Safety measures at waterfalls


After 38 holidaymakers at three Trang waterfalls were swept to their deaths by fierce torrents over Songkran, all natural tourist attractions vulnerable to flash-floods across the country will get alarm systems or disaster-warning towers.

Watchtowers equipped with sirens and loudspeakers will be built at waterfalls where the terrain is suitable.


The sirens should have handles for cranking so that they would not depend solely on electricity, Anucha Mokekhawes, director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said yesterday.

The department's local offices and provincial authorities under the Interior Ministry were assigned by Deputy Interior Minister Banyat Chansena to work together to implement the project
Anucha said evacuation drills would be held regularly while safety measures would be tailored for each site. Safe areas should be designated for swimming, while park rangers and lifeguards would be on standby at each location.

The Nation