With the chatter of sirens, diligent search dogs, and orchestrated pandemonium set to sweep through Phuket, the island is bracing itself for a monumental event—the largest tsunami disaster drill in recent times. Local authorities have rolled out the red carpet for the CMEX 25 national crisis response extravaganza, destined to grip six Andaman coastal provinces in a simulated whirlwind from June 24 to 26, with none other than Phuket as its grand stage. This well-choreographed simulation is a mission-critical initiative designed to steel government bodies, rescue units, educational institutions, and the island’s inhabitants against the menacing specter of a catastrophic tsunami.
Only yesterday, on May 8, the announcement reverberated through the hallowed halls of Phuket Provincial Hall. Lieutenant Colonel Adul Chuthong, Phuket’s dynamic Deputy Governor, took command of the first planning conclave of 2025. Juncture by juncture, he mapped out the three-day cavalcade, with Mr. Wichit Sutthaso, the insightful Chief of the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, and a brigade of officials from an array of sectors rallying alongside him. The Deputy Governor echoed a timeless mantra, “Preparedness saves lives. This exercise will rigorously scrutinize our readiness and bolster our capability to respond if a calamity unfolds.”
Summoned by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the CMEX 25 will feature a tapestry of live drills, scholarly symposia, and synchronized multi-agency collaborations spanning the coastline. The overarching objective is unmissable: to ensure every individual—from the frontline responder to the earnest schoolchild—harbors an instinctual understanding of the actions required when a tsunami rears its head.
Mark your calendars:
June 24: The grand commencement unfurls under the auspices of the DDPM director-general. The day will pulse with inter-agency think tanks, expert dialogues unraveling the nuances of emergency warning architectures, and meticulous exhibition preparations at Rajaprachanukroh School 36 and Kamala Kindergarten School.
June 25: This is when the heart-thumping action ensues. Five live drill epicenters will orchestrate the simulated pandemonium, readying every participant for:
- Tsunami alerts and evacuations
- Rescue missions to locate and save victims
- Swift emergency medical interventions
- Establishing and managing temporary sanctuaries
- Water and airborne rescue maneuvers
June 26: A “dry run” will weave through the emergency protocols, culminating in a star-studded closing ceremony officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister or a designated luminary. A meticulous review of task allocations for every agency will be conducted, leading up to a synchronized site evaluation and coordination assembly slated for May 14 at Kamala Kindergarten School in Kathu district, as reported by The Phuket News.
This exercise symbolizes part of a grander endeavor to fortify regional defenses and enkindle the consciousness of coastal enclaves to remain ever vigilant. In a poignant moment of reflection, memories of the 2004 tsunami cast their solemn silhouette. Through CMEX 25, the clarion call rings loud and clear: let no guard down and persistently embody vigilance.
While it’s great to see proactive disaster preparedness, I can’t help but wonder if this is more about optics than real safety. These drills are good, but will they truly save lives when it counts?
I understand your skepticism, Larry, but drills do help. They keep protocols updated and ensure people are familiar with emergency procedures. Practice makes perfect, right?
That’s fair, but I still worry about complacency. If people get used to these drills being nothing more than a routine, it might not help in a real crisis.
But wouldn’t you rather have an ingrained routine than chaos when a tsunami really hits? Families need to know exactly what to do.
I think it’s reassuring to know that there are efforts to keep communities safe. An event like the one they’re planning will raise awareness and hopefully save lives.
Absolutely, Jen. It’s all about preparedness. We’ll never be able to stop natural disasters, but knowing how to act can make a huge difference.
Sure, but we need to ensure these systems genuinely work under stress. Real world scenarios aren’t as controlled as drills.
Does anyone find it strange that it took them this long to start preparing seriously after the 2004 tsunami? Shouldn’t this have been happening regularly already?
It’s never too late to start, Laurie. We have to work with the present and improve moving forward.
Isn’t this drill just a way to distract from the fact that infrastructure is lacking? They should be investing more in tsunami-resistant structures.
Good point, John! Infrastructure development is crucial, and it seems like money is poured into performances like these to give an illusion of progress.
Let’s be fair here; it’s not just an illusion. Drills are a part of the solution along with improving infrastructure.
Both are essential, guys. Preparedness drills and structural safety need to go hand in hand. Neither can replace the other.
As someone living in another coastal area, I think this kind of drill should be a model for other regions. Understanding what could happen is crucial.
Is anyone else concerned these drills might cause panic among tourists? Phuket is a major tourist destination, and frightened tourists could hurt the local economy.
They might cause some concern, but better safe than sorry, right? Tourists will appreciate knowing a safety plan is in place.
Good point, Larry. The economy is fragile, but lives should always come first.
Right, but maybe some more PR on the safety enhancements can turn it into a positive.
How are they ensuring that all these drills don’t actually mess up the regular functioning of the place for those few days?
I wonder how they’re involving schools. Having heard about schools being part of the drill, it feels like a great learning opportunity for students.
My doubt is if people are really going to take this seriously in the long term. It’s easy to engage for a day or two, but sustained awareness is a challenge.
It’s on the parents and the community as well to keep the conversation alive.
Is the local government providing follow-up sessions or workshops for residents after the drill, or is this a one-off thing?
It’s heartening to see smaller schools being involved in the drills. It shows that every life matters, and education is the foundation of safety.