BANGKOK, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Thailand conducted a nationwide test of its mobile emergency alert system using cell broadcast technology on Tuesday in a move to mitigate losses from disasters through an effective communication channel.
According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the test at 2:00 p.m. local time triggered a "National Alert" signal, which is designed for large-scale and high-impact disasters, on mobile devices across all 76 provinces and Bangkok simultaneously.
The countrywide assessment today confirmed that the warning system is fully operational and ready to serve as a critical tool for national safety, said Unsit Sampuntharat, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Interior.
Initial feedback gathered via video conference following the test indicated that mobile users in targeted areas received the bilingual alert, displayed in Thai and English, within 10 seconds, Unsit told a press briefing.
Theerapat Kachamat, director general of the department, stated that the alert system is currently programmed to cover 14 specific types of disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, windstorms, floods, air pollution, violence in public areas, fires, and traffic accidents.
Even with satisfactory technical results, Theerapat emphasized that the effectiveness of any warning system depended on the public's cooperation and their ability to respond correctly to advice.
The official added that the goal was to warn citizens and prepare them to act without panic, thereby minimizing loss and ensuring safety. ■