The Joint Research Centre has developed a new Tsunami Alerting Device (TAD) which  alert directly people at risk in the event of an incoming tsunami wave. The testing of the prototype device begun on 20 April in Setubal (Portugal).

This unique device is activated by a new software that quickly calculates the estimated wave height and travel time. JRC's software is based on a model that takes into account seismic parameters, such as the earthquake epicentre and magnitude, and pre-calculated potential tsunamis based on their historical locations. TAD consists of a panel equipped with data receivers, a display, an alerting siren and a loudspeaker. When an earthquake occurs, this innovative software automatically calculates within minutes the results of tsunami propagation predictions and activates a siren.

The testing activity will be be conducted until April 2012 and be performed jointly by the JRC and local Civil Protection in order to determine appropriate operational parameters for the device. The JRC is already supporting the Institute of Meteorology that has been tasked by the Portuguese government to design and implement a National Tsunami Early Warning System.

The TAD provides a platform for those involved in international disaster response (such as first disaster responders, Red Cross, NGOs etc) to exchange disaster-related information in a structured and predictable manner. Its capacity to directly and timely alert people at risk on coastal areas represents a major step forward towards the creation of effective tsunami early warning systems.