REDACt improves earthquake response in Black Sea region
Türkiye, Greece, Moldova and Romania have partnered with REDACt to improve cross-border cooperation and reduce devastating effects of earthquakes
The Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment Consortium (REDACt) stands as a beacon of cross-border cooperation, dedicated to enhancing immediate responses to earthquake-related events in the Black Sea region.
This European initiative has garnered partnerships from Türkiye, Greece, Moldova, and Romania, aiming to bolster collaborative efforts in seismic monitoring and emergency management.
Emmanouil Kirtas, vice-coordinator of REDACt and associate professor at the International Hellenic University in Greece (IHU), emphasizes the significance of unified methodology among member countries.
“After 10 or 15 minutes, REDACt can provide its first estimations, which we then pass on to the authorities,” explained Kirtas, highlighting the consortium’s swift response mechanism.
REDACt’s importance and priorities
The urgency of REDACt’s mission became apparent following two devastating earthquakes, measuring 7.8 and 7.6, which struck Türkiye and Syria on Feb. 6, 2023. Türkiye bore the brunt of the catastrophe, with tens of thousands perishing and over a million left homeless.
REDACt’s overarching goal is to transcend conventional practices, fostering coordinated responses and enhancing early warning systems.
Its core objectives are:
- Collaborate on earthquake data sharing among partners
- Implement common policies to mitigate seismic impact
- Equip high-risk areas with swift earthquake damage assessment tools for enhanced safety
- Boost public awareness to empower residents with earthquake preparedness knowledge and actions.
The total budget for REDACt is almost 974,860 euros ($1.06 million). The European Union’s Cohesion Policy provided approximately 92% of this fund.
Contributions from Greece, Romania, Moldova, and Türkiye further underscore the commitment to this critical initiative.
How does REDACt respond in the event of an earthquake?
In the event of an earthquake registering a magnitude of 4 or higher in the Black Sea region, REDACt will swiftly mobilize its resources.
Through the deployment of mapping technology, the consortium will identify landslide-prone areas and zones susceptible to soil liquefaction.
Nikolaos Klimis, professor in Geotechnical Engineering at the Democritus University of Thrace, lauds these mapping efforts as indispensable for preemptive planning and post-disaster response.
“Their (maps) provide vital information about all the urban spots and areas that have been mostly damaged so that we can direct our forces there, not lose precious time, and help the victims of an earthquake,” expressed Klimis, emphasizing the operational significance of such data-driven insights.
Moreover, a smartphone application developed by REDACt facilitates real-time communication and resource allocation.
Users can share their locations with loved ones, access information on nearby shelters, and receive guidance on post-earthquake protocols, augmenting community resilience in times of crisis.
As REDACt continues to refine its strategies and expand its reach, the consortium remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and mitigating the socio-economic impact of seismic events across the Black Sea region.
Source: Newsroom
