Indian Ocean Tourists Evacuated after Earthquake and Tsunami Fear

Tourists are being urged to evacuate coastal resorts around the Indian Ocean amidst fears that an earthquake off the coast of Indonesia.

The earthquake which had a magnitude of 8.6 struck under the sea off Indonesia's northern province of Aceh at 08.38 GMT.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said a tsunami had been generated but its likely impact was not yet clear. It advised national authorities across the Indian Ocean region to "take appropriate action".

Resorts on the south-west coast of Thailand and in the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Indonesia have all been placed on tsunami alert.

In Thailand, the government urged people in the Andaman coastal areas to the south west of the country to evacuate. The region includes several popular resorts, including Phuket and Krabi.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising British nationals in the Indian Ocean region to monitor local media for information and to call home to let relatives know they are safe.

If you are due to travel to the area in the next few days you should contact your tour operator or travel agent for more information.

Travel insurance cover for Earthquakes and Tsunami

At the moment it is unclear what impact the earthquake or Tsunami will have on the Indian Ocean region, however in general if a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or Tsunami, strikes whilst you are away on holiday, you may be covered under the Catastrophe section of your travel insurance policy.

Catastrophe cover is designed to provide cover for additional, irrecoverable travel or accommodation costs if you are forced to move from your pre-paid, pre-booked holiday accommodation (outside of the UK) as a result of unforeseen events such as flood, fire, earthquake, hurricane and medical epidemic.

The cover is intended to enable you to continue your holiday in alternative accommodation, or if that's not possible, return to the UK. Check your travel insurance policy wording for full details.

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