Phuket earthquake 'was good practice' - Gov

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Earthquake 'was good practice' ‒ Gov
Suthicha Sirirat


Gov Nisit: 'Within 15 minutes, everyone had checked for damage.'

PHUKET: -- This morning’s earthquake and the aftershock in the early afternoon caused no damage on the island, Governor Nisit Jansomwong told media today (May 6).

It did, however, give officials an opportunity to practise their reactions to a natural disaster in real conditions.

“There were no injuries or damage reported after this incident but we remain vigilant because earthquakes often come with several aftershocks.

“All Phuket beaches have been checked and for an increase in sea level, especially on the east coast. No worry; today all sea levels are normal.”

He explained, “There are three courses that we follow depending on the quake level. With a quake up to 3.9 on the Richter scale, there will be no tsunami warning nor any evacuation of any kind.

“Between 4 and 6.4 Richter, emergency prepareness is required and with a strong earthquake of 6.5 Richter and above, we will announce the fact to residents. We want everyone to thoroughly understand the dangers and what to do; to be on the same page.

“After the earthquake this morning, everyone from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPM) and all village headmen was quick to follow their standing instructions in case of emergency.

“Within 15 minutes, everyone had checked for damage in their area of responsibility and had reported back to the DPM that everything was normal.”

“This time, we did not evacuation but we did use the occasion to hone our skills in command and communication.

“In a few days we will have a small emergency evacuation practice on Koh Sirey.

“The Koh Sirey residents are ready. This morning they did not know how strong the quake was – but they felt a strong shaking. So they packed essential belongings and were ready to evacuate the area.

“For Phuket, the things that must be in good working order are the emergency broadcast warning centre, the emergency evacuation areas or temporary shelters, and the emergency evacuation drill in high-risk areas along the coast.

“All residents and tourists must be informed of the emergency situation and must know the evacuation procedure,” the governor said.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/earthquake-was-good-practice-%E2%80%92-gov-52186.php


-- Phuket News 2015-05-07

[FireMedic]

Did he specify exactly how the would communicate after a 6.5 or larger? Most of the time in developed countries, power, telephone, and cell towers go out immediately. We all know the tsunami warning system doesn't work anymore (if it ever did). I really pray that these small ones over the years are leading up to a big nasty one in the near future.

[BestBitterPhuket]

I really pray that these small ones over the years are leading up to a big nasty one in the near future.

Did you just forget a "not" or are you a psychopath? Wishing mass death, extreme suffering and destruction, is not how normal people think.

[FireMedic]

Holy crap guys...I'm sorry. AREN'T....ARE NOT