1. 12 early warning towers on Phuket Island will be tested between 9.30 - midday today to assure they are properly functioning. Phuket Vice Governor Worapotch Ratasrima issued a statement informing residents and visitors that they need not panic when hear the alarm sirens as they are only tests. The siren will be triggered from the National Disaster Warning Centre or NDWC centered in Bangkok. The 12 towers are located at Chalong Bay, Laem Tukkae, Rawai, Saphan Hin, Ao Yon, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Naiyang, Bang Tao, Mai Khao and Ao Por.
To test the early warning system, the local authority needs to consult and get approval from the NDWC to ensure that the general public are well informed to prevent any panic or misunderstanding.
from Andaman News TV11 + Radio Thailand FM90.5 Phuket City, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, 8.30am Wednesday 22 February 2006 &
www.Thaisnews.com
2. Related Interview with Dr Smith Dhammasarote: He was the first in 1998 to warn about tsunamis in Thailand as Meterological Department Chief but since last year has been responsible for all types of early warning systems and the National Disaster Warning Centre or NDWC, as Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office. On Monday he came to Phuket to observe an International Post Disaster Workshop at the Royal Phuket City Hotel. We asked him first what the latest progress was on the tsunami early warning systems:
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to see mini-video go to
http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=163174