Seismicity in Chile
Because Chile is so prone to seismic activity, their earthquake preparedness and preventative measures are some of the best in the world.
Warning Systems
Following the 8.8 earthquake of 2010 that claimed the lives of more than 500 people, Chile "implemented a new system that alerted residents by telephone, computers and television in real time". The system, compromised of a network of digital broadband seismic and ground motion stations, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations, and GPS stations, allows Chile to capture accurate information for damage assessment and warnings.
Chile has also recently experimented with a newer system the rest of the world may soon adopt, called G-FAST. The Seismological Society of America describes G-FAST as using "ground motion data measured by GNSS to estimate the magnitude and epicenter for large earthquakes". The implementation of this system could allow even more time for earthquake warning and evacuation in the future.
Simulation Protocols
Chile also practices earthquake evacuation simulations at a minimum of 6 to 7 times per year, according to Ricardo Toro, Chile's head of disaster relief agency ONEMI. This simulation, known as "Chile Prepares" is held in Chile's capital of Santiago by the UN humanitarian affairs office and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). Entire regions are evacuated at once during these simulations.
Building Codes
Strict building codes are yet another measure Chile takes to hold its own against massive quakes. According to "The Guardian" newspaper, "The country’s building codes require that all new buildings must be able to survive a 9.0-magnitude earthquake. The building can crack, tilt and even be declared unfit for future use – but it must not collapse". It is also noted later in the article that out of the 6,000 buildings affected by the magnitude 8.8 2010 earthquake, only 6 were seriously damaged, 4 of the 6 needing to be demolished.
Christophe Schmachtel, a UN humanitarian affairs officer based in Geneva notes, "Chile has become a showcase. In our global meetings [on earthquake preparation], Chile is now the example".
~~~ Fun Fact ~~~~
An iconic drink served in Chile is called the "Terremoto", english translation "Earthquake". It's served with a second round of a smaller serving, called the "aftershock" :-)
Sources:
Warning system info
Warning system, evacuation simulation, and building codes info from "The Guardian"
G-fast:
Courthouse News Service
Seismological Society of America
Terremoto drink & recipe ;-)
Warning Systems
Following the 8.8 earthquake of 2010 that claimed the lives of more than 500 people, Chile "implemented a new system that alerted residents by telephone, computers and television in real time". The system, compromised of a network of digital broadband seismic and ground motion stations, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations, and GPS stations, allows Chile to capture accurate information for damage assessment and warnings.
Chile has also recently experimented with a newer system the rest of the world may soon adopt, called G-FAST. The Seismological Society of America describes G-FAST as using "ground motion data measured by GNSS to estimate the magnitude and epicenter for large earthquakes". The implementation of this system could allow even more time for earthquake warning and evacuation in the future.
Simulation Protocols
Chile also practices earthquake evacuation simulations at a minimum of 6 to 7 times per year, according to Ricardo Toro, Chile's head of disaster relief agency ONEMI. This simulation, known as "Chile Prepares" is held in Chile's capital of Santiago by the UN humanitarian affairs office and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). Entire regions are evacuated at once during these simulations.
Building Codes
Strict building codes are yet another measure Chile takes to hold its own against massive quakes. According to "The Guardian" newspaper, "The country’s building codes require that all new buildings must be able to survive a 9.0-magnitude earthquake. The building can crack, tilt and even be declared unfit for future use – but it must not collapse". It is also noted later in the article that out of the 6,000 buildings affected by the magnitude 8.8 2010 earthquake, only 6 were seriously damaged, 4 of the 6 needing to be demolished.
Christophe Schmachtel, a UN humanitarian affairs officer based in Geneva notes, "Chile has become a showcase. In our global meetings [on earthquake preparation], Chile is now the example".
~~~ Fun Fact ~~~~
An iconic drink served in Chile is called the "Terremoto", english translation "Earthquake". It's served with a second round of a smaller serving, called the "aftershock" :-)
Sources:
Warning system info
Warning system, evacuation simulation, and building codes info from "The Guardian"
G-fast:
Courthouse News Service
Seismological Society of America
Terremoto drink & recipe ;-)
Hi Alyssa, I found it really interesting that Chile's preparedness is one of the best in the world. I like how prepared it really is in the case of an earthquake catastrophe including warning systems and even evacuation simulations. I wondered, how do they know for sure that the buildings can withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake.
ReplyDeletenice research regarding measures...you also probably know that the 1960 Valdivia earthquake or the Great Chilean earthquake of 22 May was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded to date...a magnitude of 9.4–9.6 Mw...wow
ReplyDeleteI actually did see that whilst researching! It's hard to imagine
Delete