Sri Lanka lacks technology to detect earthquakes fast enough

By Huzefa Aliasger

In the wake of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, an official said Sri Lanka lacks the technology to detect earthquakes quickly.

Assistant Director at Disaster Management Centre, Pradeep Kodippili told the Daily Mirror, “Sri Lanka has not had any threat of earthquakes in the near past, however, each year tremors occur on a scale of magnitude 2.”

Mr. Kodippili said that Sri Lanka has early warning detection systems but due to the lack of technology, the detection of earthquakes can be done after the second wave of tremors only. “Even an advanced country like Japan can only detect earthquakes after the first wave.”“High-rise building codes are made to be earthquake resistant for the past few years and relocation mechanisms are conducted by the Disaster Management Centre in case of earthquakes.”

Warnings issued by the Geological Survey & Mines Bureau are taken into consideration by the Disaster Management Centre.

According to the Bureau, if a major earthquake occurs near the island of Sumatra, Sri Lanka could face tsunami-like effects. Officials assured that global earthquake activity is being closely monitored, and necessary measures are in place to respond to any seismic events within the country.