What to Do If a Natural Disaster or Disease Outbreak Hits While You're Traveling

Most trips go smoothly. But every so often, an earthquake strikes, a cyclone forms offshore, or health authorities announce an outbreak in the region you're visiting.

In those moments, being far from home makes everything harder. You don't know the local systems, the language may be unfamiliar, and the news is moving fast.

The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. This guide covers what to do before you leave, what to do in the first hours of an event, and where to find reliable information when it matters.

Before you go: the preparation that matters most

Most of what helps in an emergency has to happen before the emergency.

• Check the hazards for your destination. Some regions are prone to earthquakes, cyclones, flooding, volcanic activity, or wildfires. Knowing the risks lets you plan for the season and location.
• Check for health notices. Look at your health agency's travel notices for your destination, such as the CDC for US travelers, and the WHO's Disease Outbreak News for global announcements.
• Save your emergency information offline. Write down or screenshot the local emergency number, your accommodation's address in the local language, and your embassy's contact details. Phones die and networks overload.
• Register your trip with your government if it offers it. US citizens can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). UK travelers can sign up for email updates to the FCDO's travel advice for their destination. Both help you receive official alerts.
• Read your insurance policy. Check whether it covers cancellations, medical care, and evacuation related to natural disasters or outbreaks, and keep the policy number and emergency line handy.
• Keep copies of key documents. Store digital copies of your passport, visas, insurance, and itinerary somewhere you can access without your phone.

For a full list, see our Pre-Trip Travel Safety Checklist.

If a natural disaster happens

Every disaster is different, and local authorities know the situation best. Their instructions override any general advice. With that in mind, these principles apply almost everywhere.

1. Get to safety first.

• During an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on. Stay away from windows and heavy objects that could fall. Once shaking stops, move to open ground if it's safe, and expect aftershocks.
• If you're near the coast and feel strong or prolonged shaking, or hear an official tsunami warning, move to higher ground right away rather than waiting for confirmation.
• For cyclones, floods, and wildfires, follow evacuation orders promptly. Leaving early is almost always safer than leaving late.

2. Follow local officials and official sources. Local civil protection agencies, national weather services, and geological surveys publish the most reliable information. Social media can be useful but is full of rumors during a crisis.

3. Tell people you're okay. Contact family or friends as soon as it's safe. Short text messages and messaging apps often work better than calls when networks are congested. Agree on one person who relays updates to everyone else.

4. Contact your embassy if you need help. Embassies can help with emergency communication, lost passports, and in serious situations, information about departure options. They can't fix everything, so it helps to know the limits. Read What Your Embassy Can and Can't Do for You Abroad.

5. Keep essentials with you. Passport, phone, charger or power bank, cash, medications, and water. If you may need to leave quickly, keep a small bag ready.

6. Talk to your accommodation. Hotels and hosts often know local procedures, shelters, and evacuation routes, and they may be your best source of real-time information.

If a disease outbreak is announced

Outbreak news can sound alarming, but the risk to travelers varies enormously by disease, location, and activity. A health notice for one region doesn't mean the whole country is affected.

1. Find out what the authorities actually say. Look at the notice from your health agency and the WHO. They explain which areas are affected, how the disease spreads, and what precautions are recommended.

2. Take the precautions that match how it spreads. Depending on the disease, this might mean mosquito protection, safe food and water habits, hand hygiene, avoiding contact with animals, or vaccination. Follow the specific guidance rather than generic advice.

3. Know the symptoms and when to seek care. If you develop symptoms during or after your trip, get medical care and tell the provider where you've traveled. Don't wait.

4. Check entry and exit rules. Outbreaks can lead to health screening, vaccination requirements, or temporary restrictions. Rules can change quickly, so check official sources for your destination and your connecting countries.

5. Review your insurance and bookings. Contact your insurer and airline to understand your options before making changes.

Where to find reliable information

• Government travel advisories. Your country's advisory, and others, such as the US State Department and the UK FCDO, show the risk level and often mention ongoing events. See Travel Advisory Levels Explained.
• Geological and weather agencies. Services like USGS for earthquakes and national weather services for storms.
• Global monitoring systems. The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) tracks cyclones, floods, volcanoes, and other major events worldwide.
• Health agencies. The CDC's travel health notices and the WHO's Disease Outbreak News.
• Local authorities and your accommodation. Often the fastest source of on-the-ground instructions.

How Farhaven helps

Checking all of these sources during a stressful event is hard. Farhaven brings them together by destination, so you can see natural hazard alerts and health notices for the places you're visiting in one place, alongside emergency numbers, embassy details, and a way to find medical help near you.

You can also save upcoming trips and get alerts for those destinations before you arrive, so you're not hearing about an issue for the first time at the airport.

A note on what it is and isn't: Farhaven helps you stay informed using official sources. It can't predict events, guarantee your safety, or replace instructions from local authorities. In an emergency, always follow local officials and contact emergency services.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first if an earthquake hits while I'm abroad?

Protect yourself first: drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you're near the coast, move to higher ground after strong shaking. Then follow local official guidance and let your family know you're safe.

How do I find out about natural disasters before I travel?

Check your government's travel advisory, regional hazard information, and weather and geological agency alerts for your dates. Apps that bring these together can save time.

Should I cancel my trip if there's a disease outbreak?

It depends on the disease, location, and your own health and circumstances. Check the official health notice for your destination and talk to a doctor or travel health clinic if you're unsure.

Will my embassy evacuate me?

Embassies generally provide information and limited assistance, and evacuation is not guaranteed. Having your own plan, documents, and insurance matters.

Where does Farhaven get its alerts?

From official and public sources, including the US State Department, the UK FCDO, the CDC, the WHO, USGS, and GDACS.

Where can I get Farhaven?

Farhaven is available now on iPhone and Android: download it on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

Get Farhaven

Download Farhaven on the App Store or Google Play to get alerts for your upcoming trips.