India is developing a system to predict earthquakes' deadly S-waves

India is developing an ambitious early-warning system for destructive secondary waves (S-waves) during earthquakes, which could provide critical lead time to save lives and protect infrastructure.

- Vijay C. Roy

The plan is to deploy this advanced detection network, a first for the country, over the next decade, M. Ravichandran, secretary of the ministry of earth sciences, told Mint.

Although accurately predicting the exact time, location, and magnitude of earthquakes remains a scientific challenge, the ministry is investing in infrastructure to improve early-warning systems.

"There is currently no scientific method to predict earthquakes in advance. However, we can monitor seismic activity in real time to quickly determine where and why an earthquake has occurred," said Ravichandran.