iJET Daily Intelligence Briefing 


February 3

 

Australia - Flooding in Northern New South Wales Prompts Evacuations

Severe flooding is continuing across much of northern New South Wales, though days of torrential rain appear to be easing. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a flood warning for the following rivers: Clarence, Bellinger, Macleay, Hastings, Manning, Orara, MacIntyre, Gwydir, Peel-Namoi, Castlereagh, Culgoa-Bokhara-Narran, Warrego, Paroo, Barwon-Darling, Paterson-Williams, and Nambucca. Several of the rivers are projected to peak Feb. 3-5, likely leading to worsening flooding along the waterways. The State Emergency System (SES) has issued a flood evacuation order for North Moree, Gwydirfield, and Bendygleet along the Mehi River. A flood evacuation warning is in effect for the town of Wee Waa as the Namoi River prepares to crest. Hundreds of people have evacuated their homes in Pallamallawa and Biniguy, while floodwaters have isolated an estimated 9,000 people across the state.

 

iJET Analysis: Continued flooding will likely prompt significant business and traffic disruptions. A number of roads and bridges are flooded, halting traffic and isolating smaller towns. Utility and telecommunications outages may affect some areas. Evacuation orders may be expanded as floodwaters rise, especially in low-lying areas near waterways.

 

Dominican Republic and Haiti - Study Suggests Hispaniola Entering Heavy Period of Seismic Activity

The US Geological Survey (USGS) published a report Feb. 2 suggesting that the island of Hispaniola, which includes the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, may be entering a period of greater risk for significant earthquake activity. Citing historical data, the report indicates that the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti may have been the first of several strong quakes along the Enriquillo fault line, on which the island sits.

 

iJET Analysis: Haiti is still reeling from a 7.0 January 2010 earthquake that devastated much of the southern part of the country. Two years later, much of the affected part of the country continues to remain in ruins in spite of millions in donations from international donors. The remaining damage caused by the quake has left Haiti more vulnerable not just to other earthquakes, but also to other natural disasters, such as flood and hurricane. Given the weakened state of infrastructure and services in Haiti, even a small earthquake near a major population center could provoke massive casualties and damage.

 

France - Pilots Threaten Nationwide Strike Feb. 6-9

The largest French pilot union, SNPL, is threatening to strike Feb. 6-9. Unless averted, the labor action will likely cause significant flight delays and cancellations. Flights at French airports - including Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORY), Nice Cote d'Azur (NCE), and Lyon Saint-Exupery (LYS) - could face major disruptions.

 

iJET Analysis: SNPL represents more than 7,000 French pilots, including more than 4,000 at Air France (AF). The strike threat comes amid a continuing row over proposed government legislation that would impose additional rules on industrial actions in the aviation sector. It is unclear how many pilots would participate in the strike; negotiations are still ongoing, and the strike could be canceled before Feb. 6.

 

Hungary - Malev Airline Halts All Operations Feb. 3 Due to Insolvency

Hungary's principal airline, Malev Airlines (MA), ceased all operations Feb. 3 due to insolvency. The carrier, whose hub was at Budapest's Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD), has canceled all flights and services. Malev Airlines operated both domestic and international flights across Europe and the Middle East.

 

iJET Analysis: Malev Airlines was forced to file for bankruptcy in order to minimize losses after two of its planes were being held in Tel Aviv, Israel for unpaid debts. In January, Malev Airline's financial situation worsened when the European Commission ordered the airline to repay nearly USD 400 million of illegal state subsidies it received between 2007-2010. The airline posted a loss of about USD 110 million in 2010 and has unpaid debts of around USD 270 million.

 

Switzerland - Lausanne-Brig Rail Line Suspended

Rail corporation SBB has suspended all train service between the towns of Sion and Martigny along the Lausanne-Brig line until at least the morning of Feb. 3. The approximately 25-km (15-mile) section of track was closed after a construction scaffold fell from a bridge in Riddes, damaging the contact lines. Passengers will be transferred via buses until repairs are complete. Passengers traveling between Brig and Lausanne or Geneva may experience delays.

 

United Kingdom - Train Derailment Disrupts Operations in London

Rail service along the West Coast Main Line between Milton Keynes and London Euston was temporarily severed Feb. 3 following a freight train derailment. A freight train derailed near Bletchley at around 0230; the engine is still upright, but damage to the rail line has been reported. Only the engineer was on board, and he was injured during the accident. All travel lines are currently blocked, affecting London Midland, Southern Railways, and Virgin Trains operators.

 

iJET Analysis: Network Rail officials stated that delays are likely to continue through the afternoon. Rail disruptions remain possible even after the incident is cleared due to resultant passenger backlogs.

 

United States - Airlines in Western Region Cancel Flights Due to Blizzard

Airlines operating at Denver International Airport (DEN) have canceled as many as 200 flights through Feb. 4 in anticipation of blizzard conditions forecast to begin late Feb. 2. Expect flight delays and cancellations at DEN, Colorado Springs Airport (COS), and smaller regional airports such as Aspen (ASE), Vail (Eagle County Regional, EGE), Steamboat Springs (Yampa Valley Regional, HDN), Gunnison (Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional, GUC), Durango (DRO), Telluride (TEX), and Omaha (OMA) through Feb. 4. Meteorologists predict snow accumulations in the Denver, Colorado metro area of as much as 22 inches (56 cm); more than 24 inches (61 cm) are likely in the Eastern Plains. Locally heavier amounts up to 3 feet (1 meter) are possible in parts of Colorado. The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for northwest Kansas, portions of southwestern Nebraska, and the Front Range and mountains of Colorado. A winter storm warning is in effect for southeastern Wyoming and most of Nebraska. The system is forecast to bring 12-24 inches of snow to the Palmer Divide and 8-16 inches over the northeast plains in Colorado. Snowfall of 6-12 inches is forecast for northwest Kansas and most of Nebraska. High winds will result in blowing and drifting snow and dangerous conditions to people who are unprepared.

 

iJET Analysis: Flight delays could persist for several days after normal flight operations resume due to passenger backlogs and planes being out of position, and the storm has the potential to rank among one of the worst-ever blizzards for the area. The heaviest snowfall will likely be east and southeast of the greater Denver metro area reaching east into Kansas along the I-76 and I-70 corridors. Snow is forecast for northeastern Colorado, southeastern Wyoming, southwestern Nebraska, and northwest Kansas as the system moves east. State officials will likely declare states of emergency in affected areas of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas.. There may be commercial trucking disruptions along I-70 between Denver and the Kansas border; and along I-76 between Sterling and Denver and I-80 from Laramie, Wyo., eastward to the I-76 junction in Nebraska. Poor road conditions may also cause problems on the I-25 corridor between Pueblo, Colo., and the Wyoming border.

 

Vanuatu - Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Strikes

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the west coast of Vanuatu early Feb. 3. The epicenter of the quake was located 122 km (76 miles) west of Port-Vila. The extremely shallow quake was only 10 km (6.2 miles) deep, increasing the risk for damage. There were no initial reports of serious damage, but assessments are ongoing.

 

iJET Analysis: Powerful aftershocks are likely and could intensify any damage. There is no widespread tsunami threat from the earthquake, though officials warn that a local tsunami capable of affecting coasts within a 100 km (62 mile) radius is possible. Temporary transportation disruptions are also possible as authorities continue to check for damage to infrastructure.

 

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February 2

 

Australia - TC Iggy Moving Southeast

Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Iggy has turned southeast and is now headed toward the Western Australia coast. Meteorologists predict that Iggy will make landfall early Feb. 3 near Jurien Bay in the Wheatbelt region. The storm is projected to weaken on approach to Australia and will probably dissipate to a tropical low either shortly before or after landfall.

 

iJET Analysis: Expect strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surge in coastal areas of south Gascoyne, Mid West, and Wheatbelt regions and Perth. Storm surge may cause flooding along the shore, and flash flooding is possible in low-lying areas. Mudslides could occur in hilly or mountainous terrain. Localized power outages are possible. Multiple oil operations located offshore the Pilbara region shut down as Iggy passed. However, assessments indicate that the storm did not cause significant damage. Apache is in the process of restarting operations at its Van Gogh field, while Woodside operations should resume within several days.

 

Greece - Trolley Drivers to Strike in Athens Feb. 2

Trolley drivers in Athens plan to strike from 1100 to 1600 Feb. 2. Expect limited trolley services. Crowded conditions on other forms of public transit are possible as people are forced to use alternate forms of transportation.

 

Italy - Snow Closes Bologna Airport

Snow and wintry conditions have prompted authorities to close Bologna's Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) through at least 1900 Feb. 2. Heavy snowfall Feb. 1 resulted in the cancellation of about 120 flights. Some flight disruptions have also occurred at Genoa's Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) due to strong winds.

 

iJET Analysis: Lingering flight disruptions are possible after BLQ reopens due to backlogs. Flight disruptions are also possible at other airports in northern Italy due to the poor weather, including at Turin Airport (TRN), and Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN), and Bergamo-Orio al Serio (BGY) airports serving Milan.

 

Japan - Heavy Snowfall Disrupting Transportation in Northern Areas

Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are affecting transportation across much of northern Honshu. Meteorologists have issued winter storm warnings and blizzard warnings for virtually all prefectures bordering the Sea of Japan, but especially heavy snow is expected in northern Honshu and southern Hokkaido. The heavy snow is expected to continue at least through Feb. 3. Schools and businesses across the area have closed, and there are reports of widespread disruptions to all transportation systems. Officials at many airports in northern Japan have either delayed or canceled many flights outright. Passenger and freight rail is also affected, including parts of the Shinkansen ("Bullet Train").

 

iJET Analysis: Officials have blamed the snow for at least 56 deaths and 750 injuries since November, and say that there has been at least twice as much snowfall than normal this winter. Meteorologists report total snow accumulations so far this winter of as much as 4 meters (13 feet) in Aomori prefecture, with around 3 meters (10 feet) of snow in Yamagata and Niigata prefectures in northern Honshu.

 

Lebanon - Bridge Closure in Beirut

Transportation workers began dismantling the Jab el-Dib bridge in northern Beirut Feb. 1, reportedly due to concerns over its structural integrity. The Public Works and Transportation Ministry has warned the bridge would have likely collapsed. The dismantling project is scheduled to last approximately one month.

 

iJET Analysis: Lebanese civil authorities have taken a renewed interest in the structural stability of buildings and transportation infrastructure in the wake of a building's collapse in the Ashrafieh neighborhood of Beirut on Jan. 15. Approximately two dozen people died in that incident; many civil engineers have warned that many other buildings and bridges are at risk of collapse. Expect localized traffic delays in the vicinity of the Jal el-Dib Main Road and the intersecting Beknaya Road.

 

Panama - Protesters Block Pan-American Highway in Chiriqui

Protesting indigenous groups are blocking the Pan-American Highway near San Felix, Chiriqui Province, approximately 260 km (160 miles) southwest of Panama City. Anti-riot police are stationed along the highway but have been unable to prevent the road block. Organizers say they will continue to block the highway until government officials agree to discuss new mining laws.

 

iJET Analysis: Protests will likely continue as Ngobe Bugle residents are calling for the government to prohibit all mining activity in their region in western Panama. Ngobe Bugle residents have often protested mining projects in the region and some demonstrations have turned violent. The group protested outside government buildings in Panama City Jan. 24 and briefly blocked the Pan-American Highway in Chiriqui. The Ngobe Bugle reservation is largely autonomous and most indigenous groups oppose mining in the area, though it is currently legal. The reservation is home to large deposits of copper and other natural resources; residents fear further exploitation will lead to environmental degradation of the rainforest. President Ricardo Martinelli earlier promised indigenous groups that no mining projects would occur in indigenous lands, but the indigenous groups are still pushing for a formal law prohibiting new projects. Expect major traffic disruptions along the Pan-American Highway near San Felix.

 

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February 1

 

Cyprus - Bus Driver Strike Feb. 1

Staff at bus companies in Larnaca, Limassol, and Nicosia will begin an indefinite strike over unpaid wages at 0500 Feb. 1. Bus availability will be limited at airports, transport hubs, and within cities. Public transport may be more crowded and traffic congestion more severe as commuters are forced to seek alternate transport. Staff at the bus companies are seeking to recoup unpaid wages for the month of January.

 

India - Shutdown Strike in Puducherry Feb. 2

Trade unions affiliated to all major political parties have called for a bandh (shutdown strike) in the Union Territory of Puducherry (Puducherry UT) from 0600 to 1800 Feb. 2. The unions are demanding the government start a judicial investigation into the death of trade union leader M S Murali Mohan during a police action on Jan. 27 in Yanam town in Yanam district, an enclave of Puducherry UT.

 

iJET Analysis: Expect increased security throughout the Puducherry UT, especially in Puducherry and Yanam. Protests could also occur during the shutdown, and clashes are possible between trade union supporters and police personnel. Perceived aggression by security forces toward demonstrators could spark additional protests and strikes. More than 800 contractual workers of the private company Regency Ceramics Limited have been demanding wage revision and regularization of senior workers since Jan. 2. On Jan. 27, police used batons on union leader Murali to stop him from trying to obstruct the entry of other workers from going to work. He died from chest injuries while on his way to the hospital. Workers of the company damaged several vehicles and set fire to nearby buildings soon after Murali's death. Protesters also killed the president of the company's operation the same day. At least nine workers suffered injuries in clashes with police.

 

Japan - Pilot Unions from All Nippon Airways Call Off Feb. 1 Strike

All Nippon Airways (NH) officials announced that four pilot unions planning to stage a 24-hour strike Feb. 1 have called off the action. All domestic and international flights are slated to operate normally.

 

Mozambique - Severe Flooding

Severe flooding caused by Tropical Storms Funso and Dando has left more than 80,000 people homeless and 32 people dead. The worst of the damage is largely concentrated in the central region of Zambezia, where government officials are forcibly evacuating tens of thousands of people. The flooding has also damaged crops and blocked roads, leading to transportation disruptions and complicating evacuation efforts. Water levels have reached dangerous levels in the Incomati River, which travels through Maputo Province's Magude, Marracuene, and Manhica districts, and the Limpopo River in southern Gaza Province due to heavy rains.

 

iJET Analysis: Expect localized business and transportation disruptions and power and telecommunications outages. Additional rains are likely as the wet season continues in Mozambique and could cause the rivers to breach their banks, causing further flooding. Much of southern Mozambique suffered days of torrential rains after two storms hit the region in a week. Tropical Storm Dando hit the country on Jan. 16, while powerful Category 4 Tropical Storm Funso began battering Mozambique Jan. 22. Thousands of homes were flooded in Gaza and Maputo provinces in the initial deluge.

 

Spain - Iberia Pilot Strikes

Pilots with Spanish flagship airline Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana (IB) intend to strike Feb. 3, 17, 20, 24, and 29 to protest the company's planned launch of a new low-cost subsidiary, Iberia Express. Cabin crew and ground staff have also indicated their intent to participate in those actions.

 

iJET Analysis: Significant flight cancellations and delays are likely if the actions are not averted; prior strikes have seen hundreds of flights canceled or rescheduled, though the workers cannot stage a total shutdown as employees are required by law to maintain minimum service levels. Domestic and short-haul flights departing from Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona El Prat (BCN) airports will be most heavily affected. Pilots have already staged five strikes over plans to create Iberia Express. The workers fear that the creation of the express airline will cost an estimated 5,000 jobs. Iberia has been trying to reduce costs since it merged with British Airways (BA) and intends for Iberia Express to handle short and medium-haul flights to and from Madrid.

 

Thailand - Flood Warning for Southeast

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued a flood warning for eight southeastern provinces. A moderate high pressure system is bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surge to parts of Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Satun, and Narathiwat.

 

iJET Analysis: Flash floods and landslides may occur in mountainous and low-lying areas. Storm surge is projected to reach higher than 2 meters (6.6 feet) and will likely cause coastal flooding. Flooding may cause transport and business disruptions in the region. Flight and rail cancellations and delays may occur, and road closures are possible. Utility and telecommunications outages will probably take place in hard-hit areas. Evacuations may be ordered in high-risk areas.