If you are traveling to a tropical destination, especially in Southeast Asia, earthquakes might be one of your primary concerns. Bali, Flores, Sumba and many other top destinations sit directly on active tectonic belts, making earthquakes expected.
While the infrastructure on these islands are prepared to endure earthquakes, most still wonder a key question: “What should I do if an earthquake occurs during my trip?” We prepared this article to answer this question so you can have your vacation with complete ease of mind and know what to do when there is an earthquake on your trip.
How Likely Is an Earthquake During My Trip?
The short answer is: not very likely, but the odds aren’t zero.
Traveling to a tropical paradise like Sumba, Bali or Flores offers breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable adventures. However, these islands sit directly along active plate subducts and are prone to occasional seismic activity.
Sumba experiences roughly 1 to 5 earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or higher each year. Bali, which is more seismically active, sees about 3 to 8 per year. So, on a trip to Sumba, your likelihood of experiencing a serious shaking is quite low.
Earthquake Action List: Step by Step
Whereas an earthquake is highly unlikely during your trip, the odds are never zero. If you happen to find yourself in the middle of an earthquake during a trip to Indonesia, the following steps must be your action list. Most of these steps are universal, so, you don’t need to be on a trip to follow this list.
Step One: Immediate Action Indoors vs. Outdoors
When an earthquake strikes, every second matters. Your response will depend entirely on where you are when the ground begins to move.
If You Are Indoors
Drop immediately to your hands and knees; this will prevent being thrown down by violent shaking.
Cover your head and neck under a heavy, sturdy piece of furniture (a solid table or desk are the best choices here).
Stay far away from glass windows, dangling light fixtures, or heavy wardrobes that could tip over.
Hold onto your shelter until all shaking completely stops.
Do not run outside while a building is actively shaking, as falling debris poses a severe hazard.
If You Are Outdoors
Move directly into clear, open spaces far away from buildings, brick walls, power lines, and large trees.
If you are operating a motor vehicle, safely pull over to an open area (such as a park) and remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking subsides.
Step Two: Avoid Tsunami Danger
Regions featuring coastal geography carry an added risk following a heavy seismic event. If you experience an earthquake on or near a beach where the shaking lasts 20 seconds or longer, do not wait for an official government broadcast warning.
Time is your most critical asset. Run or walk rapidly inland (at least 2 to 3 kilometers). Alternatively, head straight to elevated terrain that is at least 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level. Once you are at a safe spot, away from the shore, check the official sources to see if there is a tsunami alert.
Step Three: Post-Earthquake Safety and Health Assessment
Even if the initial shaking stops, the danger does not entirely pass. Here are four key ways to stay safe after an earthquake:
- Check yourself and those around you for any physical injury. You might need to apply basic first aid, if necessary.
- If you are inside a building, look out for structural cracks, downed electrical lines, or broken utilities. If you smell a gas leak, open windows and leave the structure immediately.
- Use SMS or text messaging rather than voice calls to communicate with loved ones or tour operators. Local cellular towers will face severe network overloads during emergencies. Furthermore, if you need to tell anyone about your location, sending a text message is the most solid way.
- Multiple, rolling aftershocks frequently follow a primary earthquake event. Leave the building immediately, stay vigilant and avoid re-entering damaged buildings.
Step Four: Contact Your Tour Operator or Host Immediately
Unlike major metropolitan cities with globally designated permanent assembly spots, destinations like Sumba manage evacuations dynamically through local authorities. The easiest way to be informed about what to do is to contact your tour operator or accommodation host. Contact them immediately once you are in safety to learn about the further steps.
Step Five: Follow the Instructions from Local Officials
Emergency responses, temporary shelters, and evacuation pathways are coordinated on the ground by Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah (BPBD), the regional disaster management agency, and the national meteorological center, BMGK.
During a serious threat, local officials and community safety networks will direct you to move out of coastal valleys toward designated open high grounds inland. Local government centers, sports fields, and elevated open public plazas are typically converted into makeshift safe zones.