says it is behind the explosions. The group has recently targeted Copts in Egypt.

Following the attacks, President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi ordered military deployments to protect “vital and important infrastructure” across the country, the government said in a statement.

Four police officers, including one policewoman, were among those killed in Alexandria, the interior ministry said. The suicide bomber blew himself up after they stopped him from entering the church.

The first explosion in Tanta, 94km (58 miles) north of Cairo, took place near the altar. The explosions injured at least 71 people in Tanta and 35 others in Alexandria, the health ministry said.

The Egyptian government announced three days of mourning.

The blasts appear to have been timed for maximum impact, as people gathered to mark Palm Sunday. It is one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Egyptian security forces had been put on alert in anticipation of attacks.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

ALERT: Philippines Earthquake Strikes Just South of Manila (April 8, 2017)

Travel Leaders • 3033 Campus Drive Ste W320 • Plymouth, MN 55441

April 8, 2017

Alert – Philippines Earthquake Strikes Just South of Manila

Earthquakes have struck the Philippines today in the beach resort area of Batangas just to the south of Manila, with some quakes measuring as high as 6.0. Only minor damage has been reported so far.

According to CNN Philippines:

A series of earthquakes hit Batangas on Saturday afternoon, being felt in parts of Metro Manila and some areas of south Luzon.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the first tremor hit 2km northwest of Mabini, Batangas at 3.07 p.m.

As of 4:29 p.m., Phivolcs reported the following earthquake intensities:

 Intensity VII – Mabini, Batangas

 Intensity VI – Calatagan, Nasugbu and Tingloy, Batangas

 Intensity V – Batangas City, Sto. Tomas and Lemery Batangas; Tagaytay City

 Intensity IV- Dasmarinas, Cavite: Lucena City; Pateros City

 Intensity III – Makati City; Pasay City; Quezon City; Muntinlupa City; Malabon City; Mandaluyong City; Bacoor, Cavite

 Intensity II – Daet, Camarines Sur

Phivolcs recorded a second stronger quake at 3:09 p.m. 12 kilometers northwest of Mabini, clocking in at magnitude-6.0.

As of 4:43 p.m., Phivolcs reported the same earthquake intensities as the first one.

A third magnitude-4.1 tremor was recorded at 3:29 p.m. 2 kilometers northwest of San Luis, Batangas.

Meanwhile, the United States Global Survey (USGS) also reported three earthquakes.

A magnitude-5.5 quake in Bagalangit, Mabini, Batangas was recorded at 3:08 p.m., while a stronger magnitude-5.9 tremor was recorded shortly after in Talaga, Tanauan, Batangas.

USGS added a third magnitude 5.0 earthquake hit Taysan, Batangas at 3:29 p.m.

Shortly after the quakes, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas told CNN Philippines there was no electricity in Batangas City, Bauan, and Mabini.

He added so far, only minor damages have been reported and no evacuations have taken place, but they are still closely monitoring the developments for possible action.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

 

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 by Michael Laferriere

Pakistan Travel Warning (April 12, 2017)

Pakistan Travel Warning

Last Updated: April 12, 2017

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all non-essential travel to Pakistan. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated October 7, 2016.

Consular services provided by the American Embassy in Islamabad, the Consulate General in Karachi, and the Consulate General in Lahore are often limited due to the security environment. At this time, the Consulate General in Peshawar is not providing consular services.

Pakistan continues to experience significant terrorist violence, including sectarian attacks. Targeted attacks against government officials, humanitarian and non-governmental organization (NGO) employees, tribal elders, and law enforcement personnel are common. Throughout Pakistan, foreign and indigenous terrorist groups continue to pose a danger to U.S. citizens.  Evidence suggests that some victims of terrorist activity have been targeted because they are Americans. Terrorists and criminal groups have resorted to kidnapping for ransom.

The Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures, particularly in major cities, following attacks or in response to threats.

Terrorists have targeted:

  • Heavily guarded facilities, such as military installations and airports
  • Universities, schools, and hospitals
  • Places of worship of various faiths
  • Rallies, public parks, and sports venues
  • Hotels, markets, shopping malls, and restaurants

In October 2016, terrorists killed at least 60 people and injured 190 at a police training college in Quetta, Balochistan. In November 2016, a suicide bomber detonated himself at the Sufi Shah Noorani Shrine in Khudzar, Balochistan, killing at least 52 people and injuring over 100 others. In January 2017, an improvised explosive device placed in a marketplace in Kurram Valley in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) killed at least 25 people and injured at least 87 others. In February 2017, one suicide bomber detonated himself outside the Punjab Assembly in Lahore, killing at least 14 people and injuring at least 87 and another detonated himself in the Sufi Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, killing at least 88 people and injuring over 350.

Sectarian violence remains a serious threat throughout Pakistan, and the Government of Pakistan continues to enforce blasphemy laws. Religious minority communities have been victims of targeted killings and accusations of blasphemy.

The local government restricts access for foreigners to many areas, including:

  • the FATA along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border,
  • Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
  •  the area adjacent to the Line of Control in the disputed territory of Kashmir
  • much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Balochistan

Travel by U.S. government personnel within Pakistan is restricted and movements by U.S. government personnel outside of Islamabad are severely restricted.  U.S. government personnel may not:

  • Attend services at places of worship without prior approval.
  • Use public transportation or stay overnight at hotels in Pakistan.

If you choose to live or travel in Pakistan despite this warning, you should:

  • Vary travel routes and timing, especially for routine trips.
  • Minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other locations.
  • Minimize the number of U.S./western nationals congregating in any one location at any time.
  • Avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures.
  • Take a photo of your passport, entry stamp and Pakistani visa, and keep it with you at all times.  Keep digital copies of these documents in a secure, electronically accessible place.

Advisory Notice to Airmen (NOTAM): The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a NOTAM concerning the risks to civil aviation operating in Pakistan, particularly at low altitude, during the arrival and departure phases of flight, and when on the ground, due to extremist/militant activity. The Advisory NOTAM does not prohibit U.S. operators or airmen from operating in the specified area, as it is strictly an advisory notice.

For background information on FAA flight prohibitions and advisories for U.S. civil aviation, see the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

For further information:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier for us to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad, Pakistan, by email at ACSIslamabad@state.gov.  The after-hours emergency assistance number for U.S. citizens is (92)(51) 201-4000 or (92)(51)201-5000.
  • Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, located at Plot 3-5 New TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road.  The after-hours emergency assistance number for U.S. citizens is (92-21) 3527-5000.
  • Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore, located at 50, Shahrah-e-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees, (Old Empress Road) near Shimla Hill Circle.  The after-hours emergency assistance number for U.S. citizens is (92-42)3603-4000.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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