Earthquakes cannot be predicted, despite advanced technology and the desire of many people. Prof. Plamena Raykova, a seismologist from the Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography at the BAS, stated this for Radio Varna.
There is no way for scientists to know 100% exactly when an earthquake will occur and what force and energy will be released from this fault, because this phenomenon is unpredictable, she added. Therefore, in countries with pronounced seismicity, such as Japan, more emphasis is placed on anti-seismic structures in construction and training for people’s response in order to save as many human lives as possible and have as little material damage as possible.
Prof. Plamena Raykova pointed out that mobile phone operating systems have built-in applications that warn of earthquakes from 5 to 30 seconds before a person feels the tremor. She herself uses the application on her personal phone. However, it does not predict earthquakes as we would like – to know about two days in advance, the seismologist categorically stated.
It is useful in that a person can react as they think is best for them and if they wish to evacuate a building, in the short time before they feel the tremor. In the same way, the warning systems are activated at the Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography at the BAS, but the alarm cannot be sounded continuously every time the devices are switched on, because in most cases it can contribute to more panic, Assoc. Prof. Raykova stated to BNR.
According to her, at the moment the seismic situation in Bulgaria is relatively calm, and the recorded earthquakes this year speak of weak seismic activity on our lands. Earthquakes in Turkey will continue for more than a year, commented Assoc. Prof. Plamena Raykova, and this should not scare us, because it is a completely natural process.
In our country, scientists at the BAS carry out round-the-clock observations through 40 stations located throughout the country, the data from them are published on the website of the institute and they are available to anyone who wants to use them.
