News Earth

False alarms may be a necessary part of earthquake early warnings

Alerts would have to go out before the temblor’s strength is clear

earthquake damage

SHAKE DAMAGE  The magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 killed 63 people and caused thousands of injuries in Northern California.

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By Carolyn Gramling

- More than 2 years ago

Earthquake warning systems face a tough trade-off: To give enough time to take cover or shut down emergency systems, alerts may need to go out before it’s clear how strong the quake will be.