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Vanuatu & Pacific islands earthquakes: advice for travellers

WORLDWIDE | Thursday, 8 October 2009 | Views [802]

SMH.com.au has reported that "Four* powerful earthquakes at 9.03am local time on October 8th, triggered a tsunami alert over a huge swathe of the South Pacific, sending residents fleeing to higher ground, just days after giant waves killed 177 in the region.

Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu and New Caledonia sounded sirens and evacuated coastal areas after a 7.8 quake struck off Vanuatu at 9.03 am local time, followed by a 7.7 tremor 15 minutes later off Santa Cruz Islands, followed by a 7.3 quake 55 minutes later off Vanuatu again, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. A fourth major quake measuring 6.9 struck four hours after the first quake.

"We are trying to get those people staying closer to the coast to move inland," said Tuvalu's acting police commissioner Titelu Kauani.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami warning for some 25 regional nations and territories including as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, before cancelling it about two and a half hours later.

*A total of ten have hit the region, but only those above 6 on the Richter scale are considered major, according to the United States Geological Survey."

So far, there are no reports of injuries, however it is advised that if you are currently travelling in the region to contact local authorities or your government travel advisory for up-to-date information.

We will make updates to this post should any further news or warnings come to light.

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. 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 your Medical Assistance Service Immediately.

WorldNomads policy holders can find these details on their Certificates of Insurance or see phone numbers at the bottom of this article.

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 the CDC website

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 country's Consulate or Embassy to let them know where you are, if you are alright and if you need any assistance.

Call your travel insurance company emergency assistance hotline should you need immediate attention (see phone numbers below for WorldNomad's policy holders)

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 is not available and hands are not visibly soiled.

When you get out of there or get 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

Should you have any concerns or fears, please contact us on the following emergency assistance numbers.

Please have your name, location and phone number ready when you call (and policy number if available)

Australian and New Zealand travellers (Mondial Assistance Australia):
Email: medicalnotes@mondial-assistance.com.au
Telephone: +61 7 3305 7499 (While overseas, reverse charges)
Telephone: 1300 729 467 (Within Australia)
Telephone: 0800 630 117 (Within New Zealand)

UK travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@specialty-group.com OR assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 845 643 2628

Irish travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7902 7403

USA travellers (Access America):
Email: AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
Telephone: +1-877-257-8108 (toll free within US)
Telephone: +1-804-281-5789 (Collect)

Canadian travellers (Mondial Assistance Canada):
Email: nomadinquiries@mondial-assistance.ca
Telephone: +1-866-759-2892 toll-free from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island or
Telephone: +1-519-342-4947 collect from anywhere else in the world

For all other travellers (ihi Bupa):
Email: emergency@ihi.com
Telephone: +45 33 15 33 00 (not toll free))