Additional reporting by Valerie Volcovici in Washington My Dad for staying on top of the weather situation (youd be amazed how hard it is to get good weather info for Bora Bora) and texting me updates. Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman, Marguerita Choy and Helen Popper, Greta Thunberg detained by Norway police during pro-Sami protest, Earthquake death toll in Turkey rises above 45,000 - AFAD, Novavax shares sink premarket as going concern worries weigh, Uniper to appoint E.ON's UK boss as new CEO, Biden urges US carriers to follow American Airlines on family seating, Credit Suisse personal & business banking boss Haux to leave, Aston Martin says profitability to improve this year after tough 2022, Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals. The few staff that remained on the motu during the storm will be focusing on clean-up and making sure the grounds are safe. When planning what to bring to Bora Bora , it is good to consider what season you are going in. Earthquakes in Chile (Central Chile) with a magnitude of 8.3. All of the turtles in the Meridien sanctuary are under three years old and too young to be released into the wild. Tsunamis in Bora Bora? There are primarily two seasons in Bora Bora : the dry season and the wet season. The small room fills quickly as the remainder of the hotels sun-burned and disenchanted guests file in, each taking up residence on a spot of mattress. I walk outside on my deck to see what all the fuss is about; I mean, for once, it isnt even raining. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. You are worried about nothing. Wet season is also the summer season. So, you can imagine how excited I was about my upcoming trip to Bora Bora on Round-the-World #5 this year. Ok, fine. It seems a little early for power failure. CNN reports a second quake on Wednesday evening in Samoa but no tsunami alert http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/10/01/samoa.earthquake/. What are the chances of surviving a tsunami? Bora Bora sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean which has a number of subduction zones around it far away. If you can not find shelter then use a coral friendly sun block and a rush guard to avoid sun burn. (& Why You Should Go Now! Earthquake, landslide in the United States (Unimak Island, Ak) with a magnitude of 8.6. I shower and pack hastily. I have been looking through the internet all day trying to get updates. The first few are sighted in June and the last ones depart our islands in early December. There is also a possibility of storms. The last tsunami in French Polynesia occurred in 2015 and nobody was hurt. But eventually, we board just as the sun is setting over Polynesian paradise. Especially in regions with only few tsunamis, the damage is often drastic, as the population does not expect tsunamis and thus hardly takes any protective measures. Even relatively small flood waves can lead to high losses and financial damage. Know the warning signals. The situation spirals rapidly downhill from there. Some are beginning to demand to return to their rooms. As Bora Bora is located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, it is vulnerable to tidal waves including tsunamis. Well keep our fingers crossed for you all. Always plan your photo shooting at the beginning of your stay. Finally, the call comes from the minister granting our release. Their response is more reassuring. Several guests make repeated requests for something cold to drink but are denied at every turn by a stern-faced Karine. She explains that we all need to share the mattresses because there will be 80 other people in the room. So if you want to avoid the crowds and the kids, the best month to visit Bora Bora is outside of the summer high season and holidays. Thanks! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Thank God. All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. Read More: Nothing Prepares you for India. The dry months see low levels of rainfall, so you can be confident that you . Anyone hear a report? CIRA/NOAA/Handout via REUTERS. 50cm 4.8% chance of death Cars and containers float. New York's unique geography can help shield the area from most big waves. Seeing how tsunamis form would be helpful too. Good. The temblor generated a nearly 10-foot (3-meter) tsunami measured from crest to trough according to preliminary data, said Chip McCreery, the director of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. We cant understand why they wont release us. About an hour after we arrive, the small Air Tahiti plane finally touches down on the motu and they begin checking people in. Bora Bora (French: Bora-Bora; Tahitian: Pora Pora) is an island group in the Leeward Islands.The Leeward Islands comprise the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, which is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic in the Pacific Ocean.Bora Bora has a total land area of 30.55 km 2 (12 sq mi). I agree I might have been a little harsh on the hotel and yes the prices were cheaper during the low season. They are kind enough to allow me to store a bag with them so I can lighten my load a bit for my 6 nights in Bora Bora. A Ruthless Wave Train If a vessel is hit by a tsunami near shore in shallow water, it will be shattered to pieces. The bottom line: If you plan to go to Bora Bora, you better pack light. My Air France flight isnt until tomorrow morning but its not looking good for me either. Its seasons are opposite to Europe and North America. Press J to jump to the feed. Wave height is much lower than a bad Pacific storm. Time to move on to the final stop on this round-the-world trip Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and put this entire experience behind me. There is, however, one big plus to staying at Hotel Tiare both before and after Bora Bora. But at this point I will gladly navigate the Sahara desert to get back to my room. And then around noon, the power goes out. One of only a few of its kind in the world (and the only one on Bora Bora) the Meridiens inner lagoon allows guests to learn about and swim with these beautiful creatures. Especially when other resorts seemed to have no problem providing reasonable comforts during the lengthy storm. As Bora Bora is located in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, it is vulnerable to tidal waves including tsunamis. It is definitely at a risk of inundation. Jan 15 (Reuters) - An underwater volcano off Tonga erupted on Saturday, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuation orders in Japan and causing large waves in several South Pacific islands, where footage on social media showed waves crashing into coastal homes. The manager says most of the property still has power but they are now evacuating everyone to the spa situated at the very top of the hill. Its far more pleasant out there even while getting pelted with rain and dirt(which should tell you something about the conditions inside). But, as is often the case, things didnt exactly go as planned. After the bellman leaves, I realize he didnt leave me a key to my new room. Not too shabby! Im anxious to get outside and see what the storm has left behind. They are all American and two are even from Atlanta (my hometown). We leave on Thursday. Definitely not risk free. I am to report to the spa right away and they will provide us with further information once everyone is together. In a total of 13 tidal waves classified as a tsunami since 1837 a total of 2 people died in the whole French Polynesia (which is the size of Europe). I would not be so lucky with Tropical Cyclone Oli. A celebration of music, dance, song and craft with traditional sports competitions, it is an unbeatable experience with a vivid and exciting atmosphere. When I thought I was stuck on Bora Bora for another night I e-mailed to cancel my reservation for tonight. Its been cleared out and outfitted as a make-shift shelter. Bora-Bora is formed by an extinct volcano, surrounded by a lagoon and a fringing reef. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Affiliate Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. Two-Island Package, Flights from Seattle. With six nights on Bora Bora, my budget wont allow for $600/night hotels the whole time (and thats what they all are on this island, at a minimum). My daughter is in Bora Bora on her honeymoon and staying at the Black (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Bora Bora sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean which has a number of subduction zones around it far away. How long to sail from tahiti to san diego, How long is the flight from miami to bermuda, How to mix bermuda grass seed and sand together. Tsunamis are caused by earthquakes or other seismic eruptions on ground of an oceans and can cause massive tidal waves, which run with enormous force on land, causing great devastation. The lobby suffered the most damage with a few holes in the roof and damage to the boat docks. The next morning as I board the plane, Marc is waiting at the top of the stairs to greet me decked out in full pilot regalia. "It is literally dark in parts of Tonga and people are rushing to safety following the eruption," he said. The hotel front desk manager is handing out towels and sheets for the mattresses at the door. Hopefully this will turn out like the one a few months agomuch ado about nothing. and evencocktails! Although it can sound a bit scary, you have very little to worry about as natural disasters are extremely rare in Bora Bora. They emailed me on our Face Book page with pictures showing them sun bathing at the aorport dock waiting for their (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Fiji issued a tsunami warning, urging residents to avoid the shorelines "due to strong currents and dangerous waves". Go have a great time! I was informed that their Reception area is 5m above sea level which is good to know. On Day #5, its time to move over to my final hotel for the week, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort. There were a few people scheduled to leave yesterday, PLUS those of us who are scheduled to leave today, so seats on that flight will surely be at a premium. Access unmatched financial data, news and content in a highly-customised workflow experience on desktop, web and mobile. Playing via Spotify Playing via YouTube. US TV host Jimmy Kimmel was actually staying at the Four Seasons Bora Bora at the time and even wrote a hilarious article about his experiences of being evacuated. We get to chatting about what a great story this will make when we all finally get home. This weary globetrotter is in dire need of a margarita and a taco. It is definitely at a risk of inundation. Luxurious hotels, each one trying to surpass the others, in terms of elegance and comfort Earthquakes in Chile (Central Chile) with a magnitude of 8.2. Hooray!! Check the data for yourself on World Data. I'd say it is relatively high risk as it sits in a zone surrounded by subduction zones. You just made me feel better about that decision! Thanks Patti. By Jimmy Kimmel, Contributor Host, Jimmy Kimmel Live Mar 14, 2011, 01:16 PM EDT | Updated May 25, 2011 Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, an IHG Hotel. I hadnt given the hotel my flight arrival information Im happily surprised to see him. Meanwhile if anybody knows of any other helpful info on the islet itself, please let us know. Since 1837, there have been 13 tidal waves that have been classified as tsunamis in the whole of French Polynesia, causing just 2 deaths. All You Need To Know, 9 Fun Things To Do In Bora Bora When It Rains. I had an OK night of sleep. Air Tahiti has managed to scramble one plane from another island and it is arriving within the hour. PARIS (Reuters) The first small waves of a tsunami caused by an earthquake in Chile reached French Polynesia on Saturday, authorities said. However, for the past 24-hours, Ive heard increasingly worrying rumors of a tropical cyclone developing strength and heading our way. This is a tropical island so there is always a chance of a shower. The warnings - the first in more than five years - covered several specific areas. We cannot wait to get there!!!! The mountain in the centre of the island would provide significant refuge for people however, but the towns would still be damaged. So no damage to FP??? Though I agree you should redeem your Starwood points for that. After all, I am in a gorgeous bungalow in Bora Bora. See you soon on our beautiful island, Lindabora Report inappropriate content Yesterday there was about 3 ft between platform and water. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit Bora Bora. Tsunamis are rare in Bora Bora but they can happen. The whole room is nearly ready to revolt. It depends on how close it is to a plate boundary. Its a miracle! The best month to visit Bora Bora in low season would be either November, April or May. Rangaroa for the scuba diving! Lots of rain here though. I do take advantage of a local pearl farms free offer of a ride into town. Guess I am lucky he made it on this flight, too. Including all the windows & deck furniture on every guest bungalows. US Airways screwd up my flight. Im sorry but thats what you get for traveling during the low-, rain season, where the prices are cheaper (for a reason !). Should I be trying to get out now, I ask, or do they expect this cyclone to miss us?. The last tsunami in Bora Bora occurred on March 11, 2011. Within minutes we are back to the main dock and going thru the checkout process at a table with a cash boxsubstitutingfor the damagedfront desk. The next time we crack the door to look out, the huge palm is on the ground exactly where we were just standing. Bora Bora Tourism Bora Bora Accommodation Bora Bora Bed and Breakfast . It takes nearly two hours for the airline to sort out who gets the 100 or so seats on the only flight out. Bora Bora Tourism . Didn't get to do my souviner shopping at Papeete's Municial Market but did get nice sunburn catching last rays on dock at BoraBora airport while waiting for much delayed flight. Just a bit nervous that it might all be too much in the event of a Tsunami Warning/Watch to board a boat from the islet of Le Meridien to get to the main island of Bora Bora with little time to react. I hunker down and make the best of the situation. The super active earthquake zones are not near as close to French Polynesia as they are to Samoaso it is highly unlikely that a large magnitude quake would occur close enough to Bora Bora to offer no evacuation time. Maybe look at past histories of earthquakes, tectonic activity:). This is crucial since by now the hotel is giving us no information at all. Im not worried about danger from the storm exactly. You can read more about my policy in case of bad weather in my FAQ section. After exhaustive research, I settled on the Hotel Tiare. The race takes place in November, and sees over 100 competitors race on traditional canoes a distance of 129 km which links Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, and finish in Bora Bora. there were a few articles that mentioned it, but everything seems limited to just localized high water. We land in Papeete at dusk to a pounding rain. If the whales are in socializing phase, the tour guide may estimate that is safe to get into the water with flippers, diving mask and snorkels. According to CNN the storm is well past us and moving south toward the island of Tahiti. She further advises that the hotel will be delivering food and water to the bungalows for as long as the lockdown lasts. Build the strongest argument relying on authoritative content, attorney-editor expertise, and industry defining technology. tsunami has already been and gone down there. If you want to avoid the rare chance of a hurricane occurring while you are staying , book outside of November, December, January and February. Bring blow dryer, flat iron and specific anti-frizz products. Craig and Kathy are also on the boat with me. The strongest tidal wave registered in French Polynesia so far reached a height of 20 meters. The sun reaches its highest point at noon. There will also be more children and families on vacation over the summer months as France and the USA have school breaks. I ask, Does that mean you wont give me a key to my room? The response gives me pause, that is correct, Madam.. I have never been so happy to be leavingparadise. Hopefully the tsunami doesn't cause problems anywhere in the Pacific basin. Thats much, much worse, and its home ! There will be some crying from the Black Pearl farms looking for more Govt (French) subsidies. Moorea would be my 2nd choice. Nowadays these racing machines with sophisticated paddles specially shaped for faster speeds are most popular. No wave but long delays to leave Bora Bora. This is especially crucial because the Air Tahiti flights have extremely low baggage limits due to the weight restrictions for their aircraft. And now its time to get this vacation back on track with a little whale-watching in Mexico. Dedicated to answering your questions on moving to a more simple and relaxed lifestyle. Though we still have power, the A/C is not up to the challenge. The trade winds blow over winter time which keeps temperatures cooler. Keep your laptop in your room and put the AC a few hours per day to avoid moisture and condensation in your cameras, cell phones and others. Its at this point in my story that I should mention that February (the month of my visit) is historically cyclone season in the South Pacific. On the ride, I notice hotel employees everywhere are busily boarding up windows and moving furniture inside. The sun will feel torturous, and your photos wont even be that nice since the light is too harsh. There were, of course, a few good hours in my Bora Bora experience. That's great!!!!! Its also good to know that all hotels and resorts have evacuation plans in place and a tsunami warning system just in case. I will be in the french polynesia from March 1st to March 12th. Hope the Hawaiian islands will come out ok! Rumors abound that the hotel on the other side of our motu lost two entire overwater bungalows in the storm. The phone next to the bed (which I hadnt noticed until now) is ringing insistently. Avid traveler and lover of all things tropic! Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. Hawaiki Nui Vaa is a three-day race on vaa (a type of outrigger canoe) that dips everyone into the culture and soul of the Polynesia people, reviving memories of the voyages of their Maohi ancestors in search of new horizons to conquer. Luckily, Bora Bora lies just outside of the main hurricane belt which is why hurricanes rarely occur in Bora Bora. If you havent book yet, you will find tons of tips to help you decide what is the best time of the year to visit Bora Bora. She warns it is possible well be spending the night in here (which at only noon seems an absurd possibility). As far as cyclone shelters go, this one seems like a winner. Reinforced steel and concrete combined is a better option. Find shelter then use a coral friendly sun block and a taco wont even be that nice since the is., and its home 3 ft between platform and water to the boat.... And sheets for the week, the power goes out, 9 Fun to! 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