SafeAbroad

Situation Report: Pro-Palestinian Unrest

In response to Israel’s campaign in Gaza, Hamas officials called for a “Day of Rage,” to take place on October 13, encouraging terrorist attacks and unrest from supporters around the world. Several countries have reported related attacks, threats, and violent unrest on and shortly after the “Day of Rage.” In response, many countries such as France and Germany have banned related public demonstrations and deployed security personnel en masse. These severe measures have provoked public backlash and led to further demonstrations in opposition to the crackdowns.

Forecast Report: Argentinian General Elections

SafeAbroad analysts have assessed the upcoming 2023 election in Argentina will have a moderate impact on travelers in the country. The heated election is likely to create frequent and possibly intense political demonstrations in the days leading up to the vote, but said demonstrations have a low chance of turning violent. However, these risks could increase in the event of a runoff or contested election following the October 22 vote.

Situation Report: 2023 Israel-Hamas War

On October 7, Hamas militants launched an attack from the Gaza Strip, targeting dozens of locations across southwestern Israel with rocket barrages and ground attacks. More than 2,200 deaths have been reported, with thousands more wounded. Several foreign nationals, including at least twenty-two Americans, have been reported among those killed. Multiple borders and ports have been closed, while several airlines have suspended service into Israel.

On October 7, renewed violence between Israel and Palestine led to over 200 deaths and heightened security throughout the country.

On October 7, more than 2,000 people were injured and 200 were killed as a result of renewed conflict between Palestine and Israel. Hamas militants infiltrated the cities of Sderot, Ashkelon, and Rehovot with rocket fire and ground forces. Israel responded with retaliatory strikes and a declaration of war. Flights in and out of Israel have been cancelled through at least October 9. Heightened security and more violence are anticipated in the coming days.

Situation Report: Venice Bus Crash

At 7:45 PM on October 3, a passenger bus crashed through a barrier, over a bridge, and into several power lines in Mestre, Italy, near Venice. Twenty-one passengers, including two children, are confirmed dead, with at least forty more injured. At this time, local authorities have confirmed that several Ukrainian, German, Bulgarian, French, Spanish, and Croatian passengers were on board. There have been no reports of Americans injured or killed at this time.

21 tourists have been killed in a bus crash in the Mestre suburb of Venice on October 3 at 7:45 PM. No Americans have been confirmed injured or deceased.

On October 3 at 7:45 PM, in the Mestre area of Venice, Italy, a tour bus fell off of a highway bridge into a railyard, resulting in a reported 21 deaths and 40 possible injuries. Foreigners were killed in the crash, but no Americans have been confirmed on board at this time. Rail service between Venice and mainland Italy is expected to be delayed in the coming hours.

On September 28, three people were injured in a series of shootings near Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, causing heightened security.

On September 28, a masked gunman opened fire in various classrooms at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands before setting fire to a nearby house. Three people were confirmed to be injured, and a suspect has been arrested by local police. Expect continued traffic disruptions in the area and significant disruption to all activities at the medical center as emergency operations continue.

Travel Risk Management Handbook for International Education

Our Travel Risk Management handbook outlines legal requirements, duty of care obligations, and best practices for establishing a robust TRM program. It serves as a comprehensive reference, offering insights and recommendations to foster a culture of preparedness, enhance safety measures, and navigate the complexities of international education effectively. Our handbook outlines the necessities of travel risk management within the evolving landscape of international education, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning tailored to specific destinations, programs, and universities, providing strategies and protocols for proactive risk mitigation. 

SafeAbroad’s Certifications Handbook for International Education Professionals

Our suite of certifications caters to professionals with varying levels of experience and specialization and stands as a testament to an individual’s dedication to ensuring that travelers embarking on international educational journeys are supported by experts—individuals who are not only equipped with the necessary skills but also deeply committed to their well-being and security. By earning SafeAbroad certifications, professionals aspire to uphold the highest standards of student well-being across the ever-evolving landscape of international education.

Health officials announce dengue fever outbreak in Jamaica on September 25.

On September 25, health officials declared a dengue fever outbreak in Jamaica. There are at least 565 cases of suspected or confirmed cases located in the eastern section of the island, Kingston included. Dengue fever, AKA breakbone fever, is a mosquito-borne illness transmitted by infected Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. High fever, rash, and joint pain are common symptoms, with serious bleeding and shock occurring in severe cases.

REQUEST AN INVITE

Free Global Risk & Safety Services

A SafeAbroad Analyst will contact you shortly to provide 30 days of FREE award-winning travel safety and security services.