MELBOURNE, JUNE 20:
Australia has updated
its travel advisory for India following recent severe weather conditions in
Uttrakhand, asking its citizens to monitor the media for information and follow
the advice of local authorities.
Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade (DFAT) revised the advisory on Tuesday saying, “It contains
new information under natural disasters, severe weather and climate.”
“There are reports of
landslides between Uttarkashi and Gangotri. If you are in the affected area,
monitor media for information on your safety and follow the advice of local
authorities),” it said.
Under natural
disasters, severe weather and climate, it mentioned that annual monsoon rains
from June to October can cause extensive flooding and landslides, particularly
in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
“In the past, floods
have affected millions of people, resulting in many deaths. During these
periods, fresh drinking water and food can be in short supply. The high risk of
contracting a water-borne disease continues after the water recedes. Transport
and communication infrastructure can also be affected.
“If you are travelling
during the monsoon season, you should contact your tour operators to check
whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected,” it
said.
Overall, the advisory
was left at same with the DFAT advising exercising a high degree of caution in
India due to risk of terrorism, civil unrest, crime and vehicle accidents.
“We continue to advise
Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in India overall because of
the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, crime and vehicle accidents,” the advisory
on Smart Traveller Web site noted.
It kept the advisory
same as to exercise a high degree of caution in the Ladakh region of the state
of Jammu and Kashmir and to reconsider need to travel to the cities of Jammu
and Srinagar due to frequent armed clashes, terrorist activities and violent
demonstrations.
“We advise you not to travel in the immediate vicinity of the border
with Pakistan, other than at the international border crossing at Atari-Wagah.”