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A man makes his way through a flooded street in Copiapo, Chile. The region experienced the heaviest rains in 80 years.
PATRICIO MIRANDA, Getty Images/AFP
A man makes his way through a flooded street in Copiapo, Chile. The region experienced the heaviest rains in 80 years.
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Guatemala: Tourists should be aware that during the Semana Santa holiday season, crime does not take a holiday. Celebrated on and around Easter Sunday, the festivities draw large crowds, especially in cities such as Antigua, and tend to create more than the usual opportunities for pickpockets. Travelers should be cautious and conceal valuables while visiting popular tourist areas.

Chile: Cleanup efforts are underway in the northern region of Atacama after floods killed at least 10 people and drove 4,500 more to area shelters. Bringing the heaviest rains in 80 years, a storm in the Andes caused the Copiapo River to overflow, with the desert areas of Chanaral and Tierra Amarilla among the hardest hit. Travelers should stay up to date with recovery efforts before visiting these areas.

South Africa: A sharp increase in armed robberies has been reported in the Durban North Japanese Gardens, with at least 13 tourists robbed at knifepoint in March alone. In response, police patrols in the area will increase, but officials warn that visitors should remain in populated areas of the gardens and use caution while touring alone.

Ethiopia: Two preventable diseases have been reported across the country, with more than 2,000 suspected cases of measles from 61 separate outbreaks. In addition, about 30 suspected cases of diphtheria, a serious respiratory disease, were reported, including six deaths. Both diseases can be prevented with vaccinations, and though there is no treatment for measles, diphtheria can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosis is early enough.

Myanmar: The country’s national Water Festival, or Thingyan, takes place April 12 and brings with it potential safety and security concerns. High levels of alcohol consumption lead to increased drunken driving, and other criminal behavior rises during the festival. In 2010, 10 people were killed and 170 wounded in a bomb attack at a water-spraying platform. Tourists should use caution in and near celebrations.

Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov.