Google has announced the launch of its earthquake alert system for Android devices in India. The system uses smartphone sensors such as accelerometers, which can act as small seismometers to detect tremors.
The system, developed in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC), will provide early earthquake alerts for Android users in an area that’s likely to be impacted. These alerts will be available in local Indian languages supported by Android.
Google sends two types of alerts: Be Aware and Take Action.
- Be Aware: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater. They show an alert on the screen but don’t play any sound if the phone is on Do Not Disturb mode or in silent mode.
- Take Action: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 5+ shaking during an earthquake of 4.5 magnitude. They bypass the system’s notification settings, including Do No Disturb, and play a loud sound. The alert also suggests to users what action — such as taking cover under a table — they can take for safety.
Google detects a potential earthquake through many Android phones noting seismic activity in an area. The company claims that alerts often reach many seconds before shaking.
How to enable earthquake alerts on your Android device
To get earthquake alerts, you must:
- Be using a phone with Android 5 or later and have Wi-Fi or cellular data connectivity.
- Have the location settings enabled on your device.
To enable earthquake alerts:
- Go to Settings > Safety & emergency and then Earthquake alerts.
- Toggle on Get alerts.
Alternatively, you can also enable earthquake alerts through:
- Go to Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake alerts.
- Toggle on Get alerts.
Google’s AI-powered flood alerts
Google already issues AI-powered flood alerts to all Indian regions. The company began the flood alert pilot in Patna, the capital of the Indian state of Bihar, in 2018. Later, it expanded flood alerts to all of India in 2020.
Google’s earthquake alert system is a valuable addition to its disaster relief and safety efforts in India. It can help people stay safe and informed during earthquakes, which can be devastating.
