HIGHLIGHTS
- In order to identify and gauge seismic activity, the system makes use of sensors found in Android smartphones.
- By giving customers immediate alerts about seismic activity, it also aims to prevent damage.
- There are already many nations around the world using Google’s Android Earthquake Alert System.
Throughout the last century, India had some of the most powerful earthquakes. According to reports, earthquakes might cause significant damage to more than half of India’s land area. Google has launched an earthquake alarm system in India through collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Career Service (NCS). This technology uses the accelerometers of Android devices as miniature seismometers to provide early alerts of earthquakes.
In a blog post, Google notes that the way their earthquake alert system in India works is by using plugged-in, charging Android phones to detect the first tremors and transmit the information to a centralized server.
Details of the Android Earthquake Alert System
- Smartphone sensors are used by Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts Service to identify and gauge earthquake activity.
- When earthquake vibrations are detected, this system, which is currently in use in several nations throughout the world, provides citizens with warnings in advance.
- In collaboration with the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India – Google has officially announced the Android Earthquake Alerts System in that country.
- All Android users in India running version 5 or higher will receive the Android Earthquake Detection System in the upcoming week.
- When users type in terms like “Earthquake near me,” the system also provides information through Google Search, including specifics about nearby seismic events and safety precautions.
It’s important to note that Android offers two different alerts for earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher:
Be Aware Alert : This warning is for a little trembling. When you tap on it, it provides more information. Users who experience MMI 3 and 4 shaking are the ones who receive it.
Take Action Alert: This alert pertains to heavy to moderate shaking. It wants you to pay attention so you can defend yourself. Users who will suffer shaking from MMI 5+ will receive it. This warning generates a loud sound, activates your screen, and circumvents Do Not Disturb settings.
Earthquake Alert System for Android How to use
- Users must have Android 5 or later, as well as active Wi-Fi or cellular data, in order to receive alerts.
- Enable Android Earthquake Alerts and location settings by going to your device’s settings.
- This enables Google to locate your device and notify you if there is a possible earthquake in your neighborhood.
- Find the Safety & emergency option in the Settings of your smartphone. Next, choose Earthquake Alerts and turn the toggle on.
- You will start to get earthquake updates as needed after activating the Android device’s earthquake alert system.
- Users can turn off Earthquake warnings in their device settings if they’d prefer not to get these warnings.
The goal of Google’s collaboration with the NDMA is to support government initiatives to deliver quick earthquake notifications and safety information. Previously, Google and the NDMA worked together to provide people with safety information about natural catastrophes like floods and cyclones using Google Search and Maps. Google’s dedication to improving disaster preparedness and response in India is shown by the launch of the Android Earthquake Alerts System.
With the help of this new project, Android users in India will have access to early earthquake warnings, enabling them to take prompt action and guarantee their safety in the case of seismic activity.
