NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, has an earthquake early warning system that is unique in the world.
On 11 March 2011, NHK was broadcasting live from the Japanese parliament. The MPs were discussing various motions and voting.
All of a sudden, at exactly 2.46 p.m., blue lettering appeared on the screen along with a map. An earthquake had just occurred in the north-eastern part of the main island of Honshu. The reporter, who seconds before had been discussing the debates in parliament, told the viewers which prefectures were affected by the quake.
All of a sudden, at exactly 2.46 p.m., blue lettering appeared on the screen along with a map. An earthquake had just occurred in the north-eastern part of the main island of Honshu. The reporter, who seconds before had been discussing the debates in parliament, told the viewers which prefectures were affected by the quake.
As soon as an earthquake occurs anywhere in Japan, the station automatically broadcasts an earthquake warning. The information comes from the tremors themselves.
When an earthquake occurs there are two types of seismic waves. The early warning system registers the energy of the first wave that is not dangerous and automatically warns about the second one that is coming and will shake the earth. The few seconds in between can be lifesaving.
(Source : Deutsche Welle/Media Network Weblog)
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