Earthquake study centres to be linked for integrated analysis

THE Chinese claim to predict earthquakes by observing animal behaviour and phenomenon such as sudden disappearance of water from lakes and wells. Scientists around the world have tried to do the same by studying parameters like changes in seismic activity and electromagnetic radiations and checking water bodies for increase in radon gas (a radioactive element) levels. These give indications of an imminent earthquake but do not help accurately predict the place and time of occurrence.
The Indian Meteorological Department ( imd) will now collectively analyse these parameters, studied at several places, to increase accuracy in earthquake prediction. It has submitted a proposal to the ministry of earth sciences to link all its centres and set up an integrated and centralized monitoring system.