GSMB sets up three new seismological stations

Nimal WIJESINGHE

Three more seismological stations equipped with modern sophisticated measuring instruments to be on the alert for earthquakes in the Indian and other oceans and other regions are being set up at Mahakanadarawa in Anuradhapura, Hakmana in the Southern Province and at the GSMB Headquarters in Colombo.

At present Sri Lanka has only one such forecasting station at Pallekelle started about two decades ago. Environmental Affairs Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has entrusted the task to the Geological Surveys Mines and Bureau (GSMB) Chairman of the GSMB Dr. N. P. Wijayananda told Daily News that once these two Seismological stations have been completed warning signals could be released in the event of disasters such as earthquakes and tsunami at least two hours before the rising waves reach the shores of Sri Lanka’s proximity.

“We are also going to establish a Seismological station within the premises of GSMB Head office in Colombo, simultaneously to the stations emerging at Mahakanadarawa and Hakmana. These three stations along with the already existing station at Pallekelle will have a linkage among them which ensures most correct, speedy and punctual measurements of waves and other relevant data, in the whole Indian ocean. “We will be in a position to announce such a disastrous incident within 15 minutes of its taking place, in future,” Dr. Wijayananda said. California University and Germany’s GTZ assisted the GSMB to implement the Seismological stations project on the basis of sharing information and data.

Seismologist Mahinda Dissanayake who is the Team Leader at Mahakanadarawa project told the Daily News that under the First phase electronic and communication equipment are being installed at the two stations.