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Machu Picchu Landslides: advice for travelers
Added: (Thu Jan 28 2010)
PERU | Thursday, 28 January 2010 | Views [222]
Overview of the situation
Thousands of tourists have been stranded on the historical site of Machu Picchu in Peru after torrential rain flooded the area, setting off lethal mudslides that have killed five people.
The heaviest rains in the area in 15 years flooded the area over the weekend and forced the closure of the Inca trail, the tourist trek that follows a path from the town of Cuzco to the Inca sanctuary.
Government and private helicopters are currently flying some to safety but many travellers are still sheltering in Machu Picchu village's train station and the central plaza after hostels ran out of space. More helicopters are promised, but their arrival depends on the weather.
From Times Online, Jan 27,2010
The WorldNomads SafetyHub Blog has detailed information for travellers caught up in this or other natural disasters by visitinghttp://safety.worldnomads.com
Avoiding landslides and mudslides
• If you are in an area prone to landslides and mudslides (i.e. very steep slopes, canyons, high rainfall zones) be aware of any sudden increase or decrease in water level on a stream or creek that might indicate debris flow upstream.A trickle of flowing mud may precede a larger flow.
• Look for tilted trees, telephone poles, fences, or walls, and for new holes or bare spots on hillsides.
• Listen for rumbling sounds that might indicate an approaching landslide or mudflow
More info is available on Landslides on the CDC website.
Advice for World Nomads Policy Holders
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.
• Keeping an item of comfort nearby, such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material, can often offer comfort in such situations.
• 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.
• Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's policy holders).
When you get out of there or get back home
If you become unwell within 6 weeks of returning with fever, rash, respiratory illness or any other unusual symptoms seek medical attention and tell them that you were recently in a Disaster affected region.
Emergency Assistance numbers for WorldNomads policy holders
Please have your name, location and phone number ready when you call (and policy number if available)
Australian and New Zealand travellers (Specialty Assist for policies purchased on or after 01 Dec 2009):
Email: operations@specialty-assist.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7902 7405
Australian and New Zealand travellers (Mondial Assistance Australia policies purchased prior to Dec 1, 2009):
Email: medicalnotes@mondial-assistance.com.au
Telephone: +61 7 3305 7499 (While overseas, reverse charges)
Telephone: 1300 729 467 (Within Australia)
Telephone: 0800 630 117 (Within New Zealand)
UK travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@specialty-group.com OR assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 845 643 2628
Irish travellers (Specialty Assistance Services):
Email: assistance@mstream.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7902 7403
USA travellers (Access America):
Email: AssistanceGroup@MondialUSA.com
Telephone: +1-877-257-8108 (toll free within US)
Telephone: +1-804-281-5789 (Collect)
Canadian travellers (Mondial Assistance Canada):
Email: nomad.inquiries@mondial-assistance.ca
Telephone: +1-866-759-2892 toll-free from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island or
Telephone: +1-519-342-4947 collect from anywhere else in the world
For all other travellers (ihi Bupa):
Email: emergency@ihi.com
Telephone: +45 33 15 33 00 (not toll free))
Read more from http://WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.