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Guidance

Extreme weather and natural hazards

How to prepare and what to do if you’re affected by extreme weather and natural hazards while travelling or living abroad.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published:
22 March 2013
Last updated:
23 September 2026 — See all updates

About extreme weather and natural hazards abroad

This page has guidance for if you are travelling or living in an area which is prone to extreme weather or may have natural hazards. You may hear the term ‘natural disasters’ to describe these events.

There are many extreme weather events and other natural hazards that might happen around the world.

Some of these events can trigger further hazards, such as landslides after heavy rains, earthquakes or outbreaks of diseases.

Natural hazards and extreme weather events can seriously damage and disrupt a country’s infrastructure, including buildings, roads and bridges, water supplies, power networks, drainage systems and communications. The effects can be more extreme and serious if this infrastructure has not been designed to withstand these events, or to protect you while they are taking place.

Once the event has happened, you should be aware of possible risks relating to damaged buildings or other infrastructure. Be aware that even if the event is far away from where you are, it can still cause disruption, due to loss of power, communications or transport services.

It may take time for airports to re-open and there may be serious shortages of accommodation, food, water and health facilities. It may be harder for you to receive help from humanitarian workers if it is difficult to access the area due to transport infrastructure damage or flooding.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) ability to help British nationals may be limited (sometimes severely) in these circumstances. We cannot ensure your safety and security in another country. The relevant authorities in the country or territory you are in are responsible for your safety and security.

You should:

  • always follow local alerts and emergency advice as soon as they are issued
  • find out more information about natural hazards that can happen in a country on the relevant country’s travel advice pages

What you can do to prepare

It’s sometimes difficult to predict where, when and at what strength an extreme weather event or natural hazard will strike. For example, tropical cyclones can change direction, change speed or rapidly intensify or weaken.

If you’re travelling to, or living in, a region that is commonly affected by extreme weather or natural hazards, stay alert to the risks. You should:

  • make sure you have appropriate travel insurance before any travel
  • find out about local procedures, such as early warning systems and the location of any shelters
  • keep up to date with FCDO travel advice by signing up to receive email alerts
  • read our guidance on what to do if you’re affected by a crisis abroad
  • consider how you, or your travel plans, may be personally affected by an event and what personal preparations you might make
  • ask your tour operator, airline and travel insurance provider what their terms and conditions are if a natural disaster happens before or during your trip

What you should do if you know a natural disaster is coming

If an extreme weather event is forecast to affect the country you’re in, as well as following the advice in this guide for specific hazards you should:

  • follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders
  • evacuate as soon as possible, if evacuation orders are given, and take key documents and necessary medication with you
  • sign up to receive email alerts for FCDO travel advice
  • keep in touch with your travel or tour operator and your hotel (where applicable)
  • monitor local radio, TV and press
  • check in with family and friends in the UK

If you are a humanitarian aid worker travelling to an area affected by natural disaster, read advice for travelling to areas of humanitarian crisis from TravelHealthPro (the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).

Tropical cyclones

Every year, tropical cyclones cause considerable loss of life, do immense damage to property and damage transport, electricity and communication infrastructure. 

Tropical cyclones are low pressure systems that form over tropical or sub-tropical waters and can vary in speed, size and intensity. Most tropical cyclones occur during specific times of the year when ocean and atmospheric conditions are most favourable for their development. 

Highest risk: 

In the northern hemisphere, including the Caribbean, Atlantic and Far East, most tropical cyclones occur from June to November with a peak in September. However, in the western North Pacific it is not unusual to have the occasional tropical cyclone outside of this period. 

In the southern hemisphere, including northern Australia and the southeast African coast, the season usually lasts from November to April. Tropical cyclones occasionally occur in the South Atlantic but this is rare. 

Tropical cyclones can cause: 

  • high winds: buildings can be damaged or destroyed; trees, power and telephone lines fall; flying debris becomes dangerous 
  • storm surges: a tropical cyclone can cause a temporary rise in sea level of several metres which can flood coastal areas and damage buildings on the shoreline 
  • very heavy rainfall: this can cause localised or widespread flooding and mudslides

You may be at risk of drowning during a flood. After a flood, you are at increased risk of water-borne diseases like malaria or typhoid fever. 

In a tropical cyclone, or if one is expected you should:  

  • monitor the progress of approaching tropical cyclones using websites such as the relevant Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMCs) to your area, and local weather and media reports
  • follow local alerts and emergency advice as soon as they are issued
  • evacuate as soon as possible, once you are told to do so, and take key documents and necessary medication with you
  • shelter in a safe building if you are not told to evacuate
  • move to a higher level in the building if your place of shelter starts to flood  
  • if you become trapped, call emergency services or use your phone to alert others where you are

You should not:

  • climb into attic spaces where you could become trapped
  • walk or drive through flood water, even if it looks shallow
  • move through flood water if you are unsure whether it is safe - it may hide other hazards

Find out why tropical cyclones happen and how they are categorised. 

Find out more from:

Read the latest advice on current tropical cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons 

Flooding 

Floods can be caused by heavy rainfall or as the result of a tropical cyclone or tsunami. Heavy rainfall and flooding can cause devastation and loss of life. It can also severely impact transport infrastructure. 

You may be at risk of drowning during the flood. After the flood, you are at increased risk of water-borne diseases like malaria or typhoid fever. 

In a flood, or if one is expected you should:  

  • follow local alerts and emergency advice as soon as they are issued
  • evacuate as soon as possible, if you are told to do so, and take key documents and necessary medication with you
  • shelter in a safe building if you are not told to evacuate 
  • move to a higher level in the building if your place of shelter starts to flood
  • call emergency services if you become trapped or use your phone to alert others where you are

You should not:

  • climb into attic spaces where you could become trapped
  • walk or drive through flood water, even if it looks shallow 
  • move through flood water if you are unsure whether it is safe - it may hide other hazards

Find out more about flooding from:

Earthquakes 

There is a higher risk of earthquakes in certain parts of the world that sit along or near fault lines in the Earth’s crust. Earthquakes can cause loss of life and property, and damage to transport and other infrastructure. 

Impacts from an earthquake depend on several factors, including: 

  • the strength of ground shaking at a given location - this depends on the size of the earthquake (magnitude) and the distance from the source of the earthquake source 
  • how long the ground shakes for 
  • the vulnerability of buildings to shaking - this depends on the type of building, the materials used for construction and if earthquake resistant design regulations exist and have been followed 

Even if you are not near the centre of an earthquake, you may still experience the effects of it.  

If you are in an earthquake prone area, find out what national agencies say about:

  • earthquake activity
  • earthquake hazard and risk
  • what to do in the event of an earthquake

In the event of an earthquake, you should: 

  • drop to the ground on your hands and knees 
  • cover your head and neck 
  • hold on 

If you are inside a building

You should:

  • stay where you are
  • not go outside or change location
  • get under a table if possible
  • stand against an inside wall away from windows if there is no suitable furniture
  • turn to your front if you are in bed, covering your head and neck with a pillow

If you are outside

You should:

  • stay outside
  • try to stay away from buildings, powerlines and trees
  • move to higher ground if you are near the ocean

If you are driving

You should:

  • pull over and stop where it is safe to do so, ideally away from buildings, powerlines and trees
  • not leave the vehicle

Aftershocks

Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow larger earthquakes in the same or surrounding areas. They are common and may be felt for weeks or months after an initial earthquake (mainshock). For large earthquakes, the aftershocks may be large enough to cause damage to buildings and infrastructure. Sometimes earthquakes can be followed by larger ones, though this is relatively rare. 

Follow local advice regarding evacuation or sheltering after an initial earthquake. In the event of an aftershock, carry out the same actions as before: drop, cover, hold. 

More information

Find out more about earthquakes from the:

Volcanic eruptions 

There are many volcanoes located around the world. If a volcano erupts, this can cause loss of life and widespread damage to property, transport and other infrastructure. 

The impact of an eruption depends on many things, including: 

  • how close the volcano is to towns and cities 
  • whether there is any warning of the eruption 
  • the style and size of the eruption 
  • duration of the eruption 
  • weather conditions, such as how wind direction influences ash dispersal and how heavy rain can trigger volcanic mudflows called lahars 

The effects may include: 

  • ash and gas being released into the air, making it harder to see or breathe 
  • contamination of water supplies 
  • disruption to power 
  • triggering of other natural hazards, such as landslides, tsunami, floods or wildfires

Some volcanoes are monitored by volcano observatories and some have volcano alert levels. If you are in an area where there are volcanoes, try to find out what local or national volcano observatories or other agencies advise. They may have information on:

  • current volcanic activity
  • volcanic hazards
  • what to do in an eruption

What to do if a volcano erupts where you are 

You should:

  • follow instructions from local authorities and evacuate immediately if advised 
  • take your passport, key documents, supplies and medication with you 
  • close windows and turn off ventilation systems if you are indoors
  • if you are outside, cover your skin and wear a mask or face covering to protect yourself from ash - cover your eyes with goggles or glasses if possible
  • avoid unnecessary travel through areas affected by ash
  • keep away from rivers and valleys around the volcano

Volcanic ash can also affect travel and may mean: 

  • flights are delayed, rerouted or cancelled because volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines 
  • roads and transport routes are disrupted 

Keep checking official advice before travelling to an airport or transport hub. 

More information

Find out more about volcanoes from:

Tsunamis 

Tsunamis can be very dangerous and when they flood the land, may cause widespread destruction to coastal homes and infrastructure. 

You are at higher risk from a tsunami if you live in a low-lying coastal area or on an island. Areas are generally at greater risk if they are less than seven metres above sea level and within two kilometres of the shoreline. 

The impact of a tsunami depends on: 

  • the tsunami height 
  • how fast the tsunami is moving 
  • how many waves of the tsunami there are 

You may be in danger during the event from drowning, being crushed by debris, or, after the event, when there is an increased risk of water-borne diseases such as malaria or typhoid fever. 

What to do if there is a tsunami 

You should: 

  • move inland or to higher ground immediately 
  • if high ground is not reachable, look for a reinforced concrete or steel reinforced concrete building and get to the fourth floor or higher 
  • not wait for official confirmation or watch what is happening 
  • follow evacuation routes and instructions where they are available 
  • stay in a safe place until you are told it is safe to return 

You may not always receive an official warning. Act immediately if you notice any signs of danger, such as: 

  • a sudden rise or fall in sea level 
  • the sea quickly withdrawing from the shoreline 
  • a sudden loud or strange noise from the sea 
  • feeling a strong earthquake or earthquake tremors near the sea that make it hard to stand up 
  • people or vehicles moving quickly away from the shoreline 

If you notice any of these signs, move to higher ground immediately. Do not wait for an official warning. 

More information

Find out more about tsunamis from the:

Landslides 

A landslide is the mass movement of material, such as earth or debris, down a slope. They can be caused by other natural disasters, including heavy rain and earthquakes, as well as human activity such as deforestation and construction. 

The potential for landslides may be higher if you are in an area where there are: 

  • mountains, coastline or hills - but some landslides can travel a long distance from where they start 
  • periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall, such as the monsoon or typhoons 
  • earthquakes or volcanic activity (unrest or eruption) 
  • slopes which have been altered by construction (road cutting or housing developments) or deforestation 

The impact of a landslide depends on: 

  • the speed and size of the landslide 
  • the type of material involved, such as rock or soil 
  • whether there is any warning before the event 
  • your location in relation to the landslide  

Warning signs

In landslide prone regions, look out for potential warning signs of landslides which include:

  • cracks appearing in buildings or roads
  • falling rocks
  • sudden changes in streams  
  • weather conditions, such as short term very intense rainfall 

Where landslide warning signs are posted, stay vigilant and follow all safety advice.  

What to do if there is a landslide

You should:

  • follow local emergency instructions and evacuation orders 
  • stay away from the affected area until authorities confirm it is safe to return

More information

Find more information about landslides from the British Geological Survey. 

Extreme heat 

Intense heat can be dangerous. The risks include:  

  • dehydration  
  • heat-related illnesses like heatstroke  
  • exacerbating existing health conditions, particularly among older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions 

See TravelHealthPro for more advice when travelling to areas with extreme heat.   

Wildfires 

Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable. They can start easily and spread quickly, particularly during times of extreme heat.   

Prevention

In some countries, open fires and smoking are banned in areas at risk of wildfires. Causing a forest fire can be a criminal offence, even if unintentional. You should: 

  • extinguish cigarette ends properly 
  • not leave empty bottles behind 
  • follow local rules and signs when lighting barbecues - often barbecues are only allowed in designated areas on a concrete base 
  • always douse barbecues with water before leaving 

What to do if there is a wildfire

You should: 

  • move to a safe location away from the fire  
  • call the local emergency services immediately, do not assume someone else has already reported it 
  • wait at a safe, agreed location if requested and provide emergency services with further details
  • not attempt to tackle the fire yourself 
  • not travel to the area of wildfire, as this may slow the emergency response 
  • follow the advice of the local emergency services and local authorities, including any instruction to evacuate or stay indoors with windows closed  

Wildfires often occur during dry periods. The smoke and ash from the fires affect respiratory conditions. If wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in the area where you are staying, keep windows and doors closed.  

If you are trapped by a wildfire, you will not be able to outrun it. Instead, you should: 

  • head for a body of water nearby and safely get into the water 
  • look for shelter in a cleared area among a bed of rocks (if there is no body of water nearby) 
  • lie flat, face down and cover your body with soil 
  • breathe air close to the ground 

More information

For more advice, read about:

If your travel plans include an area at risk from wildfires, contact your travel operator or accommodation provider. 

Further information 

Read further FCDO guidance on:

Find out more about different types of natural disasters from the World Meteorological Organisation.

Learn about areas of humanitarian crisis.

Feedback

We welcome your views on the support we provide, to help us to identify what we do well and what we could do better. Contact us using our feedback contact form.

Alternatively write to us:

Consular Feedback Team
Consular Directorate
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH

Telephone +44 (0)20 7008 5000

Disclaimer

You can read the disclaimer relating to this guidance.

Updates to this page

Published 22 March 2013
Last updated 23 September 2026 Show all updates

  1. New and amended information throughout about extreme weather and natural hazards abroad

  2. Information about extreme heat and preventing wildfires added.

  3. Updated information for if you are travelling or living in an area which is prone to extreme weather or may have natural hazards, how to be prepared and what to do if you’re likely to be affected.

  4. Guidance fully reviewed and updated.

  5. Update to page information/content

  6. Trying to get it to appear live

  7. Corrected Topic and Detailed guidee category fields

  8. First published.

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