S'poreans caught off-guard by quake

S'poreans caught off-guard by quake

SINGAPORE (DPA): Public emergency warnings in Singapore will be sped up after panic-stricken residents had to wait more than two hours for guidance after shockwaves from an Indonesian quake sent them fleeing their apartments this week, it was reported on Thursday.

"After Monday's incident, we realize and recognize there is a need for us to push out the messages more quickly," said Assistant Commissioner Soh Wai Wah, the police director for operations.

He admitted authorities were slow to disseminate critical information and said police and the Civil Defense Force will work with radio stations and other media to speed up announcements.

Hundreds of Singaporeans fled their high-rise apartments blocks, many in their pajamas, after strong tremors triggered by the earthquake on the Indonesian island of Sumatra woke them up, shaking their beds and rattling glasses.