On March 28th at noon local time, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, causing intense shaking felt throughout Thailand and even reaching areas in China.
A sudden shock led to a high-rise building collapsing in Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok, resulting in three fatalities and leaving 81 individuals unaccounted for beneath the debris.
European authorities have revised their travel guidance for visitors heading to Thailand, particularly those planning future trips. Below is essential information regarding security measures and travel insurance requirements.
A state of emergency has been announced in six areas of Myanmar.
The
earthquake
The earthquake, with its epicenter close to the city of Mandalay in Myanmar, led to numerous structures collapsing. Its relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers intensified the effects at ground level.
A 6.4 magnitude aftershock struck approximately 12 minutes after the initial quake near the city, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremors were experienced as distant as Laos, Bangladesh, and China.
Video apparently shot at Mandalay Airport depicts individuals sprinting through corridors filled with dust and clustering on the ground both inside and just outside the facility.
safety
.
In Taungoo city in Myanmar, a partially collapsed mosque resulted in two fatalities, as reported by Reuters.
According to local news sources, at least two individuals have lost their lives and approximately 20 others were wounded following the collapse of a hotel in Aungban, located in the southern part of the nation.
It’s probable that there are numerous additional casualties throughout the nation; however, due to the unstable political climate under military rule, journalists face limited access, making it challenging to confirm reports coming directly from these areas.
The government has announced a state of emergency in six areas across Myanmar.
In Bangkok, the high-rise building that collapsed was still under construction. According to a rescue worker, seven individuals have been discovered alive; however, 81 others remain unaccounted for.
Authorities claim they have received 169 reports of building damages in Thailand’s main city. The location has been designated as a ‘disaster zone’.
Hundreds of residents and
tourists
have been moved onto the streets from tall apartment blocks and hotels, and there are accounts of water spilling out of swimming pools across various areas of the city.
Is traveling to Thailand secure?
Thailand is a popular tourist destination experiencing an increase in visitors following the airing of the HBO series.
The White Lotus
was situated in a countryside resort.
After the
earthquake
Shaken by the events in the capital city of Bangkok, the urban rail and metro systems were briefly halted but are anticipated to restart operations on Saturday.
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport was temporarily closed following the incident but has since resumed operations with normal flight schedules. The country’s other principal airports remain unaffected and continue to function without disruptions.
The local administration has cautioned people to stay away from tall buildings, as they are abundant in the heavily populated urban area.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has revised its travel guidance.
Thailand
.
“If you’re in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities or your tour operator and monitor local media,” it urges travellers.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has raised its safety advisory for Thailand to ‘exercise a high level of caution’.
“We urge citizens to adhere to the guidelines provided by local authorities during emergencies,” it stated.
Additionally, the FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to certain areas in southern regions, unrelated to the earthquake.
Thailand
near the Thailand-Malaysia border.
This encompasses the regions of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces along with the part of Songkhla province located below the A43 highway connecting Hat Yai and Sakon Nakhon, as well as everything south of the railway running from Hat Yai to Padang Besar.
The FCDO likewise recommends avoiding non-essential trips on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train route that passes through these regions. This advisory is issued because of frequent incidents in these locations near the Malaysian border.
Is traveling to Myanmar secure?
The FCDO has released revised
advice for travellers
In Myanmar, it is reported that the epicenter is located in the Sagaing region close to Mandalay; however, other regions might also experience impacts.
Mandalay Airport is said to be closed. Several significant aftershocks might occur.
If you’re nearby or intending to visit, adhere to the guidance provided by local officials and keep an eye on local news outlets.
Will I be insured under my travel policy if I proceed with my journey to Thailand?
The British Foreign Office cautions that traveling against its recommendations might render your travel insurance void. Specifically, this applies when visiting regions where only critical trips are advised.
Since no ‘no-go’ advisory has been issued for the areas impacted by the earthquakes, you won’t be entitled to a refund if you decide to cancel your trip, which is known as ‘loss of desire to travel’.
Reimbursement is only probable if your flight iscancelled.
cancelled
Due to the airline’s actions or because your accommodation has been shut down following an earthquake.
Should you have made arrangements through a travel agent or tour operator, reach out to the company directly for insights into your choices.
“If you’re planning to visit Thailand in the coming days, start by contacting your airline or travel agency. Depending on the situation, certain areas of Thailand might be considered off-limits due to safety concerns; as a result, airlines could decide to cancel flights. However, disruptions are expected to affect only specific locations, so it would largely depend on the particular region you intend to visit,” explains Ernesto Suarez, CEO of travel insurance companies.
Gigasure
.
When disruptions occur due to natural disasters or factors beyond an airline’s control, passengers typically have the option to modify their reservations; however, you might not be eligible for further compensation.
Some insurance policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents travellers from reaching their holiday destination. You should read the terms and conditions carefully and talk to your provider for advice.
