Tsunami warning towers test on December 16

PHUKET: The 15 operational tsunami warning towers on Phuket will be tested in conjunction with the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) on December 16 at 1:30 pm.

The government has also assigned the NDWC to run tests in Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang, Krabi, and Satun Provinces, again at at 1:30 pm.

Boonchai Somjai, head of the Phuket Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, told the Gazette, “Islandwide, all in all, 15 towers will be tested. However, three towers, at Koh Lone, Rawai and Kata are not yet complete.”

In addition, evacuation drills will be held at Patong Beach and Bang Tao-Le Phang Beach. The tests and drills are expected to create more public confidence in the system.

People who live in locations where the tests are to be run are urged to remain calm when the alarm sounds.