1ASIAN DISASTER REDUCTION CENTER
VISITINGRESEARCHER 2015A(AUGUST-NOVEMBER 2015)

SEISMIC MONITORING, SEISMIC HAZARD ASSESSMENT AND DISASTER INFORMATIONACQUISITION PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS, PROVIDING TO OFFICIALS, DESCISION MAKERS
AND PUBLIC.

Vigen Harutyunyan
Head of Department,
Data Acquisition Processing and Analysis,
Western Survey for Seismic Protection,
Ministry of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations,
Republic of Armenia

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Disclaimer

This report was compiled by an ADRC visiting researcher (VR) from ADRC member countries.
The views expressed in the report do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADRC. The boundaries
and names shown and the designations used on the maps in the report also do not imply official
endorsement or acceptance by the ADRC.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the governments of both Japan and Armenia in
giving me the tremendous opportunity to participate in this program.
Especially my thanks and best regards to all of those who devoted their time and efforts to
education and training in the field of disaster management.
I am also thankful to Armenian NSSP administrative group, who recommended me to join the
program of ADRC Visiting Researcher 2015A.
And finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the ADRC staff, who made my time in Japanan experience that has far surpassed my every expectation.

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CONTENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION OF ARMENIA AND JAPAN
1.1 General information of Republic of Armenia
1.2 General information of Japan………………...……………..............

5………………………...……………………………....

7

2. DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY IN ARMENIA
2.1 Natural Hazards in Armenia
2.2 Spitak Earthquake 1988…...……………… …………………………………….

9………………….…………………………………….……

9

2.3 National Survey for Seismic Protection (Armenian NSSP) at the Ministry of
Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia(MTAES of RA)………………………………………………………….……………...

2.4 The Legal Authority in Seismic Risk Reduction….…………………………...…....

11
12

2.5 Disaster Management Strategy based on the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) … 13
2.6 Disaster Education and Human Resource Development….………………………

16………………………………….……...

19

3.2 Disaster management……………………………………………………………….

19

3.3 Disaster risk reduction……….………………………………………………………

21

3. DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY IN JAPAN
3.1 Natural Hazards (Earthquakes) in Japan

3.4 Disaster Education and Human Resource Development
3.5 Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC)…………………..……

23……….…..……………………………

28

4. SEISMIC MONITORING AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
4.1 Seismic monitoring, seismic hazard assesment and disaster informationacquisition processing and analysis, providing to officials, decision makers
and public in Armenia………………………………………………………………..

29

4.2 Seismic monitoring, seismic hazard assesment and disaster informationacquisition processing and analysis, providing to officials, decision makers
and public (Early Warning System) in Japan…………………………….…………

36

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………..…………….

41

References……………………………………………………………………..………..…..

43

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION OF ARMENIA AND JAPAN
1.1 General information of Republic of Armenia

Official name

Republic of Armenia (RA), briefly – Armenia.
(Armenian: Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն)Location

South Caucasus region of Eurasia, at the crossroads of Western Asia andEastern Europe

National flag

Red-Armenian Highlands, Armenians’ incessant struggle for survival,
Christian faith, liberty and independence.
Navy- the aspiration of the Armenian nation to live under the peaceful sky.
Orange- the talent for creative work and diligence of the Armenian people.

Coat of arms

Name in official
language

Hayastani Hanrapetutyun, briefly - Hayastan

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Head of theState
Legislative
power
Official
language
CapitalAdministrative
and territorial unit
National
currency
Territory

President

one-chamber National Assembly

Armenian (is part of Indo-European family of languages)
YerevanMarz (11 Marzes in all including Yerevan city)

Dram (international currency code - AMD)29.74 thousand square km
north- Georgia

Neighbouring
countries

south- Iraneast- Azerbaijan
west- Turkey

Averageelevation above sea

1800 mlevel
The highest
peak
The lowest
altitude
The greatest
extentAragats mountain - 4090 m

Debed river canyon - 380 m

365 kmRegionnorth latitudes of subtropics

Climatedry, continental

Averagetemperature
Time zone

in January - -6.8°C, in July - +20.8°C
Greenwich mean time + 4 hours

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1.2 General information of Japan

Official NameJapan (Japanese: 日 本

Nihon or Nippon; formally 日 本 国

Nippon-koku or Nihon-koku, literally the State of Japan)
Location:

Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the
Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula
Flag

Imperial Seal

Geographic

36 00 N, 138 00 E

coordinates:
Map references:
Area:

Asia
total: 377,835 sq km
land: 374,744 sq km
water: 3,091 sq km
note: includes

Bonin

Islands(Ogasawara-gunto),

Daito-shoto,

Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), andVolcano Islands (Kazan-retto)
Area - comparative:
Land boundaries:

slightly smaller than California
0 km

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Coastline:

29,751 km

Climate:varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in northTerrain:mostly rugged and mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m
highest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m

Natural resources:
Natural hazards:

negligible mineral resources, fish
many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic
occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons

Environment -air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain; acidification ofcurrent issues:lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life;
Japan is one of the largest consumers of fish and tropical timber,contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere

Environment -party

to: Antarctic-Environmental

Protocol,Antarctic-Marine

Livinginternational

Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climateagreements:

Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea,
Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber
83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

Geography - note:
Time zone:

strategic location in northeast Asia
JST (UTC+9) /Summer (DST) not observed (UTC+9)

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2. DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY IN ARMENIA
2.1 Natural Hazards in Armenia
Armenia is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. It is at high risk of natural hazards,
owing to high levels of exposure and vulnerability.
Meteorological disasters have become more frequent and intense in the last few decades. Floods,
mudslides and debris flows threaten half of the country’s territory, mainly in medium-altitude
mountainous areas, where they typically occur once

every three to ten years.

Risks associated with geophysical hazards are significant. The landslide hazard zone covers
one-third of the country, primarily in foothill and mountain areas. As Armenia lies in one of the mostseismically active regions of the world, the earthquakes have affected large numbers of people andcaused significant economic losses.

Earthquakes

94%

Mudslides,
Landslides,
rockfalls,

6%

Floods,
Irradiation

2.2 Spitak Earthquake 1988

Devastating Earthquake
Time: December 7, 1988 at 7.41.22.7 GMT (11.41.22.7 local time)
Coordinates of epicenter: latitude 40.92°N, longitude 44.23°E
The depth of the hypocenter: 10-15 km
The magnitude of the earthquake: 7.0
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The earthquake hit 40 % of the territory of northern part of Armenia, densely populated region
with 1 ml people. 21 towns and 342 villages were destructed, 514 000 people were left without
shelter, 250 000 people were injured and 12 500 people were hospitalized. Number of victims was
about 25 000. Particularly in Gyumri (15 000-17 000) and in Spitak (4000) number of victims wasmore than anywhere else. 17% funds of dwellings were destroyed, the work of 170 industrial
companies were halted, the great losses were caused to villages and agro industrial complexes aswell as to the architectural, historical and cultural monuments, 917 public buildings were destroyed.

The rescue activities were systemized only two or three days later. From the first second theearthquake strike, the population carried out restless rescuing works. Anyhow the absence of theirexperience and sometimes the lack of basic knowledge on actions in emergency caused realdifficulties for the efficiency of rescue operations. Even there were cases when the public
unawareness brought to life losses. Also there was a need of rescue equipment.

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2.3 National Survey for Seismic Protection (Armenian NSSP) at the Ministry of Territorial
Administration and Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia (MTAES of RA)
MTAES of RA is a republican body of executive authority, which in line with such competences
as are vested in it by laws and other legal acts, develops, implements and coordinates RA government’s
policy in the area of civil defense and protection of the population in emergency situations.

MINISTRY OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS OF ARMENIA
Rescue Service(including Crisis
Management Centerthe main body forplanning,
co-coordinating andimplementing

National Survey for
Seismic

Hydro-meteorology

Protection

and Monitoring(Armenian NSSP)State Service

National
Technical
SafetyCentermeasures related to

AtmosphericState ofPhenomena

Emergency

In Active

CrisisService

Management

ImpactAcademyFor“Eastern

Surveynatural and otherforms of disasters)''NSSP'' AGENCY“Northern

SurveyFor“Southern

SurveyFor“Western

SurveySeismic Protection”

Seismic Protection” State

Seismic Protection” State

Seismic

State

Non-Commercial

Non-Commercial

State

Organization

Organization

Organization

Non-Commercial

Organization

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For

Protection”
Non-Commercial

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The 1988 Spitak Destructive Earthquake reveals that there is no seismic protection system at all
and the Government RA and people were helpless to withstand the disaster.
First, Armenian NSSP was founded in 1991 with the aim to organize population as well as buildings
and structures seismic protection. It takes various measures for earthquake disaster management.
NSSP’s main goal is seismic risk reduction in Armenia, the population residence hazard mitigationand the state economic and social loss reduction results from earthquake. It has developed twolong-term Strategic National Programs on seismic risk reduction in Armenia and in Yerevan city. TodayNSSP is not only a national but also a keystone international center.
The Armenian NSSP is monitoring about 40 geophysical, geochemical, hydrochemical,
electromagnetic etc. parameters through National Observation Network incorporating about 150 stations.
The monitoring systems involve in the global IRIS, Vayq network, Guralp network READINESS, CTBTO
and COSMOS networks which enable to change and disseminate data on seismic hazard.

The main objectives and the aims of Armenian NSSP are as follows:9

provision of seismic hazard monitoring in the territory of Armenia

9assessment of the seismic hazard and seismic risk of the territories

9

seismic risk reduction

9

assessment of the levels of caused seismicity

9assessment of other secondary hazards connected with the seismic hazard.

2.4 The Legal Authority in Seismic Risk Reduction
Seismic Protection activities are regulated by a number of laws and legislative acts and national
programs of the Republic of Armenia:

Law of Republic of Armenia
The Law of the Republic of Armenia on Seismic Protection

2002

Resolutions of Government
The Complex Program of Seismic Risk Reduction in the Territory of Armenia

1999

The complex program of seismic risk reduction in Yerevan city

1999

The Resolution of the Government of RA on establishment of the list of criticalimportant and general facilities in the field of seismic protection

2003

Regulation“National Survey for Seismic Protection” Agency

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2008

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2.5 Disaster Management Strategy based on the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA)Natural hazards threatening Armenia urge the need of development and strengthening of DRR
system in Armenia. This process implies involvement of all the potential of the country, which can beachieved through elaboration of Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform (DRR NP). DRR system is aframework of functions and processes with the aim to reduce population’s vulnerability to disaster risks.
It is aimed at prevention or reduction of negative impacts of hazards and contributes to sustainable
development of the society. Fund for DRR NP was established in 2010. The Head of the Board is
MTAES of RA. The goal of the DRR NP is to establish a multi-spectral mechanism with involvement of
all stakeholders.
MTAES of RA has established a Crisis Management Center as the main body for planning,co-coordinating and implementing measures related to natural and other forms of disasters(complementary to a National Platform on Disaster developed in cooperation with UNDP).
Crisis Management Center in Yerevan

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Coping with disasters globally is possible only with joint efforts and partnerships. Armenia is considered
as a high-risk country, prone to disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, hailstorms, droughts, floods,
etc.
The Government of RA recognizes
the threats to country development posedby natural hazards. Since 1991 It has
worked to address DRR and to increase
disaster response and recovery capacities
for the sustainable development of thecountry.

Armeniaiscommitted

toachieving the strategic goals of the HFA
2005-2015 “Building the Resilience of
Nations and Communities to Disasters”
and has taken a number of significant
initiatives in this regard.
The cooperation of MTAES of RA
with international organizations and local
partners proved to be successful andproductive over the years. Their efforts in
DRR has become a priority in Armenia,
thus

contributing

to

the

sustainable

development of the country. It will beneeded to mention the cooperation with
JICA, ADRC, UNDP, UNISDR, BCPR, UNICEF, World Bank, Red Cross Movement and a number ofpartner countries such as Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Russia, etc.
As a result of the mentioned activities, the Government of RA set DRR as a priority and the firststeps to form the DRR culture are already established in the country. The best evidence of it is the factthat thanks to UNDP, Armenia became the first country in the region where by the Government’s
decision the “ARNAP’ national DRR platform was established.
MTAES develops National DRR Strategy, Crisis Management Centers and National Disaster
Observatory. Armenia has also registered a progress in the implementation of HFA, and among the key
developments towards establishment of decentralized DRR system has been decree of the MTAES on
appointment of Heads of MTAES Regional Representations as HFA implementation focal points at thecountry regional (marz) level.

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Crisis Management Centers in Marzes

Based on Japanese earthquake experiences, JICA has been supporting Armenian earthquake
disaster prevention through "Seismic Risk Assessment and Risk Management Planning Project" byutilizing Japanese technology.
The main goal of "Seismic Risk Assessment and Risk Management Planning Project" is to reduce
vulnerability to large-scale earthquakes in the capital city of Yerevan, where a third of the country's
population is concentrated, by providing assistance in preparing risk management plans which cover all
viewpoints surrounding disaster management cycle from prevention, emergency response torecovery/reconstruction. Real Time Information System on Seismic Intensity was installed at the Crisis
Management Center of MTAES which aims: to promote disaster prevention actions of the citizens
through publicity of disaster information and to raise public awareness towards disaster prevention. The
project also focuses on awareness raising activities for citizens.

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2.6 Disaster Education and Human Resource Development
In Armenia various governmental and other organizations have been involved in DRM Education,
within the framework of the HFA. MTAES of RA is a executive authority, which in line with competences
vested by laws and other legal acts, develops, implements and coordinates RA government’s policy inthe area of civil defense and protection of the population in emergency situations.
The ARNAP Foundation (Disaster Risk Reduction National Platform), Crisis Management Center(CMC) and Crisis Management State Academy (CMSA) have been established for dealing with various
aspects of Disaster Risk Reduction.

National Survey for Seismic Protection of MTAES RA (Armenian NSSP) develops various
means for earthquake disaster management:
9develops the basic directions of state policy in the field of seismic protection;

9

provides seismic risk assessment;

9

coordinates activities performed in the field of seismic risk reduction in the territory of the RA;

9organizes preparedness and training of the population to cope with strong earthquakes;

9coordinates and controls the execution of the state programs in the field of seismic risk.

Basic tasks of seismic risk reduction are:9

reduction of territories vulnerability;9

raising population knowledge and preparedness;9

training of trainers in government bodies and local authorities;

9

creation of earthquake early warning system;

9

ensuring medical preparedness;

9organization of relief and rehabilitation of population and sustainable recovery;

The state training system includes the following subsystems, which are done regularly:
9

training of target groups beginning from kindergartens and schools:

9

educational programs, methodical manuals, relevant interactive materials;

9

TV and radio programs, publications in mass media;

9social-psychological preparedness.

The state training system ensures the reliability and availability of the given information.
The stage of recovery of a zone suffered from strong earthquake is the intermediate between thestages of an emergency seismic situation and reconstruction. The duration and the strategy of recovery
stage defined by the Government RA.
The one of the main principles of the accomplishment of recovery works is based on the creation of
the conditions for population active participation in recovery works in the disaster zone.
The purpose of aid rendering to the population and its rehabilitation is the reduction of material andpsychological losses of the state after an earthquake.

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Rendering of aid to the population and its rehabilitation is a multi-stage process: operative (first few
days), short-term (first month), mid-term (first year) and long-term (more than one year).
Disaster education at kindergartens and schools

Disaster education at companies and municipalities

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Rendering of aid to the population and its rehabilitation are based on the following
principles:
9

preliminary planning of works amount on rendering aid and rehabilitation before the catastropheand their adjustment right after the catastrophe;

9

active participation of government bodies and local authorities and society.

The Government RA established National Strategy of DRR in RA in March 2012, which will be
implemented by the mutual efforts of the following organizations: Armenian Red Cross, Oxfam, UNICEF
and Save the Children.
The Ministries of Territorsl Administration and Emergency Situations and Education and Science,
ARNAP Foundation and CMSA frequently organize competition the "School Disaster Preparedness
Plan". On International Civil Protection Day of March 1, implements lecturs, trainings and drills. Armenia
collaborating with ADRC

(since 2000) and JICA (since 2007) in the frame of various projects andprograms implements the research, education and training for the DRR specialists who acquired

andshared valuable Japanese experience.
Ministry of Science and Education together with the Ministry of Territorial Administration andEmergency Situations in the frame disaster risk reduction program will submit to National Assembly
proposals and additions for the Law “On Public Education” aiming at inclusion disaster risk reduction
elements in the school curricula.

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3. DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY IN JAPAN

3.1 Natural Hazards (Earthquakes)
Japan is located in the Circum-Pacific Mobile Belt where seismic and volcanic activities occur
constantly. Although the country covers only 0.25% of the land area on the planet, the number ofearthquakes and active volcanoes is quite high. In addition, because of geographical, topographical andmeteorological conditions, the country is subject to frequent natural disasters such as typhoons,
torrential rains and heavy snowfalls, as well as earthquakes and tsunami.
Every year there is a great loss of people's lives and properties in Japan due to natural disasters.
Until the second half of 1950s, largescale typhoons with earthquakes caused extensive damage andthousands of casualties. Thereafter, with the progress of society's capabilities to respond to disasters
and mitigate vulnerabilities to disasters by developing disaster management systems, promoting
national land conservation, improving weather forecasting technologies, and upgrading disaster
information communications systems.

3.2 Disaster management

Mission of the Cabinet Office
Japan’s legislation for disaster management system, including the Disaster Countermeasures Basic
Act, addresses all of the disaster phases of prevention, mitigation and preparedness, emergency
response as well as recovery and reconstruction with roles and responsibilities among the national andlocal governments clearly defined, it is stipulated that the relevant entities of the public and private

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sectors are to cooperate in implementing various disaster countermeasures.
Along with a series of reforms of the central government system in 2001, the post of Minister of State
for Disaster Management was newly established to integrate and coordinate disaster risk management
policies and measures of ministries and agencies. In the Cabinet Office, which is responsible forsecuring cooperation and collaboration among related government organizations in wide-ranging issues,
the Director-General for Disaster Management is mandated to undertake the planning of basic disastermanagement policies and response to large-scale disasters, as well as conduct overall coordination.

Basic Disaster Management Plan
The Basic Disaster Management Plan is a comprehensive and longterm disaster management
plan forming a foundation for the Disaster Management Operations Plan and Local Disaster
Management Plan. It stipulates provisions for the establishment of the disaster management system,
promotion of disaster management measures, acceleration of post disaster recovery and reconstruction
measures, and promotion of scientific and technological research on disaster management. The plan
was revised entirely in 1995 based on the experiences of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. It defines
responsibilities of each entity such as the national and local governments, public corporations and otherentities. It consists of various plans for each type of disaster, where specific countermeasures to betaken by each entity are described according to the disaster management phases of prevention andpreparedness, emergency response, as well as recovery and reconstruction.

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3.3 Disaster risk reduction
Japan is located at a point on the earths surface where four of more than 10 tectonic plates
covering the globe are crushed against each other, making it an archipelago susceptible to earthquake
disasters. Nearly 20% of the world s earthquakes（of magnitude 6 or greater）have occurred in or around
Japan.
Japan has suffered great damages from the massive inter-plate earthquakes produced by platesubduction (such as the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011) and the inland crustal earthquakes
caused by plate movements (such as the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995).
It has been pointed out with a great sense of urgency that Japan can be struck by large-scale
earthquakes in the near future, in areas such as Nankai Trough, the Japan and Chishima Trenches, anddirectly below Tokyo and the Chubu and Kinki regions.
With regard to the Nankai Trough Earthquake, earthquakes around the ocean trench such as
Japan Trench and Chishima Trench, and Tokyo Inland Earthquake, the government designated theareas where disaster reduction measures are to be taken in accordance with relevant laws andregulations. Also, the government is developing a plan concerning how to accelerate disaster reduction
measures by administrative entities and private businesses.
The Central Disaster Management Council has developed theLarge-scale Earthquake Disaster Prevention and Reduction

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the large scale earthquake, that includes a range of activities from preventive measures to post-disaster
response and recovery; theEarthquake Disaster Reduction Strategy,

to determine an overarchinggoal of damage mitigation and strategic targets based on the damage estimation; and thefor Emergency Response Activities

Guidelines

which describes specific actions to be taken by relatedorganizations.
It is possible that an earthquake other than these large scale ones can hit any place in Japan aswith the cases in the past 30 years. A guideline for the countermeasures against earthquakes by local
municipalities has been compiled covering every step of the disaster response levels (preparation, initial
response, response, and recovery).

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3.4 Disaster Education and Human Resource Development
Human Resources Development
The Cabinet Office started a ,,program for developing disaster management specialists,, for the
purpose of developing and training people ,,who can respond to the emergency promptly andappropriately,, and ,,who can form a network between the national and local entities.,,Specifically, it provides training programs to employees of local public organizations who are
engaged in services at the Cabinet Office and take lectures from various organizations related todisaster management. It also conducts training programs organized at the Ariake-no-Oka Main
Wide-area Disaster Management Base Facility, such as ,,Training on comprehensive management,,
tailored for core management personnel level,
specific disaster field, andThemed trainings

for specialists who are in charge of

Basic training on disaster management

for those who have recently

appointed as disaster management personnel. In addition, it organizes trainings in various locations
under a theme which is specific to characteristics of each location.

Disaster Reduction Drills and Exercises
In order to improve the disaster resilience of the community and to reduce disaster damages,
there must be close cooperation among individuals, families, local community, businesses and relevant
entities, to build momentum for a nationwide movement. The Government has designated the 1st day of
September as the ,,Disaster Preparedness Day,,and the week including this day as the Disaster
Preparedness Week, and carries out various events to raise awareness and readiness about thedisaster. Disaster drills and ,,disaster reduction fairs,, are held in various parts of Japan.

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Disaster Education
Education about disaster reduction is quite important for enabling individuals to have correctunderstanding about natural disasters, and be able to act on their discretion to prevent and reduce
damages from a disaster. In the Great East Japan Earthquake, a case of an elementary school was
reported to have safely evacuated based on their daily education of the past disasters and training about
evacuation. Thus, importance is recognized to enhance education and training at schools and in local
communities so that people are nurtured to be equipped with correct understanding about prevention
and escape from the disaster.
In order for school children to be able to learn and acquire knowledge and practical skills about
disaster reduction, Fire and Disaster Management Agency has compiled ,,Challenge! Disaster
Reduction 48,, a textbook for school teachers and leaders. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and echnology (MEXT) compiled a ,,Guide to Make a Disaster Reduction Manual for Schools(Earthquake and sunami),, and ,,Development of a Disaster Reduction Education to Nurture Power toLive On,, demonstrating the direction of the school education in disaster reduction, and to enhance thedisaster education at school.
Further, in order to enhance the disaster reduction education in local communities and schools
nationwide, the Cabinet Office is carrying out a campaign ,,Disaster Reduction Education ChallengePlan,, to nurture positive environment for more proactive disaster reduction education by picking up
active local groups, schools and individuals who demonstrated better disaster reduction plans andFINAL REPORT ADRC VISITING RESEARCHER 2015A

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actions, give support to them, and publicize the achievements (including education methods, materials
used, precautions, contacts), through the Office’s web site, intending that such plans and programs be
widely recognized and utilized throughout the nation .

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3.5 Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC)
The Asian Disaster Reduction Center was established in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture, in 1998, withmission to enhance disaster resilience of the member countries, to build safe communities, and to createa society where sustainable development is possible. The Center works to build disaster resilient
communities and to establish networks among countries through many programs including personnel
exchanges in this field. Main activities of ADRC:

Information Sharing on Disaster Reduction
Learning from Disasters and Benefiting from Information
1. Provision of information on the latest disasters, disaster preparedness of member countries, andgood practices
2. Promotion of GLIDE (Global unique disaster ID Entifer)
3. Disaster management support system (Sentinel Asia Project)
4. Organization of international conferences

Human Resources Development
Disaster Risk Reduction begins with Capacity Building
1. Organizing conference, workshops and trainings on disaster risk reduction
2. Program for inviting visiting researchers from member countries

Building Communities Capabilities
Community Participation is a Key to Effective Disaster Reduction
1. Development and dissemination of tools for encouraging community participation
2. Support for the acivities of Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN)

Visiting Researcher ADRC 2015

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4. SEISMIC MONITORING AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

4.1 Seismic monitoring, seismic hazard assesment and disaster information acquisition
processing and analysis, providing to officials, decision makers and public in
Armenia
Data Acquisition Processing and Analysis department of NSSP, has been carrying out operative
duties (24 hours) since its foundation, dealing with data acquisition from geophysical, geochemical,
seismic network as well as with the acquired data analysis. The department implements process ofoperative and manual assessment of the main parameters of earthquake.
We base some of our researches on the fact that the preparation of earthquakes with various
magnitudes is accompanied by the appearance of precursors in various physical fields. We deal
with medium-tem, short term and operative probably- seismogenic anomalies as well as co-seismic
and post-seismic effects associated with earthquake probability.
Seismic monitoringThere

are multiparameter network of seismic observation and monitoring in Armenia. The

network consists of national and international observation stations, which are included in a world
global network.
There are four types of seismic network in Armenia:- Guralp Network- Vayk Network- Regional Network- Global Seismograph Network Station (IRIS)

Stations map of NSSP

Map of the epicenters of earthquakes with magnitudeM≥2.5 for time period 1962-2015

Vayk

Guralp Network

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GURALP STATIONVAYK STATION

Seismic record of Guralp station

Seismic record of Vayk station

Seismic record of IRIS station
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Disaster information acquisition processing and analysis, providing to officials, decision
makers and public
Current Seismic Hazard Assessment in Armenia
Seismic hazard refers to the study of expected earthquake ground motions at the earth's surface,
and its likely effects on existing natural conditions and man-made structures for public safety
considerations. Current seismic hazard assessment in Armenia enable the NSSP. Current seismic
hazard assessment defined probability of place, magnitude and time of possible strong earthquake.

MAP OF FAULTS

Current seismic hazard assessment includes:
9

Definition of probabilities of current anomalies seismic realization based on testing of strong regional
earthquakes (M≥6.0) and local notable earthquakes (M≥3.7) and monitoring time period

9

History analysis using “SeisHelp” (Monitored the time series, the anomalies are selected visually)

9

For seismogene anomalies using “Dynamic Fields”, probability evaluation of the site, time andmagnitude of expected earthquake using “Expert” programs

9

Evaluation of crust stress based on monitoring data

9

Complex evaluation of Current seismic hazard based on operative complex map using
seismotectonic data and seismic hazart map of RA territory.

ARMENIAN NSSPYEREVAN 2000

#

#

#

# Stepanavan# Amasia

#

#
#

#

#

#

Ijevan#GPS stations

#

Artik
Gagarino####

Existing#$ Permanent (YEREVAN)

#

#

#

GPS OBSERVATIONNETWORK##YEREVAN
#
#
#
Garni
# #
#
Metsamor
#

$

#

#

Vardenis

Kusapat#More than 30 parameters are measured at the more than 150 stations ofArmenian NSSP National Observation Network

Name

Lat

Lon

Yerevan
Garni
IjevanArtik
Metsamor
JermukGoris
Gagarino
Kapan
Astghadzor
Stepanavan
SisianAmasiaKajaran
VardenisShushi
Kusapat

44.51
44.72
45.15
43.97
44.12
45.69
46.34
44.90
46.37
45.32
44.37
46.10
43.77
46.16
45.72
46.75
46.71

40.23
40.12
40.90
40.62
40.14
39.85
39.52
40.55
39.25
40.12
41.00
39.50
40.95
39.17
40.17
39.76
40.17

#

#

Session measurements

Projected

Astghadzor

#

#

#
#
#

Session measurements
32 points

Jermuk###Shushi

#
Goris

#

#

#

Sisian
Kapan
Kajaran####

SCALE 1:2 000 000

FINAL REPORT ADRC VISITING RESEARCHER 2015A

Active faults
Proven
Probable
Burried32
In case of prediction of strong earthquake in the territory of Armenia and adjacent areas the Expertof the Armenian NSSP for prediction confirmation has being immediately conveyed early non-urgent
actions are being undertaken after based on the decision of the analysis, information, in order,
established by a plenipotentiary bodies.
Before expected earthquake, in case of emergency declaring the Armenian NSSP acts according to
the relevant approved documents.
After occurred earthquake the main earthquake parameters are defined and the first preliminary
announcement is being made, and after main parameters adjusting, the final announcement is being
made.
After occurred earthquake, in case of emergency declaration the actions are being undertaken
according to the relevant approved documents.

The Armenian NSSP Task Force members•

seismologist-seismotectonist•

seismologist•

geo-technician•

earthquake engineer•

communication engineer•

public awareness expert•

logistics, rescuer•

psychologist

Anomalous concentration as an earthquake-precursor
Preparation of a strong seismic event is known to be associated with an accumulation of gigantic
elastic strain energy in the medium.
Based on the retrospective analysis of practically all seismic events which had occurred 1983-2015
in Armenia and adjacent territories are systematically tested and based the Catalogue of precursory
anomalies. It was supplemented few times, and the anomalies included were critically over estimatedand sometimes rejected. Naturally, the Catalogue will be supplemented with the tests of future strong
regional and perceptible local earthquakes. The Catalogue is in daily use at the Armenian NSSP for
Current seismic hazard assessment.
The examples, in particular, the imposing of precursory anomalies of different order, as well as thepresence of pre-, co-, post-seismic periods in observed.

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Examples of analyzing the data as anomalous of some stations¾

Short term anomaluos.
2014

2014
¾

Կ/

Short term anomaluos

Short term anomaluos.

2014

Pic 1. Udergraound water level changes Ashotcq (1), Zoraxbyur (2) , Eghegnazor (3) hydrogeodynamical
stations

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Short term anomaluos.

2014

Pic 2. Anomaly changes of geomagnetic field in Stepanakert station

Pic 3. COR–ի, EHR-ի և PHR-ի values anomaly changes

in Ararat Readiness geochemical station

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Seismic hazard assessment using software EXPERT for hydrodynamic parameters

During 2014
Operatively was determined 141 earthquakes witch
announced decision makers.
Using software Seishelp observed and made solution for dataof geophysical and geochemical stations.
Using software Expert implemented every day current seismic
hazard assessment
Determined operatively, short term, medium term and longtem 55 anomalous from national network stations

Expert :24 hours ϕ = 40.50˚ λ = 45.10˚FINAL REPORT ADRC VISITING RESEARCHER 2015A

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4.2 Seismic monitoring, seismic hazard assesment and disaster information acquisition
processing and analysis, providing to officials, decision makers and public (Early
Warning System) in Japan

Seismic monitoring
Located in one of the most active seismic and volcanic zones in the world, Japan is frequently
affected by earthquakes and volcanic disasters. Japan Meteorological Agency operationally monitors
seismic and volcanic activity throughout the country and issues relevant warnings and information to
mitigate damage caused by disasters related to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.
To monitor earthquakes, JMA operates an earthquake observation network comprised of about 200
seismographs and 600 seismic intensity meters. It also collects data from over 3,600 seismic intensity
meters managed by local governments and the National Research Institute for Earth Science andDisaster Prevention (NIED).
About K-NET and KiK-net
K-NET (Kyoshin network) is a nation-wide strong-motion seismograph network, which consists ofmore than 1,000 observation stations distributed every 20 km uniformly covering Japan. K-NET has
been operated by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED)
since June, 1996. At each K-NET station, a seismograph is installed on the ground surface withstandardized observation facilities.
KiK-net (Kiban Kyoshin network) is a strong-motion seismograph network, which consists of pairsof seismographs installed in a borehole together with high sensitivity seismographs (Hi-net) as well as on
the ground surface, deployed at approximately 700 locations nationwide. NIED constructed KiK-net
under the plan 'Fundamental Survey and Observation for Earthquake Research' directed by 'the
Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion'.
The strong-motion data recorded by K-NET and KiK-net are immediately transmitted to the data
management center of NIED in Tsukuba. The observed strong-motion data are widely available to the
public through the internet from this web site.
Earthquake distribution around Japan (1960-2014)

Sites of seismic intensity meters

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Disaster information acquisition processing and analysis, providing to officials,
decision makers and public
Telecommunications and Data Processing System
JMA operates two major computer systems; one is the Automated Data Editing and Switching
System (ADESS) for the treatment of observational data and products, and the other is the Numerical
Analysis and Prediction System (NAPS). ADESS is linked to individual JMA facilities for meteorologicalservices as well as various related authorities (including both the central government and local
governments) via exclusive landlines. To complement landline-based communication, JMA installed acommunication channel through the Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (MTSAT-1R) for the deliveryof earthquake reports and tsunami warnings due to the urgency and level of reliability required indisseminating such bulletins. NAPS is a super-computer system used for the computation of numerical
weather predictions.
To cope with constantly increasing demand for computing performance and capacity, JMA updates
NAPS with the latest high-performance computer every five years, and the most recent replacement was
conducted in March 2006. ADESS and NAPS are collectively called the Computer System forMeteorological Services (COSMETS), and constitute a comprehensive system for data communicationand processing.
In addition to its role as described above, ADESS also exchanges observational data andweather-related products with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) through the
Global Telecommunication System (GTS), which is run under the WMO World Weather Watch (WWW)
Programme. JMA serves as a Regional Telecommunication Hub (RTH) for the GTS Main
Telecommunication Network, and is connected to World Meteorological Centres (WMCs), other RTHs
and National Meteorological Centres (NMCs).
The Agency also operates a Global Information System Centre (GISC) and Data Collection or
Production Centres (DCPCs) of the WMO Information System (WIS) for the collection and sharing of
information for all WMO and related international programmes.

COSMETS and related systems

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The data collected are input to the Earthquake Phenomena Observation System (EPOS) at theheadquarters in Tokyo and the Osaka District Meteorological Observatory on a real-time basis. When an
earthquake occurs, JMA immediately issues information on its hypocenter, magnitude and observed
seismic intensity. If the seismic intensity is 3 or greater, the Agency issues a Seismic Intensity
Information report within one and a half minutes. The information is provided to disaster prevention
authorities via dedicated lines, and reaches the public through local governments and the media. This
information also plays a vital role as a trigger for the initiation of rescue and relief operations related toearthquake disasters.

Earthquake information by Japan Meteorological Agency

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Early Warning System
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) provides residents in Japan with Earthquake Early
Warnings. This is a new system that issues prompt alerts just as an earthquake starts, providing valuableseconds for people to protect themselves before strong tremors arrive.
On 1 October 2007, JMA launched the Earthquake Early Warning service for provision through anumber of media outlets such as TV and radio.
The Earthquake Early Warning system provides advance announcement of the estimated seismic
intensities and expected arrival time of principal motion. These estimations are based on prompt
analysis of the focus and magnitude of the earthquake using wave form data observed by seismographs
near the epicenter.
The Earthquake Early Warning is aimed at mitigating earthquake-related damage by allowing
countermeasures such as promptly slowing down trains, controlling elevators to avoid danger andenabling people to quickly protect themselves in various environments such as factories, offices, houses
and near cliffs.
The period between the Earthquake Early Warning and the arrival of strong tremors is very short, i.e.
a matter of seconds (or between several seconds and a few tens of seconds). As a result, areas that areclose to the focus of the earthquake may not receive the Earthquake Early Warning transmission before
strong tremors hit.
There are limits to the accuracy of the Earthquake Early Warning, such as the estimated seismic
intensity. This is because the system is necessarily dependent on very short-term data.

The Earthquake Early Warning systemprovidesadvanceannouncementof the estimated seismic intensities andexpected arrival time of principal motion
Examples of Response to an Earthquake
Early Warning

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The JMA has therefore built an online system that links relevant ministries and agencies, local
government bodies, and media organizations.
The information issued by the JMA is conveyed to prefectures via local meteorological observatories,
the Fire and Disaster Management Wireless Networks, or regional satellite communications networks,
and then conveyed to municipalities via prefectural systems. Municipalities have established their own
disaster management wireless networks that enable authorities to directly transmit warnings andevacuation orders to residents. The most frequently used tools for disseminating information to the very
end users, the residents, are simultaneous wireless communications systems used with outdoor
loudspeakers or indoor private radio receivers (70% of municipalities have developed such systems asof March 2005). Tsunami and severe weather warnings are also conveyed by the JMA to media
organizations, and are promptly distributed to the general public via TV and radio broadcasts.
An earthquake early warning (EEW) announces the estimated arrival time of the S-wave of theearthquake and seismic intensity in each region. This information is based on the estimated hypocenterand magnitude of the earthquake quickly calculated from the P-wave data obtained at seismic stations
near the epicenter. (The P-wave is a longitudinal wave that propagates 6-7 km/s through the earth's
crust, while the S-wave is a transverse wave that propagates 3.5-4 km/s through the earth's crust,
arriving later and causing the more severely destructive phenomena.) The time lag between the P-wave
and the S-wave can make it possible to mitigate earthquake damage by enabling disaster prevention
actions to be taken before the major shaking begins (when the S-wave arrives).

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Conclusion
Extensive damage by a large earthquake is still inevitable, and a lot of lives will be saved if theearthquake is foreseen a day or even one hour before. This is why earthquake prediction is always
ranked at the top of urgent problems in all of the world. However, till the world hasn't succeeded in
predicting the earthquakes.
Plate tectonics theory which brought the earth sciences a revolution in the latter half of the twentiethcentury clarified that Earth has an approximately 100 km thick rigid surface layer which is divided into
about 10 plates that are moving with such speeds. The earthquakes of the world occur chiefly in theboundary zones of the plates. About 10% of the earthquakes of the world occur in the Japanese area
because of the Pacific Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate surge to Japan and subduct under theJapanese Islands.
Many scientists doubt that reliable and accurate earthquake predictions are even possible. It is
important the short-term prediction which requires catching short-term precursory phenomena. The
problem are both in Japan and in Armenia, that the seismic observation is not enough for this purpose
because seismographs in principle provide only information on the earthquake that has already occurred.
It is therefore necessary and important:
1. To adopt a new strategy of encouraging observations of anomalous changes in non-seismic
phenomena, including not only crustal deformation but also underground water, gaseous releasesuch as radon and carbon dioxide, and terrestrial magnetism and earth currents etc.
2. To increase amounts of data, new theories, and powerful computer programs, and scientists areusing those to explore ways that earthquakes might be predicted in the future.
As large-scale natural disasters continue to occur around the world, there is a serious and growing
need to improve natural disaster early warning capabilities. For natural disaster early warning systems tobe truly useful in mitigating disasters for those who are facing natural disaster risks, they need to:
1. Enable the issuance of prompt and accurate early warning information based on more accurate,
real-time measurements of various natural phenomena and scientific data analysis
2. Incorporate systems for sharing warning information among relevant organizations anddisseminating it to residents.
3. Incorporate disaster reduction awareness outreach and education activities to ensure that more
timely and appropriate disaster reduction actions are taken based on the warning information
issued.

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It is very necessary and important:

1. Information Sharing Among Relevant Organizations
The development of a quick and accurate communications system is essential to the effective
use of early warning information.
2. Partnering with the Telecommunications Industry
Given the usefulness of mobile phones and the Internet in information distribution, and thus incrisis management and information exchange at the individual level, efforts are being made toactively promote practical applications for the vast array of information technologies that havebeen developed in recent years.
3. Disaster Awareness OutreachTo reduce disaster-related damage, it is important to make residents of at-risk areas aware ofsafe evacuation methods and nearby evacuation routes and sites ahead of time so that they willtake appropriate actions based on early warning information.
4. Use of Hazard Maps
Municipalities have to create and distribute hazard maps that show the areas most vulnerable toearthquakes as well as evacuation information.
The elapsed time between the issuance of the EEW and the start of major shaking will differ
significantly depending on a location's distance from the epicenter. EEWs may not be issued in time toareas located just above the hypocenter of an inland earthquake. However, when a large earthquake
occurs near an ocean trench, there may be a time lag, albeit a very short one (ten seconds to several
tens of seconds), between the issuance of the EEW and the start of severe shaking. This may be justenough time to mitigate damage by triggering emergency stops on trains, plant operations, andelevators, or even just by allowing people to take basic risk-reduction actions, such as extinguishingflames or taking cover under a desk.
To ensure that the best response measures possible are being taken against natural disasters suchas earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and torrential rainstorms, we need to conduct accurate andwidespread observations of phenomena occurring all over the world and to use those results to develop
better policies.
For example, in an effort to achieve a system for disaster crisis management that uses earth
observation satellites such as Daichi, Japan is striving to cooperate and form ties with other countries in
the Asia-Pacific region while actively striving to develop a Disaster Management Support System in the
Asia Pacific Region. The first step in this process is the Sentinel Asia ProjectFINAL REPORT ADRC VISITING RESEARCHER 2015A

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References

Disaster Management in Japan, March 2015

Japan’s Natural Disaster Early Warning System and international Efforts March 2006

http://www.adrc.asia/

http://mtaes.am/en/

http://www.spyur.am/en/armenia

http://www.gov.am/en/structure/

http://www.jma-net.go.jp/shimonoseki/ws/ws.htm



http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/

http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/earthquake.html



http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/eew.html



http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/telecommunications.html



http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/pws.html



http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/intcorp.html



http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/eew2.html



http://www.kyoshin.bosai.go.jp/kyoshin/docs/overview_kyoshin_index_en.html



http://www.seis.bosai.go.jp/seis-portal/

http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/bulletin/catalog/appendix/appendix_e.html

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