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, 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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
NEW HAVEN, CT – We are thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s SafeAbroad Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations for their unwavering dedication and commitment to enhancing student safety during international educational experiences. Amidst a pool of exceptional nominations, these exceptional individuals and programs have stood out for their exemplary efforts and remarkable impact on global education safety.
An unknown assailant stabbed two people and assaulted a third at the Chifley Library at Australian National University in Canberra, Australia, on September 18. The police have apprehended a suspect, and the immediate area has been placed under a lockdown by the police so the investigation can continue. The situation is ongoing.
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