Wichit conducts major tsunami evacuation drill in Phuket

Phuket’s Wichit Municipality conducted a comprehensive tsunami evacuation drill and rescue exercise yesterday, July 18, aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness in Phuket.

Wichit Mayor Kreetha Chotiwichpipat and Mueang Phuket District Chief Worasit Putjeeb led the drill, which involved multiple agencies in a Table Top Exercise (TTX).

The simulation was designed to test the municipality’s ability to respond to a tsunami warning, involving the evacuation of individuals from Phuket Aquarium at Cape Panwa in Moo 8, Wichit, to Baan Ao Nam Bo School in Moo 6, Wichit. The drill also included rescuing simulated victims from the sea.

Emergency response units from various organisations participated, including EMS teams from Vachira Phuket Hospital, the Phuket branch of the Department of Disaster Prevention & Mitigation (DDPM Phuket), and the Kusoldharm Foundation.

The exercise aimed to synchronise emergency response strategies among governmental bodies, private sectors, and the public, with participants gathering at the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center to practice emergency procedures and coordination efforts.

Mayor Kreetha emphasised the significance of local-level training, noting that every command centre within the municipality was actively involved. The mayor praised the drill’s execution, highlighting the clear planning in evacuation logistics, hygiene provisions, and community engagement.

“This exercise demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding both residents and tourists… We are confident in our readiness to manage any potential disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our community.”

The tsunami training drill received positive feedback from local businesses and residents, showcasing strong community cooperation and support for disaster preparedness initiatives. Mayor Kreetha sees this event as a crucial effort to reinforce Wichit Municipality’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for tourists.

In similar news, Phuket provincial police have initiated a new road safety campaign targeting the root causes of traffic accidents involving tourists. This effort, in collaboration with local partners, aims to reduce the high number of road incidents in the area.