Officers led by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM Phuket) Chief Sopon Thongsai were briefed on the exercise at a meeting held at the DDPM Phuket offices yesterday (Jan 13).
The exercise, designated an Integrated Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Functional exercise (FEX), aims to simulate flood, storm and mudslide [sic] scenarios, ensuring effective response strategies are in place, said an official report of the meeting.
The initiative follows the Royal Volunteer Command Center Region 4’s directive for provinces to enhance disaster readiness. The exercise will simulate the impacts of severe weather from a fictional tropical storm dubbed ‘Longan’.
Under the exercise, Tropical Storm ‘Longan’ is intensifying and could escalate into a typhoon. With ‘Longan’ located near southern China, the storm is projected to approach southern Vietnam between July 19-20, 2025.
At the same time will be a strong southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, causing heavy rainfall, flash floods and strong waves, with the scenario having waves reach up to three metres high.
The goals of the exercise were given as:
- Test and refine disaster response and relief plans for storms, floods and mudslides.
- Evaluate the operational readiness of government agencies, foundations and volunteers.
- Enhance the skills and efficiency of personnel across all sectors.
- Identify and address gaps in coordination and improve operational plans.
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities for all participants in disaster scenarios.
“The CPX aims to build confidence in Phuket’s ability to handle real disaster situations through improved coordination and efficient execution of plans. This initiative is expected to benefit the residents of Phuket and the broader southern region by minimizing risks and ensuring safety during extreme weather events,” said the report of the meeting.
“Phuket Province encourages residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, to remain vigilant and stay informed of further updates. Sailors are advised to avoid stormy areas, and small boats should refrain from heading out to sea during adverse weather conditions,” the report added.