'Big One' coming but scientists say US is NOT prepared for megaquake

SCIENTISTS have warned a catastrophic earthquake could strike America at ANY time but early-warning systems that could save countless lives are not being used

A massive tremor could hit West Coast USA anytime, scientists fear

By Jon Austin

PUBLISHED: 06:14, Wed, May 18, 2016

There is a general scientific consensus that a major magnitude eight or above earthquake should have struck in California or Washington state by now - and as a result it could come without warning
.
But disaster experts believe sophisticated early-warning systems, that give a vital few seconds heads up before one strikes, could and should be in place along the whole of the west coast by now.

Although only giving advance warning of an imminent tremor from a few seconds to a few minutes ahead of the event, experts say these few moments can be vital for quickly taking cover and limiting danger.

A fully-functioning warning system for the west coast has been in the pipeline for years, but the life-saving plans have stalled, alarmingly, because of red tape and funding issues.
Now, scientists want officials to speed up the process, saying the system is ready for use after a decade of testing.

It is widely accepted when the quake strikes thousands of lives will be at risk, and it could cost billions of dollars in economic damage and disruption to major transport and trade routes.

The warning system effectively gives schools, hospitals, transport officers, security services, and the general public a snapshot of time to take cover.
Researchers from the Seismological Society of America in Reno, Nevada, have now revealed data showing the test system has largely worked.

Graham Kent, director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory at the University of Nevada, told The Wall Street Journal: "We’re at the point where the technology is basically there.

“But the challenge is to get a coordinated plan to bring the system to the public."
California has invested in protecting its cities from the effects of big quakes, including reinforcing bridges, overpasses and buildings.

Governor of California Jerry Brown wants legislators to provide $10million to finish the early-warning system across the state.
According to the US Geological Survey the system could be rolled out over the whole West Coast in just two years if the Government funds a $38m portion still needed of the $100m system.

The US network could provide up to several minutes advance warning from the time a major earthquake struck to when its hit urban areas.
Japan’s has had a system in place for several years, that is said to have potentially saved thousands of lives already.

Ronni Grapenthin, assistant professor of geophysics at New Mexico State University said the magnitude nine quake which struck Japan’s T?hoku region in 2011 showed the importance of the systems.
He said: "T?hoku showed the early-warning system worked incredibly well.”
Boeing is one firm which has agreed to test the equipments.