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Friday, August 10, 2012
Events We're Watching

Argentina - Aviation Personnel Strike
Members of the Association of Technical Aviation Personnel are planning an indefinite strike beginning Aug. 3, targeting Aerolineas Argentinas operations as well as those of its affiliate airline Austral Lineas Aereas. Representatives from the Ministry of Labor say APTA actions will not cause flight cancellations. However, airport delays are possible, including flight, baggage claim, and check-in services.

Argentina - Subway Strike in Buenos Aires Aug. 3-8
The Association of Subway and Premetro Workers is sponsoring a strike in Buenos Aires from 2100 Aug. 3 to Aug. 5. Members of the Union Tranviarios Automotor, another bus and subway drivers' union, will also stage a 72-hour strike in the capital beginning Aug. 6. If negotiations fail, then both strikes will result in the complete shutdown of the Buenos Aires metro system for a total of five consecutive days, effectively paralyzing all six subway lines and the Premetro tram. Expect significant transport disruptions in Buenos Aires throughout the duration of the work stoppages.

Caribbean - Tropical Storm Ernesto Tracking Across Windward Islands
Tropical Storm Ernesto tracked westward across portions of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean Sea early Aug. 3. The storm is expected to become a hurricane as it nears Jamaica around Aug. 5-6. Heavy rainfall is likely throughout the Windward and Leeward Islands. Authorities issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Dominica, St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Grenada and its dependencies.

China - Tropical Storm Damrey Makes Landfall
Tropical Storm Damrey made landfall early Aug. 3 near Ganyu, Jiangsu Province, near the border with Shandong Province. The system is forecast to rapidly weaken as it continues northwestward into Hebei, Henan, and Shanxi provinces. Flooding and landslides are possible in these provinces, as well as Henan, Hebei, and Shanxi provinces, as the storm moves inland. Torrential rains will probably exacerbate existing flooding problems in interior areas. Large-scale evacuations may be necessary; approximately 50,000 people have already been relocated from coastal areas of Jiangsu. Flash flooding may disrupt road traffic, including in urban areas. Local port operations have been shut down, and fishermen are being urged to seek shelter. Severe disruptions to airport and port operations currently appear unlikely in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, and nearby cities, but Tropical Storm Saola made landfall south of Shanghai several hours after Damrey. The combination of the two systems hitting eastern China so close together will likely cause major regional transport problems.

Taiwan and Philippines - Tropical Storm Saola
The northern Philippines will face an elevated risk of flooding and landslides through at least Aug. 5 in the aftermath of Saola. The storm intensified the southwest monsoon and caused very heavy rain and flooding across much of Luzon, including Metro Manila, as well as some parts of the Western Visayas region. After crossing the northern tip of Taiwan, Tropical Storm Saola made landfall in southeastern China just north of Fuzhou, Fujian Province, early Aug. 3. Saola brought extensive flooding to northeast and northern Taiwan, including Taipei. The storm's torrential rainfall, combined with its slow movement, led to the accumulation of 1.5 meters (5 feet) of water in some areas. The worst flooding occurred in Taipei, Yilan County, and Taoyuan County. Most areas in the region completely shut down due to the severe flooding, with Taipei's streets largely empty. Air and ground transportation in Taiwan have been severely disrupted. More than 100 flights were canceled at Taipei Sungshan International. Although normal operations are slated to resume later today, delays may continue as airport workers clear the backlog of flights. Rail transport is also facing disruptions, with the Taiwan Railway Administration canceling all express train services on both east and west coast routes. A number of roadways remain closed.

Japan - Tropical Depression Haikui Tracks Westward
Tropical Depression Haikui is tracking west-northwestward through the Philippine Sea toward Japan's Ryuku Islands. The system is currently forecast to strengthen into a typhoon by the time it reaches the region Aug. 5-6. Typhoon- or tropical storm-force winds are possible on Okinawa Aug. 6-7, although changes to the storm track are possible before the system approaches the island.
Q and A

What should I do if I lose my passport while traveling?

A passport is your proof of citizenship and you should hold onto it for dear life when you're traveling through or to another country. While losing your passport is not a total disaster, it is a major inconvenience and if you lose it you'll have to jump through a number of hoops to get a replacement copy. Lessen the chance of loss and ease the agony of replacement by practicing a few simple tips:

  • make two color copies of your passport (and front and back of credit cards and other travel documents while you're at it) and keep one tucked in your luggage and leave the other with family or friend at home
  • scan a copy and email it to yourself for printing later if needed
  • keep your passport on your person either in an zipped inner pocket or in a special passport belt
  • keep your wallet and money separate from your passport and travel documents
  • put a sticky note with your cell phone number, but never your address or hotel, in the passport so if it is innocently misplaced you may get a call
  • If your passport is lost, stolen, or misplaced contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are certain it has been stolen file a police report immediately. You will need to complete a new application with proof of identity and the standard passport fee, though there are work-arounds for travelers who have lost all documentation and money. For more information please visit Department of State web site. For other tips as you prepare to travel abroad please see Travel Tips page.

Submit a question

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  • The Philippines has a land area 1/30th the size of the U.S. but a coastline that is nearly twice as long
  • The 67 tallest mountains in the world are all in Asia
  • The record for most rain in one year is held by Cherrapunji, India, with more than 900 inches in 1861
  • In Sri Lanka each full moon is a public holiday with most shops and businesses closed and the sale of meat and alcohol forbidden
  • Hong Kong is the world's busiest cargo airport