El Salvador is known for its significant seismic activity due to its location in one of the most tectonically active regions of the world, has launched a new app called “Alerta de Sismo” to enhance earthquake preparedness and response. The app was introduced by the Minister of Environment, Fernando López, who emphasized the importance of being prepared in a country frequently affected by earthquakes.
“As we know, El Salvador experiences high seismic activity due to the subduction process between the Cocos Plate and the Caribbean Plate,” López explained. “Our priority is preparedness. Through our Threat Monitoring Observatory, we maintain real-time monitoring supported by seismic stations, which allow us to provide quick and accurate information about seismic events.”
To strengthen the system, El Salvador has installed 25 high-performance seismic instruments and collaborated with neighboring countries to optimize its capabilities. “El Salvador now has the most robust seismic network in the region, surpassing neighboring countries in the number of seismic stations. However, we rely on every available technological resource for more accurate information,” the minister stated.
The app has a detection range of up to 50 kilometers from the earthquake’s epicenter and provides alerts based on specific parameters, including warnings just seconds before seismic movement. “These seconds can be vital for decision-making, not just for Ministry of Environment personnel or emergency responders, but for all Salvadorans,” López emphasized.
He urged the public to play an active role in promoting and using the app effectively. “All of us here this morning play a key role in educating the population on how to act during an earthquake alert. Informing and training people is crucial to minimizing risks.”
The “Alerta de Sismo” app is available on Android (version 8.0 and above) and iOS (version 15.0 and above), requiring a stable internet connection for optimal functionality.
The launch marks a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of earthquakes and ensure public safety