Although rare, natural disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. Be informed, have a plan, and prepare for natural disasters abroad.
Traveling amid Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are often unforeseen, and you may have little advance warning. These events take many forms, ranging from hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions to tornadoes, wildfires, severe weather (heat, winter storms), floods, and landslides or mudslides.
Travel to locations where natural disasters are a risk requires extensive research, planning, and preparation. The video and resources below can help you start the process.
"Always be ready for disasters or emergencies even if you don't think they will happen to you! No one expects an earthquake to happen to them but once it does it saves you a lot of stress to know how to handle the situations and to know what resources are available to you.”
– Harvard undergraduate student
Resources
Review the CDC's information and preparedness resources for natural disasters and severe weather.
Download the Overseas Security Advisory Council's (OSAC) personal readiness and emergency preparedness guide.
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) provides alerts, assessments, and an interactive map of recent disasters.
Review the U.S. State Department's advice and information about what it can and cannot do following an international emergency.
Download the International SOS Assistance App and log in with your HarvardKey for easy access to destination guides and alerts, chat and check-in features, and one-touch dialing for routine advice and emergency support.
Talk with Us
We also encourage you to meet with a member of our International Safety & Security team to discuss your travel and receive feedback on your plans. Challenging environments can be rewarding, but you should always prioritize your safety and well-being.
In an Emergency
Remember, if you need medical, mental health, or security advice and evacuation support while overseas, call International SOS at +1-617-998-0000 or connect through the Assistance App. And don't forget to register your trip.