Reply #70: The only thing I've seen was in Thailand [View All]

[bloom]

"Thailand's meteorological department knew by 8.10am (local time) on Sunday about an hour before the first waves hit that a powerful earthquake had struck near Sumatra, and they discussed the possibility that the quake could cause large sea disturbances. The department had already distributed information pamphlets several years ago explaining the risks of tsunamis around southern Thai beach resorts.

But without definitive proof of an imminent tsunami, the meteorological department dared not issue a national warning lest it be accused of spreading panic and hurting the tourism industry if the disturbances did not materialise.

"Not every earthquake that occurs in the sea will cause a tsunami; it is very difficult to know," said Sumalee Prachuab, a seismologist at the department. "If we issue a warning about the possibility of a tsunami, people will panic very much.

"Phuket is for the tourists, and they will cancel everything," she said. "Then if the tsunami did not occur, the meteorological department will have many telephone calls, complaining "why did you make that prediction?".

reported in the Financial Times