Peru Conducts National Multi-Hazard Drill Simulating Major Earthquake and Tsunami

Peru held its Second National Multi-Hazard Drill on Friday, August 14, at 3:00 p.m. across the entire country. The exercise focused on preparing the population for earthquakes and other potential dangers.

During the drill, alert mechanisms, including SISMATE and SASPe, were activated to simulate emergency scenarios and practice response actions. A magnitude 8.8 earthquake followed by a tsunami was simulated. The SISMATE system sent a notification related to the tsunami scenario at 3:06 p.m., while the Peruvian Seismic Alert System (SASPe) was intended to activate sirens in specific areas.

Both systems played distinct roles within the drill. According to information shared by the Peruvian Air Force on social media, SASPe and SISMATE were activated only in select districts. The absence of notifications on certain phones was attributed to the defined scope of the test, not a failure of the drill itself.

SISMATE is a technological tool used by INDECI (National Institute of Civil Defense) to distribute early warning messages via cell phones. It complements other communication methods like radio and television, enabling alerts for various hazards such as tsunamis, volcanic activity, flash floods, and wildfires. For earthquakes, the SASPe system provides advance warning through sirens seconds before seismic events occur.

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The SISMATE sent a notification related to this second scenario at 3:06 p.m., while the Peruvian Seismic Alert System (SASPe) was contemplated to be activated by sirens in certain zones.