Travel Security Online 5 May 2015 Special Advisory - Papua New Guinea: East New Britain province: Expect localised disruption following strong earthquake near Kokopo; tsunami threat largely passed There have been no immediate reports of casualties or major damage after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck at 11.44 (local time) on 5 May, 90 miles (140km) south of Kokopo (the capital of East New Britain province). The earthquake, which was originally measured at 7.5 in magnitude, occurred at a depth of six miles (10km). Unconfirmed reports indicate that some damage to infrastructure occurred in Kokopo and that a major landslide in the Vunabakut area (East New Britain) blocked a road; electricity supplies have also been disrupted in Kokopo and Rabaul. Further information on affected areas is still emerging. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) at 13.30 issued a final advisory on the incident, saying ‘the tsunami threat has now largely passed'. According to the Geophysical Observatory located in the capital Port Moresby, some tsunami waves of less than three feet (1 meter) occured in the coastal area of the town of Rabaul (East New Britain), but no flooding or significant damage has so far been reported in the area. Travel Briefing Aftershocks of varying magnitudes are possible in the coming hours and days and these could trigger landslides and falling debris, posing risks to life and property and exacerbating any existing damage in affected areas. At least three aftershocks measuring greater than five in magnitude occurred within an hour of the original earthquake. Members should remain alert to dangers resulting from the structural weakening of buildings and bridges and should not re-enter damaged buildings. Travellers should liaise with local contacts to remain apprised of any affected areas and plan journeys accordingly. Background The earthquake came after at least four strong earthquakes occurred in the region since 30 April. A magnitude 6.8 earthquake on 1 May struck 66 miles (106km) south-south-west of Kokopo, while a magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit on 30 April 96 miles (155km) south of Rabaul; no injuries or damage were reported. Travel Advice Summary Follow all directives issued by the emergency services, especially in coastal areas. Aftershocks could pose risks to life and property and may cause further damage to already weakened structures. Be alert to the dangers posed by structural damage to buildings and bridges; do not re-enter damaged buildings. Localised travel disruption is possible in areas affected by the earthquake. Routes may be blocked by debris or subject to closure by the authorities with little or no notice. Ensure that your vehicle is appropriate for the terrain, and always carry adequate communications systems, full spares, and enough fuel to complete your return journey. Monitor and our travel security alerts for further updates. The above advice is not exhaustive; consult the Standing Travel Advice for Papua New Guinea. Please do not reply to this email. Assistance Centres You can contact the following Assistance Centres: Philadelphia, US: (1) (215) 942 8226 Singapore: (65) 6338 7800 London, UK: (44) (20) 8762 8008 Paris, France: (33) 155 633 155 Dubai, UAE: (971) 4 601 8777 To unsubscribe To unsubscribe, please log on to your membership page, portal or Travel Security Online, your travel security information website provided by the joint venture of International SOS and Control Risks and remove your email registration. Advice provided in this email represents the best judgment of AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. and Control Risks Group Holdings Ltd. Advice in this email does not however provide a warranty of future results nor a guarantee against risk. 2015 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. and Control Risks Group Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction (other than for authorised internal purposes) is prohibited except with the prior written consent of the copyright owners.