LSDS Global Overview: October 26–November 1
Weather and Flooding
United States: Flooding in Colorado and New Mexico last week is part of a system moving east, bringing turbulent weather and heavy rain to parts of the country. The Pacific Northwest should expect heavy rain and snow at higher elevations from a new system that will bring significant amounts of precipitation.
Mexico: Hurricane Vance is expected to strengthen off the coast and bring heavier rain. Localized flooding is a concern, particularly in areas already affected by substantial rainfall over the past three weeks.
Asia: Super Typhoon Champi caused significant damage. Japan is expected to be affected again this week, with additional flooding concerns from a separate system in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Demonstrations, Strikes, and Unrest
Brazil: Large demonstrations followed yesterday's election; further protests are possible, and demonstrations could turn violent.
France: Significant demonstrations have continued for four consecutive weeks and have turned violent, affecting all major cities. Curfews are in place. Travelers should anticipate delays and a significant police presence.
Europe: More than 180 demonstrations have occurred across 12 countries since September 15. Further protests are scheduled in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Belgium, and Albania. The update cautioned that more protests do not necessarily mean more violence or widespread disruption. Travelers to Europe, especially over the next two weeks, should have contingency plans.
Middle East
The U.S. Embassy has ordered families and nonessential personnel to evacuate Saudi Arabia, signaling concern about further local violence or continuation of current violence. Houthi attacks have targeted economic infrastructure. Egypt has indicated it may help confront the Houthis, and Parliament is expected to vote on that action this week. If approved, support could include air defense and other systems to counter incoming rockets and drones.
Terror alert levels remain high globally.
Disease
Ebola: As of October 24, there were 9,847 confirmed cases and 4,761 confirmed deaths. Both figures are rising week over week.
Measles in the United States: As of October 23, there were 4,588 cases this year, including 174 in the past week. Pennsylvania reported 78 of the weekly cases and 1,338 cases overall—the most of any state. Pennsylvania has reported five measles-associated deaths; the CDC has recorded only three deaths as of October 23. About 10% of people who contract measles have been hospitalized; most of those hospitalized are young children.
U.S. Election Outlook
Expect significant election-related rhetoric this week, characterized in the update as noise. A separate update on election demonstrations and possible disruptions is planned closer to Election Day next week.
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DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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