Summary of Key Points
On August 24, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck Changning, Sichuan. However, the early warning system of the Chengdu High-Tech Disaster Reduction Institute mistakenly reported the earthquake as a 7.7 magnitude, causing panic among users in Guangdong, Hunan, and other regions, who responded by rushing outdoors. Subsequently, the authorities (Sichuan Earthquake Administration and China Earthquake Administration) pointed out that the institute had illegally disseminated information from its own system and misused the name of the “China Earthquake Early Warning Network.” The Disaster Reduction Institute claimed that it had jointly built the network with the authorities. This incident has exposed the role of third-party organizations in earthquake early warning, their authority to release information, and the contradictions in the construction of a unified national early warning system.
I. Why such a large discrepancy in the earthquake magnitude? — Earthquake early warning is a “semi-finished product that races against time”
Earthquake early warning is not about predicting the future; it’s about acting quickly. When an earthquake occurs, the first waves to reach the surface are the P-waves, which travel fast but cause less damage (acting like a “preliminary signal” of the earthquake). Early warning systems use these few seconds to quickly calculate the magnitude and location of the earthquake. However, the data at this stage is incomplete, so the initial estimates may be inaccurate and are later corrected. For example, the Disaster Reduction Institute’s initial report was a 7.7 magnitude 5 seconds after the earthquake, which was revised to 6.4 magnitude 6 seconds later, and finally adjusted to a more accurate 3.9 magnitude 17 seconds after the initial report.
The error in this case (4.7 vs 7.7) was significant, as a 7.7 magnitude earthquake could cause significant damage and trigger widespread panic. This is not the first time the institute has made such a mistake: in 2015, it mistakenly reported a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Beichuan (which turned out to be a drill), and in March 2024, it issued a 4.2 magnitude warning in Zhejiang when no earthquake had actually occurred. This raises questions about the stability of the system.
II. “Misuse” or “Joint Construction”? — The dispute over the authority of the official and the institute
There are two main issues at the heart of the controversy:
1. Naming Rights: The Sichuan Earthquake Administration claims that the Disaster Reduction Institute misused the name of the “China Earthquake Early Warning Network” because the authorization had expired in July. The institute, on the other hand, cited a 2020 memorandum of understanding with the China Earthquake Administration, stating that they had jointly built the network. The China Earthquake Administration clarified that “joint construction” referred to technical cooperation, but the institute was not allowed to use the official name to release information from its own system.
2. Authorization: Authorities stipulate that third-party organizations can only disseminate information from the “China Earthquake Early Warning Network” and cannot operate their own systems. Since 2024, the Disaster Reduction Institute’s early warnings in Zhejiang, Shaanxi, and other regions have been from its own system, which is considered an infringement of the rules. After multiple reminders and failed corrections, the institute’s authorization was revoked.
In simple terms, the authorities allow third parties to help disseminate information but not to create and publish their own content.
III. The Transformation of the Disaster Reduction Institute’s Role: From a Pioneer to a Focus of Dispute
The Disaster Reduction Institute was established after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and represented civil scientific research organizations:
- Early Stage: The institute played a key role in the development of earthquake early warning technology (it began providing services to the public in 2011 and collaborated with companies like Xiaomi and Huawei to integrate early warning features into smartphones).
- Mid-Stage: It participated in national projects (such as the “National Earthquake Intensity Rapid Reporting and Early Warning Project” in 2018).
- Current Stage: After the completion of the national project in July 2024, authorities required all early warnings to be released through a unified system. As a result, the institute’s role shifted from developing and releasing information to merely relaying official data. However, it continued to distribute information from its own system, leading to this conflict.
It can be seen that the institute has evolved from a pioneer to a participant that must adapt to new regulations, but it failed to adjust in time.
IV. The Standardization of the National Early Warning System: Who will issue early warnings in the future?
The government has clarified the rules:
1. Official Leadership: Earthquake information must be released by authorized earthquake authorities (such as the China Earthquake Networks).
2. Third-Party Access: Companies and apps must obtain official authorization to disseminate early warning information; they cannot operate their own systems.
3. Free and Public Service: Early warning services are provided free of charge, with no fees (for example, the institute’s previous “VIP acceleration channels” were criticized, and authorities have emphasized that users should not pay extra for early warnings).
Currently, 30 organizations, including Huawei, Xiaomi, and Tencent, have signed agreements to participate in the early warning system, and more will join in the future, all within the official framework.
V. What should ordinary users do?
- Use Official Channels: Prefer official apps (such as the “China Earthquake Networks”) or those authorized by official earthquake authorities (e.g., Huawei and Xiaomi).
- Be Critical: Verify the source of early warnings. If the magnitude is significantly higher than expected (e.g., 7 or above), wait for official corrections, as the systems will update their estimates.
- Avoid Paid Services: Any “VIP” or “paid early warning” services are likely scams; official services are free and available to everyone.
In summary, earthquake early warning is a valuable tool, but it needs to be managed by authoritative organizations to prevent panic caused by inaccurate or unauthorized reports from private entities.
(End of Article)
Layout by: Ji Jiaying
Image Credits: Chengdu High-Tech Disaster Reduction Institute, China Earthquake Administration, etc.
Information Source: IT Times official account, vittimes, etc.
*(Note: The reference to “2026” in the text is likely a mistake; based on context, it should be 2024.*