China has taken a monumental step in disaster preparedness by completing its National Earthquake Early Warning Project, unveiling the world’s largest earthquake early warning network. The China Earthquake Administration (CEA) announced the completion on Friday, marking a significant advancement in safeguarding the public against seismic events.
The project involves the deployment of 15,899 monitoring stations across the country, designed to provide the public with early warnings of earthquakes and rapid reporting of earthquake intensities. According to Yin Chaomin, vice head of the CEA, these early warnings can reach the public through various channels, including television, IPTV, mobile apps such as WeChat and Alipay, and even loudspeakers in villages.
Earthquake early warning systems capitalize on the time difference between the speed of seismic waves and electromagnetic signals. Seismic waves travel slower than electromagnetic waves, allowing the network to issue alerts before the destructive waves arrive. This precious time—ranging from a few seconds to tens of seconds—can enable individuals and organizations to take precautionary measures to reduce casualties and damage.
“The early warning network will become increasingly relevant to individuals as its applications expand,” said Ma Qiang, chief engineer of the project. For instance, modified gas alarm valves can automatically cut off gas supplies upon receiving an earthquake warning signal, preventing potential fires or explosions.
Infrastructure and critical facilities can also benefit from timely responses. Major projects can automatically shut down gas pipelines, halt nuclear reactors, and stop precision instruments to avoid secondary disasters. An example is a switch developed by the Hubei Earthquake Agency that stops elevators at the nearest floor when an earthquake warning is received. This device is already in use in numerous high-rise buildings in the provinces of Hubei and Anhui.
The establishment of this extensive network underscores China’s commitment to leveraging technology for public safety and disaster mitigation. As the system integrates with daily life, it empowers communities and industries to act swiftly in the face of natural calamities, potentially saving countless lives.
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China establishes world's largest quake early warning network
cgtn.com
