Patong to hold flood and landslide emergency drill
A tabletop session and practical evacuation exercise will test emergency procedures in Patong, with temporary road restrictions on Pisitkoranee Road.
Patong will hold a flood and landslide emergency drill to test command procedures and the readiness of agencies involved in evacuating and assisting residents and tourists, according to Patong Municipality.
A tabletop exercise will run from 8:30am to 12:30pm at Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong Hotel. It will cover emergency procedures, evacuation plans and the responsibilities of participating agencies.
The practical exercise will start at 2pm and simulate a landslide and the evacuation of people from a high-risk area. It will involve the Wang Kee Oan Waterfall learning centre area on Pisitkoranee Road, the evacuation route along 50 Pi Road and a temporary shelter at Wat Suwan Khiri Wong, also known as Wat Patong.
Patong Municipality has asked residents and motorists to avoid Pisitkoranee Road between the Wang Kee Oan Waterfall learning centre intersection and Wat Patong from 1:30pm to 4pm. Authorities stressed that the activity is a simulated emergency, not a real incident.
The exercise is being organised by provincial authorities in cooperation with Patong Municipality, disaster prevention agencies and partner organisations. Officials said it would help agencies clarify their responsibilities during floods, storms and landslides, while familiarising residents and tourists with evacuation procedures and ways to assist people who cannot evacuate themselves.
The exercise follows a preparation meeting chaired by Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri on Aug 11, attended by municipal officials and officials from the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office.
For information, contact the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office on 076-510098 or Patong Municipality on 076-344275.
