Faster quake alerts, wider coverage

Millions gain precious seconds as China strengthens seismic warning network

China's national earthquake early warning system, the world's largest, has issued alerts for more than 100 temblors with magnitudes above 3.5 since its completion last year, according to the China Earthquake Administration.

In an exclusive interview with China Daily, the administration said the system can provide alerts in about six to seven seconds after an earthquake hits key areas such as North China, the country's southeastern coast and Lhasa in the Xizang autonomous region, while other regions typically receive warnings within 10 to 20 seconds.

The National Earthquake Intensity Rapid Reporting and Early Warning Project entered full operation in July last year, offering public earthquake alerts nationwide. As of now, the service covers more than 148 million users across all channels, the administration said.