Megaquakes and tsunamis: staying safe abroad when disaster strikes

Jetting off on holiday is a chance to clear the mind, reduce stress and spend quality time with those you love. Yet while the majority of trips are smooth for most people, the unexpected can strike at any time. It might be an accident or an unforeseen illness, or even theft. But if there’s one thing that’s very difficult to anticipate, it’s a natural disaster. While natural disasters are thankfully rare events, you really should ask yourself this: if you were stuck in a foreign country during an earthquake or a tsunami, would you know what to do? 

When news broke in March of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake near the city of Mandalay, Myanmar, the details were truly shocking. More than three thousand died near the epicentre, and the quake was felt as far away as Thailand and Mainland China. While Myanmar isn’t exactly a tourist hotspot due to its ongoing civil war, Thailand is. And in the Thai capital of Bangkok, shocking images emerged of a skyscraper that had collapsed, which was thankfully still under construction. Tragically, though, over 20 people died and 73 were still missing as of 8 April. Despite this awful loss of life, it is very fortunate that more weren’t injured or killed in the city that, last year, was ranked the world’s most popular tourist destination.

Another country under threat of natural disaster – and one which is extremely popular with Hong Kong people – is Japan. In January this year, the country’s government warned that the risk of a megaquake occurring in the next 30 years has risen to 80%. In April, the government said that a megaquake of around magnitude 9 could kill up to 298,000 people in the resulting tsunami and from collapsed buildings.

As the two examples above demonstrate, the risk of natural disasters is real and should be taken seriously. So what should you do if the unthinkable happens when you are on holiday? Even before you set off, you should get in touch with your emergency contacts. Give them the particulars of your flights and hotel booking, plus details of any outdoor activities you plan to take part in, such as water sports or hiking in the mountains.

It goes without saying that you should take out comprehensive travel insurance to keep you and your belongings safe. However, be aware of “known risks” when you purchase your policy. For example, if a tourist takes out travel insurance after an earthquake has occurred at their travel destination, they may find it difficult to obtain insurance compensation if aftershocks from that earthquake occur. So check with your provider before you buy. Even if you aren’t protected from a “known risk” there could be other natural disasters, such as flooding or freak storm damage, depending on your destination.

Post-disaster, you should follow instructions from the local authorities and ensure you always put your personal safety first. If you are ordered to evacuate a building, for example, do so calmly but make sure you have your passport with you. Your other belongings can be left behind. If a tsunami warning is sounded, head to higher ground and follow the instructions you are given. And, if possible, you should contact your country’s consulate or embassy once it is safe to do so.

While the threat of natural disasters is rare, they still pose a risk to unwary travellers. Do your research before you embark, and always be sure to have adequate protection in the form of insurance. And if the worst should happen, follow instructions and prioritise your safety.

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