Tokyo. In a highly earthquake-prone country like Japan, where even a few seconds of advance warning can save thousands of lives, a faulty alert has raised serious questions over the reliability of modern technology. Japan’s automatic monitoring system assessed an earthquake that occurred in Russia’s territory with such a terrible intensity that an atmosphere of panic was created in the entire country and people became alert about a possible disaster. However, fortunately the warning was withdrawn in time, but this technical lapse has forced the country’s scientists and administrative officials to introspect.
The automated system reported a terrifying intensity of 9.9.
Today, Friday, October 16, at approximately 12:36 pm local time, Japan’s Automatic Earthquake Warning System transmitted a signal that an extraordinary and devastating earthquake was about to occur. In the initial technical assessment, the intensity of this earthquake was estimated at 9.9 on the Richter scale, which indicates an extremely catastrophic situation. The alert was quickly broadcast through citizens’ mobile phones and public emergency alert systems across the country, putting people in many areas on full alert, sensing potential danger.
Warning withdrawn after twelve minutes
However, this initial estimate proved to be completely misleading and false. Japan’s meteorological and disaster management officials responded quickly, meticulously reviewed the received data, and officially withdrew the disaster warning within about twelve minutes. Soon after, it was clarified that there is no threat of tsunami in the country due to this incident and the situation is completely under control. This entire incident has once again highlighted how incorrect technical assessment of just a few minutes can cause immense mental stress and anxiety among the public at large.
