Tehran City Council President: We Need to Install Earthquake Warning Sound Systems

The President of the Tehran City Council emphasized that "Tehran is not prepared for a very large earthquake" and spoke about the necessity of installing sound warning systems in the neighborhoods of the capital. According to Mohsen Hashemi, the implementation of this plan had been previously scheduled. On the night of December 23, during a television program in Iran, Mr. Hashemi stated, "A system was supposed to be implemented in Tehran that would install loudspeakers in all neighborhoods to inform people about earthquakes." He stressed that this system needs to be "implemented in Tehran." The President of the Tehran City Council reiterated the concerns of experts and some Iranian officials that the capital "is not prepared for rescue and relief for a very large earthquake with high damage." Mohsen Hashemi stated on "Ofogh Network" that if this sound system is installed, it could reduce potential earthquake damage by "between one-fourth and one-fifth." Mr. Hashemi did not mention the sources of the estimates provided. The recent earthquake in Tehran and Alborz has raised concerns about the safety of the capital against a major earthquake once again. The metropolis of Tehran, with millions of residents, is built on potentially dangerous fault lines. The safety of buildings, residential homes, service systems such as water and sewage, electricity or gas, and also the equipment and facilities for assisting or sheltering potential victims have been repeatedly criticized. The President of the Tehran City Council also referred to some of these issues as examples where a "program" for their optimization has existed for years. However, as it appears from Mr. Hashemi's statements, these plans have not been implemented or their execution has not been completed. Mehdi Hashemi, for example, referred to Tehran's water supply network and said, "According to a plan written in 2010, it is supposed that... the reservoirs [of drinking water in Tehran] will be equipped with valves that will close from both sides in case of an earthquake. This water will remain safe and can be used after the earthquake." Mohsen Hashemi also mentioned that "the facilities prepared are for less than 100,000 casualties." He called for an increase in financial allocations for the capital. The warning system that Mr. Hashemi spoke of has been implemented for years in some earthquake-prone countries. For example, Japan has utilized this system known as "Earthquake Early Warning." This warning system in the "Japan Meteorological Agency" sends messages to both the "Geological and Hydrological Administration" and to the general public. This system activates upon receiving "P waves," which are the fast and initial waves that pass through gases, liquids, and solids. According to estimates, citizens usually have between a few seconds to a minute to distance themselves from the dangerous location. These messages also prepare for rescue or service activities; for instance, they may slow down trains or subways or cut off gas supply. Public warnings are broadcasted on radio and television, through mobile networks or radio receivers. Although the planning and installation of this system in Japan dates back years, this East Asian country has also been engaged in securing and expanding rescue preparedness, sheltering, and other measures at this time.