Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Successful Alert Issuance with Sufficient Lead Time by Uttarakhand State Earthquake Early Warning System: Case Study of Nepal Earthquakes

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of the Geological Society of India

Abstract

Three moderate earthquakes on November 9, 2022, November 12, 2022, and January 24, 2023 occurred in Western Nepal region of Magnitudes 5.8, 5.4 and 5.8 respectively. The epicenters were ∼100 km away from the Uttarakhand State Earthquake Early Warning System (UEEWS) network which consists of 169 seismic sensors in oval shape network with larger axis of about 280 km in East-West and 120 km in North-South in Uttarakhand-Dharchula seismic gap, a region of central seismic gap of Indian Himalaya. The strong motions recorded by UEEWS were fetched in real-time at the central server in Roorkee through dedicated private network. The central server issued notifications and warning alerts to the public of Uttarakhand on the mobile app, ‘Uttarakhand Bhookamp Alert’ installed by them. The success story of issuance of warning along with location of triggered sensors, epicenter of earthquakes and lead time people got in these events are elaborated in this article. Specially, these three moderate earthquakes albeit not triggered in the instrumented area, issuance of warning to the public by UEEWS network is noteworthy. Encouragingly, these events have been considered an example to rationalize establishment of earthquake early warning system in the other parts of the Himalayan regions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Askan, A., Karimzadeh, S. and Bilal, M. (2017) Seismic Intensity Maps for the Eastern Part of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (Turkey) Based on Recorded and Simulated Ground-Motion Data. In: Amer. Geophys. Union, pp.273–287, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118944998. ch10.

  • Atkinson, G.M. and Kaka, S.L.I. (2007) Relationships between felt intensity and instrumental ground motion in the Central United States and California. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.97(2), pp.497–510, doi: https://doi.org/10.1785/0120060154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bajaj, S. and Sharma, M.L. (2019) Modeling Earthquake Recurrence in the Himalayan Seismic Belt Using Time-Dependent Stochastic Models: Implications for Future Seismic Hazards. Pure Appl. Geophys., v.176, pp.5261–5278, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-019-02270-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhardwaj, R., Sharma, M.L. and Chen, Z. (2018) Lead time for cities of Northern India by using multiparameter EEW algorithm. Inter. Jour. Geophys., doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9086205.

  • Bhardwaj, R., Sharma, M.L. and Kumar, A. (2016) Multi-parameter algorithm for Earthquake Early Warning. Geomatics, Nat. Hazards Risk, v.7(4), pp.1242–1264, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/19475705.2015.1069409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bilal, M., and Askan, A. (2014) Relationships between felt intensity and recorded ground-motion parameters for Turkey. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.104(1), pp.484–496, doi: https://doi.org/10.1785/0120130093.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Böse, M., Sokolov, V. and Wenzel, F. (2009) Shake map methodology for intermediate-depth Vrancea (Romania) earthquakes. Earthq. Spectra, v.25(3), pp.497–514, doi: https://doi.org/10.1193/1.3148882.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, K.W. and Bozorgnia, Y. (2007) Campbell-Bozorgnia NGA Ground Motion Relations for the Geometric Mean Horizontal Component of Peak and Spectral Ground Motion Parameters. PEER Report 2007–02. Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of California, Berkeley, CA. pp.1–265.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chamoli, B.P., Kumar, A., Chen, D.Y., Gairola, A., Jakka, R.S., Pandey, B., Kumar, P. and Rathore, G. (2019) A Prototype Earthquake Early Warning System for Northern India. Jour. Earthq. Eng., v.25(12), pp.2455–2473, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13632469.2019.1625828.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaudhary, C. and Sharma, M.L. (2017) Probabilistic Models For Earthquakes With Large Return Periods In Himalaya Region. Pure Appl. Geophys., v.174, pp.4313–4327, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-017-1667-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choudhary, C. and Sharma, M.L. (2018) Global strain rates in western to central Himalayas and their implications in seismic hazard assessment. Nat. Hazards, v.94, pp.1211–1224, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-018-3467-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faenza, L., and Michelini, A. (2010) Regression analysis of MCS intensity and ground motion parameters in Italy and its application in ShakeMap. Geophys. Jour. Int., v.180(3), pp.1138–1152, doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2009.04467.X.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gansser, A. (1964) Geology of the Himalaya. Interscience Publishers, a division of John Wiley & Sons Ltd., London-New York — Sydney, doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016756800040450.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gauchan, D., Joshi, B.K. and Ghimire, K. (2017) Impact of 2015 Earthquake on Economy, Agriculture and Agrobiodiversity in Nepal. In: Proc. Sharingshop on Germplasm Rescue, pp.19–25.

  • Gutenberg, B. and Richter, C.F. (1956) Earthquake Magnitude, Intensity, Energy, and Acceleration: (Second paper), Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.46(2), pp.105–145.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hershberger, J. (1956) A comparison of earthquake accelerations with intensity ratings. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.46, pp.317–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ishimoto, M. (1932) Echelle d’ intensit6 sismique et acceleration maxima. Bull. Earthq. Res. Inst., Tokyo Univ., v.10, pp.614–626.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kawasumi, H. (1951) Measures of earthquake danger and expectancy of maximum intensity throughout Japan as inferred from the seismic activity in historical times. Bull. Earthq. Res. Inst., Tokyo Univ. v.29, pp.469–482, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-04579-7.00135-0.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khattri, K.N. (1987) Great Earthquakes, Seismicity Gaps and Potential for Earthquake Disaster along the Himalaya Plate Boundary. Tectonophysics, v.138(1), pp.79–92, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(87)90067-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khattri, K.N. (1993) Seismic gaps and likelihood of occurrence of larger earthquakes in Northern India. Curr. Sci., v.64(11&12), pp.885–888.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khattri, K.N., Chander, R., Gaur, V.K., Sarkar, I. and Kumar, S. (1989) New seismological results on the tectonics of the Garhwal Himalaya. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci., v.98(1), pp.91–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, P., Chamoli, B.P., Kumar, A. and Gairola, A. (2019) Attenuation Relationship for Peak Horizontal Acceleration of Strong Ground Motion of Uttarakhand Region of Central Himalayas, Jour. Earthq. Eng., v.25(12), pp.2537–2554, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13632469.2019.1634161.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, P., Kamal and Sharma, M.L. (2022a) Uttarakhand Earthquake Early Warning System: Performance and Validation. In: 8th Asia Conference on Earthquake Engineering N. L. National Applied Research Laboratories, and N. National Center for Research on earthquake Engineering (Eds.), pp.1006–1011, doi: https://www.ncree.org/conference/UserData/0/I20221109A/8ACEE_proceedings_v1.pdf.

  • Kumar, P., Pandey, B., Kamal and Kumar, A. (2022b) Site classification of seismic recording stations of Garhwal region of earthquake early warning system for Uttarakhand, India. Vietnam Jour. Earth Sci., v.44(3), pp.369–394, doi: https://doi.org/10.15625/2615-9783/17010.

    Google Scholar 

  • Medvedev, S.V., and Sponheuer, W. (1969). Scale of seismic intensity. In: Proc. World Conf. Earthquake Engr. A-2, 4th, Santiago, Chile, 143–1.

  • Medvedev, S.W., Sponheuer, W. and Karnik, V. (1965) Seismic Intensity Scale Version MSK 1964, United Nations Educ. Sci. Cult. Organ. Work. Gr. Seism. Seism., no.1, pp.1–7.

  • Mittal, H., Wu, Y. M., Lal, M., Benjamin, S., Yang, M. and Gupta, S. (2018) Testing the performance of earthquake early warning system in northern India. Acta Geophys., no. 0123456789, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-018-0210-6.

  • Murphy, J. R., and O’Brien, L.J. (1977) The Correlation of Peak Ground Acceleration Amplitude with Seismic Intensity and Other Physical Parameters. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.67(3), pp.877–915.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nakamura, Y. (2004) On a Rational Strong Motion Index Compared with Other Various Indices, 13th World Conf. Earthq. Eng. Vancouver, January 2004.

  • Neumann, F. (1954) Earthquake Intensity and Related Ground Motion. Univ. Press Seattle, Washington, 77p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pailoplee, S. (2012) Relationship between Modified Mercalli Intensity and peak ground acceleration in Myanmar, Nat. Sci., v.4(8), pp.624–630, doi: https://doi.org/10.4236/ns.2012.428082.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savarensky, Y. F., and Kirnos, D.P. (1955) Elements of Seismology and Seismometry, Moscow.

  • Shabestari, K.T., and Yamazaki, F. (2001) A proposal of instrumental seismic intensity scale compatible with MMI evaluated from three-component acceleration records. Earthq. Spectra, v.17(4), pp.711–723, doi: https://doi.org/10.1193/1.1425814.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sokolov, V. (2013) Three techniques for estimation of Instrumental Intensity: a comparison. In: The 2013 World Congress on Advances in Structural Engineering and Mechanics (ASEM13), pp.574–591.

  • Srivastava, H.N., Verma, M., Bansal, B.K. and Sutar, A.K. (2015) Discriminatory characteristics of seismic gaps in Himalaya. Geomatics, Nat. Hazards Risk, v.6(3), pp.224–242, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/19475705.2013.839483.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Trifunac, M.D. and Brady, A.G. (1975) On the Correlation of Seismic Intensity Scales with the Peaks of Recorded Strong Ground Motion. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.65(1), pp.139–162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wald, D. J., Quitoriano, V., Dengler, L.A. and Dewey, J.W. (2011a) Utilization of the Internet for Rapid Community Intensity Maps, Seismol. Res. Lett., v.70(6), pp.680–697, doi: https://doi.org/10.1785/gssrl.70.6.680.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wald, D. J., Quitoriano, V., Heaton, T.H. and Kanamori, H. (1999a) Relationships between Peak Ground Acceleration, Peak Ground Velocity, and Modified Mercalli Intensity in California. Earthq. Spectra, v.15(3), pp.557–564.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wald, D.J., Quitoriano, V., Heaton, T.H., Kanamori, H., Scrivner, C.W. and Worden, C.B. (1999b) TriNet “ShakeMaps”: Rapid Generation of Peak Ground Motion and Intensity Maps for Earthquakes in Southern California, Earthq. Spectra, v.15(3), pp.537–555.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wald, D.J., Quitoriano, V., Worden, B., Hopper, M. and Dewey, J.W. (2011b) USGS “Did You Feel It?” Internet-based macroseismic intensity maps. Ann. Geophys., v.54(6), pp.688–707, doi: https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-5354.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wald, D.J., Worden, B. C., Quitoriano, V. and Pankow, K.L. (2005) ShakeMap Manual: Technical manual, Users guide, and Software guide.

  • Wood, H.O. and Neumann, F. (1931) Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale of 1931. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.21, pp.277–283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Worden, C.B., Gerstenberger, M.C., Rhoades, D.A. and Wald, D.J. (2012) Probabilistic Relationships between Ground-Motion Parameters and Modified Mercalli Intensity in California, Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.102(1), pp.204–221, doi: https://doi.org/10.1785/0120110156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Worden, C.B., Wald, D.J., Allen, T.I., Lin, K., Garcia, D. and Cua, G. (2010) A Revised Ground-Motion and Intensity Interpolation Scheme for ShakeMap. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.100(6), pp.3083–3096, doi:https://doi.org/10.1785/0120100101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Y.M., Teng, T., Shin, T.C. and Hsiao, N.C. (2003) Relationship between peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, and intensity in Taiwan. Bull. Seismol. Soc. Amer., v.93(1), pp.386–396, doi: https://doi.org/10.1785/0120020097.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yaghmaei-Sabegh, S., Tsang, H.-H. and Lam, N.T.K. (2011) Conversion between Peak Ground Motion Parameters and Modified Mercalli Intensity Values. Jour. Earthq. Eng., v.15(7), pp.1138–1155, doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13632469.2011.565861.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, P., Yang, Z., Gupta, H.K., Bhatia, S.C. and Shedlock, K.M. (1999) Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program (GSHAP) in continental Asia. Ann. di Geofis., v.42(6), pp.1167–1190.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, Dehradun, Government of Uttarakhand for providing funds to run “Uttarakhand Earthquake Early Warning System”, and the National Center for Seismology (NCS) Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India for funding the pilot project “Development of Earthquake Early Warning System for Northern India”. The location data obtained from seismological network funded by THDCIL is thankfully acknowledged. The discussions held with the National Disaster Management Authority of India, Uttarakhand administration and NCS officials are gratefully acknowledged. The help provided by the Centre of Excellence in Disaster Mitigation & Management, Department of Earthquake Engineering and Department of Earth Sciences, IIT Roorkee, is thankfully acknowledged. Authors are also thankful to project laboratory and field staff who have worked tirelessly to operate and maintain the EEW system.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Excellence in Disaster Mitigation & Management, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247 667, India

    Pankaj Kumar

  2. Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247 667, India

    Kamal

  3. Department of Earthquake Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247 667, India

    M. L. Sharma & R. S. Jakka

  4. Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247 667, India

    Pratibha

  5. Department of Earthquake Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247 667, India

    Ashok Kumar

  6. Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, Dehradun, 248 001, India

    G. C. Joshi & Piyoosh Rautela

Authors
  1. Pankaj Kumar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kamal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. M. L. Sharma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Pratibha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. R. S. Jakka
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Ashok Kumar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. G. C. Joshi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Piyoosh Rautela
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Pankaj Kumar or Kamal.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kumar, P., Kamal, Sharma, M.L. et al. Successful Alert Issuance with Sufficient Lead Time by Uttarakhand State Earthquake Early Warning System: Case Study of Nepal Earthquakes. J Geol Soc India 99, 303–310 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-023-2311-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-023-2311-3

Search

Navigation