ROBERT X. FOGARTY'S life has been one long disaster lately. No sooner did the researcher from New Orleans begin to feel comfortable on Phuket after a collision with a German on a motorcycle than he found himself riding for his life.
The Phuket tsunami alert on April 7 meant that Mr Fogarty drove towards the danger zone in Patong, rather than heading away from it, the way a less committed person might. What he discovered along Patong's foreshore in the aftermath of the tsunami alert will be part of a public lecture on Thursday at Phuket's Prince of Songkla University.
Anyone with a serious interest in the island's preparedness for a second tsunami shouldn't miss the opportunity to hear what the 26-year-old journalism graduate has to say. Mr Fogarty carried out a broad survey among tourists, as well as talking to general managers of resorts about the tsunami false alarm.
He is on Phuket to research and compare disaster preparedness in New Orleans and Phuket. The Andaman coast tsunami, many will remember, was followed in 2005 by a killer hurricane named Katrina that flooded New Orleans in the US, wrecking the city and badly damaging the presidency of George Bush in the process.
''I am making broad brush comparisons, looking at the biggest mistakes made in both communities,'' said Mr Fogarty, who will reveal the lessons for Phuket and the Andaman in his lecture. He is planning to take as well as give, hoping for Q&A feedback from audience members on Thursday.
Mr Fogarty is executive director of evacuteer.org, New Orleans, and one of his main interests is the City-Assisted Evacuation Plan, which provides free transport away from danger for those who have no alternative means of escape.
He will be available for discussion after making his 'Reflections on Emergency Preparedness in Phuket and New Orleans five years post-Boxing Day Tsunami/Hurricane Katrina,' in Room No.1205, Building One (Faculty of Technology/Environment) Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Thursday April 22, at 10 am.
People planning to attend should RSVP to rxfogarty@gmail.com
Phuket Lifeguards Swim, Run to Beat the SystemThe Phuket tsunami alert on April 7 meant that Mr Fogarty drove towards the danger zone in Patong, rather than heading away from it, the way a less committed person might. What he discovered along Patong's foreshore in the aftermath of the tsunami alert will be part of a public lecture on Thursday at Phuket's Prince of Songkla University.
Anyone with a serious interest in the island's preparedness for a second tsunami shouldn't miss the opportunity to hear what the 26-year-old journalism graduate has to say. Mr Fogarty carried out a broad survey among tourists, as well as talking to general managers of resorts about the tsunami false alarm.
He is on Phuket to research and compare disaster preparedness in New Orleans and Phuket. The Andaman coast tsunami, many will remember, was followed in 2005 by a killer hurricane named Katrina that flooded New Orleans in the US, wrecking the city and badly damaging the presidency of George Bush in the process.
''I am making broad brush comparisons, looking at the biggest mistakes made in both communities,'' said Mr Fogarty, who will reveal the lessons for Phuket and the Andaman in his lecture. He is planning to take as well as give, hoping for Q&A feedback from audience members on Thursday.
Mr Fogarty is executive director of evacuteer.org, New Orleans, and one of his main interests is the City-Assisted Evacuation Plan, which provides free transport away from danger for those who have no alternative means of escape.
He will be available for discussion after making his 'Reflections on Emergency Preparedness in Phuket and New Orleans five years post-Boxing Day Tsunami/Hurricane Katrina,' in Room No.1205, Building One (Faculty of Technology/Environment) Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus, Thursday April 22, at 10 am.
People planning to attend should RSVP to rxfogarty@gmail.com
News Analysis After five long months of unprotected beaches, Phuket is on the verge of having lifeguards. But the big question remains for authorities: How much is a life worth?
Phuket Lifeguards Swim, Run to Beat the System
Tsunami Good Samaritan Robs Tourist at Knifepoint
Breaking News Police have arrested a man they say gave a lift to a tourist as they fled Patong in the tsunami alert. The man later produced a knife and stole a total of 90,000 baht in cash and goods.
Tsunami Good Samaritan Robs Tourist at Knifepoint
Phuket's Tsunami Evacuation: What Went Wrong?
The False Alarm Tsunami evacuation calls should not be left to the discretion of resort managements on Phuket. Who takes responsibility when a tsunami alarm turns out to be false, or real?
Phuket's Tsunami Evacuation: What Went Wrong?
Phuket Tsunami Alert Ends: Is It Safe to Go Back?
PHOTO ALBUM A tsunami alert triggered an evacuation on Phuket today. But would it have saved everyone? Some tourists have told of being woken up after the tsunami's arrival time.
Phuket Tsunami Alert Ends: Is It Safe to Go Back?
TSUNAMI ALERT: Evacuation for Andaman, Phuket
Breaking News Resorts along Phuket's west coast and the Andaman shoreline were being evacuated this morning in a Level Three tsunami alert. The alert followed a quake off Indonesia.
TSUNAMI ALERT: Evacuation for Andaman, Phuket
So this is the friend upon who's tip Phuket Wan announced a Tsunami was coming?
You lost all credibility with that one, surprised this site hasn't been shut down for contributing to that false alarm.
So many foreigner business just turn to sh** after the girlfriend starts working.
Guys, Keep the g*** away from the cash
Posted by Thai Weary on April 20, 2010 15:09