Defense Minister Jorge Nieto said his sector is targeting efforts towards implementing an earthquake early warning system in Peru as soon as possible.
According to Peru's Geophysical Institute (
IGP), this technology will send alerts to surrounding communities before damaging shaking arrives.
This way, if a
powerful quake is detected on the Coast, a warning will be given before it hits cities in inner Peru, providing a few seconds to take protective action.
However, the amount of warning time depends on one's distance from the event. The closer to the epicenter, the less time between first waves and shaking waves.
This way, the project might not succeed in Lima metropolitan area, since many of the earthquakes occur on the Coast. Therefore, tremors may arrive at the same time as the warning.
The minister also warned Peru's geography is different from that of other countries where the system has succeeded.
In any case, though, the system will provide time to react. For instance, if the
event occurs in Lima, Ica inhabitants would have 10 seconds to prepare. Those in Moquegua and Valle del Mantaro would have 50 and 20, respectively.
The system is expected to be tested in three months.
(END) CVC/RMB/MVB
Published: 9/21/2017