International Education > Archive > Category: Special Reports

100118 – Earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia

October 1, 2018

The International Center wants to offer our deepest sympathy to any of you who are affected by earthquake and tsunami in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.   International SOS recommends to defer all non-essential travel to affected areas in the coming days.  The situation remains fluid and the authorities are currently faced with limitations in fully assessing the extent of the damage and disruption.

Available support resources for enrolled UT Dallas students

  • The International Student Services Office. Their advising staff is available for questions about making emergency trips home or other emergency immigration concerns.  For critical immigration emergency assistance outside of business hours, call the UT Dallas Police at 972 883 2222.
  • The Student Counseling Center.  If you are in need of emotional support, staff from the Student Counseling Center is available during regular business hours, or utilize the after-hours crisis hotline at 972-UTD-TALK (972-883-8255).

If currently on-site on behalf of UT Dallas

If you have not registered your trip in International SOS, do so now

Stay connected and aware of current developments

  • Monitor the media and local developments closely.
  • Follow any instructions or advice issued by the local authorities.
  • Contact your transport operator directly to check whether your service has been affected.
  • Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if a U.S. Citizen.
  • Report with your home country embassy at your destination if not a U.S. Citizen.
  • Expect disruption to essential services such as power and water in the affected areas.
  • Contact your loved ones to let them know you are okay.

Be prepared

  • Anticipate disruption to road journeys and plan them accordingly.
  • Reconfirm the status of routes and feasibility of journeys before travelling.
  • Ensure you cell phone has a full charge as a general precaution.
  • Be prepared to arrange alternate routes and modes of transportation as needed.
  • Check your Personal Emergency Action Plan.
  • Choose safe food and drinking water. Drink only boiled or bottled water, or canned or carbonated beverages.
  • Prevent mosquito bites. Use an effective insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, PMD, or IR3535.
  • To get Travel or Emergency Assistance, call ISOS 24/7 to  +1-215-942-8059.  Identify yourself as a UT Dallas faculty, staff or student.

Before, During, and After

The CDC offers the following advise

  • Earthquakes.  Learn what actions to take that can help you and your family remain safe and healthy in the event of an earthquake.
  • Tsunami.  Learn more about tsunamis and get information about health concerns after a tsunami including food and water safety.
  • Flood Safety Tips.  Protect yourself and your family during and after a flood.

Incidents such as this can shake anyone. If you need emotional support, please don’t hesitate to contact International SOS to request assistance.

If you have updated your travel itinerary, or have not registered it with International SOS, please register your travel itinerary in ISOS now.

After the disaster, if you intend to conduct travel to affected areas

  • Contact International SOS for a pre-travel briefing covering safety preparations and the support required to ensure the trip is feasible.
  • Exercise caution. Travel to the worst-affected areas should be conducted only if you are confident in your journey management planning (vehicle suitability, logistics support, and communications).
  • Follow all directives issued by the local authorities and emergency services in the affected areas.
  • Monitor the travel security alerts for related updates.
  • Choose safe food and drinking water. Drink only boiled or bottled water, or canned or carbonated beverages.
  • Prevent mosquito bites. Use an effective insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, PMD, or IR3535.

Sources

The risk information in this report is retrieved from the listed sources. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed above for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.