TRAVEL ADVISORY

Ecuador - natural disaster


There are currently three volcanoes to monitor closely when travelling in Ecuador.
· Reventador, located 95 kilometres east of Quito, has started a new eruptive period and is showing increasing signs of volatility. On the four alert stages scale established by authorities (white, yellow, orange, and red), Reventador is presently at the orange level, meaning that an eruption is possible within hours or days. Its largest eruption took place in 2002, producing pyroclastic flows that travelled as far as 8 km and ash falls that severely disrupted services in Quito.

· Tungurahua, located south of Quito, is currently at "conditional yellow" and has been emitting ash, lahars (mud and ash flows) and gas intermittently since its last eruption in July 2006.

· Sangay, located south-east of Riobamba, has been in frequent eruption for several centuries and is currently at orange level.

Canadians travelling near these volcanoes should monitor local news reports, follow the advice of local authorities and be prepared to leave the area or modify their travel arrangements if necessary. They should also register with the Embassy of Canada in Quito.

TRAVEL ADVISORY - BOLIVIA

Bolivia - demonstrations


On March 20 and 21, 2007, protesters addressing various grievances have set up several blockades that disrupted travel on the main road between La Paz, Oruro and Cochabamba. La Paz was also cut off from Tambo Quemado. On March 22, road blockages are planned around Tarija (near the border with Argentina) and Sucre.

Canadians should monitor local news reports, expect long delays and avoid all confrontations with the protesting groups. They are highly discouraged from attempting to pass through roadblocks. Canadians requiring consular assistance should contact the Consulate of Canada in Bolivia or the Emergency Operations Center in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 (call collect).

TRAVEL ADVISORY

Thailand - natural disaster


Unhealthy levels of haze, resulting from forest fires and slash-and-burn-farming, are affecting the air quality in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Mae Hong Son provinces. This has prompted provincial authorities to declare some districts in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai haze disaster areas, and to issue warnings concerning poor air quality. Several airlines have reportedly cancelled flights to the area and travellers should confirm domestic and international flights with their airline prior to departure as flights could be affected by restricted visibility. Thai health authorities are recommending people limit outdoor activities, and people with respiratory ailments, pregnant women, the elderly and children are advised to wear facemasks.

Canadians should monitor local news and weather reports, follow the advice of local authorities, avoid affected areas, and contact their travel agent or tour operator to confirm travel arrangements. For further information, please see the website of the Thai Pollution Control Department at: http://www.pcd.go.th/AirQuality/Regional/Default.cfm

TRAVEL ADVISORY - CIVIL UNREST

ZIMBABWE - SECURITY


The ongoing political crisis in Zimbabwe is the cause of recent civil and social unrest. Violent clashes between protestors and security forces took place in the capital of Harare and other cities across the country, resulting in injuries. The situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning.

Canadians in Zimbabwe should avoid large crowds and public areas where violence could take place, monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, and contact the Embassy of Canada in Harare should they require assistance.

Travel Advisory ... Italy

Italy - Stromboli Volcano - natural disaster


Since February 27, 2007, the island of Stromboli has experienced increased volcanic activity. Eruptions may cause significant landslides, which in turn could create a tsunami effect affecting the Aeolian islands. The situation remains volatile and official advice changes daily. Canadians should strongly consider the risks of going to Stromboli, as it may be evacuated on short notice.

Canadians should follow the advice of local authorities and review their security arrangements accordingly. Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the area should contact the Embassy of Canada in Rome, the Consulate of Canada in Naples, or the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 1-800-387-3124.

Travel Advisory - Australia

Australia - Tropical Cyclone George - natural disaster

Tropical Cyclone George, category 3, hit Port Hedland in Western Australia on March 8, 2007. Heavy winds and torrential rains caused extensive damage to the region. Transportation and other services may be disrupted. Canadians in or travelling to the affected areas should monitor local news and weather reports, follow the advice of local authorities, and determine whether the situation will disrupt travel arrangements.

Travel Advisory

Ecuador - natural disaster

The volcanos Tungurahua (located south of Quito) and Sangay (located south-east of Riobamba) are showing marked increased activity. Local authorities are preparing for the evacuation of small communities near Tungurahua.

Canadians travelling near this volcano should monitor local news reports, follow the advice of local authorities and be prepared to leave the area if necessary. They should also register with the Embassy of Canada in Quito.

Indonesia - Earthquake

Natural Disaster:

On March 6, 2007, an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck the west coast of Sumatra. Reports indicate that hundreds of buildings have been destroyed and more than 70 people have been killed. An aftershock was felt after the first earthquake, and additional earthquakes could occur in the next few days.

Canadians currently in this region should avoid disaster areas, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Canadians should contact the Embassy of Canada in Jakarta should they require assistance.

Canadians with good reason to believe that Canadian relatives are in the affected areas may contact the Emergency Operations Centre at: 1-800-387-3124; 613-943-1055 in Ottawa; or by e-mail at: sos@international.gc.ca.