Google has unveiled its earthquake alert system for Android devices in India. This system leverages smartphone sensors, including accelerometers that function as mini seismometers, to detect seismic activity.
The announcement, made by the company on Wednesday, highlights that the system was developed in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC). It is designed to furnish early earthquake warnings to Android users in regions susceptible to earthquakes. These alerts will be accessible in local Indian languages supported by the Android platform.
Google issues two types of alerts: “Be Aware” and “Take Action.” “Be Aware” alerts are dispatched to users experiencing shaking corresponding to MMI 3 & 4 during an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher. These alerts simply display a notification on the screen and do not produce any audible sounds, even if the phone is set to Do Not Disturb or silent mode.
For users encountering shaking at the level of MMI 5+ during a 4.5 magnitude earthquake, Google sends alerts that override the device’s notification settings, including Do Not Disturb, and emit a loud audible signal. Additionally, these alerts provide guidance to users on recommended safety actions, such as taking cover under a table.
Google identifies potential earthquakes by monitoring seismic activity through a network of Android phones, often providing warnings several seconds before the onset of shaking.
In 2020, Google introduced Android Earthquake Alerts for California residents. To receive earthquake alerts, users must have a phone running Android 5 or later and access to Wi-Fi or cellular data connectivity. Location settings must also be enabled on their devices.
Users can activate earthquake alerts by navigating to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Earthquake Alerts. Alternatively, they can enable earthquake alerts through Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake Alerts.
Furthermore, Google already delivers AI-powered flood alerts to all regions in India. The company initiated a flood alert pilot program in Patna, the capital of the Indian state of Bihar, in 2018 and later expanded it to cover the entire country in 2020.
