Indonesian Earthquake: safety for travellers
INDONESIA | Friday, 2 October 2009 | Views [599]
Padang, a town on the Indonesian island of Sumatra was struck by an earthquake measuring 7.6-magnitude on Tuesday 30th September at 5.16pm local time. The quake was felt as far away as Jakarta which is situated 200km to the north. A Tsunami alert was initially made which was subsequently revoked soon afterwards.
The following day at 8.52am local time, a second unrelated quake measuring 6.8 struck near Padang.
Sadly the death toll has risen dramatically and 24 hours following the event stands at over 1,100 people. Essential infrastructure has been damaged in the region including shopping malls, hospitals and schools. This has also resulted in Fires.
Padang is home to almost one million people across the coast of Sumatra. It is understood the capital city is without power and communications, several areas are inaccessible to emergency services.
Safety tips if you are in an affected area
If you are injured or Sick?
If you are injured or become ill please seek medical aid and contact your 24-hour Medical Assistance Service. World Nomads policy holders can find these details on their Certificates of Insurance or log in to the members section. The traveller should recognize that any functioning hospitals and clinics will be busy caring for people who have been injured and/or who are sick.
If you are in a region with no operating medical facilities please contact the Medical Assistance Service Immediately.
WorldNomads policy holders can find these details on their Certificates of Insurance or log in to the members section.
Injuries
The risk of injury is high. Persons who anticipate the need to travel
to disaster area should wear sturdy footwear to protect their feet from
Injury. Tetanus is a potential health threat for cuts and grazes. Any
wound, cut, or animal bites should be immediately cleansed with soap
and clean water. Seek rapid medical review should you become injured.
Wash your Hands
Wash your hands often using soap and water to help prevent the spread of disease. Waterless alcohol-based hand rubs may be used when soap and/or water are not available and hands are not visibly soiled.
What can I eat or drink?
Natural disasters can disrupt water supplies and sewage systems. If bottled water is not available, water should be boiled or disinfected. For more information refer to http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/foodwater.aspx
Food should be carefully chosen to reduce the risk of getting gastrointestinal illness. Avoid salads, uncooked vegetables and milk products, such as cheese. Ensure your food is freshly cooked and has not been sitting around. Food’s that has been cooked and is still hot or fruit that has been washed in clean water and then peeled by the traveler personally are safer to eat.
What if I get Diarrhea?
Gastroenteritis outbreaks can occur following a disaster. Diarrhea may be accompanied by a high fever or passing blood in the diarrhea. Replacing lost fluids by drinking clean water is important or the use of oral rehydration solutions.
Insects
Bites can be prevented through combined use of insect repellent and barrier methods such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when. Insect Repellent containing DEET should be used at all times.
Ensure you have been immunized for Tetanus in the past 5 years.
Safety
Traveller’s should be careful to avoid downed power lines. Battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches, should be used. Keep your personal belongings especially your passport and money on your person or in a safe place close to you.
Environmental Hazards
Be aware of what is happening around you. Following a disaster there will be rapidly moving water. Lung infections may occur after inhalation of sea water. Disasters resulting in massive structural damage can also result in exposure to chemical or biologic contaminants (e.g., asbestos).
Environmental things to remember
Both hot and cold extremes in temperature can pose a danger. Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can even be fatal. Remember to wear your sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun. Evenings can become cold so have a pullover or waterproof jacket available. Keep you fluid intake up with clean water during the day. Try to keep a dry change of clothing handy to change into. This will help in keeping you warm and preventing heat loss.
What is happening to me and who do I call?
It is important to remember that the situation you are in can be extremely stressful. Keeping an item of comfort nearby, such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material, can often offer comfort in such situations. Call home and your countries Consulate or Embassy to let them know where you are, if you are alright and if you need any assistance.
When you get out of there or back home
If you become unwell within 6 weeks of returning with fever, rash, respiratory illness or any other unusual symptoms seek medical attention and tell them that you were recently in a Disaster affected region.
Advice for World Nomads Policy Holders
Latest advice available for Australian and NZ residents: 02 October 2009
Click here to read the information (PDF format, 12K. Updated 02 October 2009)
Latest advice available for US residents: 07 October 2009
For emergency assistance:
In the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, call 1-877-257-8108
All other locations, call collect 1-804-281-5789
If you can't call collect, we'll call you back.
Please have this information ready when you call: your name, location and phone number
We will post advice for other policy holders as soon as possible.
Tags: earthquake, indonesia, natural disaster, safety advice for travelers
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