PHUKET: Better communication was required between different organisations on Phuket in a major disaster like the SuperCheap fire, a meeting heard today.
That lesson was actually learned on Phuket during the 2004 tsunami that devastated the island and the surrounding region, killing 5400 Thais, Burmese and tourists.
But the officials who were on Phuket at the time have moved on and the lesson of the need for disaster communication appears to have been forgotten.
It was difficult for the various organisations to function as a co-ordinated unit during the SuperCheap fire because their walkie-talkies and other means of communication were not designed to interact, officials were told today at the offices of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Vice-Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtada was delegated to seek answers to better communication in future.
People storing inflammable goods were also advised to get in touch with their local councils or fire stations so that firefighters know what kind of problems to expect in a blaze.
Governor Maitree Intrusud repeated that there had been no deaths in the blaze, and just a few minor injuries among people fleeing the flames.
The fire on October 16 was among the largest ever on the island but the iconic SuperCheap brand resumed operations quickly and renewed supply lines to its 44 Phuket outlets.
A large fresh market is also operating close to the razed store in Thepkasattri Road.
A map on the wall at the DDPM offices appears to show an outline of the SuperCheap store and possibly the area in the warehouse at the rear where the blaze broke out.
However, details have yet to be revealed by the forensic police investigating the blaze.
That lesson was actually learned on Phuket during the 2004 tsunami that devastated the island and the surrounding region, killing 5400 Thais, Burmese and tourists.
But the officials who were on Phuket at the time have moved on and the lesson of the need for disaster communication appears to have been forgotten.
It was difficult for the various organisations to function as a co-ordinated unit during the SuperCheap fire because their walkie-talkies and other means of communication were not designed to interact, officials were told today at the offices of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Vice-Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtada was delegated to seek answers to better communication in future.
People storing inflammable goods were also advised to get in touch with their local councils or fire stations so that firefighters know what kind of problems to expect in a blaze.
Governor Maitree Intrusud repeated that there had been no deaths in the blaze, and just a few minor injuries among people fleeing the flames.
The fire on October 16 was among the largest ever on the island but the iconic SuperCheap brand resumed operations quickly and renewed supply lines to its 44 Phuket outlets.
A large fresh market is also operating close to the razed store in Thepkasattri Road.
A map on the wall at the DDPM offices appears to show an outline of the SuperCheap store and possibly the area in the warehouse at the rear where the blaze broke out.
However, details have yet to be revealed by the forensic police investigating the blaze.
One of the most important aspects in any disaster scenario is good radio/data communication between the various rescue organisations.
That means that BEFORE any disaster occurs, these organisations should ensure that their radio comms equipment can effectively communicate with that of other similar organisations, AND that such equipment interoperability is tested AND tested again in mock disaster situations.
It is hardly rocket-science is it?
Simon HS0ZIB - licenced radio amateur in Thailand, previous career as rocket-scientist (yes really!)
Posted by Simon Luttrell on October 31, 2013 16:32