Uttarakhand Tests Earthquake Early Warning System; Alerts Received by 112 Sirens
State has 169 sensors and 112 sirens; test alert also received on Bhudev mobile app
Monthly testing to be conducted on the 9th of every month to identify technical glitches and improve system reliability
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand conducted a test of its earthquake early warning system at 11 am on Friday to assess its functionality and raise public awareness about earthquake preparedness. Alerts were received by all 112 sirens installed across the state during the exercise. A test alert was also received on the Bhudev mobile application.
The exercise was conducted to assess the functioning of the sirens and sensors deployed under the earthquake early warning system. As directed by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, the sirens will be tested at 11 am on the 9th of every month to identify technical issues and ensure the system remains operational.
Monitoring Conducted from State Emergency Operations Centre
Secretary for Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman was present at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and monitored the exercise. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee joined the SEOC online to observe the testing process.
The officials reviewed the functioning of the sirens and the test alert received on the Bhudev mobile app to assess the system’s operational status.
Suman said the test was largely successful, although technical difficulties were identified in the operation of sirens at some locations. Scientists from IIT Roorkee are identifying the shortcomings, and the necessary corrective measures will be taken after assessing the issues to ensure that the sirens function effectively when required.
Focus on Timely Alerts During Earthquakes
Suman said the primary objective of the exercise was to assess the operational capability of the state’s earthquake early warning system. The test examined the sensors used to monitor seismic activity and the sirens deployed to disseminate alerts.
Regular testing will help authorities identify technical faults and address them in a timely manner, thereby improving the reliability and effectiveness of the system during an actual earthquake.
He added that technological preparedness must be complemented by public awareness and individual vigilance to minimise the impact of disasters.
Uttarakhand Has 169 Sensors and 112 Sirens
According to Suman, Uttarakhand currently has 169 sensors and 112 sirens installed under its earthquake early warning system. The sensors monitor seismic activity, while the warning mechanism is designed to disseminate alerts through the designated system.
He said a proposal to install additional sensors under the project is under process with the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) and IIT Roorkee. The proposed expansion is expected to strengthen seismic monitoring and enhance the system’s capabilities.
Public Urged to Update Bhudev App
Suman urged residents to install the latest version of the Bhudev mobile application and grant it location permission to facilitate the receipt of alerts during an actual emergency.
He clarified that the sirens sounded on Friday were part of a scheduled test and did not indicate an actual earthquake warning.
The exercise also aimed to familiarise residents with the sound of the sirens so they could recognise the alert and respond appropriately during an emergency.
Officials present during the exercise included Additional Chief Executive Officer (Administration) Prakash Chandra, Additional Chief Executive Officer (Implementation) and DIG Rajkumar Negi, and Joint Chief Executive Officer Dinesh Kumar Punetha, among others.
Monthly Testing Scheduled for the 9th
Under the directions of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, the sirens will be tested at 11 am on the 9th of every month. The exercise will assess their operational status, and technical issues identified at any location will be taken up for corrective action.
Proposal for Additional Sensors Underway
USDMA and IIT Roorkee are working on a proposal to install additional sensors under the earthquake early warning project. The expansion is expected to improve the monitoring of seismic activity and strengthen the system’s overall capabilities.
The state aims to improve disaster preparedness through regular testing and the coordinated use of sensors, sirens and the Bhudev mobile application.
