The goal

Given its geographical location, Chile is a country which suffers from a high incidence of seismic activity, and this activity is responsible for most of the destructive tsunamis. Accordingly, the purpose of the project was to quickly and effectively alert the population of a possible risk of a tsunami. 

DOMINION's +

As a result of DOMINION’s innovative technology performed the supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of the warning systems  in various regions in Chile. It also conducted pre-feasibility and engineering investigations for the design of the system in various regions. 

The siren system allows ONEMI to alert the population in a risk area or of an evacuation if there is a possible tsunami. It has sirens which are fitted with cameras and weather stations, which are redundantly connected via three means of communication. It can only be activated and managed remotely from two control centres: ONEMI's regional offices and its central office in Santiago.

Each siren is installed on a self-supporting 11-meter tall steel post, with a bracket for solar panels fitted at a height of 8 metres. All of the above is calculated, designed and produced as per current standards. 

Results

Due to the success of this project, DOMINION submitted an initiative to provide the State of Chile with a nationwide Early Warning System (EWS) for Tsunamis that the Ministry of Public Works of Chile declared to be of public interest. 

The project aims to expand to all regions by means of the public-private initiative. It is estimated that between 850 and 1000 sirens will be required which will be installed in all the risk areas in the country.