PHUKET, 24 May 2012 – The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office has held an earthquake drill to ready residents and medical personnel for possible natural disasters in the future.
Having been affected by several tremors in April, an earthquake drill was recently held in Thalang district of Phuket province with the objective of preparing medical teams for such emergency situations. Conducted at the Si Sunthon Health Promotion Hospital, the exercise simulated a 5-richter magnitude earthquake with the epicenter in Si Sunthon sub-district of Thalang, which caused major tremors in the area and a large number of casualties.
Provincial Public Health official said that the drill focused on the readiness of the medical response and command in emergency situations. In case of a natural disaster, a field hospital will be established with medical teams to assist in the evacuation of the disabled, the elderly, children and the general public.
Apart from the drill, the public and village health volunteers were also educated on the necessary preparations and appropriate course of action during an earthquake episode.
