Improving the Performance of Windstorm Disaster Warning Dissemination: A Case Study of Thailand Tropical Storm Pabuk

Abstract

This research is aimed at assessing and enhancing the Disaster Warning Dissemination Plan of Thailand. A tropical storm, is chosen as a case study for evaluating the performance of the plan since windstorm is a disaster occurring frequently in Thailand, and usually causing other natural disasters, e.g. flooding and landslide. Literature review and in-depth interviews with associated agencies were conducted to identify the warning dissemination process and time used in each step. The performance of the Disaster Warning Dissemination Plan was analyzed through Process Activity Mapping and simulation models based on the Pabuk disaster. The results show that redundant activities and delays in information transfers are major causes of the adverse performance of the warning dissemination. The simulation results also affirm that the average and maximum total time of both current and enhanced plans are lower than the maximum time indicated in the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act, B.E. 2558. The findings of this research can provide guidance for authorities in enhancing the Disaster Warning Dissemination Plan, which would effectively mitigate the adverse impacts of disaster in the future.