Uneasy Ukraine Faces Election Unrest

Expats and travellers are warned that stability in The Ukraine may worsen as parliamentary elections are taking place.

Election day is October 26, 2014, but the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is concerned that demonstrations may turn violent in the run-up period.

The FCO has told British nationals to leave The Crimea, as tension remains high.

All Ukrainian International Airlines flights to and from Simferopol have been cancelled until October 25 – and they may remain grounded after that date.

Clashes with separatists and Russian troops around The Ukraine’s disputed borders have led to all most 3,000 deaths and the displacement of 250,000 people.

“Events in The Ukraine are fast moving and our advice to expats and any British national on business is to leave immediately,” said an FCO spokesman.

“We cannot guarantee consular services in The Crimea and the situation can deteriorate fast in other areas.”

Nepal trek horror

Following the deaths of 30 trekkers in sudden heavy snowfall in the Annapurna region of Nepal, travellers should stay away from the Thorang-La Pass.

Emergency workers are still retrieving bodies and treating the injured as severe cold weather hit the Himalayas earlier than expected in the season.

A group of 150 trekkers were caught out in the open, leading to the fatalities.

Ebola threat spreads to Europe

Expats and travellers also need to keep an eye on their travel arrangements due to fast-changing restrictions at airports and borders as the Ebola virus spreads.

Cases have been reported in Spain, France, Italy, the US and the UK.

Medical authorities say the number of people contracting the disease is doubling every week and that around 5,000 people have died.

The death rate after catching the virus is as high as 70%.

Airports in Europe and the US are screening passengers flying in from infected countries, such as Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, although the disease has also hit Nigeria and other West African nations.

Borders are shut and many flights in and out of West African airports have been cancelled.

“The problem is Ebola has no real cure and the incubation period can be up to three weeks, so many people carrying the virus do not realise they are infected,” said a World Health Organisation doctor.

Ebola is spread by coming into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.

The virus can pass if someone shakes hands with an infected person via their sweat.

Below is a list of some related articles, guides and insights that you may find of interest.

Questions or Comments?

We love to get feedback from our readers. So, after reading this article, if you have any questions or want to make comments, send us a message on this site or our social media?

Don’t forget that you can also request the guides sent directly to your email inbox.