THE AMERICAS

El Salvador, February 13, 2001 – A deadly new earthquake hit El Salvador on February 13, killing more than 170 people and injuring more than 1,500. The quake struck a month to the day after an even stronger one killed more than 800 Salvadorans and left thousands homeless. The U.S. Department of State warns American citizens against travel to El Salvador because of adverse conditions in the country. On January 13, 2001 at approximately 11:35 am local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter Scale and a depth of 60 km occurred off the El Salvadoran coastline some 65 miles southwest of San Miguel at 12.8 degrees latitude and 88.8 degrees longitude. The President of El Salvador has declared a national state of emergency, and the Department of State has authorized the departure of family members of U.S. Government personnel and of U.S. Government personnel in non-emergency positions. While not all areas of El Salvador have been affected by the earthquake, several districts have suffered greatly as a result of landslides and collapsed buildings. The country is beginning recovery efforts, but widespread disruption of communications, transportation and public services such as electricity and water continues. For further information on El Salvador, please see the Department of State's current Consular Information Sheet for El Salvador and also the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI), part of the Volunteers in Technical Assistance (VITA) web site, for details about the earthquake.

Canada, February 9, 2001 – Canadian officials had concerns on February 7 that the deadly Ebola virus could have made its first appearance in North America. On February 8 the 32-year-old Congolese woman was placed on life support as her condition deteriorated. Under privacy laws, the woman cannot be identified. She arrived in Canada on February 3, was hospitalized the next day, and quarantined thereafter because she showed signs of internal bleeding. That symptom and her travel history led doctors to suspect a viral hemorrhagic fever. After the hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, received test results from a Canadian laboratory and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, they were able to rule out the contagious hemorrhagic fevers. A nationwide Canadian contingency plan to contain the viral hemorrhagic fevers was called off. The hospital staff treating the woman will no longer have to wear extra protective gear, such as sealed plastic suits. Ebola killed 173 of 400 people infected in Uganda this past September. Ebola and the other hemorrhagic fevers are not transmitted through the air. Infection occurs through direct contact with the infected person's blood or bodily fluids such as saliva or semen, and only after they have exhibited symptoms such as fever and malaise. It was a relief for officials to learn that the woman did not fall visibly ill until after arriving in Hamilton, Ontario. Canadian health officials were following a contingency plan for contagious viruses that their government had enacted a few years ago. World Health Organization officials stated on February 6 in Kampala, Uganda that the epidemic there appeared to have run its course—no new outbreaks had been reported for 21 days—although they would wait for another 21 days before giving the all-clear.

Haiti, February 5, 2001 – The U.S. Department of State warns American citizens against travel to Haiti due to the unstable security situation throughout the country. The Department authorized the departure of family members of U.S. Government personnel on November 17 from Haiti. If they have not done so already, Americans in Haiti should establish and maintain contact with the Embassy and consider their own personal security situations in determining whether to remain in the country. The security situation in Haiti continues to be volatile and unpredictable. The Presidential inauguration of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, slated for February 7, 2001, has the potential to spark violent demonstrations and individual acts of violence. The Haitian government has failed to contain certain violent and dangerous incidents, including bombings in public areas, politically-motivated killings, indiscriminate gunfire directed at pedestrians in Port-au-Prince, and incidents directed at diplomatic facilities and vehicles. Crowd behavior is unpredictable, and violence can flare up at any time, so Americans are warned to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Travelers encountering roadblocks, demonstrations, or large crowds should remain calm and depart the area quickly and without confrontation. Assistance from Haitian officials, such as the police, should not be expected during public political events. In addition to civil and political unrest, violent crime is on the rise throughout the country. The state of law and order is of increasing concern, with reports of armed robberies and break-ins, murders and car hijackings becoming more frequent. The limited response and enforcement capabilities of the Haitian National Police and the judiciary mean there is little relief for victims of crime.

Ecuador, January 31, 2001 –- Americans traveling to or residing in Ecuador should be aware that Ecuador is experiencing disturbances and civil unrest related to government economic policies. The majority of the disturbances have been reported in areas north and south of Quito, around the towns of Otavalo and Latacunga, respectively. In large cities, demonstrations may occur in public areas such as parks, government buildings and universities, and city streets may be blocked without warning. Protests in Ecuador occasionally turn violent, and the police generally respond by using water cannons and tear gas. While there is no indication that American citizens or institutions will be a focus of these protests, travelers are advised to take common-sense precautions and to avoid any large gatherings. Roadblocks have been, and will likely continue to be, erected sporadically in rural areas, especially outside of Quito along the Pan American Highway north and south of the city. It is impossible to predict where or when future roadblocks may occur. Because of these conditions, American citizens in Ecuador should seriously consider deferring road travel into and out of Quito until the demonstrations have stopped and reports indicate that it is safe to travel. Travelers should not attempt to drive through roadblocks.

Guyana, January 11, 2001 – Guyana will be entering a national election period from mid-January through election day on Monday, March 19, 2001. Politically motivated disruptions may occur during this period, especially in Georgetown. Previous elections have produced protests and demonstrations in which law enforcement authorities and demonstrators clashed. In the past, these events have not targeted American citizens, but have disrupted normal business activities in Georgetown. American citizens resident in and visiting Guyana during and after this election period should be vigilant to changes in the security situation, exercise due caution and monitor news broadcasts closely. For further information on travel to Guyana, please consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Guyana.

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