AUSTRALIA
The usual high heat of summer and a long-standing drought have spurred raging bush fires throughout the state of Victoria. Power was knocked out in Melbourne Jan. 16 where some 1,000 traffic lights failed, causing massive traffic jams, and trams halted, leaving mass transit users no better off than drivers. The power outage was caused by a combination of fire damage and excessive demand overloading transformers because of the heat. Power was restored in Melbourne Jan. 17, but one official called the current situation the worst bush fire conditions in Victoria’s history and said the danger was going to go on and on.
ESTONIA
A strike by medical workers was averted Jan. 16 when union officials agreed with government negotiators to continue talks to solve the dispute. The strike would start Jan. 22 if an agreement was not reached by Jan. 19 and would occur nationwide. The strike may include all physicians, dentists, nurses, mid-wives, radiologists, ambulance technicians, dental technicians and social workers. Only emergency rooms would be functioning and would probably be the only source of medical assistance.
KENYA
The World Social Forum (WSF) is being held Jan. 20-25 in Nairobi and is expected to draw as many as 100,000 foreign delegates and 15,000 local participants. Demonstrations are possible and are usually peaceful, but there is some concern that Nairobi’s police force may have trouble controlling a large demonstration if it becomes unruly.
NEPAL
Tourism is rebounding amid optimism that peace with the Maoists will hold now that the insurgents are part of the interim parliament. Visitor numbers are up in Pokhara in advance of the spring trekking season. Maoists are still demanding “taxes” from trekkers entering the Annapurna circuit, a practice that was supposed to stop with the political settlement.
———-
Compiled from various news services and travel sources. For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.
