Tsunami Warning in Thailand Has Been Lifted

(12/04/2012)

The National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) at 20.45 hr on 11 April 2012 lifted its tsunami warning and evacuation order. The warning was issued after an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale struck at 15.38 hr on the same day near the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, which was followed by aftershocks measuring up to 8.8 on the Richter scale. This prompted NDWC to issue a tsunami warning and an evacuation order for people located on the Andaman coast in the southern provinces of Satun, Trang, Krabi, Phuket, Phang-nga and Ranong to move to higher ground as a safety precaution. However, as the waves that eventually reached Thailand’s coast along the Andaman Sea proved to be only of small size and did not cause any damage, and given that the situation has stabilized, NDWC decided to lift its tsunami warning and evacuation order. As the Thai Government attaches great importance to disaster preparedness and management, the authorities concerned proceeded in accordance with established standard operation procedures in such cases immediately following the earthquake. At 19.30 hr on the same day, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra also held an emergency meeting with all relevant agencies, including the provincial governors of the six provinces on alert through video-conference. After the meeting, the Prime Minister gave a televised address informing the public of the latest situation and the precautionary measures undertaken. These included instructions for the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Thai Police and the provincial authorities to monitor the situation and to provide assistance to people as necessary. Hospitals were instructed to increase their level of preparedness, while hotels with foreign guests were asked to ensure the safety of those staying with them. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology were told to report on the situation and developments via NDWC. The Ministry of Interior was instructed to implement the tsunami safety plan by notifying people in the six provinces along the Andaman coast to evacuate from risk areas. The Ministry of Transport was instructed to order the closure of Phuket International Airport and evacuate passengers in accordance with the evacuation plan until NDWC lifted its tsunami warning. It was also told to set up a command center at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Ministry of Public Health was asked to establish a task force to monitor the earthquake and to ensure that the emergency medical team was ready around the clock. The Arm Forces were instructed to be prepared to evacuate people in the event of a real disaster.