Hot Spots
4/01/2015
Contents
ASIA

Taiwan
AUSTRALASIA

Philippines / South Pacific Islands
EUROPE

Austria / Germany / Switzerland
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Nigeria
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Malaysia

Myanmar
Hot Spots Report
ASIA
Taiwan (Security threat level - 2): Between 31 March and 1 April 2015, protesters gathered outside the Presidential
Office Building over Taiwan's request to join a mainland China-led bank. On 31 March approximately 30 members of
the Black Island Youth Front attempted to force their way into the office to protest Taiwan's interest in the China-led
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Security forces stopped the attempted entry and removed approximately 2,300
protesters overnight. As of 1 April, protesters are continuing their sit-in outside of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC)
on Jinan Road, located northeast of the Presidential Office Building.
AUSTRALASIA
Philippines / South Pacific Islands (Security threat levels - 4 / 1): On 1 April 2015, Super Typhoon Maysak
continued its path across the Pacific on course to make landfall in the Philippines later this week. As of 0900 UTC,
Maysak was located approximately 160 mi/255 km northwest of Yap Island, Micronesia, with maximum sustained
winds of 150 mph/130 kt and gusts of up to 185 mph/160 kt. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather
Technologies, Super Typhoon Maysak is expected to weaken as it approaches the Philippines due to unfavorable
weather conditions in the area. After making landfall in the Philippines, Maysak will enter the South China Sea.
In Micronesia, a state of emergency was declared for Chuuk state on 1 April. The state governor requested
international aid to help the region avoid a humanitarian disaster. Maysak damaged health care facilities, public
utilities and crops, and contaminated water supplies. While the fatality toll from Maysak stands at five people, more
deaths are expected if aid does not arrive.
EUROPE
Austria / Germany / Switzerland (Security threat levels - 2 / 2 / 2): On 31 March 2015, Storm Niklas, with winds of
up to 120 mph/105 kt, hit parts of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Throughout Austria, several buildings were
damaged, roads were blocked and power lines were downed. In Germany, more than 200 flights at Frankfurt Airport
(EDDF/FRA) and Hamburg Airport (EDDH/HAM) were either canceled or delayed. While the storm has passed, snow
and rain is still expected for 1 April. Rail transportation between Munich and Salzburg, and Bremen and Hanover are
expecting continued delays, as are flights in the affected areas.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Nigeria (Security threat level - 5): On 31 March 2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
declared the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) party candidate Muhammadu Buhari the winner of Nigeria's
presidential election. Buhari won 54.55 percent of the votes, compared to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan’s
45.45 percent. Buhari will be inaugurated on 29 May.
The APC is the first party to unseat the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) since the return of multi-party politics and
civilian rule in 1999. Shortly before the official announcement of results, Jonathan contacted Buhari to concede defeat
and encouraged his supporters to not resort to violence to oppose the outcome. Jonathan’s statements have
generated optimism that Nigeria will not experience a repeat of the violence that occurred after the 2011 presidential
election, and thus far no significant violence has occurred. Nevertheless, gubernatorial and state assembly elections
will be held on 11 April; therefore, travelers and expatriates in Nigeria should continue to remain vigilant and monitor
developments until the election period concludes.
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Malaysia (Security threat level - 3): On 1 April 2015, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued updated
travel advice for Malaysia. The updated section reads in part as follows, "There are regular political demonstrations in
central Kuala Lumpur on Saturday afternoons. Popular gathering points are Masjid Jamek, Dataran Merdeka
(Independence Square) and KLCC. Other rallies may be called at short notice. Monitor local media, be vigilant and
avoid all large political gatherings."
Myanmar (Security threat level - 4): On 31 March 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Yangon issued a Security Message,
which reads in part as follows: "The U.S. Embassy in Rangoon alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Burma
that the Water Festival in Burma, also known as Thingyan, will take place the week of April 12. Revelers have been
known to consume large amounts of alcohol, resulting in dramatic increases in incidents of drunk driving and
occasional criminal behavior. In the past, festive gatherings during Thingyan have led to unexpected violence. A
bomb attack in 2010 at one of the water spraying platforms, known as ‘pandals,’ killed 10 people and wounded more
than 170.
"While there are no known specific threats against U.S. citizens, the Embassy advises U.S. citizens to take normal
precautions to ensure your safety and security. When in public areas, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at
all times. If you see something suspicious, report it to the authorities, if possible, and leave the area."