India Now Has Access to Google’s Android Earthquake Alert System
Google on Wednesday launched an Android earthquake alert system in India that will allow users to receive early warnings of earthquakes in their area so they can take steps to protect themselves from impending dangers.
Google says it consulted with India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Seismology Center (NSC) and uses sensors on Android smartphones to detect earthquakes. Alerts are reportedly sent in Indian languages, which Android devices already support.
How Google’s earthquake detection technology works
Google notes that “every Android smartphone is equipped with tiny accelerometers that can act as mini-seismometers,” and when the Android device is plugged in and charging, it can detect “the early stages of earthquake tremors.” However, one report is not enough, so if Google detects that several phones have detected an earthquake-like vibration around the same time, Google’s servers can identify the earthquake and even determine its characteristics, such as its epicenter and magnitude.
Considering that Internet signals travel at the speed of light, Google will warn users in the area before the tremors affect them, allowing them to get to safety.
How to enable this feature
This feature is coming soon to all Android 5.0+ devices. To enable earthquake detection notifications:
- Go to your device’s Settings app.
- Go to Safety and Emergency > Earthquake Alerts. If you can’t find Safety & Emergency, tap Location > Advanced > Earthquake Alerts.
- Now you can enable earthquake alerts here.
