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Travel Alert: Earthquake Strikes Central Region of Italy, Abruzzo

ITALY | Monday, 6 April 2009 | Views [1027] | Comments [1]

This is a brief overview of the earthquake that today struck the central Italian region of Italy. We are keeping an eye on the situation, so come back for regular updates.

What's happening:

Reuters news service reports (06/04/09) - Rescuers searched through the night for survivors of an earthquake that killed more than 130* people in central Italy early on Monday and left thousands of homeless huddled in tent camps and rough shelters.

Rain complicated the task of firemen and emergency workers combing the rubble in the hope of plucking people alive from collapsed houses in the medieval mountain city of L'Aquila and nearby villages, some almost entirely destroyed.

The quake struck shortly after 3.30 a.m. (9:30 p.m. EDT) on Monday, catching residents in their sleep and flattening houses, ancient churches and other buildings in 26 cities and towns.

Aftershocks rattled the area, some 100 km east (60 miles) of Rome in the Abruzzo region, throughout the day.

Local authorities said more than 130 people were confirmed dead and more than 1,500 injured. The civil protection agency put the number of homeless at up to 50,000.

In other reports -

- SMH.com.au reports (as of 08/04/09) Current death toll stands at 235 with 50 unaccounted for.

- SMH.com.au reports Italian disaster management authorities had said there were no foreigners among those confirmed dead, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said this morning. But he warned the final toll was feared to be much higher.

- A civil protection official told the BBC that 3,000 to 10,000 buildings may have been damaged by the earthquake.

How does this affect travellers?

L'Aquila, the captial city of the Abruzzo region is a very popular tourist destination as well as being a large University city.

Laid out within medieval walls on a hill in the wide valley of the Aterno river, and surrounded by the Apennine Mountains, with the Gran Sasso d'Italia to the north-east.

Unbeknown to most international travellers is that Italy is a hot spot for Earthquakes. Caught between two fault lines at the juncture of tectonic plate movements between Europe and Africa, the country is prone to regular quakes. However, it is unusual for the country to experience an earthquake as deadly as today's as outlined in this Guardian article.

Common sense dictates that all unessential travel to this region of Italy should be avoided.

What is the official Govt Travel Advice?

This data can change frequently, so please check your local Government's website. Also, register with your foreign affairs department so they can more easily find you in the event of an emergency.

AUS - Smart Traveller Website

"On 6 April 2009, an earthquake measuring 6.3 magnitude, occurred near the city of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region. Many people were injured or killed and thousands have been made homeless. Australians in the area should follow the instructions of the Italian authorities and monitor the media for further developments. If you are travelling to the Abruzzo region, you should contact your tour operator to check whether services at your planned destination have been affected."

UK Govt - Foreign & Commonwealth Office -

"We have been advised that there are no reports of British casualties or deaths so far, but the Embassy is continuing to monitor the situation. The Italian government has asked people not to travel to L'aquila and we would advise British nationals to stay away from the area until further notice. If you have any concerns about British nationals in the region please ring 020 7008 1500."

US Dept of State -

" Americans traveling in Italy should contact family in the United States to let them know their current whereabouts. U.S. citizens traveling to or through Italy are encouraged to follow post-earthquake developments in the media. Americans in Italy are urged to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov or by phone or in person directly with the U.S. Embassy in Rome or the Consulates General in Milan, Florence, and Naples. Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Italy and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency."

Canada - Foreign Affairs & International Trade -

"Canadians should exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and follow the advice of local authorities coordinating the response. In case of emergency, contact the Embassy of Canada in Rome (see Section 5 below) or the Emergency Operations Center in Ottawa (call collect to 613-996-8885)"

What should you do after an earthquake? Advice from security experts Red24

After an earthquake, be prepared for aftershocks and plan where you will take cover when these occur.
Check for injuries and provide first aid to those who need
When returning home/to the hotel, exercise extreme caution. Check for gas, water and sewer breaks, downed electric lines and shorts, turn off appropriate utilities. Check for building damage and potential safety problems during aftershocks (cracks around chimneys and foundations. Because of the danger of gas leaks avoid the use of open flames such as matches and lighters
Clean up dangerous spills
Use caution when opening cabinets and cupboards as contents may have shifted and might fall on you as the door is opened
Wear shoes
Listen to the radio or TV for updated emergency information and instructions; local radio and local officials can provide the most appropriate advice for your situation
Do not use the telephone unless for an emergency
Use the car in very urgent situations only. In this way, streets and entrances are free for rescue and supply vehicles
If you are in a coastal area be aware of possible tidal waves (tsunami). If necessary, move to higher ground
Cooperate with police and other public safety officials
Do not go into damaged buildings until they have been cleared by the authorities
Gather your family together and make sure you have some shelter for the immediate future, even if it is simple protection from the rain and cold
If you evacuate, call your contact to let them know where you are going and when you expect to arrive
Stay in a group if possible
After an earthquake, animal behaviour can change quite drastically and usually docile pets may become aggressive or defensive

Welfare and whereabouts after an earthquake

Concerned relatives and friends may try to contact you after an earthquake to check on your well-being and call the relevant embassy if they are unable to reach you at your home/hotel or on your mobile. Most embassies collect the names of their citizens possibly involved in a disaster, working with local authorities and possibly contacting hotels, airports and hospitals as well. Once the phone lines are clear, you may want to contact your embassy or consulate to update them on your situation. Embassies may send representatives to hotels to collect information lists, so try to
compile a list with your name, first name, date of birth, health status and the name and telephone number of relatives in your home country to pass on to them. If you are staying in a hotel, or travelling with a group, you may want to put together a list with everyone's details to help facilitate this process.

Visiting an earthquake-prone area

Hotels in earthquake-prone areas should have an earthquake preparedness plan in place, providing pre-, during and
post-earthquake safety measures. Before travelling, check with your hotel whether they have such a plan in place, and ask them what it is.

If they do not have an emergency plan, and you want to be prepared, keep a few extra bottles of water and some extra food in your room.