Aufgaben SED

Earthquakes can neither be predicted nor prevented. However, the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) monitors ground shaking around the clock. Within approximately 90 seconds of an earthquake, details about the time, location and possible effects appear on the website www.seismo.ethz.ch.

The SED automatically reports any noticeable earthquakes to the authorities and the media. At the same time, this information is transmitted to the SED’s 24-hour on-call service by pager, e-mail and text message. This service is also available to the authorities and the media for further information about current events, and produces background information that is published on the SED website.

In addition, in the event of any earthquakes that cause major damage worldwide, the SED informs the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA).