Google Introduces Earthquake Alert System in India: How It Works
New Delhi, September 27: Earthquakes, among the most common natural disasters, necessitate early warning systems to ensure public safety. Addressing this need, Google has launched the “Android Earthquake Alert System” in India, offering users advance notice when an earthquake begins.
This alert system relies on sensors within Android smartphones to detect and estimate earthquakes, promptly notifying users in the event of seismic activity. There are two types of notifications within the system: the “Be Aware Alert” and the “Take Action Alert.” Both alerts are reserved for earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher.
The “Be Aware Alert” is designed to provide a prelude to mild shaking, offering additional information upon tapping the notification. It is sent exclusively to users experiencing MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) 3 & 4 shaking during earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or above. The alert respects the device’s volume, do not disturb, and notification settings, ensuring it does not override these preferences.
On the other hand, the “Take Action Alert” is intended to capture your attention before encountering moderate to severe shaking, allowing you to take immediate protective measures. This alert is sent only to users who will experience MMI 5 shaking during earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or higher. It overrides do not disturb settings, activates the screen, and emits a loud sound to ensure awareness.
Upon tapping either alert, users will receive earthquake safety instructions, including straightforward steps to safeguard themselves and others. The alert system is designed to be user-friendly, available in various Indian languages supported by Android.
This feature will gradually roll out to all Android 5 users across India in the upcoming week. To receive alerts, users must have Wi-Fi and/or cellular data connectivity, as well as enable both Android Earthquake Alerts and location settings. For those who prefer not to receive these alerts, they can easily disable Earthquake Alerts in their device settings.
