The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to some parts in the Indian states of Bihar, Sikkim, Assam, and the northern portion of West Bengal and recommends that U.S. citizens in these areas exercise caution following the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Nepal on April 25. The possibility for aftershocks of significant magnitude persists. The areas most likely to be affected are the mountainous regions bordering Nepal and include but are not limited to: the Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Malda districts of West Bengal, northern Bihar, Assam, and most of Sikkim. Should further sizeable aftershocks occur, cell phone and internet service will likely be intermittent. Roads could be crowded with people or closed due to damage and transportation could be difficult. In such situations, U.S. citizens should avoid large crowds, as they can turn violent with little notice.
At least 25 people in the state of Bihar and four in the state of West Bengal were killed by the April 25 earthquake. If you are in these areas, please contact your family and friends to let them know your situation.
The U.S. Department of State encourages U.S. citizens to use caution, closely monitor the media, and practice earthquake preparedness. The Indian government has established two helplines (0612-2217301 and 0612-2217305) for those affected in India by the April 25 earthquake.
U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Consulate also encourages U.S. citizens to review the “Traveler’s Checklist,” which includes valuable security information for those living and traveling abroad.
Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips. In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain the latest information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located atC-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051, telephone +91-22-2672-4000; fax +91-22-2363-0350.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300.
