SINGAPORE: A research centre called the Earth Observatory of Singapore will be set up to study more about natural disasters in the region.

The observatory, located at Nanyang Technological University, has received funding of S$217 million over the next ten years.

It will focus its research on natural disasters such as tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and climate change.

NTU President, Dr Su Guaning said initial research programmes include refining tsunami forecasts for western Sumatra and analysing the impact of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on the Southeast Asia region.

A database of earthquake faults in Southeast Asia is also planned.

Dr Su Guaning said the benefits of the observatory in the coming years are the modelling and forecasting of possible damage from natural disasters.

While Singapore has been free of such natural disasters, it is surrounded by neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, which lies in the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ – an area where such calamities happen frequently.

Professor Kerry Sieh who heads the observatory believes that this facility will bring the scientific community closer to society.

Professor Sieh hopes that more scientific work can be turned into workable ideas to help mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

The centre is expected to be ready in the first quarter of next year but research will begin later this year. - CNA/vm