PHUKET, 19 April 2012 – Following reports of a 4.3 Richter earthquake and 50 aftershocks rocking Phuket’s Thalang district, provincial authorities are proposing setting up a sub-regional warning center on the island.
Democrat MP for Phuket, Anchalee Vanichthepabutr, said that with the mobile phone network crashing in the immediate aftermath of the quake, locals were unable to receive information and updates from relevant agencies.
She proposed that the government set aside a budget to establish a sub-regional warning center in Phuket that would collaborate with the Bangkok-based National Disaster Warning Center to provide warnings and advisories.
It is estimated that less than 2 million baht will be required to build the warning center. The center would be equipped with seismic sensors and online warning systems.
Ms Anchalee said that with the government’s approval, the province would become the pilot area to test a more-advanced tsunami warning system.
She also urged the government to quickly distribute print copies of Disaster Preparedness Handbooks to help residents plan for unexpected emergencies.
