Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has introduced an advanced network of sensors in Quebec and eastern Ontario to detect potentially significant earthquakes. The Earthquake Early Warning System, recently expanded by NRCan, is designed to trigger emergency notifications in case of a magnitude five or higher earthquake. These alerts, similar to tornado or Amber Alerts, aim to provide a few seconds of warning before the tremors begin, allowing individuals to seek shelter and ensure their safety.
In addition to general alerts, NRCan is collaborating with specific sectors to implement targeted warnings. This includes holding trains, pausing surgeries, and closing infrastructure like bridges or tunnels as necessary. NRCan highlighted the elevated earthquake risk in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec, emphasizing that a major earthquake in urban areas could result in extensive financial losses.
According to Earthquakes Canada, only one earthquake above magnitude five has been reported in Canada this year, a 5.2 magnitude quake off the coast of the Northwest Territories. Over the past century, the region has experienced three earthquakes of similar strength, occurring in 2002, 2010, and 2013.
Explaining the technical aspects, the sensors detect the primary (P) waves emitted during an earthquake’s initial energy release. If the earthquake poses a threat, alerts are issued before the secondary (S) waves, which are responsible for causing damage, strike. The system’s efficiency was demonstrated in British Columbia, where P waves from a distant quake were detected approximately a minute before the arrival of S waves.
While the system offers valuable warning capabilities, individuals in close proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter may not receive alerts in time. NRCan continues to enhance the system’s effectiveness to ensure timely and accurate notifications during seismic events.