Is it safe to travel to Italy? Latest advice following the earthquake and Genoa bridge collapse
Posted By: Newsroom 2 0 Comment Italy, travel
The south of Italy was rocked by a series of earthquakes last night, the strongest of them measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale.
Despite striking in the Molise region on the country's east coast, tremors could be felt in tourist hot spots Rome and Naples.
The natural phenomena comes just days after the Mediterranean country declared a state of emergency following the collapse of a motorway bridge in Genoa which left at least 38 people dead.
Here's what you need to know before you travel to the affected areas.
Foreign Office advice for earthquake
The Foreign Office is yet to issue fresh advice to their travel advice page following the series of earthquakes.
They do, however, provide the following advice should an earthquake occur in the region: "Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line. Minor tremors and earthquakes are a regular occurrence.
"To learn more about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake visit theProtezione Civile website."
Protezione Civile are also yet to issue advice following the tremors in south and central Italy, but have stated "Nobody knows, as it might occur anytime. We know a lot of things about earthquakes, but it is not yet possible to predict when, with which strength and precisely where they will occur. "
What to do in the event of an earthquake?
Should you be caught up in an earthquake, Protezione Civile recommends taking the following action: "[If indoors]Find a shelter under a beam, in the doorway or by a load-bearing wall.
"Watch out for things that could fall and hit you (plaster, ceilings, windows, furniture, etc.).
"Pay attention to the stairs: in general they are not very resistant and can be damaged. Avoid taking the lift."
If you are outside residents should "move away from buildings, trees, lampposts, power lines: you could be struck by vases, tiles and other materials that can fall," according to Protezione Civile.
Affected tourists should also "pay attention to other possible consequences of the earthquake: collapse of bridges, landslides, gas leaks, etc."
In the aftermath of an earthquake Protezione Civile recommends taking the following steps:"Make sure the state of health of the people around you and, if necessary, be the First Aider. Come out with caution, wearing shoes: you may get hurt in the streets with broken glass. If you are in a zone exposed to tsunami risk, move away from the beach and reach a higher place. Limit, as much as possible, the use of the phone. Limit the use of the car to avoid obstructing the passage of emergency vehicles. Reach the waiting areas provided by the Civil Protection Plan of your Municipality.
Genoa travel advice
The collapse of the Ponte Morandi bridge in Genoa on August 14 resulted in the deaths of 38 people, with many people still unaccounted for.
The Foreign Office have yet to issue advice to British tourists visiting Genoa and the Liguria region of Italy.
Flights and cruise ships haven't been disrupted by the catastrophe despite the calling of a state of emergency in the north west region.
The Ponte Morandi linked Genoa with the Italian Riviera and France may cause travel disruption.
Liguria governor Giovanni Toti stated that efforts were being made to offer an alternative to the motorway bridge, but that search and rescue efforts were taking priority.
SOURCE: inews.co.uk
How Google's location-tracking issue affects you
Passion Electrified: 2019 New and Future Cars
17 of the world's most incredible hotel suites
February 3, 2018 Newsroom 2 0
From Yas Island To Downtown: Your Guide To Abu Dhabi's Key Areas
January 17, 2019 Newsroom 2 0
The dream railway holidays that cost less than you think
October 22, 2019 Newsroom 2 0