Muscat: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has joined hands with UAE National Centre for Meteorology & Seismology to reduce the risk of earthquakes and related disasters, according to a SQU press release here on Sunday.
The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation and joint activities in seismology and regular communication between the two organisations to reduce the risk of earthquakes and related disasters.
Dr. Ali Bin Saud Al Bimani, SQU Vice Chancellor and Abdullah Bin Ahmed Al Mandoos, Executive Director of UAE National Centre for Meteorology & Seismology, signed the MoU.
The MoU states that the two organisations will take the initiative to promote technical cooperation in earthquake monitoring and seismic risk assessment in the two countries and adjacent areas.
The SQU and the UAE Centre will jointly develop programs to promote cooperation and integration in the field of seismology using the available human and financial resources within the institutions.
The MOU envisages the following: creating a common information and data of seismic activities in the Oman and UAE territories and surrounding areas; exchange of seismic data between the institutions round the clock; exchange of information and publications, and scientific journals in the discipline of seismology; conducting studies and joint research in the field of earthquakes, particularly those aimed at mitigating the effects of earthquakes in the event they occur.
Other clauses include technical and technological cooperation in order to increase scientific knowledge of earthquakes; exchange of experiences and expertise in handling devices and equipment for earthquake assessment; and organization of conferences, seminars and training courses, workshops and other joint activities.
