Tsunami Update | Various News from PATA Members and Contacts | 29 DEC 2004

(All dates/times indicated are Bangkok time, unless otherwise indicated)

Destinations listed in alphabetical order. Latest news for each affected destination is pasted into the top of that destination’s section i.e. news for each destination is presented in reverse chronological order.

INDIA

Somatheeram and other Beaches in Trivandrum - Very Safe Destination

Please be informed that all beaches in Trivandrum (Chowara Beach Somatheeram, Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, etc.) are very safe and not affected by the tidal wave (Tsunami) due to the earthquake. No tourists or tourist destination has been affected. All the guests in this area are very safe and comfortable.

Trivandrum District (entire coastal line) & Backwaters are not facing any threat. The backwater is also not affected by the tidal wave. Guests in houseboats are very safe.

Kindly inform all your clients and their kin, who are staying at Somatheeram or about to arrive at Somatheeram that the coastal belt of Trivandrum is very safe destination and not facing any risk. They can come and stay with us with utmost comfort.

Experts from the meteorological department are confident in their assessment that there is no chance of any aftershock in the coastal areas of Kerala. If you need any further clarification/assistance please feel free to contact us.

Source: Subhash C Bose, Manager Operations, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort -- [email protected] Date: Dec 29, 1605hrs

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India was among the countries hit by tsunamis (tidal waves) caused by a massive undersea earthquake (8.9 on the Richter scale) just off the northwest coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Coastal areas on the Eastern Coast of South India in the States of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, have been affected. Other regions of these states (including the backwaters of Kerala) are unaffected, as are the other states in India, including Goa. All rail, road and air connections to tourism sites in India are normal.

Rescue and relief operations have been launched by Central and State Governments, with the help of the Army, Indian Air Force, local administration officials, volunteers and international agencies. Food, blankets, medicines are being rushed to the affected areas. Water levels have receded in many places in the low-lying areas of coastal Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, helping speed up relief operations.

Status reports on the effect of Tsunami on the coastal region of India are available on our website - www.incredibleindia.org.

Source: Dept of Tourism, Govt of India
Date: December 28, 2200hrs

MALDIVES

First Phase of the initial assessment of the tourism industry of Maldives completed The initial assessment of the tourism industry of Maldives after the flooding as a result of the earthquake off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, on December 26, 2004 has been completed.

In the aftermath of this disaster, three tourist fatalities were unfortunately encountered, while some others sustained minor injuries. Maldives being a dive destination is yet fortunate that no divers faced any fatal injuries during the incident. The results of the resorts assessment indicate that out of the 87 resorts, 55 are fully operational, 13 are semi-operational and 19 are un-operational at this moment in time.

The semi-operational resorts have varying degrees of damage and require minor renovation work but are operational. The status of these “semi-operational” resorts are expected to be upgraded to the “fully operational” status within the coming weeks if not days as they repair the damages.

The un-operational resorts have sustained major damage which may require weeks to repair. Out of which six resorts are expected to take a few months for restoration and be fully operational.

The after effects of the Tsunami are not so severe on the tourism industry of the Maldives because each resort in the Maldives has its own infrastructure: the island’s own power supply, sewerage system, water supply and other support facilities. Because of this, the risk that may usually be associated with these types of disasters such as electrical accidents, water contamination, and epidemics are negligible. Further more due to the resort islands flatness and the sand quality, the floods receded reasonably quickly.

We shall continue assessing the resorts and with time we shall be making adjustments to the figures as resorts get repaired and operational and we will be updating that information on our website .

Source: eTN TravelWireNews
Date: Dec 29, 1323hrs

SEYCHELLES

Following Sunday's unexpected oceanic movements, and tidal surges, we are most pleased to announce that Seychelles has not experienced a considerable amount of damage as previously foreseen.

Despite damage to some of the roads such as on the highway, which extends from the town of Victoria, to the international airport, and some roads, in the western part of Mahe, and Eastern part of Mahe. Alternative routes have been identified to allow the ease of traffic and transfers to and from these areas.

There has not been any major effects to the beaches of Seychelles. Debris which had been washed up by the tide, is slowly being washed away, and there have not been any reports of erosion or damage to the main beaches.

We are also pleased to say that International flights, to and from Seychelles remain as scheduled, and domestic flights also continue their regular flights.

Ferry service between Mahe and Praslin , resume as normal with Cat Cocos ferry, as well as the ferry transfer between Praslin and La Digue is also back in operation. Further to the updates which have been sent yesterday, note that three properties, on Praslin, which have been majorly affected, which include La Reserve, Paradise Sun and Cote D'Or Lodge, are now both closed until further notice.

Clients which have been staying at these properties, have been reallocated to other hotels on Praslin, and in some cases on Mahe.

Few more properties, have reported damage as follows:

• L'Habitation Cerf - despite high tidal waves, and having the lower rooms and main building flooded on Sunday, L'Habitation cerf, is pleased to anounce that they are now fully functionable , exept for water supply. The hotel is providing clients, with what ever water which they might require until the water supply is connected again by the PUC.
• Blue Lagoon - hotel has been severely hit by the tidal waves, sea water flooding the chalets closest to the main road. They are in the procees of cleaning the chalets, and are expecting to have most of the chalets cleaned by the end of the week. The hotel management have advised that clients have been reallocated, by the hotel accordingly.
• Casuarina Beach - the hotel did receive some of the waves, with the main building flooded, and some of the rooms, also flooded with water. However, with a very quick reaction from the staff, the hotel has been cleaned, up and is currently fully operational.

Source: Mrs Heidi Madeleine [email protected]
Date: Dec 29, 1530hrs

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Kindly find below short update on the individual hotels on Praslin and La Digue, which are mainly on the coastline, as well as some of the island resorts.

Praslin Island

• La Reserve - All the rooms have been flooded and are reported to be full of dead fish and sand. There are no computers , or fax machines operational.The kitchen , restuarnt and main buildings have been affecvted including all furnishings, and food stores. The hotel is now closed, and clients have been reallocated to other hotels on the island. We will be sending out individual updates with regards to where your clients have been reallocated.
• Paradise Sun - as of this morning, Paradise Sun, has advised that they are now closing the hotel, and all new bookings will have to be reallocated. Masons Travel is looking at the possibilities of reallocating your clients which have been booked at this hotel, and we will advise accordingly where clients will be reallocated
• Acajou - no damage has been reported. The sea level did not reach the rooms or main hotel structues. The pool bar has temporarily been closed for clean up of sand and debris which had been swept up by the waves.
• New Emerald Cove - The hotel did not have any effects from the tidal waves, expect for their floating jetty which had been dislodged and swept away. They are looking to have this repaired in the next few days.
• Cafes des Arts - beach rooms have been flooded, clients have been relocated to Le Duc. Clients who will be arriving today, will be reallocated to other hotels.
• Le Duc Du Praslin - has not been affected by the tides, but are now fully booked with reallocation of clients from other hotels, and their normal bookings.
• Berjaya Praslin Beach - waves has damged their pizzaria, which is located near to the beach, however the main hotel buildings and the rooms have not been affected.
• Les Villa D'Or - waves have not damaged any of the main buildings or rooms. There is some debis and sand in the gardens, which the hotel management are in the process of having cleaned.
• Cote D'Or Lodge - hotel has been closed completely, due to the tides having effected the rooms as well as the main building. The clients have been relocated to other hotels on the island.
• L'Archipel - the hotel has not been affected by the hotel , but hotel is now fully booked due to reallocation of other clients.
• La Vanille - The hotel has only been slightly damaged on the terrace, but clients are having their meals in the mail restaurant. No other effects have been done to the hotel.
• Chalets Cote Mer - hotel has not been affected and all is ok
• Coco de Mer - hotel has not been affected, however they are fully booked due to reallocations of clients and their normal season bookings.
• Indian Ocean Lodge - waves have damaged the restaurant, but the main hotel building and the rooms are fine
• Lemuria Resort - Hotel had not been affected.
• Le Tropic Villa - The hotel has not been affected by the tides.
• Maisons des Palmes - The hotel has not been affected by the tides
• Marechiaro - The hotel has not been affected by the tides
• Palm Beach - The hotel has been flooded, but there has been no structural damage. All the rooms on the ground floor have been flooded. Clients have been reallocated to the upper rooms and a make shift restaurant has been prepared on the upper floor.
• Beach Villa & Amite - Beach Villa has been affected by the waves, with majority of all the rooms flooded. Clients have been moved to stay in the owners home. They are in the process of cleaning the hotel. The Amite Chalets have not been so greatly affected.
• Villa de Mer - The tides have affected the beach restaurant. They have now moved the restaurant into part of the reception. The rooms are intact and have not been affected. General cleaning on the beach restaurant and garden areas is taking place.
• Islanders Guesthouse - The rooms and main buildings are intact , althrough the gardens are dirty with sand and debris.

La Digue Island

• La Digue Lodge - There had been no high level of water experienced. The beach is clean and no major problems were experienced
• Patatran - No problems at all at the hotel have been reported. The water did not come up as high to the road
• L' Ocean - There are no problems at all at the hotel as water did not come up to the road.
• Paradise Flycathcer - There have been no problems at all at the hotel as water did not come up to the road

Other Islands:

• Other islands including Bird Island, Denis Island, Alphonse & Desroches, have not experienced any damages and are operating as normal
• Cerf Island Marine Park - Slight damage to the jetty and to one of the boat. The hotel itself has not been affected.
• Sainte Anne - The hotel has not been affected, all is ok
• North Island - The hotel has not been affected by the tides, all is ok
• Cousine Island - The hotel has not been affected.

Also note that ferry has begun to operate between Praslin and La Digue. This however, is not as per normal schedule but dependent on the tides. The Cat Cocos ferry from Mahe to Praslin, is now also operating with ferry leaving Mahe at 1200hrs and 1600hrs, and departing from Praslin at 1330hrs and 1730hrs. The Cat Coco schedule is expected to be back to normal by tomorrow.

Source: Mrs Heidi Madeleine [email protected]
Date: Dec 28, 1730hrs

SRI LANKA

In Sri Lanka, from what we know the following areas are affected: *The West coast areas southwards of Kalutara, *The Southern Coast of the Island - Galle, Matara, etc *The East coast past Trincomallee and up to Jaffna.

* The West Coast beaches above Colombo like Negombo are relatively unaffected. * Plus the inland areas like the Cultural Triangle (Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, etc) are not at all affected.

It is important that PATA sends a message to the world, that Tourism to unaffected regions of these countries must continue, since at a time like this the last thing our countries need is an economic downturn.

Source: Lalin Jinasena, General Manager, Jinasena Group of Companies
Date: Dec 29, 0905

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The Galle Face Hotel has not been affected by the recent tidal wave.

Source: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Date: Dec 29, 0904hrs

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Situation update at Jetwing Hotels as at 28th December 2004 We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all families affected by this great tragedy

The Beach, Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel, Seashells Hotel, Ayurveda Pavilions and Sea Garden Hotel are fully operational.

The Lighthouse Hotel and Spa and Tropical Villas are also operational. However, the route to the hotel is through the interior of Sri Lanka since most areas in the coastal belt are still flooded

The ground floor of The Blue Water was slightly affected. The restaurant and the bar will not be in operation for the next one month. All other service areas are functioning and the hotel will take in guests from the 30th of December 2004, once the pool has been cleaned.

Yala Safari Game Lodge has been the most affected out of all the Jetwing Hotels. We also have had loss of life and the property has been severely damaged beyond repair.

Clients willing to travel in the round tour circuits will not have any problems, as there has not been any impact from this calamity to those areas.

There has been no disruption to the Colombo International Airport and all scheduled flights are operating as normal.

A Jetwing Relief Fund Account has been opened at the Sampath Bank Ltd., Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2. The Account No. is 0009 6000 0749. Your generous contribution is greatly appreciated.

Source: John Sharpe [[email protected]]
Date: Dec 29, 0010hrs

TANZANIA

Ten people confirmed killed by tsunami strike on Tanzanian coast

By Apolinari Tairo
eTN Tanzania
[email protected]

AT least 10 people, most youths, are now confirmed dead, while three others are unconsciously admitted in a Tanzanian hospital after the Boxing Day's fatal tsunami strike.

The victims who were knocked by killer waves that struck almost the whole of the eastern coast of the Indian Ocean, have been confirmed dead by Tanzanian security and medical authorities in the capital city of Dar es Salaam and had their names released to the public on Monday evening.

The Dar es Salaam area Police Commander Mr. Alfred Tibaigana said the people were killed while swimming in popular beach sites of Jangwani, Cine Club and Mikadi always flocked with thousands of people including foreign tourists spending their week-ends and holidays.

Mr. Tibaigana said strong security has been beefed up on the Tanzanian coastal beaches. Other than deaths, the strong tidal waves caused a standstill at the busiest port of Dar es Salaam, forcing the ships to pull out from the berths.

Two tankers - MV High Sprit and MV Meisa were drifted away by the unusual, strong waves after their mooring ropes broke at the time their automatic valves were open ready to discharge the crude oil to a pipeline and later caused a spill-off in the port area.

Police patrols have been launched on the Tanzanian coastal zone to beef up security and rescue services on tourist beach sites in case of another tsunami strike. In the famous tourist island of Zanzibar - about 40 nautical miles off the capital of Dar es Salaam, all beach sites were sealed-off, the authorities there warned the people to keep away from the beaches until further notice.

Five tourist beach villages in Zanzibar were partly over-flooded and forced authorities there to issue a notice to caution sea vessels and beach holiday makers of possible dangers ahead.

Two people died on Kenyan coastal beaches of Malindi - a small, historical and tourist town, famous for its beautiful beaches. At least, 10,000 local and foreign tourists were evacuated from cruise ships and other beach resorts in the coastal city of Mombasa, and the Kenyan minister for Environment Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka said the Kenyan marine forces were set in full alert.

On the Horn of Africa - 16 people were confirmed dead in Somalia, nine were reported dead in Somali's north-eastern coastal town of Kabaal and six in Elmaan town.

United Nations (UN) humanitarian officials, European and American diplomats in both Tanzania and Kenya fear the Somali death toll could stand between 38 and 62 people, or even more. Somalia has no central government in power or security authorities in place to deal with disasters and information flow.

Somalia's geographical location could have attracted turbulent swells in Puntland region located in a "V - shaped" slab of the northeast Africa with coasts on both the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, and it could be the most tsunami affected country far away from the South Eastern Asia.

Source: eTN Tanzania
Date: Dec 29, 0010hrs

THAILAND

We regret to inform you that the Amari Coral Beach Resort in Phuket sustained damage in the recent tsunami, which hit Phuket. Areas affected include the rooms on lower floors, the Rim Talay Restaurant and the La Gritta Restaurant.

After assessing the extent of the repairs required, we can advise that the resort will be closed until the 1st April.

Please note that none of our other properties received any damage, and our beach resorts in Pattaya, Samui, Koh Chang and Trang are operating normally with full facilities and activities.

Source: Amari
Date: Dec 29, 1811hrs

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Accommodation Damage Assessment by Asian Trails

PHUKET / KOH YAO

• Allamanda Laguna Phuket: OK
• Amari Coral Beach Resort Phuket: has been hit and sustained damage, hotel will be closed for renovation
• Andaman Beach Suites: NOT affected
• Andaman Cannacia Phuket: OK
• Andaman White Beach: still operational, not seriously damaged
• Banthai Beach: closed until 03 January
• Banyan Tree: still operational, not seriously damaged
• Burasari: closed until further notice
• Central Karon Village: NOT affected
• Central Waterfront Suites: NOT affected
• Chedi Phuket: Beachfront cottages, Deluxe Category Cottages and the Beach Restaurant are badly damaged. It will take a couple of months to put them back to order. They still accommodate guests in all other categories.
• Club Andaman: still operational, some cottages were damaged but they expect that they will be renovated in the next 3-4 weeks
• Diamond Cottage Resort & Spa: OK
• Dusit Laguna: in general operational, but pool and 1 restaurant are damaged, they don’t know yet how long renovation will take exactly, beach ist sill OK
• Evason Phuket: operational, only the pier and dive shop have been damaged. Full service to Bon Island will be resumed tomorrow (29 December).
• Holiday Inn Phuket: affected (Main Wing, Ground Floor damaged), Asian Trails/Kuoni office has been damaged. No electricity at the moment.
• Horizon Beach Patong: damaged, can’t operate
• Icon Hotel Phuket: OK
• JW Marriott Phuket: Swimming Pools, Pool Bars and the Beach Front Seafood restaurant will be temporarily closed and are expected to reopen by 31 December. The resort is operating under full power and is equipped with fresh water. F&B facilities are open and available to all guests. The JW Marriott Phuket were extremely helpful giving assistance to tourists in transit to the airport and to Help centers. Thank you!
• Kamala Bay: unable to operate, lobby and restaurants are damaged
• Karona Resort & Spa: OK
• Karon Sea Sands Resort: NOT affected
• Kata Beach Resort: Swimming pool is temporarily closed for renovation. Nothing else has been damaged
• Katathani: Thani Wing: some of the ground floor rooms, garden, swimming pools and restaurant are affected. They still accommodate guests in the other rooms. Bhuri Wing: has not been affected
• Laguna Beach Resort: NOT affected
• Leelawadee Phuket: some damages in the lobby, other floors are OK
• Mangosteen Phuket: OK
• Marina Phuket: OK
• Meridien Phuket: will be completely closed until 31 December 2004. They don’t accept any arrivals from now until further notice
• Novotel Coralia Phuket: NOT affected
• Paradise Koh Yao: not affected at all, NO damages
• Patong Beach Hotel: Banana Restaurant / Lobby / Swimming Pool affected, hotel closed until further notice
• Patong Lodge Hotel: NOT affected
• Patong Merlin: closed
• Pearl Village: not seriously damaged, still operational
• Phuket Arcadia: NOT affected
• Phuket Orchid: NOT affected
• Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club: in general OK, just some damages in lower areas
• Rydges Amora Beach Resort: OK
• Sheraton Grande Laguna: 6 Ground Floor Ocean rooms are affected, they are closed until further notice due to water damage. Chao Lai, their Thai Restaurant, will be closed until 31 January for cleaning. They have made arrangements for Market Place restaurants to offer their Thai menu on a daily basis effective immediately. The beach area is undergoing extensive cleaning and will return to full operation on Tuesday, 28 December . All buildings are completely safe and not at risk.
• Thara Patong: OK
• Trisara Resort Phuket: hotel facilities suffered only minor damage to the main beach pool, a few beachside sundeck lounges were washed away to the sea, decorative jars broken. Restaurants, Bar, Kitchen and all Pool Villas are UNAFFECTED. The main beach pool is expected to become operational in about a week
• Twinpalms Phuket: all systems except telephone and fax are OK. Temporary phone and fax number: +66 76 271 612

KOH LANTA

• Pimalai Resort & Spa: has some damages at Beach Restaurant and Villas near the beach
• Royal Lanta Resort: 25% damaged, swimming pool and part of the restaurant, they are still able to accommodate guests
• Twin Bay Resort Koh Lanta: 100% damaged, closed until the end of 2005

PHI PHI ISLAND

• Phi Phi Island Village: still running their business as usual
• Most other properties are damaged

KHAO LAK / KHAO SOK

• Khao Lak Merlin: damaged
• Khao Lak Paradise: villas are gone.....
• Khao Lak Resort: damaged (at least the lower floor)
• Khao Lak Seaview: damaged
• Khao Sok Riverside Lodge: NOT affected
• Khao Lak Wanaburee Resort:
• Le Meridien Khao Lak: the lower part is gone, especially the villas. Closed until further notice
• Mukdara Khao Lak: closed until further notice
• Sofitel Magic Lagoon: badly damaged
• Theptharo: badly damaged

KRABI

• Aonang Villa: fully operational
• Best Western Aonang Bay Resort: NOT affected
• Emerald Garden Krabi: NOT affected
• Krabi Seaview Resort: NO damage
• Phulay Beach Resort: NO damage
• Tubkaak: NOT affected
• Rayavadee: damaged
• Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort: NOT affected

KOH RACHA

• The Racha: not operational as they don’t have fresh water and rooms close to the beach have been damaged

Source: Asian Trails
Date: Dec 28, 2310hrs