England
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union said it will stage four strikes in the London Underground between Sunday and July 1. The union maintains that a rail driver was wrongly dismissed due to activities during a previous strike. The strikes will last nearly all day and cause major travel disruptions throughout London. Travelers planning to visit London should be prepared to find alternative forms of transportation.
Germany
Though the death toll from a deadly E. coli outbreak has left as many as 35 dead and thousands more ill, German Health Minister Daniel Bahr believes the worst is over. The warning against eating raw tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and various sprouts persists, however. Since the start of the outbreak in May, all but one of the deaths have been in Germany. Those planning to travel in Germany and other places in Europe should follow press reports about where outbreaks have occurred.
New Zealand
Nearly four months after the Christchurch earthquake, one of the worst natural disasters in the country’s history, the city is still suffering from large aftershocks. A series of powerful tremors hit the city Monday and Wednesday, one measuring a magnitude 6.0 and causing serious damage. Mayor Bob Parker said more quakes are expected. Since the original quake in February, more than 50,000 people have relocated in New Zealand and Australia, and more than 10,000 homes and 1,000 commercial buildings are scheduled to be razed.
Philippines
The U.S. State Department reissued its travel alert on possible terrorist activities in the Philippines, particularly in the Sulu Archipelago and on the island of Mindanao. Regional terrorist groups have been clashing with Philippine armed forces throughout Mindanao, especially in rural areas. Gangs that use kidnap-for-ransom techniques are active throughout the country and have targeted foreigners. Travelers should check Philippine government travel restrictions before visiting.
Russia
Anarchists are suspected of seriously damaging vehicles in a Moscow parking lot, where police found a firebomb and an explosive device filled with pieces of metal. Activists detonated a powerful firebomb at a traffic police outpost June 6. The incidents have yet to cause major injuries, but tourists should be vigilant when traveling in Moscow.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov
