Google has launched its earthquake alert system for Android in India. The system uses sensors found in an Android phone to detect tremors and send alerts to users. It aims to provide early earthquake alerts for Android users. Early alerts can help people prepare for earthquakes and save themselves.
The company has developed the earthquake alert system with consultation from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC). The accelerometer sensor present in Android devices acts as a mini seismometer. If many Android devices in a certain area detect earthquake-like shaking around the same time, Google’s server can use this information to estimate the earthquake.
There are two types of alerts: Be Aware and Take Action. “Be Aware” alerts are sent to users exercising MMI 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or lower. It only displays an alert on your phone’s display and doesn’t play sound if your phone is in silent mode. A “Take Action” alert is sent if users are experiencing MMI 5+ shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater. This alert will also bypass the system’s notification settings, including Do No Disturb.
Earthquake alerts will be available in local Indian languages. Your device is also required to run Android 5 or higher. You also need to make sure your device has Wi-Fi and/or cellular data connectivity. Earthquake Alerts and location settings should also be enabled.
Google already offers AI-powered flood alerts to all Indian regions. This alert was initially tested in Patna back in 2018 and later expanded across the country in 2020.
