Gallery: A New Earthquake Early-Warning System for Mexico City

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    Grillo
    01

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    The Grillo will sound an alarm up to 90 seconds before an earthquake hits Mexico City.
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    Lizzie Wade
    02

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    The first batch of Grillos requires hand finishing. Meira has spent the last several weeks soldering wires in place.
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    Lizzie Wade
    03

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    The LEDs flash red when the earthquake alarm goes off.
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    Lizzie Wade
    04

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    Meira hopes to sell Grillos for 800 pesos, about 50 dollars.
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    Lizzie Wade
    05

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    The Grillo's electronics pick up an emergency radio signal sent from 200 miles away, seconds after an earthquake hits Mexico's Pacific coast.
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    Lizzie Wade
    06

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    The Grillo's plastic shell is manufactured in a small factory in Mexico City. The building survived a devastating quake in 1985 that killed up to 30,000 people.
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