Tsunami Hits Phuket
Phuket is the largest of Thailand’s islands. It is approximately the same size as Singapore with a regional area of 570 square kilometers. It is attached to Thailand’s mainland by a large bridge, which serves as the primary access route. Phuket is located in the Andaman Sea, off the Southern shore of Thailand. While copper and rubber have historically been the major economic factors of this island, tourism now accounts for a large portion of its financial resources. Tourists are attracted to the beautiful scenic views offered by the best hotels Phuket .
In 2004, a tremendous earthquake in the Indian Ocean caused a major tsunami to strike various places including the island of Phuket. This storm caused death and damage to hundreds of people in residential and resort areas. In Phuket alone, the deaths toped 250. Some of those were locals, some were foreign nationals who were there to help build new resorts in the Khao Lak area, and some were tourists. The damage was strongest along the west coast beaches, though it also affected those in the southern regions. Major international aid efforts helped to sustain those who were affected and begin the recovery process for many areas.
By February of 2005 much of the island had been restored, and the inhabitants were able to resume life as they knew it. The tourist industry has also recovered and the island remains a popular vacation destination. In December of 2006, Thailand incorporated the United States built tsunami detection bouys that will help to prevent future disasters on this scale. Various devises such as these are positioned around the Indian Ocean to detect earthquakes and help to warn against the imposing waves they create. One of them is positioned about 1,000 kilometers off Thailand’s shore, placing it approximately half way between Phuket and Sri Lanka.
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