Tsunami warning system “90% complete’ – Smith
KATA: Dr Smith Thammasaroj, who was appointed to establish the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) after the 2004 tsunami, today expressed satisfaction with progress on the country’s disaster warning system.
“Tourists can sure of traveling safely in the Andaman region. Ninety percent of the warning towers are complete. The rest will be finished in the next three months,” he said.
“The towers can warn not only about tsunamis, but also about dangerous seas with strong waves, as well as storms and floods.”
Dr smith added, “We will set up provincial early warning centers [in all other provinces] from Narathiwat to Samut Songkhram within three months. Each province will have at least three warning towers.
“In the north, by the middle of this year, warning towers will be set up Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Lamphun and Lamphang provinces.
“In Isarn, towers will be set up in Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Ubon Ratchathani, the provinces along the Mekong River.”
“Warnings will be given Thai, English and French languages, and will be able to alert people to [impending] disasters about one hour in advance.”
Dr Smith made the announcement at a workshop on “Tourism Risk Management Strategy” being held at the Kata Beach Resort today and tomorrow.
