A newly operational network of sensors in Quebec and eastern Ontario is now capable of providing vital early warnings for potential earthquakes, as announced by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) on Thursday. This Earthquake Early Warning System is designed to activate emergency alerts via phone and broadcast systems if it detects an earthquake of magnitude five or higher. These alerts function similarly to tornado or Amber Alerts and can offer several seconds of advance notice, allowing individuals to seek shelter and secure themselves before the tremors commence.
NRCan is also focusing on issuing targeted warnings to specific sectors, enabling actions like halting trains, pausing surgeries, and closing bridges or tunnels in response to imminent earthquakes. The department highlighted that eastern Ontario and southern Quebec, along with western British Columbia where a similar warning system was introduced last year, face moderate to high earthquake risks. NRCan emphasized the potential for significant damage, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, in urban areas in the event of a major earthquake.
Earthquakes Canada reported only one earthquake above magnitude five in Canada this year, a 5.2 magnitude quake off the coast of the Northwest Territories last month. Over the past century, the region has experienced only three earthquakes of similar strength in 2002, 2010, and 2013.
The sensors in the system initially detect the primary or P wave, representing the initial deep energy released by an earthquake. If this wave indicates potential damage, an alert is issued before the secondary or S waves, which can cause harm, reach the area. For instance, in British Columbia, the P waves of a quake occurring approximately 600 kilometers away were detected about a minute ahead of the S waves. However, individuals closer to the quake’s epicenter may not receive alerts in time.
It is crucial to note that while the system aims to provide timely alerts, some individuals may not receive notifications promptly based on their proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter. The Earthquake Early Warning system continues to evolve to enhance preparedness and response efforts for seismic events.
