Technology racing against seconds arrives in Üsküdar

Üsküdar University has begun hosting a critical technology designed to minimize loss of life and property in the event of possible earthquakes.

With the Earthquake Early Warning System (DEUS) added to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Laboratory of the Faculty of Health Sciences, the university has achieved a first in Türkiye not only in terms of disaster preparedness but also in the field of applied academic research.

The advanced technology system processes critical earthquake data and generates warnings seconds before the destructive S wave arrives.

As Türkiye continues to cope with the painful memories of recent major earthquakes and discussions about the risk of a potential Istanbul earthquake persist, technology now races against seconds in the field of disaster awareness and preparedness.

Üsküdar University has achieved a milestone by integrating the Earthquake Early Warning System (DEUS) into the Occupational Health and Safety Laboratory, offering advancements both in pre-disaster preparation and in research and development.

The system was donated by the company Multitek, and its installation was meticulously carried out by company specialists. Using critical earthquake data obtained from the company EDIS, the advanced system processes signals and generates warnings seconds before destructive seismic waves reach the area.

Seconds save lives

The advanced Earthquake Early Warning System (DEUS) has the potential to save lives by racing against seconds. Its operating principle is based on detecting the non-destructive and faster P (Primary) wave of an earthquake and creating a critical warning interval, often called the golden seconds, before the destructive S (Secondary) wave reaches the region.

Meticulous installation through academic and industry collaboration

With the support of Multitek, the system was installed with great care by company specialists directly in the laboratory. Operating through critical signals received from EDIS, the system processes earthquake data in real time.

The Earthquake Early Warning System (DEUS) has been integrated into the Occupational Health and Safety Laboratory located at Üsküdar University’s Çarşı Campus.

Academics and industry representatives examined the system

Üsküdar University’s academic staff played an active role in the development and implementation of the technology. Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the OHS Department, served on the system installation and research-development commission.

Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin also examined the system

Following the installation, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, examined the system on-site and received detailed information about its operating principles.

The system was also introduced at a symposium

This important technology was also presented to a large group of professionals during the symposium held on October 11 in partnership with İSGDER at Üsküdar University. Labor Inspector and Work Specialist Alpay Bulut from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, along with İSGDER members, examined the system in detail under the guidance of Asst. Prof. Uçan.

The system added to the Üsküdar University OHS Laboratory is expected to provide students with hands-on training in emergency management and demonstrate the importance of early warning in academic research related to earthquake safety.

Racing against seconds

The advanced Earthquake Early Warning System detects the non-destructive P (Primary) wave and provides critical warning seconds before the destructive S (Secondary) wave arrives. Within these golden seconds, the system automatically activates a series of vital safety protocols:

• Emergency Response: Instantly shuts off critical infrastructure systems such as natural gas, water, and electricity that may pose risks.
• Evacuation Safety: Lowers elevators to the nearest safe floor and opens their doors, while preventing automatic doors from locking to ensure secure evacuation routes.
• Warning Systems: Activates audible and visual alarms to alert building occupants of the impending earthquake.

While this technology is already actively used by large-scale companies and industrial facilities, efforts continue to expand its use in residential buildings and homes.