California Unveils Early Warning Earthquake App
Faizan Hashmi Published October 18, 2019 | 09:50 AM
Los Angeles, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Oct, 2019 ) :California on Thursday launched the country's first earthquake warning system in the hope that residents will be alerted within seconds of a possible impending disaster and can "drop, cover and hold on." The app, created by the University of California, Berkeley, and unveiled on the 30th anniversary of the deadly Loma Prieta quake, uses ground motion sensors located across the state to detect the start of earthquakes before humans can feel them.
"Nothing can replace families having a plan for earthquakes and other emergencies," Governor Gavin Newsom said in unveiling the warning system.
"And we know the Big One might be around the corner. I encourage every Californian to download this app and ensure your family is earthquake ready." The cellphone app called MyShake can provide potentially life-saving seconds of warning before the ground starts to shake from a nearby quake -- enough time to drop, cover and hold on to help prevent injury, Newsom's office said in a statement.
"Warnings delivered through the system are based on a computerized program called ShakeAlert operated by the US Geological Survey that analyzes data from seismic networks in California, calculates preliminary magnitudes, and then estimates which areas will feel shaking," the statement said.
The new app was put to the test this week before its official launch when two earthquakes struck in the San Francisco area and central California, measuring 4.5 and 4.7 respectively.
Residents who had the app were alerted within an average of 2.1 seconds in the first case and 1.6 seconds in the latter.
Newsom said that the system was not perfect but would improve over time.
Officials warned that in rare circumstances, residents may receive a ShakeAlert when there is no quake taking place.
Seismologists say that California is long overdue for a huge earthquake, dubbed the Big One, as the state straddles one of the country's most dangerous fault lines -- the San Andreas fault.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
SIU arrests robbery gang targeting bank customers
Asia Cricket Week from April 28
PSA World C'ships in May
Food Safety Authority raids hospitals' canteen across KP
US Fed's favored inflation measure accelerates in March
Kenya flood death toll since March climbs to 70: govt
Rafiq-ul-Hujajj Committee to organize 2nd training session for pilgrims in Abbot ..
Defence Minister leads Pakistan's delegation to Kazakhstan SCO moot
PRCS Chairman, Moroccan envoy discuss humanitarian relations
50pc cut in subsidy of BRT service likely: CM’s aide
Russia striking Ukraine railways to 'paralyse' army cargo: Ukraine source
Cop, suspected outlaw injured in police encounter
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
8 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
8 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago