The highly useful earthquake alert system has been launched in India. The feature was already announced in 2020 and introduced in India. Google announced that the launch of this alert system is done in collaboration with NDMA, the National Disaster Management Authority and NCS, the National Centre for Seismology, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Earthquakes are a common natural disaster, and early warning makes a huge difference in saving people’s lives. The Google earthquake alert system uses the built-in sensors in smartphones that are called accelerometers. Read more to know how this alert system works and make improvements.

How do Google earthquake alert systems work

It has been mentioned by Google that when the plugged-in and charged Android phone detects initial earthquake tremors, it sends data to a central server. If multiple phones detect shaking in the same location, the server estimates the characteristics of the earthquake, including the magnitude and epicenter. It sends the alerts to Android devices rapidly. The alerts travel to the internet at light speed and reach users in a few seconds before shaking occurs. It is designed with user-friendly alerts that are available in Indian languages supported by Android and ensures accessibility for a wide range of users. Here is how the Google earthquake alert system works

• Initial detection

When the initial tremor of an earthquake is felt, Android devices with alert systems will be able to pick up these vibrations by accelerometers.

• Data aggregation

The Google earthquake alert systems do not rely only on one device. Instead, it aggregates data from various smartphones in geographical areas. It helps you to determine the extent of unexpected activity more accurately.

• Estimate magnitude and epicenter.

The Google earthquake alert system is able to analyze the data from various devices and estimate the epicenter and magnitude of the system. This information is important to understand the potential impact of earthquakes.

• Alert users

Once the system confirms the seismic activity presence, it sends alerts to users in the affected area. These alerts consist of information about the magnitude of the earthquake and safety tips on how to handle it.

Compatible android devices

Android users with devices running Android 5 or new will get the features in an ongoing time. Users are required to have cellular data or Wi-Fi connectivity and ensure that both Android earthquake alerts and location settings are. For those users who do not want to get alerts, there is an option to turn off Google earthquakes alerts by changing device settings. Moreover, when users are looking for terns like “ earthquakes near me,” then the users get relevant information to stay safe. Google’s partnership with NDMA set aims to complement the efforts of the government that they make to give earthquake alerts on time and safety information.

The best thing is that Google also collaborates with NDMA to give safety information to users regarding natural disasters such as cyclones and floods through Maps and Google search. The launch of Android earthquake alert systems undergoes Google’s commitment to improve disaster preparedness and response in India.

Conclusion

With these new initiatives of Google earthquake alert systems, android users in India get access to early earthquake alerts, permitting them to take precautions on time. Hence, it ensures the safety of people in the event of unexpected activity.