Application of Warning and Rapid Estimation of Earthquake Damage (WARED) system in unprepared cities case study: Mashhad, north east of Iran)

Abstract

WARED system is Internet-based software that automatically receives the seismic information from Iran seismic center (ISC) every 30s. The information is processed in a few seconds and damage assessment maps of various parts of the city (such as buildings, hospitals, bridges, etc.) become available, in layered format, to rescue groups through system site. Rescue groups, in addition to receiving probable damage assessment from the system, are capable of loading their field observations of actual damages caused by the earthquake on their system. The system, through organizing volunteer groups of people, takes advantage of these energetic, motivated and capable aid groups to help the affected people.WARED system has been designed with three aims of reducing casualties, integrating aid assistance and sending necessary information to the municipal management and private voluntary groups (PVO), within the time-limit after the earthquake. This system has four main indicators which makes it different from other systems. 1. Ability to work with minimum information (magnitudes and locations of earthquakes). 2. No need to install expensive equipment (accelerometer). 3. The operationalization capability in a short time (6 months). 4. Localization capability for the complex and chaotic conditions prevailing in unprepared cities.Principles of information processing in this system depend on three main factors including the magnitude and location of earthquakes, the properties of the rocks and sediment the earthquake waves travel through, and the technical characteristics of the buildings (strength, age, type, and geotechnical conditions of soil, etc.). Therefore Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) is used as the most important parameter to assess the damages occurred.WARED system was designed by Tous Knowledge-base Researchers for Natural Events Company (TRNE) in January 2014 and was installed in the ICT center of Mashhad Municipality in Iran [1]. The system has the capability to be expanded and used in other cities and developing countries.