Setting up of an Early Warning System for Tsunami and Storm Surges in Indian Ocean

The Government is setting up an Early Warning system for Tsunami and Storm Surges in Indian Ocean at the total cost of Rs. 125 crores with the following components:

Strengthening of the existing seismological network to indicate, near real time occurrence of tsunamigenic earthquakes;

Installation of tsunami warning sensors close to the ocean bottom at appropriate locales in the Indian Ocean, with real time connectivity;

Tide gauge and data buoys networking to validate arrival of tsunami waves at the coast;

Modelling of the inundation scenarios for the entire coast and mapping of potential risk areas;

Collection of information, analysis and generating status advisories.

A centre would be set up at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ICOIS), Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh on a 24X7 basis. The system is scheduled to be operationalized by September, 2007. The Tsunami Warning System is for the whole country.

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, the Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development, Shri Kapil Sibal said there is no assistance taken from foreign firms in this regard. He said the Indian system is the best system for our country.

Source : Ministry of Science & Technology
Date : December 15, 2005