A team of British seismologists has developed a novel early-warning system capable of detecting earthquakes seconds before they strike, following the catastrophic event in Venezuela last month that claimed an estimated 4,000 lives. The system, designed by researchers at the University of Cambridge and the British Geological Survey, relies on a network of fibre-optic cables that can sense ground vibrations with unprecedented speed.
Current warning systems, such as those used in Japan and Mexico, depend on traditional seismometers that measure primary waves (P-waves) before secondary destructive S-waves arrive. However, these systems are expensive to install and maintain, particularly in developing nations. The new approach uses existing telecommunications fibre-optic cables, which are already buried in many urban areas.
The technology, known as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), monitors tiny changes in the cable's structure caused by passing seismic waves. By measuring these fluctuations, the system can locate the earthquake's epicentre and estimate its magnitude within seconds. In tests conducted along the south coast of England, the system successfully detected a minor tremor of magnitude 3.2 that occurred offshore, providing a 12-second warning to nearby towns.
Dr. Eleanor Finch, lead researcher at Cambridge, said the system could be deployed in high-risk regions such as the Caribbean, the Pacific Ring of Fire, and the Himalayas. 'Our goal is to create a cost-effective solution that can be implemented rapidly, particularly in areas where traditional seismometer networks are sparse,' she said.
The Venezuela earthquake, which struck near the city of Maracaibo, caused widespread destruction and highlighted the vulnerability of poorly constructed buildings in the region. The lack of any warning system contributed to the high death toll. The new technology could reduce casualties by giving people time to take cover or evacuate.
Professor James Harding, director of the British Geological Survey, noted that the system is still in its early stages. 'We need to ensure the algorithms can distinguish between earthquakes and other vibrations, such as road traffic or construction work. We are working on machine learning models to improve accuracy.'
The project has received an initial funding of £2.5 million from the UK government's Global Challenges Research Fund. Trials are planned next year in Chile and Indonesia, two countries with high seismic activity.
The development comes as climate change and urbanisation increase the risks from natural disasters. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction has called for more investment in early-warning systems, particularly in the Global South.
The new system offers a pragmatic step forward, using existing infrastructure to mitigate the impact of inevitable geological events. It is a quiet but significant contribution to global resilience.
