Tidal Waves In Asia ISSUED ON 29 DECEMBER 2004 NZT

This travel advice has been revised.

Tidal waves hit southwest Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, The Maldives, Indonesia and Malaysia on 26 December. It is now known that many thousands of people have been killed and there is widespread damage in coastal areas.

The New Zealand Red Cross has set up a New Zealand hotline for people concerned about relatives and friends in the affected area.

Callers in New Zealand should call: 0800 733 276. Callers from outside New Zealand may reach the Red Cross hotline by calling: 00 64 4 495 8111.

We advise that, until further notice, New Zealanders should not travel to the following areas affected by the tidal waves:

Thailand: west coast and islands, and to the south generally. Local infrastructure has been severely damaged. The airport at Phuket and to the southern region is working and New Zealanders concerned about their wellbeing should leave by commercial flights. India: southern and eastern coastal areas of India, in particular the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Sri Lanka: the eastern, southern and south-western coasts have been badly damaged. The airport at the capital, Colombo, is operating and New Zealanders concerned about their wellbeing should leave by commercial flights. The Maldives: avoid all travel. Indonesia: the west coast of northern Sumatra, including Aceh and offshore islands Malaysia: we advise travellers to confirm with authorities that travel to Penang and Langkawi is safe before setting out.

New Zealand embassies in the region together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington are working to account for and provide assistance to New Zealanders affected by the destruction and havoc wrought by the tsunami.

New Zealanders travelling in the region should contact family and friends or the embassies as soon as possible to confirm that they are safe.

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