oleh admin | Apr 8, 2025 | disaster management, disaster preparedness, disasters, natural disasters, news
Thailand’s natural disaster early warning and alert system encounters significant hurdles following experts attributing a delayed reaction to the earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, which caused powerful shaking throughout Thailand, to inadequate coordination.
Seree Supratid, director of the Climate Change and Disaster Centre at Rangsit University, says he was appointed by the Interior Minister as an expert adviser at the National Disaster Warning Centre (NDWC) after the earthquake.
During an interview with the Bangkok Post, Mr. Seree mentioned that he had also been involved with the center back in 2005 when it was first established.
Bureaucratic loopholes
After coming back, I’ve already identified numerous gaps, especially within our operations involving collaborating organizations.
“Collectively, we function akin to a series circuit [where all elements are linked sequentially to create a solitary pathway for electrical current]… Data is transferred from one organization to the next as time progresses,” he stated.
He proposed that it might be more efficient if the agencies could function akin to contemporary computer circuits, operating concurrently without needing to await one another.
Specifically, the NDWC ought not to await information from other agencies. If flooding occurs, it shouldn’t rely on data from the Meteorological Department; similarly, during other natural events causing disorder, it shouldn’t depend on the DDPM.
Mr. Seree mentioned that the NDWS needs to seek out information independently and cross-reference it with other agencies prior to releasing warnings.
He stated that during the earthquake on March 28, the text messages alerting people about the quake were significantly delayed in being dispatched.
Passakorn Boonyalak, who serves as the director-general of the DDPM, mentioned earlier that the department had submitted the initial set of alerts to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) for distribution at 2:42 pm. This was shortly after an earthquake occurred at 1:20 pm on March 28.
The notification assured recipients that they were free to go back into structures to retrieve their possessions.
Trairat Wiriyasirikul, who serves as the interim secretary-general of the NBTC, mentioned that the notification was sent out at 2:44 pm to approximately 10 million mobile phone numbers. The distribution occurred gradually, with each batch containing 200,000 contacts, covering areas within Bangkok and its adjacent three provinces.
He further stated that the identical message was subsequently resent to recipients across all 76 provinces.
However, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated during a gathering on March 29 that it was excessively time-consuming to disseminate the information. She instructed both the DDPM and NBTC to devise a method for surpassing the 200,000-per-send restriction as efforts commence to enhance the system.
She encouraged them to increase this capability to one million recipients per broadcast as they awaited the complete rollout of the NBTC’s cell broadcast technology.
Mr. Seree stated that the NDWC now has the legal duty to be the first entity to release official natural disaster alerts.
In case of another seismic event, the Meteorological Department will inform the NDWC, which will then utilize this data to release warnings and communicate the necessary steps individuals should follow along with safe locations to head towards.
He stated that during this timeframe, the Meteorological Department requires additional time to analyze more detailed aspects of the earthquake’s intensity and determine which areas might be impacted before they can forward this supplementary data to the NDWC.
Cell broadcast service system
“When the cell broadcast service [CBS] system is rolled out, it will enable the NDWC to issue warnings directly to individuals in impacted regions through cellular networks,” he explained, noting that full implementation of the CBS system is anticipated by August 1st.
The CBS system enables the distribution of urgent weather and natural disaster alerts through mobile phone notifications.
He mentioned that initially, the media might get details regarding the location and intensity of an earthquake from the Meteorological Department.
Nevertheless, it requires some time to compute and analyze the impact levels, after which the NDWC will release warnings through the CBS system and keep providing periodic updates until the situation improves, he stated.
He likewise highlighted the importance of enhancing the current disaster alert mechanism to guarantee a more rapid reaction during an emergency.
The NBTC plans to work together with television networks and radio stations to issue warnings through the TV Pool system, he stated, noting that no such alert was disseminated on March 28.
Free inspections
The president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, Amorn Pimanmas, stated that owners and inhabitants of tall buildings in Bangkok ought to request an inspection from structural engineers following the earthquake to alleviate their worries about safety.
As things stand, Bangkok boasts over 1,000 structures exceeding 23 meters or eight stories tall. Following the March 28 earthquake, numerous individuals have grown worried regarding the structural integrity of these buildings, he mentioned.
People can get assistance through Traffy Fondue, a complaint mechanism managed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Additionally, engineers who offer their services for free will inspect structures after an earthquake and provide guidance on making buildings more resistant to earthquakes at no cost.
Approximately 1,000 engineers are prepared to provide assistance at no cost; however, they do not have the authority to issue certifications for safety inspections.
“If property owners require certifications, they might need to engage private firms to examine their structures,” Mr Amorn stated.
He mentioned that a team of Thai investigators has created instruments for gauging structural movements. Currently, one such device is set up at the Thani Nopparat Building within City Hall’s Din Daeng district, while another is positioned at a facility in the Northern region.
Mr. Amorn stated that it is still not possible to accurately forecast precisely where and when an earthquake might strike beforehand. Additionally, issuing prompt alerts for shallow quakes similar to the one that hit Myanmar on March 28, which had a depth of merely 10 kilometers, continues to be challenging.
Scientists indicate that smaller earthquakes transmit rapidly and generally cause greater damage compared to those occurring at deeper depths. Waves generated by deep-seated seismic activities move slower through layers of rock, diminishing in intensity as they ascend towards the earth’s surface.
“Bangkok is approximately 1,000 kilometers distant from the epicenter located in Myanmar. However, vibrations were experienced in Thailand. Issuing prompt alerts was challenging because we required time to analyze the data,” Mr Amorn stated.
Itthaboon Onwongsa, the deputy secretary-general of the Thailand Consumers’ Council (TCC), stated that the organization has been advocating for the adoption of the CBS system ever since the tragic event at Siam Paragon in October 2023. This incident involved a troubled 14-year-old student who took the lives of three individuals and wounded multiple others.
He stated that delaying the installation of the system any longer would be unwise, and emphasized that it should also be tailored to meet the requirements of visually impaired and hearing-impaired individuals.
He stated that during natural disasters, the government must not abandon individuals to fend for themselves. Instead, it has an obligation to offer citizens essential information and prompt guidance.
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oleh admin | Apr 2, 2025 | disaster management, disasters, news, politics, tourists
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports intends to revamp its approach for the latter part of this year in response to the declining Chinese market and diminished trust after the recent earthquake. The aim is to set up a fresh crisis management group.
The ministry plans to engage in discussions with a strategic advisory group to guide the Tourism Authority of Thailand as they implement this initiative, stated Natthriya Thaweevong, who serves as the permanent secretary of the ministry.
Thailand has encountered several issues this year impacting tourist confidence, such as the earthquakes that struck both Myanmar and Thailand recently, along with worldwide economic difficulties, according to Ms. Natthriya.
She mentioned that the nation can no longer depend on the Chinese market as heavily as it once did. Before the pandemic hit in 2019, Thailand saw an all-time high of 11 million tourists arriving from mainland China. However, the comeback after the pandemic has been sluggish, with visitor counts failing to recover fully so far. The previous year witnessed approximately 6.7 million Chinese travelers visiting the country, and projections for this year anticipate about 7 million arrivals.
The Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, announced the establishment of a Tourism Risk and Crisis Management team aimed at supporting the sector. This team will include members representing various organizations within the tourism supply chain, including entities like the Interior Ministry and the Department of Land Transport.
Based on early responses from businesses, he mentioned that the ministry intends to work alongside the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to provide certification for hotels that successfully pass a security inspection post-earthquake.
“We aim to concentrate on conveying one key message: Thailand remains a secure destination for travelers,” he stated.
Mr. Sorawong mentioned that the Chinese market is particularly reactive to information about the earthquake, and the ministry intends to talk with the Chinese ambassador to try and rebuild trust.
He mentioned his intention to bring influential figures from China’s media landscape to showcase that every province across the nation is safe for tourism, along with Bangkok, which faced the biggest impact.
In light of the approaching Songkran festivities, all events are scheduled to proceed without changes. The ministry has requested that the Tourist Police collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to guarantee tourist safety across key regions.
It also motivates visitors to install the Thailand Tourist Police app, enabling them to get direct warnings from the Tourist Police in case of any unforeseen incidents.
Mr. Sorawong expressed his belief that the slow-down in booking activities wouldn’t persist, since officials have been diligently addressing the problem.
The president of the Thai Hotels Association, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, stated that the government ought to implement the domestic co-payment tourism promotion program at the earliest opportunity.
He projected that the typical hotel occupancy rate for April and the Songkran holiday season would stay at approximately 60%, which is below the previous year’s figure of 65%.
In the meantime, a spokesperson for the Thai Airlines Association mentioned that flight reservations experienced a decline of 40-60% over the two days following the earthquake. Notably, there was an exceptionally steep reduction in bookings from China, which fell by 60%.
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oleh admin | Mar 30, 2025 | disaster management, environmental disasters, natural disasters, news, rainfall
Officials caution that increased slope drainage capabilities will be necessary due to anticipated more severe weather conditions in the coming years.
As much as 60 percent of the landslides occurring annually on Hong Kong’s private slopes can be attributed to inadequate upkeep, according to findings from local authorities. They are now pressing for slope owners to address these issues due to the effects of climate change.
Government specialists stated that slopes would become susceptible to more severe weather conditions.
“Given the expectation of more severe weather conditions ahead, we may see increased precipitation during wet seasons, necessitating enhanced drainage capabilities for hillsides,” explained Lawrence Shum Ka-wah, who serves as the assistant director of the Geotechnical Engineering Office located on Hong Kong Island.
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He mentioned that drainage systems can handle obstructions caused by leaves or branches, yet extremely severe weather conditions have the potential to surpass their capacity.
On average, about 10 to 20 landslides took place annually on privately owned slopes throughout the last ten years, according to Shum, referencing a departmental assessment.
Typically, around 30 to 60 percent of these issues stemmed from inadequate maintenance by property owners.
He stated that the areas affected by landslides were determined by the pattern of rainfall, noting that no particular district needed extra focus. However, he emphasized that upkeep would be the primary issue to address.
Shum stated that authorities reported over 50 landslides on private slopes in 2023, during what was termed a “once-in-500-years storm.” Of these incidents, 30 percent resulted from inadequate maintenance.
The severe weather condition activated the city’s most extended black rainstorm alert, lasting over 16 hours. This transformed roads into waterways and left motorists trapped in their cars, while also inundating malls and train terminals. Over 100 individuals required medical attention at hospitals.
Shum additionally pointed out to the owners that they could bear responsibility for maintaining adjacent land parcels, even though these might not be detailed in their land lease agreements.
Currently, about 2,500 man-made slopes located on government land are maintained by private owners of adjoining lots.
Each year, the department chooses 100 individual ski slopes for safety inspections conducted by them.
When individuals are classified as hazardous, the authorities issue a Dangerous Slope Order (DSO) to the property owners. This order mandates them to conduct investigations and undertake required preventative measures using certified specialists.
By 2023, as stated by Robert Cheng, the chief building surveyor at the Buildings Department, 271 DHOs still remained unfulfilled by private property owners.
He urged the owners to keep their slopes maintained in order to avoid the risk of landslides.
Cheng also mentioned that routine inspections of the slopes as well as underground water pipelines were essential.
The administration likewise provides assistance to proprietors encountering monetary challenges, including grants and financing options.
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The article initially appeared on the South ChinaMorning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China andAsia.
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oleh admin | Mar 30, 2025 | disaster management, disasters, emergencies, news, search and rescue
Mandalay [
Myanmar
On March 30 (ANI), the initial Relief and Rescue Team comprising 10 members arrived at Mandalay International Airport.
Myanmar
, at 5:45 PM MST on Sunday, as reported by the Indian Army.
The team has started conducting site surveys for setting up the Field Hospital and is presently receiving an introduction to the Operational Area, according to statements made by the Indian Army. The principal group, accompanied by heavy machinery and provisions, plans to depart via land route early Monday morning.
India has launched
Operation Brahma
to assist
Myanmar
following a ruinous earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale
earthquake
On Sunday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported that Indian Navy vessels loaded with aid supplies were en route to Yangon.
As directed by the Ministry of External Affairs, the HADR initiatives are being advanced alongside the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and NDRF, according to an additional statement from the MoD.
The Indian Navy vessels Satpura and Savitri, representing the Eastern Naval Command, departed for Yangon on Saturday. This mission forms part of the Indian Navy’s prompt reaction to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), according to an official statement.
Furthermore, the Indian Navy vessels Karmuk and LCU 52, based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, will set sail for Yangon on Sunday to aid in the HADR missions.
Following the destructive
earthquake
in
Myanmar
and Thailand on Friday, India initiated
Operation Brahma
to assist
Myanmar
, the MoD said.
According to the Defence Ministry, around 52 tons of aid materials have been loaded onto these naval vessels. This includes HADR kits containing crucial items such as basic garments, potable water, nutrition supplies, medical provisions, and urgent necessities. The Indian Navy continues to uphold India’s dedication to being the ‘first responder’ within the area.
In the meantime, rescue teams are frantically looking for survivors over two days since a severe earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck the area.
earthquake
struck
Myanmar
, causing structures to collapse even in Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok, and triggering vibrations in adjacent Chinese provinces, according to CNN.
This was the largest
earthquake
To strike the war-torn nation after more than a hundred years, officials report. Specialists worry that the actual fatality count might not be known for several weeks, as stated by CNN. As things stand currently, at minimum 1,700 individuals have lost their lives and approximately 3,400 have been wounded, claims the country’s military administration. Around 300 additional persons are still unaccounted for.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), as reported by CNN, suggested through preliminary models that the ultimate number of fatalities might exceed 10,000 individuals. (ANI)
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | disaster management, emergencies, emergency management, government, news
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed all pertinent departments to spare no effort in aiding those affected by recent floods as the Eid al-Fitr celebrations draw near.
At today’s media briefing held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah stated that Anwar has requested all stakeholders to promptly allocate resources towards post-flood restoration activities to alleviate the hardships faced by those affected by the floods.
This involves helping with the cleanup of houses, particularly as Hari Raya approaches.
He stated, “Since conditions in Johor and Sabah are progressively getting better, everyone—including NGOs and the private sector—should come together to assist flood-affected individuals in their recovery process. This disaster has led to considerable destruction of properties, financial losses, and interruptions in Eid al-Fitr celebrations.”
It was reported yesterday that the flooding conditions in Johor and Sarawak have continued to show improvement; however, the number of displaced individuals in Sabah has seen a slight increase.
Earlier this week, Anwar encouraged all state administrations to focus first on addressing civic problems like poverty, flooding, and public housing, while also advocating for progress in infrastructure development.
