01/07/2025
Expert warns intermittent earthquakes at undersea volcanoes in the Andaman Sea, if erupts, could cause tsunami, and a 3-story building might not be safe.
Prof Dr Thorn Thamrongnawasawat, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, posted about earthquakes in the Andaman Sea on Tuesday, stating that there are intermittent earthquakes at undersea volcanoes in the Andaman Sea and tsunami are caused by earthquakes or undersea volcanic eruptions in the sea (they can also be caused by landslides in fjords, but this does not occur in Thailand).
Earthquakes in Myanmar occur on land, far from the sea, and are not related to tsunamis (but we might be directly affected by the earthquake).
Tsunamis in the Gulf of Thailand are unlikely to occur, and if they do, they will be very small, he added. We would have a long advance warning because they are far from the earthquake/volcanic eruption epicenters (Indonesia/Philippines).
When talking about tsunamis, the Andaman Sea coast is what needs to be watched out for.
“There are two potential origins: in Indonesia (the same location where previous tsunamis occurred) and along the Andaman/Nicobar island chain (earthquakes, undersea volcanoes) in India.
“The only volcanic island in this area is Barren Island, but the frequent earthquakes recently are not at that island. They are further south, along the same volcanic chain but submerged underwater.
“The sea in this area is over 2,000 meters deep. The only volcano that has erupted and risen above the water is Barren Island, which is still active and has erupted periodically, most recently in 2022.
“Therefore, it is possible that an undersea volcano in the same chain could erupt, but no one can say when. When there are frequent earthquakes in that area (stronger than magnitude 4), it might indicate magma movement, but it doesn't necessarily mean an eruption will occur. It needs to be monitored further.
“Tsunamis caused by undersea volcanic eruptions have occurred many times, most recently in Tonga. The undersea volcano in the Andaman Sea, where frequent tremors are occurring, is 470-480 km from Phang Nga (according to the Earthquake Monitoring Division).
“If an eruption occurs at that point, a worrying level of tsunami could happen because the water is quite deep. If it erupts strongly, a large mass of water would be pushed out to become a wave. Since it's closer to Thailand than the point where the earthquake and tsunami occurred in 2004 (Buddhist year 2547), the waves might reach the coast faster than last time (which was about 2 hours).
The origin point is different, the cause is different (earthquake/volcanic eruption), and the wave pattern might be different. Areas that have never been hit or have been lightly affected should also be cautious.
“Warning drills/evacuation drills are good, but there's no need to panic that it will definitely happen. No one can say if or when it will occur. Japan has had news of potential disasters for many months, and a disaster hasn't happened yet.
“So, youdon't need to be alarmed, but if these frequent tremors continue, it's wise to remain vigilant. Talk and practice with family members about what to do in an emergency, identify nearby escape routes, etc. Last time, a 3-story building might not have been safe. Compared to Tonga, a building of 7-8 stories or more is recommended (if you can't find one, follow the evacuation routes).
For children in school, it's essential to talk clearly with teachers. Schools should have emergency guidelines to inform parents, instead of parents driving to get stuck in a pile-up in front of the school.
“Finally, do not believe any alarming rumours. Follow information from reliable agencies/academics who have a background in this field, not just anyone who suddenly claims to be an expert.
“If people could become experts that quickly, I and other specialists wouldn't have to study and research tirelessly for decades. We'd be better off just staying home, waiting for divine inspiration…”
