Norway is reeling after a twin attack involving a large bomb blast on its capital, Oslo, and a vicious shooting rampage on a youth camp. The carnage has left at least 76 people dead.
The shooting attack was carried out at a youth camp in Utoeya - a gunman disguised as a policeman opened fire on the camp leaving at least 68 people dead.
The gunman, revealed to be Norwegian national, Anders Behring Breivik, 32, was later captured and arrested. It is believed that Breivik is also the master mind of the bombing incident in Oslo, which occurred close to the offices of Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenburg - but this has not been confirmed. At least 8people died as a result of those attacks.
News.com.au is reporting: "Sveinung Sponheim, acting commissioner for Oslo police, says the suspect arrested on the island is a 32-year-old man who has Norwegian nationality and is of "Norwegian origin". Says investigators "don't know anything" about the suspect's motives, but believe he also played a role in the bomb attack in central Oslo. They do not know if he acted alone."
"I saw a lot of people running and screaming, I ran to the nearest building and hid under a bed," Camp attendee Emilie Bersaas, 19, said to Britain's Sky News.
"It was very terrifying. At one point the shooting was very, very close to the building, it actually hit the building, the people in the next room screamed."
"It is kind of unreal, especially in Norway," Mr Bersaas said. "This is something we hear about happening in the US."
In Oslo, pools of blood from the injured - along with the tangled wreckage of a car, and large amounts of debris and shattered glass - were left behind in the explosion.
Residents are now being urged to "get home and stay inside" amid an attack that is the largest to hit Norwegian soil since WWII.
Oistein Mjarum, the head of communications for Norway's Red Cross said that the blast took the relatively peaceful city by surprise.
"This is a very busy area on Friday afternoon and there was a lot of people in the streets, and many people working in these buildings that are now burning" he told the BBC.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg was not in his offices when the blast struck - and was due to visit the camp later that day.
“I have a message to whoever attacked us. It’s a message from all of Norway,” he said. “You will not destroy us. You will not destroy our democracy.”
Foreign Offices around the world are urging their citizens travelling in Norway to monitor the media and take advice of local authorities.
Surviving a terror attack
Travellers involved or close to a terror incident are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and to follow the directives of local authorities. Here are a few safety first tips:
- Stay within the confines of your residence or accommodation.
- Do not go out into the public streets.
- Be alert to local news developments.
- Adhere to any imposed curfews or security restrictions.
- Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behaviour. Unusual behaviour and strange devices should be reported to the police or security personnel promptly.
- If you are in a building located close to the site of a terrorist attack, stay away from the windows.
- If in the vicinity of an attack, do not stay to watch what is happening, as you will only get in the way of the emergency services. There is also a risk that additional attacks may occur.
- Make a mental note of safe havens, such as police stations and hospitals.
If there's a bomb blast
- Leave the area as soon as possible
- Do not run you may be suspected as the bomber. If you are in a crowd stay at the fringes.
- Stay clear of glass shop fronts.
- If you are injured attend to yourself before others.
- Obey all instructions and orders that are given by local police.
- Make your way to a pre planned secure area.
- If you return to your hotel stay away from the windows.
- Listen to television and radio reports.
- Contact family or friends and let them know your situation.
- Write down what you saw before and after the blast it may help the authorities in their investigation.
If you are injured
If you are injured or become ill please seek medical aid and contact your 24-hour Medical Assistance Service (numbers below).
Be aware that any functioning hospitals and clinics will be busy caring for large numbers of people who have been injured in the incident.
Preparing for terrorism
Before visiting a country where there is a risk of terrorism you should first obtain as much information on that country as possible.
- When you arrive, stay away from those areas that may have been the target of terrorism in the past.
- Identify the main tourist areas and stay away from those which appear less secure.
- Make yourself aware of your surroundings. Be aware of the conduct of people near to you.
- Stay away from large gatherings or demonstrations.
- Know the telephone numbers of local police, hospitals and your Embassy.
- If you are with friends identify a rendezvous point to meet should there be an incident.
- Prepare a plan to evacuate should there be an incident.
- Know the telephone numbers of local transport and hire car companies.
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.
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.
Keeping an item of comfort nearby, such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material, can often offer comfort in such situations.
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's policy holders).
Emergency Assistance Contacts
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's policy holders).Please have your name, location and phone number ready when you call (and policy number if available)
Click here for a list of 24 hour emergency assistance hotline numbers.
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