Tokyoprevention

Earthquake Early Warning System

The Earthquake Early Warning system provides advance announcement of the estimated seismic intensity and expected arrival time of principal motion. These estimations are based on prompt analysis of the location and magnitude of the earthquake using wave data observed by seismographs of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) near the epicentre.

In the case of the great earthquake of Tokyo (M.8), announcement could be provided 50 seconds before the arrival of the main tremor. However, in the areas that are close to the center of the earthquake, the warning may not be transmitted before strong tremors occur.

How the EEWS is working?

• Earthquake Early Warnings will be provided through various media outlets such as TV and radio.
• Private companies may be able to receive the announcement directly from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
• Individuals could get direct information through a special device
• Mobile phone: Docomo should put on the market special mobile phone designed to receive AMJ alerts from late 2007; AU and Softbank from 2008.

How much is it?

• For an enterprise: put into operation (¥50,000), monthly subscription (i.e. ¥90,000 for Tokyo, ¥130,000 for Osaka), equipment and devices from ¥600,000.
• For individuals: some authorized dealers are selling EEWS devices and subscription while others supply the devices with subscription.
• There is no information about mobile phone services yet.

Contacts:

• Enterprises should contact Japan Meteorological Business Support Center: 3-17, Kanda-Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo,101-0054, Japan (Tel: 03-5281-0440 ; Fax: 03-5281-0443).
• Individuals can find the list of the authorized dealers by clicking here.

For more information, click here.