Thinking about natural disasters might be the least enjoyable thing to do while traveling in West Papua. However, this province is quite prone to earthquakes as it is located between a tectonic plate confluence and several active faults. The expected West Papua earthquake is between small to large magnitudes, with large magnitudes being few.
Knowing a thing or two about earthquake safety is better than getting hurt. At least you can remain calm if this inevitable incident occurs. So, what kind of information should you know and memorize before, during, and after an earthquake? Check out this article if you are going to visit the province’s regions!
What to Prepare for West Papua Earthquake?
There are some preparation if you meet an earthquake when visiting West Papua. Here is the list you can follow:
1. Contact Your Country’s Embassy
Your country’s embassy will help you in case of emergency. So, contact them before you travel to West Papua, Indonesia. They are very likely to help you with an emergency evacuation, provide travel tips and warnings, and tell you how to seek help after the earthquake.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit
This should store your phone, charged power bank, cash, water, food, emergency blankets, light sticks, first-aid kit, a note about your emergency contact, and crucial documents such as identification, passport, and travel insurance policy. Put them in one backpack that you can easily carry anywhere.
3. Know the Area
You can search for information about safe evacuation areas near your lodging. If there is a possibility a tsunami might come, you can search for high ground.
What to Do During an Earthquake?
There is something to do directly when you feel an earthquake. Below is the explanation for you who are either indoor or outdoor:
1. Indoor
If you are inside, pick out the safest spots in your room. You can go underneath a table, bed, or other durable furniture. During the West Papua earthquake, put a pillow, blanket, or anything to cover your head and vital organs and hold tight onto the table.
If you cannot find any safe spot, at least stay away from easily broken types of furniture. You can stand or crouch against a hallway or wall away from windows and shelves.
2. Outdoor
If you are on the beach, mountain, or forest, find an open area and stay away from the slope and coastline. Cover your head and wait for the earthquake and the following aftershocks to pass. If you are inside public places, you can find an emergency exit. Remember to avoid areas near doorways, windows, shelves, glasses, power lines, and elevators.
If you are driving a car, pull over to a safe parking spot away from bridges or buildings that may crumble. Then, fasten your seat belt and hold onto the handle. Turn the radio on and listen for further instructions from rescue teams or officials in charge.
What to Do After an Earthquake?
You can do the following actions after the tremors, or the aftershocks have stopped:
- After listening to further instructions from the officials in charge, move to the nearby evacuation area or open area while carrying your emergency kit.
- Update your current condition on social media, to your emergency contacts, and to your embassy.
- Tend to your injuries. If you do not have any, help other people who are injured or trapped.
- If you happen to be near a kitchen, turn off the stove and gas. Do not light up a candle, for it can cause a fire if there is a gas leak.
- If you are trapped, do not move recklessly. Save your energy and call for help. While waiting for the rescue team, converse your water and food because you do not know when they will arrive.
West Papua Earthquake is an unpredictable natural disaster. Thus, it is in your best interest to know and understand basic earthquake safety as a preventive measure.