The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the difficulties of traveling in and around the areas of Sikkim and northern West Bengal in India, the western areas of Bhutan, and the eastern areas of Nepal, all of which suffered damage from the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred on September 18, 2011.
Media and government reports indicate the quake caused a significant number of injuries and deaths, destroyed roads and buildings, and created landslide conditions. Furthermore, meteorological forecasts predict weather that could hamper rescue efforts and impede safe travel. Infrastructure damage and downed communication links warrant extra precautions by U.S. citizens. Those traveling in these areas should consider emergency preparedness, including the availability of reliable sources of food, water, and medical supplies. There have been no reports of U.S. citizen casualties as a result of the earthquake. This Travel Alert expires on November 15, 2011.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
Updated information on travel and security in India, Nepal, and Bhutan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for India, Nepal and Bhutan. Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, found at travel.state.gov, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook. You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, or the Consulates General in India for further information. Please note that consular issues related to Bhutan, including assistance to U.S. citizens, are covered by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Embassy and Consulate contact information is as follows:
-
The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal is located at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal; telephone +977-1-400-7200; fax +977-1-400-7281. The Consular Section can be reached by email at consktm@state.gov. For after-hours emergencies, please call +977-1-400-7266.
-
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. In case of emergency involving an American citizen, please call the 24-hour operator at (+91-11) 2419-8000 and ask for American Citizen Services.
-
The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay), India is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. In case of an emergency involving an American citizen, please call the 24-hour operator at (+91-22) 2363-3611 and ask for American Citizens Services.
-
The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras), India is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. In case of emergency involving an American citizen, please call the 24-hour operator at (+91-44) 2857-4000 and ask for American Citizen Services.
-
The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta), India is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. If you are an American citizen with an after hours emergency, please call our primary hotline cell phone (91) 99030 42956. If unable to reach the cell phone, please call (91) (33) 3984-2400 and dial "0" and ask for Duty Officer.
-
The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, India is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300. In case of emergency involving an American citizen, please call the 24-hour operator at (+91-40) 4033-8300 and ask for American Citizen Services.
