Scoping the potential for Earthquake Early Warning in Aotearoa New Zealand: A sectoral analysis of perceived benefits and challenges

Abstract

Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems are used to detect earthquakes and provide advanced notice of strong shaking intensity. They allow people to take actions prior to an event that then benefit the health of infrastructure and the life-safety of the public. With the advancement of technical research of EEWs, there is also an increasing need to understand their potential impacts on society. In this study, we used focus groups and interviews with multiple sectors, including utilities, infrastructure, emergency management, health and education. We found that participants generally supported the idea of EEW. Participants perceived EEW to provide benefits to life-safety, injury-prevention, and psychological preparedness. They also mentioned that EEW could help put emergency plans and assessments into action more quickly. Finally, they discussed the benefits of actions in reducing impacts and aiding response and recovery. Our findings also showed that, despite support from the sectors, there are challenges in introducing and applying EEW. These include users' confidence in the system, the threshold and delivery for sending warnings, and the potential for people taking appropriate or inappropriate action. Our recommendation is to keep the societal benefits of an EEW in mind as discussions continue in developing the sensors and warning network. This should ensure benefits are realised and investment is appropriate.