------Program code: NS-080620-02920 (what's this?)
Source: CCTV.com
06-20-2008 11:31
The people here are aware of the risk, and understand the constant danger that faces them. Mr Darmili, Bhupati, Simeulue Island: It's important to pass on the message: each must tell next the next generation if an earthquake comes, we must run to the hills.
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By continuing to pass on the knowledge of smong, the people of Simeulue are ensuring that their children and grandchildren will know about tsunamis. They hope the example of their small island will show the rest of the world what to do when the time comes.
One of the other countries severely affected by the South Asian Tsunami was Thailand, where over five thousand people were killed, mainly in the South. The Thai authorities have come under attack both within Thailand and internationally for not warning the people in time, when it’s alleged they were aware of the threat of the tsunami almost two hours beforehand. Now throughout the region, many communities are taking responsibility for their own safety, making sure they’re prepared for the next time. On the Island of Koh Yao Yai, off the coast of Phuket, they’re going through the motions of a real-life disaster. The islanders are split into teams, each taking responsibility for a different aspect of the emergency procedure.
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Dr Pichit Rattakul, Senior Adviser, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre: Right now they are fleeing up to the highland where the medical unit is up here and each one of them carry their bag which includes every important document.
The medical team are not just practising. In the heat and excitement a few of the villagers have fainted, some of them thinking this is a real tsunami.
Dr Pichit Rattakul: She’s afraid of tsunami – she thought that it will come again, She’s so scared of tsunami that will be coming back again.
This is the first time the island has practised the drill, with a team from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre in Bangkok. One of the challenges is making people aware it’s not a real emergency.
Dr Pichit Rattakul: The elderly who has been carried out from the house somehow are frightened like the small girl we saw the other moment that they are frightened of the tsunami. And the old lady thought that the tsunami is a real threat to her life so while they are moving her up here, she’s kind of very excited and frightened.
The leaders of Koh Yao Yai are very keen to spread awareness across the island so everyone is educated about the dangers of natural hazards..
Montree Ben-Ahmad, Chairman, Koh Yao Yai Island: It’s important for the villagers to know how to evacuate, know about the tsunami, about the early warning system, and how to get themselves ready.
Dr Pichit Rattakul, Senior Adviser, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre: The most important thing is, everyone has passed through this process one time, because when the danger comes they will be remembering. And most importantly is to train the people to know exactly that each one of them is not running for their own self, but they have to do it for community at large, because each one of them has the responsibility for the whole village.
