The Chinese mainland has successfully completed its National Earthquake Early Warning Project, marking the establishment of the world's largest earthquake early warning network, according to the China Earthquake Administration (CEA) on Friday.
With the deployment of 15,899 monitoring stations across the country, the project aims to provide the public with timely earthquake early warnings and rapid intensity reporting services. Yin Chaomin, vice head of the administration, highlighted these advancements during a press conference.
The early warnings can be disseminated through various channels, including TV, IPTV, mobile apps like WeChat and Alipay, and loudspeakers in villages. This multi-platform approach ensures that information reaches a broad audience quickly.
Earthquake early warning systems operate by utilizing a dense network of seismic monitoring stations to detect seismic activity. Since seismic waves travel slower than electromagnetic waves, the system can issue alerts seconds before destructive waves arrive, allowing individuals to take precautionary measures to reduce casualties.
In addition to personal safety, the network enables major infrastructure and lifeline projects to respond promptly to prevent secondary disasters. For example, the system can automatically shut down gas pipelines and nuclear reactors, and halt the operation of precision instruments. A notable example is a switch developed by the Hubei Earthquake Agency, which can stop an elevator at the nearest floor upon receiving an earthquake warning signal. This device is already in use in many high-rise buildings in the provinces of Hubei and Anhui.
Ma Qiang, chief engineer of the project, emphasized that the earthquake early warning network will become increasingly vital as its applications expand. He cited the example of gas safety, where a modified gas alarm valve can automatically cut off gas supply after receiving an earthquake warning signal, enhancing overall safety measures.
Reference(s):
China establishes world's largest quake early warning network
cgtn.com
