With participation from tourists and locals, Thailand recently carried out tsunami evacuation drills to test escape routes and warning systems. The television pictures of masses of sun-seekers panting and sweating as they ran along in the heat did look bizarre. However, nobody in the region needs to be reminded why such measures are necessary.
Tsunami evacuation routes are clearly marked in most coastal areas and early warning sirens are also in place. Although many experts consider the 2004 tsunami to be a freak, once-in-a lifetime occurrence, most visitors and locals will no doubt be reassured to see the safety measures in place.
