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A 60-day “state of exception” (what used to be called a state of emergency) took effect Sept. 30 for Quito, Guayaquil and Manta, allowing the army to work with the national police to combat crime and control weapons and vehicles. The measure was imposed in response to rising crime in those cities. Travelers are likely to see increased police checkpoints.
Indonesia
The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta reported that several hundred Indonesians in Tabanan regency, the city of Denpasar and surrounding areas on the island of Bali were given rabies vaccinations after several people were bitten by dogs suspected of carrying the disease. Officials confirmed three deaths among locals. Travelers should avoid animals and be aware that the rabies vaccine is in short supply on Bali.
Israel
Tensions on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City erupted in violence when Muslims threw stones at Jewish tourists on the eve of Yom Kippur, then clashed with police near the Temple Mount a few days later. Such incidents are not unusual during the Jewish high holidays, and the U.S. Embassy encouraged Americans to avoid the Old City all last week. For several days officials restricted male Muslim access to the Temple Mount to men older than 50. Restrictions could continue if tensions remain high.
Mexico
San Diego police officers will train a Baja California tourist police force to patrol the 50-mile tourist corridor between Tijuana and Ensenada, according to plans announced Monday. Mexican and San Diego officials agreed to the joint venture, which could put as many as 350 bilingual officers on patrol in the area. Fears of drug-gang violence, combined with the economic slump, have dried up tourism in the corridor. Officials hope this campaign will restore confidence, but as yet there is no budget in place. With so little tourist traffic, those who do go are finding good deals, especially in Rosarito.
Philippines
Eighty percent of metropolitan Manila was flooded by Typhoon Ketsana, and days later Typhoon Parma swept in and dumped more rain. Fears of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea have grown because much of Manila’s trash gets dumped in waterways and streets. Some 2 million homes are partly submerged, and the city’s drainage system has been overwhelmed in places. The defense secretary in charge of relief operations said the water may not recede until Christmas.
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For the latest on world conditions, check the State Department’s automated service at 888-407-4747; fax, 202-647-3000; travel.state.gov.