TSUNAMI WARNINGS ON VACATION...
- Projected areas in danger of a tsunami
Yesterday a powerful 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck Chile leaving 5 dead and millions of people evacuated from their homes. Chile had just recovered from a natural disaster when the earthquake happened and just days before their national holiday where families get together to celebrate life. Now instead of celebrations, Chileans are going to be searching for family members and friends while they are displaced from their homes.
The U.S. Geological Survey issued tsunami alerts for Chile, Hawaii, Southern California and also Australia and New Zealand, but have so far seen no immediate danger. They are strongly warning beach goers to stay out of the water totally because currents are going to be flowing differently and with more force. They also advice that all coastal areas and harbor be completely avoided for the next day or two in case a rouge wave where to arrive.
MY QUESTION IS: HOW DO TOURISTS DEAL WITH TSUNAMI WARNINGS ON VACATION?
From what it appears, resorts and hotels dread having to warn their guests about the tsunami warning and some just flat out don't. Many of the high end hotels and resorts area good about getting the word out to their guests, but some of the lower ends do not even issue the warning at all. I suppose the hotels that keep it quiet assume their guest do not watch the news or have the internet...
I grew up in the coastal community of the Outer Banks so I know all about tourist on days when the ocean is "red flagged" aka to rough get in. The stores, restaurants, attractions all get bombarded with hoards of people because the main attraction is unavailable.
The same is what happens when you get a tsunami warning on vacation, people leave the beach area and head inland. That is bad for the businesses directly on the beach, but good for the inlanders...Take advantage of this time to see the local area that is away from your resort and go have an adventure!
- People stay on higher grounds in a tsunami safety zone after a magnitude 6.7 earthquake shook the region, in Iquique city, north of Santiago March 16, 2014. The strong quake struck off northern Chile on Sunday evening, triggering a preventive evacuation of part of the coastal area but not causing any injuries or damage to the country's crucial copper mines. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami expected.
How about an evacuation?
What are you suppose to do when you are in Hawaii, thousands of miles from home with no place to evacuate to yet you cannot stay where you are???
Two words: TRAVEL INSURANCE
You do whatever you have to do to stay safe, spend whatever it cost to get your family away from the danger zone and because you have travel insurance you will be reimbursed. When booking vacations you may feel like you do not need it, but in that off chance a natural disaster does happen you will come out on top.
More than likely the hotel will already have an evacuation plan ready for all their guest and you will go with everyone else to the predetermined safe destination. My advice is to not try and fight this and decide that you know a safer place, because realistically you do not. You are a visitor in the area so go with what the experts have deemed safe - it may save your life!
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Thank you so very much for taking the time to visit my blog! Traveling is very dear to me and sharing my travels and desires with you makes my heart smile. I want to hear all about your adventures because sharing travel stories is the root to all inspiration. Also, any suggestions you may have on how I can improve this blog - I am all ears!!
Smiles,
Allie xoxo