Mother nature unleashes
her full arsenal on this nation. Devastating earthquakes, floods, hurricanes,
mudslides, and cyclones are a fact of life for Venezuelans. If you’re intending
to visit you’d better be prepared, and to help here are a few tips and guides
on staying safe.
Shake, Rattle & Roll
The country is
earthquake-prone.
A famously devastating
quake occurred in 1812 completely destroying the capital Caracas, and killing
20,000 people. It was so powerful it even formed a new lake and dammed a river!
In 2009 an offshore
earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck 65 miles from Caracas,
causing a number of injuries and damaging buildings and power lines in the
coastal town of Porto Cabellos, and in Caracas.
Earthquakes are
impossible to predict, so it pays to be prepared, have a plan in the back of
your mind, at all times.
What To Do
- When the quake strikes
get yourself some physical protection from falling debris; get under a sturdy
table, or cover yourself in soft furnishings or mattresses, and use your hands
to protect your head.
- When the quake stops,
check yourself for injury before assisting others. Leave the building and get
away from structures.
- There will be
aftershocks, and lots of them.
- Stay away from fallen
powerlines, they may be ‘live’. And don’t use naked flame because gas may be
leaking from fractured supply pipes.
- If communications are
working, call the emergency assistance number on your insurance policy. The
team will be able to get messages to your family and also alert local
authorities and consular officials from your home country.
Rain and Landslides
Venezuela is also
subject to torrential rains, which cause landslides.
The country suffered
exceptionally heavy rains in late 2010, which have affected wide areas of the
country, and road conditions remain poor. The government of Venezuela announced
States of Emergency in many states including the capital. You may still
encounter damaged infrastructure that affects your travels.
There have been
mudslides in many areas of the country, which have particularly affected
shantytowns built on hillsides.
They have left many
homeless and blocked or damaged roads and highways.
Operations at airports
have been disrupted, causing flight delays.
Hurricane Season
And as if that wasn’t
enough - hurricanes are also a concern for travellers in Venezuela.
The Atlantic hurricane
season runs from 1 June to 30 November, and can affect portions of northern
Venezuela.
The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.
Information on hurricanes or other severe weather conditions can be
obtained from US National Hurricane Center and Tropical Prediction Center or
the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.
Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended.
Available flights may fill quickly. So it’s best to leave as early as possible,
delaying that decision may leave you with no options. In some areas, adequate
shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to
stay.
What To Do
- You should familiarize yourself with your hotel or cruise ship
evacuation plans.
- You should carry your travel documents at all times (passport and photo
identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. It is also a
good idea to update your family at home as to your whereabouts and welfare.
Storm Surge
And while Venezuela is
not prone to tropical cyclones its costal region are occasionally hit with
torrential rain, powerful winds, high waves and storm surges.
Cyclones are not such an
issue in Caracas as it is sheltered by the Avila mountain range and the simple
meteorological fact that cyclones lose their strength as they move over land.
During the rainy season
(which runs from May to November, though heavy rains can occur outside this
time) there is the possibility of flooding in certain low-lying areas of the
country (e.g. the Llanos) and in some valleys in the Andes (Merida State).
Water Aware
As a final note visitors
should be aware that the waters of the Caribbean can be deceptive.
It may look like a
tropical paradise – but there are strong currents and undertows in some areas
that can make swimming hazardous.
Lifeguards and warnings
are not always present.
Related Articles
Weather and natural hazards in Venezuela
Travel in Venezuela
Local laws & customs
Venezuela water and disease guide
Crime in Venezuela
Turbulent, troubled Venezuela
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