Aftershocks still rattling Chiang Rai

[Lite Beer]

Aftershocks still rattling Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI: Aftershocks from Monday's earthquake continued to rattle Chiang Rai province, with the most powerful measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale striking Mae Suai district early Friday morning.

The Meteorological Department's Seismological Bureau also reported a 4.5-magnitude tremor shaking the same district about 3.43pm yesterday, followed by two more aftershocks measuring 3.5.

The epicentres of the two aftershocks were in Phan and Mae Lao districts.

Ongoing seismic activity has prompted the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and other agencies to remain on full alert.

Earlier on Friday, a 4.3 aftershock struck neighbouring Myanmar with its epicentre in Tachilek. The quake was also felt in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, about 168km away. No injuries or damage were reported.

National Disaster Warning Centre director, Capt Somsak Khaosuwan, warned residents in affected areas to take extra precautions and remain in safe areas until the aftershocks subside.

Chiang Rai governor Pongsak Wangsa-mor said Monday's 6.3 quake had rocked seven districts, affecting more than 54,000 residents. The districts were Phan, Mae Lao, Mae Suai, Muang, Wiang Chai, Pa Daet and Phaya Mengrai.

A total of 46 homes were completely destroyed and another 6,142 were partly damaged by the quake, Mr Pongsak said.

Damage was estimated to be at least one billion baht, said the governor.

He said he has asked local administration organisations to use their reserve funds to provide financial assistance to affected residents pending the allocation of a 500-million-baht budget from the government.

Local authorities have also been asked to inspect damage to buildings.

Meanwhile, Somjai Yensabai, head of the Department of Mineral Resources' geo-hazard division, tried to allay fears among Saikhao villagers in Phan district after a large amount of water and sand appeared from underground in their village following Monday's quake.

Residents feared a bigger quake could rock their area.

Mr Somjai said it was not unusual for large volumes of water mixed with sediment to burst from underground after a tremor.

Thanee Namaneewan, kamnan of tambon Saikhao, had alerted geologists and environmentalists who went to examine the phenomenon. The experts warned however that a sinkhole could appear.

Chusak Ayupong, head of Chiang Mai University's engineering faculty, said sand spewing from holes was normal when there was a quake.

If a huge amount of sand appears from underground, it would likely cause a sinkhole, he said.

After examining two locations where the phenomenon occurred, Mr Chusak said the amount of sand and water that appeared was not enough to cause significant damage as was feared.

Elsewhere, tourists began returning to Chiang Rai's Wat Rong Khun, also known as the ''White Temple'' which was also damaged by Monday's earthquake.

National artist Chalermchai Kositpipat decided to reopen the temple, which he personally designed and built, on Thursday after experts confirmed the structure had not been seriously affected by the quake.

The temple, located in Muang district's tambon Pa-or Donchai, is a popular tourist attraction.

Mr Chalermchai said the temple's Art 11 museum is open to the public. However, the Ubosot hall and other structures that were damaged were off-limits pending repairs.

Repairs to the exhibition halls and toilets were expected to take another two days, he said.

-- Phuket News 2014-05-10

[seabass69]

Better ramp up that airport security to keep those nasty aftershocks out. But I don't understand why they don't just have an all out crackdown on earthquakes and aftershocks.

[Luk Mhee]

Oh! For a moment I thought it was the aftershock of losing the caretaker.

[realenglish1]

No it was Thaksin Shaking because his sister was thrown out as Prime Mate

[Tokay]

I'm not worried, I pre-ordered my Earthquake early warning system from the same place the Thai government just got theirs. Once it's here, I'm safe from the quake.

[deepcell]

The time now is suitable to start to sell properties in Chiang Rai.