Visitors to The Maldives are being warned
to take extra care while transiting through, or visiting, the capital Male.
The country’s first democratically elected
President resigned on 7th February 2012 after 3 weeks of political
unrest, variously described as a mutiny or an opposition-engineered coup.
Regardless of the politics, visitors should
be aware the instability has sparked some civil disturbances. They were mostly
small and confined to the capital until Monday when police joined the
anti-government protests. Following that, the Maldivian defence forces
headquarters was attacked, the state television station was seized and the
offices of the Democratic Party were set alight. Residents of Male report
seeing large numbers of people on the streets despite an overnight curfew, and
there are occasional clashes between rival groups.
Is It Safe To Go To The Maldives?
All the unrest has been confined to the
capital, Male and has not spread to any of the islands or atolls and the
resorts remain operational. Several foreign governments have confirmed that no
tourists have been directly affected.
Although holidaymakers must transit through
Male while making their way to their resort, there are no signs of unrest at
the airport or tourist facilities in the capital. All transfers are operating
as normal.
However, if you are visiting Male between
now and the time of new elections later this year, it would be wise to avoid
the parliamentary precinct, large gatherings and protests, observe any curfew
and remain close to your hotel after dark.
In the very unlikely event you are caught
up in a surge of civil unrest in The Maldives, here are some tips on how to
protect yourself. Note, this advice is meant to cover only the worst cases, and
does not imply that trouble in this particular paradise will worsen. Best to be
prepared though.
What You Should Do
Keep abreast of current news or contact
your embassy and request regular updates if you are in a volatile area
If you hear that a demonstration is taking
place, avoid the area or stay in your accommodation until you are sure that it
is safe to go out
Before you go out, establish where the
demonstration has taken place and if possible avoid the area. Take along and
consult a map so that you will know where you are at all times
If you come across a demonstration, don’t
become inquisitive, just leave the area and find another route to your intended
destination
Should you need to go to an area which
experiences a lot of demonstrations, try not to go alone. Where possible take
someone with you and operate as a team looking out for each other. Keep close
and maintain visual contact.
Avoid any place where police or security
forces action is in progress.
If Caught In A Civil Disturbance
If you find yourself caught up in a
demonstration keep to the edge of the crowd where it is safer.
Try not to be identified as being one of
the demonstrators by keeping well away from the leaders/agitators.
At the first opportunity break away and seek
refuge in a nearby building or find a suitable doorway or alley and stay there
until the crowd passes.
When leaving the fringe of the
demonstration just walk away don’t
run, as this will draw attention to you.
In the event that you are arrested by the police/military
do not resist. Go along peacefully and contact the emergency assistance service
that came with your travel insurance, or your embassy.
If you are caught up in the crowd, stay
clear of glass shop fronts, stay on your feet and move with the flow.
If you are swept along in the crush, create
a space for yourself by grasping your wrists and bracing your elbows away from
your sides; bend over slightly – this should allow you breathing room.
If pushed to the ground, try to get against
a wall and roll yourself into a tight ball and cover your head with your hands
until the crowd passes.
Remember to keep calm – the crowd should
sweep past quickly.
If shooting breaks out, drop to the ground
and cover your head and neck, and lie as flat as you can.
In
Accommodation
If trouble erupts around your accommodation do not go into the
street.
Contact the emergency assistance service
that came with your travel insurance or your embassy and advise them of your
situation and whereabouts.
If you hear gunfire or explosions outside, stay
away from the windows. Do not be tempted to watch from your window. Draw the
curtains or blinds to prevent shards of broken glass entering the room.
If you are in premises which have doors or
windows opening on to the road side of the property, ensure they are closed and
locked.
Sleep in an inside room which will provide
greater protection from gunfire, rocks, grenades etc.
Liaise with hotel management to keep
updated on the situation outside the hotel
In A Car
Never drive through a crowd.
If you find yourself in the path of a
crowd, turn down the nearest side road, reverse or turn around and drive away
calmly.
If you cannot drive away, park the car,
lock it and leave it, taking shelter in a side street or doorway.
If you don’t have time for this, stop and
turn the engine off. Lock the doors and remain calm. Be sure not to show
hostility or anger.
After An Incident
If it is unsafe to stay where you are seek
a place of safety in a less volatile area.
If you have suffered injury seek medical
assistance. Report any loss or damage to your property to the police.
Report your situation or whereabouts to family/friends/your
travel insurer/embassy.
Report incidents to local police and obtain
a report reference · Where applicable, report and claim on insurance
If You Are Injured
If you are injured or become ill please
seek medical aid and contact your 24-hour Medical Assistance Service.
Be aware that any functioning hospitals and
clinics may be busy caring for large numbers of people who have been injured in
the unrest.
Emergency Assistance Contacts
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention.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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Travel Safety Guide to the Maldives
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