Mexico City’s government is featuring a no cost app for BlackBerry smartphones that will notify users when a major earthquake is getting close the capital.
Mayor Marcelo Ebrard states that there are tracking stations in remote areas of the country that diagnose earthquakes and send alerts to Mexico City from 5 to 10 seconds before a tremor’s waves arrive at the capital.
Ebrard says the app started operating Tuesday. He says even a few seconds warning will be beneficial in helping people take motion to defend their lives.
At some point, the city blueprints to use the tracking system to set off sirens that would alert all residents.
Two weeks ago, a 7.4-magnitude temblor harmed hundreds of homes in southern Mexico and triggered anxiety far off in the national capital.
This is a very wise initiative that will save many lives. Well done Mexican Government.