The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), located within the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad, assures that despite the occurrence of a 7.5 magnitude earthquake near Honshu, Japan, there’s no tsunami threat to India. The information came following tsunami bulletins issued by the Pacific Ocean Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) for Japan. To ensure optimal safety, ITEWC continuously tracks sea level changes near the earthquake’s epicentre, while also providing timely reports on potential tsunami threats.
The Role of ITEWC
The main responsibility of ITEWC revolves around assessing potentially hazardous seismic activities that could potentially lead to tsunamis. It maintains a vigilant eye on fluctuations in sea levels which are known to occur around the epicentral regions of earthquakes. ITEWC is quick to issue alerts and provide reports in the case of a perceived tsunami threat, helping people prepare and possibly prevent disaster.
Understanding Epicentres
An epicentre is a geographical term used to denote the point on the Earth’s surface that lies directly above an earthquake’s hypocenter or focus. In simple terms, it is the spot that is closest on the surface to the origin of the earthquake deep within the Earth’s crust. The severity of seismic disturbances often depend on the proximity to the epicentre, and understanding this concept plays a crucial role in earthquake and tsunami analysis.
INCOIS: An Overview
Operating under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, INCOIS is an autonomous body tasked with delivering a range of ocean-related information and advisory services. These services are directed towards a diversified audience including society, industry, government agencies, and the scientific community at large.
In pursuit of this mission, INCOIS maintains a proactive stance in keeping track of maritime conditions and potential oceanic threats. The organization’s services contribute towards ensuring public safety, supporting the fishing industry, aiding in disaster management, facilitating oceanographic research, and enhancing our understanding of the overall health of marine ecosystems.
Tsunami Early Warning System in India
The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), established under INCOIS, represents a crucial aspect of India’s proactive approach to disaster management. This comprehensive system allows for the early detection and timely warning of possible tsunamis, helping minimise casualties and damage from these powerful natural disasters. The warning centre uses sophisticated technology and predictive modelling to detect seismic activity and forecast potential tsunami risks, providing the public and relevant agencies with vital time to prepare and implement emergency procedures.
