Earthquake early warning system launched in Quebec, Eastern Ontario
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A network of sensors that can provide vital information about a potentially serious earthquake is now operational in Quebec and eastern Ontario.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) on Thursday announced the expansion of its earthquake early warning system.
If an earthquake of magnitude five or greater is detected, the system springs into action and broadcasts emergency calls and alerts similar to a tornado or Amber Alert.
Those alerts can provide several seconds of warning before shaking begins, giving people time to seek shelter and protect themselves,
The department said it is also working on warning specific areas to stop trains, stop surgeries and close bridges or tunnels, for example.
Along with western B.C., where the warning system was launched last year, NRCN said there is a moderate to high risk of earthquakes in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec.
A major earthquake in such an urban environment can cause millions of dollars in damage, NRCN said,
According to Earthquake Canada, one earthquake greater than magnitude five has been recorded in Canada this year: a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck off the coast of the Northwest Territories last month.
The region has recorded only three of that strength this century, in 2002. 2010 And 2013,
P and S waves
As the government explains, the sensors first detect the initial deep energy release from an earthquake, known as the primary or P wave,
If it has the potential to cause damage, a warning is broadcast before the secondary or S waves hit and cause damage.
For example B.C. In, The earthquake’s P waves, about 600 kilometers away, were detected about a minute before the S waves arrived.
However, people close to the epicenter of the earthquake may not receive alerts in time.
Several small but noticeable earthquakes have occurred in southwestern British Columbia over the past few weeks. For some, this is raising questions about how to prepare better. CBC’s Bennett Brich looks at the earthquake early warning system and how to make sure it works best for you.
