Sumatra earthquake no cause for Phuket alarm, say experts

PHUKET: An earthquake off northern Sumatra this morning measuring 5.3 in magnitude poses no threat of a tsunami in Phuket, Group Captain Somsak Khaosuwan, director of the National Disaster Warning Center, has confirmed.

“There is no need for people in Phuket to panic. The earthquake in Indonesia at 7:02am will not result in a tsunami here,” he told the Phuket Gazette.

“The earthquake was carefully monitored and there are no indications that a tsunami has occurred. We will continue to follow developments and provide any necessary updates,” he added.

This morning’s earthquake occurred in the same tectonically-active region as the 9.1-magnitude quake that triggered the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

— Chutharat Plerin