Embassy help in a natural disaster

Earthquakes are not uncommon in Bosnia and Herzegovina and small tremors are recorded throughout the year.

The most recent tremor occurred on 31 March 2009 centred near Sarajevo. It measured 3.8 on the Richter Scale, but there were no casualties or significant damage. However, there have been two major earthquakes in Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent years. The first in the region of Sarajevo in 1962. The epicentre was at the Treskavica Mountain, some 30km south of the city centre.  The magnitude was 6.2 on the Richter Scale. The second major earthquake happened in 1969 in Banja Luka. This measured  a magnitude of 6.4. Both of these events caused a number of deaths and significant damage to property.  

The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina is responsible for assisting foreign nationals immediately after a major earthquake or serious natural disaster. It is important to co-operate with the authorities.

Despite much research and speculation, nobody can predict when or where a large earthquake might occur, but there are things you can do to be ready. These can make the difference between life and death.

In the event of a major earthquake we will try to locate British nationals affected by the disaster and check on their condition. Please note, however, that the Embassy may also be severely affected by an earthquake and may not be in a position to offer immediate assistance. Local infrastructure including roads, phone systems and hospitals are also likely to be affected.

We recommend that you make preparations at home and at the office to help you survive an earthquake. We have gathered the following information and advice from several independent sources, including

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/
http://www.reynolds-international.co.uk/

Other sources of information are available. We strongly recommend that you do your own research based on your family and other circumstances.