Phuket inspects tsunami warning towers and evacuation routes
Authorities have reviewed tsunami warning infrastructure at Kata, Patong and Kamala beaches and ordered upgrades to evacuation signage across Phuket.
Phuket authorities have intensified tsunami preparedness measures, inspecting warning towers, evacuation signs and emergency routes at major beaches including Kata, Patong and Kamala.
Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom led a review with senior officials, local administrators and representatives from relevant agencies. At Kata Beach, officials checked three warning towers, sirens, signage and evacuation routes. Similar inspections took place at Patong and Kamala, which also have three towers each.
The review examined the maintenance of evacuation signs, designated safe zones and temporary shelters intended to support a rapid response during an emergency.
Deputy Governor Khetarat said disaster readiness remained a priority, recalling the tsunami of 26 December 2004, which claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction. He said regular preparedness drills and equipment upgrades were essential amid what he described as increasing global seismic activity.
Phuket currently has 19 tsunami warning towers: 11 in Mueang District, four in Kathu District and four in Thalang District. The towers are tested weekly by broadcasting the Thai national anthem at 8am every Wednesday. The source reported that all units were functional, while local authorities had been asked to identify locations that might need additional towers.
Khetarat also directed district offices and municipalities to repair or replace damaged evacuation signs, expand multilingual signage for international visitors and add more safe-zone markers. He said local funding should be mobilised without waiting for central government approval.
“Phuket’s urban landscape has changed significantly since 2004, with denser communities and growing tourism. We must adapt our disaster management systems to today’s realities,” Khetarat said.
