Development of Earthquake Early Warning Systems in Marmara Region: A Hybrid Model Utilizing Mosque Loudspeakers

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 1, 61 - 71, 31.03.2025

Mehmet Eren

Abstract

The expected major earthquake in the Marmara Sea poses serious risks due to the dense population and important infrastructure systems living in the region. Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) Systems can play an important role in reducing these risks. In this study, in addition to the existing EEW systems serving the infrastructure, a hybrid early warning model integrated with mosque loudspeakers that have the potential to warn residents is proposed. The system is based on the principle of announcing from mosque loudspeakers within the district borders through the mufti offices by evaluating the seismic data provided by the AFAD infrastructure.
Simulations show that the system can be effective especially in residential areas farther than 45 km and that a gain of 4.9 to 42.8 seconds can be achieved in warning time. However, it was determined that warnings given to people in areas closer than 45 km would be ineffective due to the rapid arrival of P waves. The model used has the potential to reduce deaths, especially in densely populated areas, thanks to the wide geographical spread of mosques. The success of the system is directly affected by factors such as power outages, public awareness and communication infrastructure.
Therefore, the effectiveness of the system can be increased if it is supported by hybrid models that include additional warning channels such as mobile applications, SMS and TV broadcasts. In addition, the accuracy and applicability of the system should be evaluated in a selected pilot region. In conclusion, a hybrid EEW system with mosque loudspeakers as the main instrument offers a powerful alternative to provide early warning to residents in the Marmara Region.

Keywords

Earthquake Early Warning System, Marmara Earthquake, Hybrid EEW, Mosque Speaker System, Seismic Warning

Ethical Statement

There is no ethical problem

Supporting Institution

No any support

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