A joint Turkmen-Japanese initiative to modernize seismic monitoring in and around Ashgabat has reached a significant milestone, as officials concluded the project during an international conference at the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, as reported by Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper. 

The conference, titled “The Role of Peace and Trust in Disaster Risk Reduction Systems,” highlighted the outcomes of the project conducted under an agreement between the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

As part of the collaboration, advanced seismic equipment was delivered and installed, and Turkmen specialists were trained to operate the new systems. Participants included representatives from Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Construction and Architecture, Ashgabat city administration, and the Türkmenaragatnaşyk agency.

One of the major accomplishments was the launch of a real-time digital seismic observation system. Four velocity-type seismometers were installed at two existing and two newly established stations surrounding Ashgabat.

Experts, including JICA representatives Fumihiko Yokoo and Jun Matsuo, shared insights on disaster preparedness, the application of Japanese seismic engineering expertise, and ongoing UNDP-led projects in Turkmenistan related to disaster risk reduction.

Research also focused on evaluating the relationship between seismic motion intensity and structural damage coefficients based on Turkmen construction standards. A field survey of building types was conducted, which may pave the way for future collaboration and the enhancement of seismic design codes in Turkmenistan.