ISA Worldwide Alerts
The following alerts are to the best of ISA's knowledge gathered from direct observation, U.S. Department of State recommendations, Overseas Security Advisory Council reports, CDC and WHO guidance, and expert consultation. Information is subject to change.
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Athens
July 19, 2022
On July 19th, wildfires started in Mount Penteli, about 16 miles northeast of central Athens. While firefighters respond to the blaze, authorities have ordered the evacuation of four nearby areas: Drafi, Anthousa, Dioni, and Dasamari.
Although the fires can be seen from central Athens, ISA students do not live or study in the vicinity of the wildfires. ISA Athens resident staff has been in communication with students to advise them on areas to avoid and precautions to take to stay healthy. At this time, ISA does not anticipate any changes to the summer program as a result of the fires. ISA is continuing to monitor the situation, including air quality in central Athens, and will advise students appropriately. The ISA Athens resident staff remains available to support students, and ISA will update this Worldwide Alert as necessary. -
San Jose & Heredia
July 1, 2022
On July 1, the US National Hurricane Center issued an advisory concerning recently-formed Tropical Storm Bonnie, which is forecasted to affect Costa Rica today and Saturday, July 2. The storm could produce significant rainfall, wind, and flooding throughout the country. The coastal areas in the north are likely to see the heaviest impact. Currently, interior cities like San Jose and Heredia are also likely to feel the effects, though perhaps not as significantly as northern regions of the country.
ISA has been monitoring the situation, including all messaging from the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, reports from ISA's trusted security sources, and is in close communication with ISA resident staff in Costa Rica. ISA has informed students of best safety practices during a storm such as staying in the areas where ISA operates (homestays, host university, and the ISA office) and maintaining close communication with ISA staff, host families, and families in the U.S. The Universidad Veritas has not canceled any classes today and students have been advised to continue attending classes and their service-learning placements as scheduled.
For programs scheduled to end this weekend, ISA will monitor departures from the San Jose airport and is prepared to continue hosting students with flight cancellations until they are able to safely depart the country and return home. ISA will continue to monitor U.S. Embassy alerts and local media communications closely as the storm progresses and will advise students accordingly.
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For further information, please refer to ISA’s Health and Safety section, particularly the information regarding the monitoring of world-wide security levels.
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