Phuket continues to shake

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Phuket continues to shake
Nattha Thepbamrung

PHUKET: Phuket was once again hit by a small earthquake at 10:45 this morning (May 11) bringing the total number now to six. The 2.5 Richter quake was at the same location as the previous five closde to Koh Yao Yai.

An expert from the Sripatum University Research Centres and Laboratories Faculty, Asst Prof Phaiboon Panyakapo has told The Phuket News that the small quakes which have followed the first 4.6 Richter quake last Wednesday (May 6) could continue for at least three months.

“A 6.3 Richter earthquake in Chiang Rai last year resulted in in smaller quakes occurring for almost a year.

“The 4.6 quake in Phuket can cause smaller quakes to continue for at least three months. However, these will be small and are not dangerous,” said Asst Prof Phaiboon.

“Unfortunately, earthquakes cannot be predicted so these small quakes can also mean that a bigger one could follow, so we have to prepare ourselves for any situation.”

In addition, Associate Prof Dr Amorn Pimanmas, an expert on earthquakes and structural engineering from the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University told The Phuket News that the quake is more than likely to be an aftershock as it occurred at the same location.

“It happened in Koh Yao Tai again so it is more likely that is is just an aftershock. However, according to the Klong Marui Fault line small quakes like this can be signs for bigger earthquake ranging from 4-5.5 Richter.

“For a month following the main earthquake there will quite often be small quakes. However, the amount will reduce after two to three months.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Thailand’s military government has asked astrologers to consider how predicting imminent earthquakes may affect the public.

"I understand that the predictors have good intentions," said the spokesperson, Yongyuth Mayalarp, "But I want to ask them to use their judgement carefully when they spread such information. I want them to consider the consequences, because in the past, there have been [astrological] predictions that have caused panic and affected tourism."

He also quoted the director of the Department of Mental Health as urging people to rely on scientific principles when considering the validity of the prophecies.

Many Thais are deeply superstitious and draw upon astrology, feng shui, and other spiritual beliefs to guide their daily lives. It is also common practice for government officials and leading politicians to consult personal astrologers.

In the past week, several astrologers have predicted that a natural disaster will strike sometime in the next month.

"This upcoming earthquake will take place in our own country,”Sorajja Nual-yu, a famous astrologer, said on Saturday (May 9). “I have been predicting this since early this year. It may happen at any moment between now and12 July."

Sorajja, who describes himself as 'Thailand's Nostradamus,' is well-known for apocalyptic prophecies. He publicly predicted in early 2014 that famines, great earthquakes, stock market crashes, terrorist attacks, and a civil war would hit Thailand in that year.

In addiotion, Prince of Songkhla University (PSU) last week hosted a public seminar to raise awareness on how to prepare for an earthquake.

The seminar was chaired by three experts including Asst Prof Dr Pan Tongchumnum, the Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Environment; Asst Prof Dr Chinnawat Surasawadee, the Director of Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Earth System Science and Andaman Natural Disaster Management (ESSAND); and Asst Prof Tongchai Suteerasak, a lecturer from the Science and Technology Department of the Faculty of Technology and Environment.

Pre-plan

Before an earthquake happens people living in high risk areas should:

Teach family members how to turn on-off the electricity, gas and water supplies to the house and how to use fire extinguisher.

Always have some new batteries in the house.

Prepare first aid kits and give knowledge on first aid to family members

Stock up on dried food.

Plan for different situations. For example, if you̕re in a car, house, school, cinema, etc.

Plan the evacuation route and set a meeting point for family members.

Do not put heavy items anywhere high.

Make sure that any hanging items such as cupboards, picture frames or ceiling lamps and fans are well secured.

During an earthquake people should:

If you are in a car slowly come to a stop and stay inside until the earthquake stops.

If you are inside a tall building get under a table, chair or even a door frame. Do not rush out of the building as the stairs could collapse. Never use an elevator.

If you are outside avoid tall buildings, walls and electric pylons. Stay in an open space.

Stay calm. If you are stuck inside a building be careful of broken cement or falling bricks. Stay in the strongest part of the building and stay away from doors, windows, glass and balconies. Protect yourself, especially your head. Do not try to light a fire no matter how dark it is. The fire will destroy the limited oxygen inside the building and you will need it until rescuers arrive. After the quake stops, get out of the building.

After an earthquake,

Give first aid to any injured people. In case of severe injury immediately call medical help.
Check any fire sources. Do not light a fire, use gas or turn on any electricity incase there is a gas leak.

If you are trapped under a collapsed building do not try to remove of rocks or brinks as they may be supporting something. Try to give some signal to alert people that you are there.

Avoid any hanging electric cables or anything connected to it and cut the electricity supply.

If water from the toilet bowl is needed, check the septic tank first.

Avoid using phone unless it is an emergency.

Check the house before returning inside.

Make sure there is a clear pathway for emergency help.

Be ready and prepare for more earthquakes.

Also, the experts recommend that all homes should have a life bag and advised of what should be in it.

A torch and batteries

Walky-talky

First aid kits

Drinking water and dried food

Multi-functional knives

Cash

A pair of shoes that will protect your feet

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-continues-to-shake-52258.php


-- Phuket News 2015-05-11

[Somtamnication]

In other words, they have absolutely NO IDEA what is going on.

[FredNL]

Walky-talkies are prohibited in Thailand without having a license for them.