Hurricane Polo was about to make landfall in Baja California Sur on Monday evening as a category 3 storm, according to the US National Hurricane Center, with maximum sustained winds near 185 km/h. A second landfall on mainland Mexico, in southern Sonora, was forecast for Tuesday morning, followed by rapid weakening inland. The FCDO warns of life-threatening flooding and landslides and of hazardous conditions after the storm, including power outages and limited communications. Full story in today's lead.
West Bank: the UN told the Security Council on 28 September that settler violence "reached unprecedented levels during the reporting period, often in the presence of Israeli forces", citing 630 settler attacks in which 11 Palestinians were killed. A briefer at the same meeting urged protection for Palestinian farmers "during the coming olive harvest". Full story in today's edition.
Nigeria and Ebola: the FCDO updated its Nigeria entry guidance on 28 September. Travellers entering Nigeria from countries with Ebola virus disease transmission must complete an online Nigeria Health Declaration Form before travel, and may face thermal screening and a travel history check on arrival. The WHO's latest Disease Outbreak News reports that, as of 23 September, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had recorded 7,890 confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease, including 3,799 deaths, across 63 health zones in seven provinces, including a newly affected zone in Haut-Uele bordering South Sudan. The WHO "advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, affected countries". Anyone routing a team through the DRC and on to Nigeria should allow for the form and extra time on arrival.
Italy: the FCDO added new information about Mount Etna to its Italy advice on 28 September. It says local authorities have raised the alert level because of volcanic activity, and that arrivals and departures at Catania airport "may be cancelled, delayed or re-routed to Palermo or Comiso". Check with your travel provider before moving a team through eastern Sicily.
