Technological advances in seismic instrumentation and telecommunication permit the implementation $ X9`~Sv _
of real-time rapid response and early warning systems. During large earthquakes, such systems are D[7+xAwS
capable of providing from a few seconds to a few tens of seconds of warning before the arrival of FC :+[.fi
strong ground shaking and enable quick reports about the damage estimates to determine where |M j2lZS
emergency response is most needed. An earthquake early warning and rapid response system can R*l#[ D5A
provide the critical information needed to minimize loss of lives and property, and to direct rescue DaV:Slp9
operations As part of the preparations for the future earthquake in Istanbul a Rapid Response and Early 3 :XF7T
Warning system in the metropolitan area is in operation. For the Early Warning system ten strong W]]@pbG"H\
motion stations were installed as close as possible to the fault zone. Continuous on-line data from these 3Vu_-.ID
stations via digital radio modem provide early warning for potentially disastrous earthquakes. "lFS{7
Considering the complexity of fault rupture and the short fault distances involved, a simple and robust $fhb-c3
Early Warning algorithm, based on the exceedance of specified threshold time domain amplitude ^11y8[[
levels is implemented. The encrypted early warning signals will be communicated to the respective b 6FC
end users through a “service provider” company. The users of the early warning signal will be power KZ"&c~[
and gas companies, nuclear research facilities, critical chemical factories, subway system and several ` n *e8T
high-rise buildings. Depending on the location of the earthquake (initiation of fault rupture) and the <QUjhWxDb
recipient facility the alarm time can be as high as about 8s. For the rapid response system one hundred R<J1bH1n3
18 bit-resolution strong motion accelerometers were placed in quasi-free field locations (basement of {*Ag[HS0u
small buildings) in the populated areas of the city, within an area of approximately 50x30km, to b=5"*=T{+
constitute a network that will enable early damage assessment and rapid response information after a Gd:TM]rJ
damaging earthquake. Early response information is achieved through fast acquisition and analysis of |bwz
processed data obtained from the network. A shake map and damage distribution map (using aggregate CBqeO@M
building inventories and fragility curves) will be automatically generated using the algorithm Lad8 C
developed for this purpose. The shake and damage maps will be conveyed to the governor’s and _%xe:X+ M
mayor’s offices, fire, police and army headquarters within 3 minutes using radio modem and GPRS
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communication
