The document tabled by the Indian Union Minister said: ITEWC comprises real-time seismic monitoring network broadband seismic stations apart from national and international seismic stations to detect under- sea tsunamigenic earthquakes from the two known subduction zones of the Andaman-Sumatra and the Markran coast in the Indian Ocean which can potentially affect the Indian coastal states and Island regions, a network of 6 real-time sea-level sensors with Bottom Pressure Recorders(BPR) in the open ocean, HF Radars for coastal currents and 25 coastal tide gauge stations to capture tsunami wave amplitude on 24 x 7 basis. The data is analysed on a continuous basis. All types of data collected from the ITEWC are fully archived and is fully accessible to the Decision Support System (DSS). A host of communication systems are being employed for timely dissemination of advisories.

The centre is capable of detecting tsunamigenic earthquakes occurring in the Indian Ocean region as well as in the Global Oceans within 10 minutes of their occurrence and disseminated the advisories to the concerned authorities within 20 minutes through various modes of communication like email, fax, SMS, GTS and website.

Special Reporter