Our Global Risk partners, Drum Cussac, provide in-depth analysis of global risks via in-house experts, cutting edge technology and through a comprehensive global source network. Here is your summary of the incidents you need to know about from the last 30 days.

Africa
Somalia

Multiple Fatalities Reported following Attack in Qalimow, Middle Shabelle Region
According to local media sources, at least 18 people, including, eight soldiers, were killed after Al-Shabaab militants attacked a military base housing national security forces and African Union (AU) soldiers in Qalimow, Middle Shabelle Region, on Sunday morning, 2 February. Two other attacks were also reported, where Al-Shabaab targeted military bases in Ceel Geelow and Jowhar. Further information is awaited.

Guinea

Multiple Dead after Mine Collapse in Kodjoulén, Niagassola Sub-Division, Siguiri Prefecture
According to local media reports on Friday, 1 February, there have been multiple fatalities after a gold mine collapsed close to the village of Kodjoulén, Niagassola sub-division, Siguiri prefecture. Initial reports state that there have been seven fatalities and a further individual injured as a result of the incident. It is currently not clear what caused the mine to collapse and an investigation into the incident has been launched.

Tanzania

Multiple Fatalities Reported following Stampede at Church Service in Moshi Town, Kilimanjaro Region
According to local media sources, at least 20 people were killed and 16 others were injured in a stampede at a church service in Moshi town, Kilimanjaro Region, on Sunday morning, 2 February. The stampede reportedly started when worshippers rushed to get anointed with blessed oil during the service. Emergency operations are currently ongoing in the area.

Americas
Bolivia

Multiple Fatalities Reported following Bus Crash in La Paz
Local media outlets report on Friday, 31 January, that multiple people have been killed in a bus crash on the outskirts of La Paz. Reports state that the bus missed a curve on a road near La Paz and plunged into a ravine resulting in 14 fatalities and at least a further 19 others injured. It is currently unknown what caused the incident. Local law enforcement has opened an investigation into the incident.

Nicaragua

Multiple Killed and Kidnapped after Gunmen Attack an Indigenous Community in the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve
According to international media reports on Thursday, 30 January, there have been multiple killed and kidnapped following a raid on an indigenous community in the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve. Initial reports state that six people have been killed and a further ten kidnapped after around 80 armed men raided a Mayagna indigenous community. An investigation has been opened into the incident with a police and security task force being dispatched to the region.

Honduras, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Belize

Tsunami Threat from 7.7 Magnitude Earthquakes in Caribbean Sea Largely Passed
In the latest warning from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, 28 January, having earlier issued warnings for a possible tsunami threat along the coasts of Jamaica, Belize, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico and the Cayman Islands, the centre has now advised that the tsunami threat has largely passed. The latest message states that based on all the available data, the tsunami threat from the earthquake has passed and there is no further threat. The earthquake was recorded 125km (77 miles) north-north-west of Lucea in Jamaica at 1910 UTC at a depth of 10km (6 miles). There have so far been some reports of structural damage in Hanover in Jamaica and on the Cayman Islands, but no injuries have been reported.

Middle East and North Africa
Palestinian Territories, Israel

IDF Launch Airstrikes on Hamas Targets in Gaza following Projectile Fire
According to local media sources, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) launched airstrikes on targets in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, 2 February, in response to projectiles fired from the Palestinian enclave earlier in the day. The strikes reportedly targeted a number of Hamas targets, including underground infrastructure belonging to the fundamentalist militant organisation. The action was reportedly taken after rockets and incendiary balloons were launched from the Gaza Strip earlier on Sunday. No casualties have been reported in either the initial projectile fire or the subsequent airstrikes. These type of cross border attacks are already a common occurrence in Gaza and southern Israel but have become even more frequent since the United States announced their controversial peace plan for Israel and Palestine.

Egypt

Reports that Militants Detonate Natural Gas Pipeline in North Sinai
According to international media reports on Sunday, 2 February, militants have destroyed a natural gas pipeline in the North Sinai. Initial reports state that at least six unidentified militants planted a series of explosives on the pipeline close to the town of Bir el-Abd. Reports have gone on to state that the pipeline transfers natural gas between Egypt and Israel. No group has currently claimed responsibility for the attack although Islamic militants are known to operate in the Sinai region. An investigation has been opened into the incident.

Afghanistan

Multiple Security Forces Personnel Killed in Suspected Taliban Attack on Kunduz-Baghlan Highway
National media outlets report on Sunday, 2 February, that at least five members of the Afghan security forces were killed in an ambush by suspected Taliban militants at checkpoints along the Kunduz-Baghlan highway. Two other security force members were also injured in the attack. The attack took place early in the morning and the checkpoint in the Kisa Toop area remains closed.

Europe
United Kingdom

Several Wounded in Stabbing Incident in Streatham; Attacker Shot Dead by Police
National media sources have reported on Sunday, 2 February, that at least three people have been injured in Streatham, South London, in a reported knife attack. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that armed officers on the scene shot the suspect, killing him on site. They also stated that the incident has been declared as terrorist-related. Both security and emergency services are said to be attending the scene, with a police investigation ongoing. Further information is awaited.

Ukraine

Medic Killed in Gunfire in Novotoshkivske, Luhansk Oblast
Regional media outlets report on Sunday, 2 February, a female Ukrainian combat medic was killed in action near the frontline town of Novotoshkivske in Luhansk Oblast. The woman reportedly came under fire while delivering medicine to a combat post and sustained numerous fatal fragmentation wounds. The woman was trained as a civilian paramedic and used to work as an ambulance assistant.

Turkey

Death Toll Rises as Rescue Operations Continue after Earthquake in Elazig
According to regional and international media reports, the death toll from the 6.8 magnitude earthquake which struck Elazig province on Friday, 24 January has risen to 36 as rescue operations continued on Sunday, 26 January. Over 1,600 people were also injured in the earthquake and 76 buildings destroyed and over 1,000 damaged. However, despite freezing overnight temperatures, 45 survivors have been pulled from the rubble so far, including at least six on Sunday. Rescue teams have concentrated in the Mustafa Pasa neighbourhood and the nearby town of Sivrice. Over 700 aftershocks, including 20 of over 4.0 magnitude, have hampered the rescue efforts, as well as overnight temperatures of minus five degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit). Rescue efforts are suspected to start to wind down on Monday, 27 January.

Asia and the Pacific
New Zealand

State of Emergency Declared; Hundreds Stranded following Torrential Rains and Severe Flooding in Fiordland Region
According to international media reports on Monday, 3 February, a state of emergency has been declared after hundreds of tourists were stranded following torrential rain. Initial reports have stated that around 382 people are currently stranded following torrential rains which have cut overland access to the popular tourist destination of Milford Sound. Reports have also gone on to state that around 27 tourists will be airlifted due to severe flooding in the Fiordland region. It is understood that roads in the area will

China

Coronavirus Statistics and Advice for 2 February
According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report on Sunday, 2 February, the total death toll of the coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak has risen to 305. In China, there are now 14,411 confirmed cases, with 2,110 of these cases being classified as severe. The total number of confirmed cases globally has risen to 14,557 with 146 cases now confirmed in other countries in Asia, Europe, North America and Australasia. The total number of countries affected are now 23, with, the first death outside of China, reported in the Philippines on 2 February. WHO assesses the risk of the 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease to be very high in China, high at the regional level, and high at the global level.

The basic principles to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections, according to the WHO, include the following:

• Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
• Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment.
• Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
• People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).
• Within healthcare facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency departments.

WHO does not recommend any specific health measures for travellers. In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare provider.

Australia

State of Emergency Declared in Australian Capital Territory
According to international media reports on Friday, 31 January, the regional authorities have declared a state of emergency for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Initial reports state the announcement comes amid ongoing bushfires to the south of Canberra. Residents in the suburbs of Canberra have been urged to remain alert for any potential evacuation orders. Reports have gone on to state that the state of emergency will be in place for 72 hours.

 

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Global Risk RoundUp – Feb 2020

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