Google has rolled out its Android Earthquake Alerts System in India, providing Android users with a vital tool for earthquake preparedness. This innovative system utilizes the sensors in your Android smartphone, such as the accelerometer, to function as an earthquake early warning system.
Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System, already operational in various countries, has now made its way to India. This expansion comes after close collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC), highlighting the importance of technology in disaster preparedness on the subcontinent.
What are Android earthquake alerts?
This technology, at its heart, transforms your Android handset into a little earthquake detector, employing the accelerometer as a seismograph. When your phone is still and charged, it may detect the first tremors of an earthquake. What’s interesting is its collective intelligence: if numerous cell phones detect comparable tremors at the same time, Google’s central server can calculate the incidence, position, and severity of the earthquake.
Following that, the system sends warnings to adjacent phones, ensuring that people are aware and may take the required steps. The notifications are classified into two groups based on the magnitude of the earthquake. The ‘Be Aware Alert’ is delivered to customers who experience MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) 3 or 4 shaking during a magnitude 4.5 or greater earthquake.
The ‘Take Action Alert’ is sent to users who experience MMI 5+ shaking with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher. In the event of a more severe earthquake, the system overrides Do Not Disturb settings, activates the screen, and sends an audible alarm, as well as safety tips such as seeking shelter beneath a strong table.
Google’s relationship with the NDMA demonstrates the company’s dedication to user safety. They hope to deliver vital information on numerous natural calamities, such as floods and storms, using Google Search and Maps. Users may readily acquire this information by completing a simple Google search such as “Earthquake near me.”
“We hope to supplement the government’s efforts on earthquake alerts and provide people with the advance notice they need to stay safe. In India, we have been working closely with the NDMA to provide users with helpful safety information about natural disasters such as floods and cyclones on Google Search and Maps. We’re proud to further our association with the NDMA, along with the NCS, to bring the Android Earthquake Alerts system to India,” Google said in its official announcement.
How to use Android Earthquake Alerts
This feature will be available to all Android users in India with Android 5 or higher within the coming week. To receive alerts, ensure that your phone has an internet connection and location settings are enabled. To activate earthquake alerts, follow these steps:
- Navigate to your phone’s Settings.
- Tap on Safety & emergency, then select Earthquake alerts. If you can’t find Safety & emergency, access Location settings, followed by Advanced, and then Earthquake alerts.
- Toggle the Earthquake alerts switch as per your preference.
Please note that although you may see the option to enable this feature, its availability may vary as Google continues its rollout.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Android Earthquake Alerts System in India represents a substantial leap in bolstering earthquake preparedness among Android users. By leveraging everyday smartphones, Google and its partners aim to empower individuals with timely information, potentially reducing the impact of earthquakes on our communities. Stay connected, stay safe, and embrace the future of earthquake awareness with your Android device.
Featured image credit: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash
