SSUET to install warning system

KARACHI: The Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) has proposed to update its Disaster Preparedness Plan by developing and installing a ‘warning system’, announced the chancellor, Engineer ZA Nizami on Sunday.

The Institute of Human Settlement and Environment is primarily a teaching and research institute at the university, which conducts research on various natural, man-made and environment disasters. However, SSUET is also providing assistance to residents by creating awareness among the disaster-prone population and suggesting remedial measures. Investigative study of seismic data between 1905 and 2004 has shown that about 40 earthquakes in the region were felt in Karachi, which lies within the radius of perceptibility of these shocks.

It was pointed out that the tsunami warning system works in real time frame of short duration.

The report said that the time factor is important to minimise the loss of human lives. It is necessary that the warning reaches the affected residents before the calamity hits.

Studies have shown that the coastal regions of the country are vulnerable to floods and tsunami.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st, 2010.