One of the world鈥檚 most seismically active nations, Japan, has begun using a system that transmits warnings of natural disasters, such as tsunamis, via satellite.
Tremors occur frequently in Japan and the country accounts for about 20% of the world鈥檚 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher. Last month, a powerful Pacific earthquake prompted widespread tsunami warnings, although thankfully only small waves hit the country鈥檚 coast.
The new system, called 鈥淛-ALERT,鈥� will send disaster warnings from Japan鈥檚 Meteorological Agency via satellite to city and town offices, automatically activating warning sirens and emergency broadcast systems. Until now, local officials have had to activate these systems themselves after receiving warnings.
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鈥淏y getting information out more quickly, we鈥檒l be able to evacuate faster, saving lives,鈥� a Fire Agency official said.
Extreme weather
Initially, the system will operate in 10 Japanese prefectures and four towns. The agency hopes to eventually extend it to all areas, but no timetable has yet been set.
Warnings will be issued for tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather conditions. In future, the agency hopes to be able to issue warnings of earthquakes and tsunamis before they occur. In the case of a tsunami warning, loudspeakers will broadcast warnings telling people to evacuate to higher ground.
From summer 2007, the agency also plans to use the system to send out information from the prime minister鈥檚 office concerning missile launches or attacks on national territory.
But the Fire Agency official added that even the best warning system was useless if people did not obey it. Only a small number of people evacuated after last month鈥檚 tsunami warning, which was prompted by an 8.2 magnitude earthquake. 鈥淲e can make sending the warnings faster, but getting people to evacuate is a separate problem,鈥� he said.
