Tsunami false alarm in Krabi

KRABI (Nation): Seven disaster-warning towers in Krabi unexpectedly sounded an alarm simultaneously on Saturday evening, prompting frightened residents and tourists to run for higher ground in fear of a tsunami.

Krabi disaster-prevention and mitigation officer Thalerngsak Phuwayanapong said he had been informed that the warning towers at Koh Phi Phi pier, Saladan, Koh Lanta, Koh Jam, Haad Yao, Laem Sak Bay and Ao Leuk Bay had sounded sirens and played warning messages in five languages at 5 pm, prompting locals and tourists to run for their lives.

After checking with the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) in Nonthaburi, K. Thalerngsak was told no earthquake had occurred in the southern region that could trigger a tsunami and no officials had pressed any buttons or sent signals to the towers.

Indeed, the towers involved have yet to be connected to the NDWC, he was told.

K. Thalerngsak urged residents and tourists to go back to their homes and resume normal activities.