Google introduces Android Earthquake Alerts System in India; know how system functions
PTC Web Desk: Google has launched the Android Earthquake Alerts System in India, leveraging smartphone sensors to detect earthquakes and provide timely warnings to users across the country.
This innovative system utilises your smartphone's accelerometer as a miniature seismograph. When your phone is stationary and charging, it can detect the initial signs of an earthquake. If multiple phones detect similar earthquake-like movements simultaneously, Google's servers can identify the earthquake's occurrence, location, and intensity.
Two Types of Alerts
The Android Earthquake Alerts System issues two types of alerts based on the earthquake's magnitude:
Be Aware Alert: Sent to users experiencing MMI 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater.
Take Action Alert: Sent to users experiencing MMI 5 shaking during an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 or greater.
The Speed Advantage
Google's alert system offers a significant advantage in terms of speed. Internet signals travel much faster than earthquake shaking through the ground, allowing alerts to reach users several seconds before the onset of severe shaking.
Collaboration with NDMA
Google has collaborated with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to provide users with vital information about various natural disasters, including floods and storms, through Google Search and Maps.
Activating Android Earthquake Alerts
To enable this feature, follow these steps:
Access your phone's Settings
Navigate to Safety & emergency and select Earthquake alerts (if Safety & emergency is not visible, access Location, then Advanced, and finally Earthquake alerts).
Toggle Earthquake alerts on or off.
Please keep in mind that while the option to enable this feature may be visible, it might not be immediately accessible, as Google is gradually rolling it out.
Google's earthquake alerts are user-friendly, available in Indian languages supported by Android, and provide information about local earthquakes and recommended safety measures via Google Search.
- With inputs from agencies
