The Week Ahead – March 4, 2024

Date

Europe

  • Nationwide, Germany: Protest Advisory | From February 28 to March 1, ground staff for Lufthansa will strike over pay grievances. The strike will impact flight schedules but will take place away from passengers. Cancellations are not expected. Travelers should confirm flight details and enable notifications to stay updated about any changes.
  • Nationwide, Italy: Protest Advisory | On March 8, unionized workers in Italy will be holding a strike in observance of International Women’s Day. Union workers in the travel and healthcare sectors have confirmed that they will be participating in the protest. Travelers should expect widespread travel delays and reconfirm appointments with medical facilities. Travelers should also avoid large crowds of striking union workers.
  • Nationwide, Spain: Protest Advisory | On March 8, across multiple cities in Spain, demonstrations have been scheduled in celebration of International Women’s Day. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Plan routes that bypass protest locations. Obey instructions from local authorities. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Prague, Czech Republic: Protest Advisory | On March 7 in Prague, protests are planned at multiple locations in response to EU agricultural policies. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstration locations. Plan routes that bypass the affected locations. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Nationwide, Greece: Protest Advisory | On March 8, unionized public workers in Greece will strike against privatization policies. Striking workers will gather at 12:30 PM at Klafthmonos Square, Athens, with hundreds expected to join. The strike affects public sector services nationwide, causing disruptions in transportation, health, and public administration. Authorities will likely monitor demonstrations and expect localized disruptions.

Americas

  • Lima, Peru: Protest Advisory | On March 5, a protest march is expected to start at the Campo de Marte and continue through the city center, citing tax complaints. Travelers should avoid all related demonstrations and plan alternative routes in advance to circumvent travel delays.
  • Mexico: Protest Advisory | On March 8, multiple protests are expected to occur across Mexico for International Women’s Day and to bring awareness to gender-based violence. Travelers should avoid all protests and prepare for possible travel disruptions throughout the country. 
  • Northern and Eastern Brazil: Weather Advisory | Over the coming days, heavy rains and strong winds are expected. Power outages, floods, and landslides are possible. Travelers should monitor media for weather updates and be aware of flash floods in low-lying areas. Avoid travel during storms if possible. 
  • Ciudad del Este, Paraguay: Protest Advisory | On March 4, protests will be held in front of the Alto Parana Police Directorate headquarters in response to the recent surge of criminal activity in the Alto Parana department. Travelers should avoid all protests and remain vigilant in the area. 

Asia & Pacific

  • Seoul, South Korea: Protest Advisory | On March 1, Freedom and Reunification Party activists will commemorate the 1919 Korean Independence Movement along Sejong-daero from 12:00 pm to 2 pm. Security personnel will be present to monitor the activist’s movements. Traffic disruptions are possible. Travelers should plan alternate routes to avoid traffic disruptions during the expected hours of commemoration along Sejong-daero road.
  • Melbourne, Australia: Protest Advisory | From March 4-6, activists will protest against the arrival of Philippine President Marcos for an ASEAN meeting. On March 4, protests will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center at 4:00 PM and the Melbourne Town Hall at 6:00 PM. Travelers should avoid the location of the protest and monitor local media for updates.
  • South Korea: Security Advisory | From March 4-14, South Korea and the United States will conduct military and air exercises as a nuclear deterrent to North Korea. Travelers should monitor potential escalations in tension between the nations and stay updated on these regional affairs. 
  • Beijing, China: Security Advisory | From March 4-15, expect heightened security in Beijing due to the Annual Chinese Communist Party meetings. Travelers should avoid Tiananmen Square and avoid sensitive political discussions. Make sure to carry identification and follow instructions at all times. 

Africa & Middle East

  • Ndjamena, Chad: Security Advisory | In the coming days in Ndjamena, heightened political tensions persist following the recent killing of an opposition leader. The incident, carried out by security forces, has exacerbated existing unrest related to fuel price protests and precedes the May 6 presidential election. Anticipate escalating tensions in the coming days and monitor news media for developments. 
  • Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: Security Advisory | Over the coming days, disruptions to various industries are likely due to militia and government clashes from February 29 and March 1. The clashes have resulted in the suspension of public transportation, the closure of local banks, and disruptions in flight schedules.
  • Tontokrom, Ghana: Protest Advisory | Over the week of March 4, clashes between protesters and security guards at a local mining company are expected in Tontokrom, Ghana. Previous unrest on March 2 resulted in the death of at least three people. Travelers should avoid large crowds and monitor local media for updates on any demonstrations planned in this region of Ghana.
  • Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia: Protest Advisory | Protests over the presence of armed guards in mining towns are expected to last through early March. Protests began on February 29 in Kinjor after a clash between civilians and guards. One protester was killed, and many were injured. Travelers should avoid mining towns and monitor local media for updates. 

Recent
Advisories

On November 4, a red warning was issued for Barcelona, Spain, due to torrential rain and flooding.

On November 4, red warnings were issued for Catalonia due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Currently 15 flights have been cancelled and roads leading to the airport are blocked, causing severe disruptions to El Prat Airport in Barcelona. Several highways have been closed and all commuter trains in northeast Catalonia have been suspended.  This follows storms in Valencia which has killed at least 217 people. 

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As of November 4, a volcanic eruption at Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores, Indonesia, has killed at least ten people.

On November 4, Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted, spewing volcanic materials up to 2000 meters (6,561 feet) into the air. Hot ash hit a nearby village, collapsing houses and causing at least 10 deaths. At least 10,000 people have been affected in the Wulanggitang District. Due to increased activity, authorities raised the alert level to IV, the highest level in the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia’s (PVMBG) four-tiered system. Additional eruptions are possible.

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