Taiwan issues 'orange' travel alert for western Myanmar state
CNA 2012-10-30 17:24
A soldier patrols an area of Rakhine in the western Myanmar, Oct. 27. (Photo/Xinhua)
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an "orange" travel alert for the western Myanmar state of Rakhine, advising people to be on high alert and avoid unnecessary travel to the region.
An "orange" alert is the second highest on the ministry's color-coded travel warning system.
The ministry said Myanmar's government has confirmed the outbreak of bloody conflicts between ethnic Buddhists and Muslims in the state in recent days, resulting in at least 80 deaths, over 4,600 houses being burned down, and around 22,000 residents being left homeless.
The ministry urged Taiwanese nationals to take precautions and mind their safety if they have to go to Myanmar on business, and avoid travel to the western part of the country.
The ministry said Taiwanese nationals can contact Taiwan's representative office in Thailand if they encounter emergencies in Myanmar at (66) 81-666-4006 and (66) 81-666-4008.
