Experts seek to calm quake fears
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Experts yesterday sought to allay concerns about repeat quakes in Phuket, saying that dozens, and perhaps hundreds, of aftershocks could follow but their magnitude should not pose any serious threat.
“Statistics have shown that hundreds of aftershocks take place in Kanchanaburi over the span of years following a quake, but none has had a magnitude greater than the first quake,” said Dr Pennung Warnitchai of the Asian Institute of Technology.
On Monday, a moderate quake of 4.3 magnitude hit Phuket, causing cracks in some buildings and structures. Several aftershocks followed.
At 9.56pm on Tuesday, a tremor of 2.0 magnitude occurred. At 12.49am yesterday, Phuket experienced another aftershock, of 2.6 magnitude, then a stronger one of 3.2 magnitude at 4.15am.
Phuket’s Thalang district has already been declared an earthquake crisis zone to facilitate compensation payments for those affected.
Deputy Phuket governor Jamrern Pippayapongthada yesterday said authorities would provide assistance to residents affected by the quake and its aftershocks.
“We have received many reports about cracks in people’s homes,” he said.
National Disaster Warning Centre (NDWC) director Somsak Khaosuwan said the quake and tremors in Phuket took place along a minor fault line known as the Khlong Marui.
“The tremors in Phuket will not be very powerful. They will not cause serious damage to properties,” he said, adding that only unstable structures were at risk of significant damage.
Somsak urged residents not to panic if another quake hit, but to prepare for any such eventuality.
In the wake of the Phuket quakes, the National Climate Change Policy Committee convened a meeting at Government House yesterday. A source said committee members discussed the quakes on the sidelines.
