Tsunami and Earthquake Preparedness in Phuket: Warning Towers and Evacuation Routes

How the warning system works

Local officials say Phuket has 19 tsunami warning towers along its coast, part of a network of more than 100 on the Andaman coast. The towers are tested on Wednesdays at about 8am, when the national anthem plays. In an alert the towers can broadcast in five languages: Thai, English, Chinese, Japanese and Russian.

Officials describe a two-stage warning. The first alert tells people a tsunami may be coming and to get ready, and the second tells people to move to the nearest safe zone. The National Disaster Warning Centre also uses TV, radio and mobile messages. Reports in past years found some towers faulty or under repair, so do not rely on a siren alone.

Evacuation routes and drills

Evacuation routes and assembly points are chosen and signed by each local administration, not by one island-wide office, so quality varies. Patong, for example, has a published set of routes, and large drills have been held at Patong and Kamala in recent years. Look for blue-and-white evacuation signs near the beach, and ask your hotel, landlord or municipality for the local map.

• Learn the route from your home, workplace, school and favourite beach.
• Know the nearest high ground or a strong multi-storey concrete building.
• Join a local drill if one is announced.

What to do if it happens

• A strong earthquake or long shaking near the coast, or an official alert, means move away from the shore at once. Do not wait for confirmation.
• Go inland and uphill by the marked route, or up to the upper floors of a sturdy building if you cannot get far.
• Do not return to the beach to watch, and stay away until officials give the all-clear, because waves can arrive in a series.
• Keep your phone charged and follow official channels for updates.

A household plan

• Keep passports, medicines, cash and a charged power bank in a grab bag.
• Agree a meeting point with family or housemates.
• Tell visitors and guests about the nearest route, and save the numbers in the emergencies guide.
• Check whether your insurance covers natural disasters. See the health and insurance guide and the home insurance guide.