The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) has set up the main information gathering system at NAST's Khumaltar Office, with the assistance of the Chinese government. The technical team successfully installed a sensor at Banepa on Friday.According to Vice-Chancellor of NAST, Dr Jeev Raj Pokharel, the system can definitely save lives and it will be of great help in a country like Nepal.
"To have something is always better than having nothing. People can move to a safer place even within this short time. Moreover, the system is an advantage in Nepal where most houses are multi-storied," said Pokharel.
Explaining the mechanism behind the monitoring system, Pokharel said that the sensors installed will detect the primary waves that get released first during any earthquake.
During any earthquake activity, four types of waves are released. First are primary waves, then come the secondary waves, and the two others that follow are Love and Rayleigh waves. These last two are the major ones that create the havoc in any tremor-hit area.
"The sensors will immediately detect the primary waves and send warning signals to the main hub at Khumaltar. The information will get distributed onwards to mobile phones once we reach a deal with Nepal Telecommunications Office," said Pokharel.
Currently, NAST is working to install 80 sensors, which have been provided by the Chinese government for free. It is estimated that at least 240 sensors will be required to monitor earthquake activity across the country.
"This is just a preliminary step and there is more to be done. After surveying various areas, installing of sensors will take place from Pokhara to Okhaldhunga and beyond," said Poharel.
The sensors need to be installed at intervals of 15-20 kilometers in order to get proper readings.
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