Religious activities and memorial exhibitions are being prepared across the island as Phuket gets ready to mark the 11th anniversary of the 2004 Tsunami on Sat, Dec. 26.
Patong, the place in Phuket worst hit by the waves in 2004, will host the traditional “Light Up Phuket” candle ceremony on the beach, where thousands are expected to place lit candles in the sand to remember victims of the tsunami.
The 2004 Asian tsunami claimed an estimated 230,000 to 280,000 lives – in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and even Somalia – with millions more directly and indirectly affected by the waves.
The official Thai government estimates that 5,393 were confirmed dead, another 8,457 were injured and 3,062 are missing, presumed dead, all lost to the tsunami.
Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada said Dec. 26 is a day not only to remember those lost to the waves, but also a time to acknowledge that natural disasters are a part of life and for people to learn how to respond to such emergencies.
“The cabinet on June 14, 2005 declared Decr 26 as National Disaster Prevention Day,” he said.
“Everyone must know at least the basics of how to save oneself from such disasters and how to help others to evacuate to safety.”
As in years past, the memorial activities this year will be centered at Loma Park in the tourist beach resort of Patong, which was devastated by the tsunami in 2004.
“At the event, we will have exhibitions with educational information on display about natural disasters, especially tsunamis and earthquakes, as well as live entertainment and music,” said the governor.
The event at Loma Park will start at 4pm and continue until midnight. Many Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim ceremonies will also be held throughout the area after 6pm.
Story: The Phuket News
