The challenge

Chile is a country with high seismic activity due to its geographical location, with earthquakes being responsible for most destructive tsunamis. Therefore, the objective of the project is to alert the population quickly and effectively in the event of a potential tsunami risk. 

DOMINION's +

Thanks to DOMINION’s technological integration capabilities, the supply, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of early warning systems were carried out in the regions of Arica and O’Higgins in Chile. In addition, pre-feasibility and engineering studies were conducted for the system design in several regions.

The siren system enables SENAPRED to alert the population located in risk or evacuation zones in the event of a potential tsunami. It consists of sirens equipped with cameras and weather stations, which broadcast alerts through three redundant communication channels. The system can be remotely activated and managed from SENAPRED’s regional control centers as well as from its headquarters in Santiago.

Each siren is installed on a self-supporting 11-meter-high steel pole, with supports for solar panels installed at a height of 8 meters. 

Results

The regions of Arica and O’Higgins have strengthened their response capacity to the effects of tsunamis, providing the population with technology that enables them to anticipate and be promptly prepared. As a result of the experience gained from the implemented projects, DOMINION submitted a Private Initiative to Chile’s Ministry of Public Works for a concession process aimed at providing the State of Chile with a nationwide Tsunami Early Warning System (EWS). 

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.