Govt meteorologists dismiss tsunami rumours

PHUKET: -- Government meteorologists have moved to play down public fears in the tsunami-devastated southwest of the country that the area will be hit by another disastrous ocean surge by the middle of this month.

South-western Meteorology Centre director Vijit Phuangsombat said it was normal to have a great number of aftershocks after a big underwater quake such as that which triggered the Indian Ocean tsunamis of 26 December.

''Aftershocks will continue for months after such a major quake, but they are not powerful enough to cause anther tidal wave,'' he said.

The meteorologists said people should not throw themselves into a panic by rumours of a second tsunami attack. Rumours of a second tsunami disaster have spread across the affected areas of southern Thailand, with some even predicting that it would strike by the middle of this month.

''After such a major quake, the Earth needs time to recuperate and accumulate enough energy for another tremor. It usually takes 30-40 years to store enough force to trigger a new big quake,'' he said.

''Even though tsunami could not be predicted, a quake which could spark an ocean surge must have an epicentre in the ocean and must be measured at least 5-6 on the Richter scale,'' he said.

To reassure people, the meteorologist said the government had already begun to work to improve its warning system in high-tsunami risk areas.

''Buildings in tsunami-prone areas must be strong to prevent collapse. We have prepared evacuation plans and will educate local people on how to detect tsunami and what to do if disaster strikes,'' he said.

--TNA 2005-03-02

Hopefully the Government meteorologists are right about this but one could understand why many would be sceptical.

Wasn't this the same department that thought that even trying to warn the populous last time would not be a good idea because it might damage the tourism industry?

''After such a major quake, the Earth needs time to recuperate and accumulate enough energy for another tremor. It usually takes 30-40 years to store enough force to trigger a new big quake,'' he said.

Does this apply to the entire Fault Line on the tectonic plate, or just the bit down by Aceh.?

I can see how his comment would apply to the Aceh area - as geological pressure has been relieved there.

There is also another fault line that cuts through Southern Burma.

However, you cannot predict an earthquake, nevermind a tsunmai.

However, you cannot predict an earthquake, nevermind a tsunami

You're right - its volcanoes that can be predicted.

If its a scientific fact that there won't be a quake offshore for 40 years, then they should start worrying about upcoming things like 1000 dead over Songkran.

If it isn't a fact, then the Meterological Director Vijit Phuangsombat should be cautious of making comments like this.

There's a rumour circulating around Songkhla that another Tsunami will hit Thailand's east coast on Mar 12th or Mar 25th. I've no idea where the rumour emanated from, but many of the local Thais are taking it seriously. I hope they're wrong. I'm going to the beach on Saturday.