The first-ever large-scale tsunami response exercise was held on Wednesday at Sa Huynh Beach in the central province of Quang Ngai with the participation of 4,000 people. Some 20 lifeboats and many canoes and vessels were mobilized for the response exercise against a predetermined scenario. Specifically, after being warned about an earthquake in the Philippines which could create tsunamis on the East Sea, authorities of Duc Pho District gave the alert to residential areas. At the same time, Sa Huynh frontier post also sounded the alarm to offshore as well as coastal vessels and boats. The 5.6 magnitude earthquake occurred 45 minutes later, with a number of 5 - 8 meter waves overflowing into Pho Thanh beach, flooding several coastal areas. Immediately, the district People’s Committee implemented the response measures. Accordingly, the residents of two villages along with 2 tourists were evacuated to Da Heo mountain and Sa Huynh frontier post. Meanwhile, students and teachers at a secondary school were assembled, ready for evacuation. 150 offshore vessels, 90 coastal boats together with fishermen were ordered to find safe shelter. Ambulances were deployed to evacuate the elderly and the sick, as well as to give emergency aid to victims. Police officers were used to guide people to evacuation. The tsunami response exercise was well proceeded as planned, and was seen as a good chance to equip coastal residents with necessary knowledge about tsunamis.

Below are some photos taken from the drill: