Quote:
|
Originally Posted by stevem
When were these earthquakes supposed to have occurred. I cant locate anything at the USGS website. There was a 5.7 quake in the Nias region at 6/9/05 18:00 (Thai time). Even this quake would have NO impact on Phuket.
|
They happened yesterday 7th September 2005
Regards
Drew
From Yesterday's Bangkok Post
Residents run for hills after earth tremor
Phangnga _ Residents in Takua Pa district ran for their lives yesterday morning, fearing tidal waves might strike again after a mild earthquake hit Indonesia's northern Sumatra. While sprinting to high ground, villagers cursed under their breath about a lack of a tsunami warning system.
In Ban Nam Khem fishing community, 200 people, mostly children and women, ran to Bang Muang tambon administration organisation when they felt the tremor.
Somnuek Kaewla-iad, 43, of Laem Pom beach, said she felt the house trembling some time after 6am and ran out to wake up the neighbours. The villagers headed for TAO Bang Muang.
Mrs Somnuek said she waited at the TAO office for almost three hours before going home. ''I went back after 9am because the kids were getting hungry. The whole village was quiet.
''I really don't know how long we have to run like this. It would be great to have a tsunami warning tower here,'' she said.
Mrs Somnuek said the government should pay more attention to villagers rather than focusing on tourist destinations.
Boontham Roopkham, another Laem Pom resident, said she was frightened, especially when she did not know for sure if the tidal waves would come.
''I want a warning tower as soon as possible. Without a warning system no tourists would come.''
Arthon Srisukkaew, another Laem Pom villager, said he did not understand why the government ignored villagers' calls for a warning system.
''Even in tourist spots, hotels aren't safe without a warning tower.''
Orawan Harntalay, of Thap Tawan village, said her neighbour called a disaster warning centre in Phuket before 7am but nobody answered. ''We don't know who we should contact in a situation like this.''
Ladda Thongdee, a school teacher in Bang Sak community, said a tsunami warning system is urgently needed as villagers currently rely on television or radio broadcasts only. A warning system would enable evacuation to safe places and reduce panic. ''These days when they hear about an earthquake, they just run in all directions.''
Drew