Tech giant Google has introduced its Android Earthquake Alerts System in India, collaborating with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences.

This system aims to provide automatic early warning alerts to Android users in the event of an earthquake in their vicinity. It leverages sensors in Android smartphones to detect and estimate earthquakes.

How Google’s Earthquake Alerts System Works:

• Android smartphones are equipped with tiny accelerometers functioning as mini seismometers.
• When a charging phone detects the initial signs of earthquake shaking, it can transmit this information.
• If multiple phones detect similar shaking patterns simultaneously, Google’s server can estimate that an earthquake is occurring, determining its epicenter and magnitude.
• Alerts are then sent to nearby phones, often reaching them several seconds before the actual shaking, thanks to the speed of internet signals.
• These alerts are user-friendly and available in supported Indian languages.

Using the Google Earthquake Alerts System:

• The Android Earthquake Alerts System is rolling out to all Android 5+ users in India over the coming week.
• To receive alerts, users must have Wi-Fi and/or cellular data connectivity enabled, along with Android Earthquake Alerts and location settings.
• Users who prefer not to receive these alerts can disable Earthquake Alerts in their device settings.

Google aims to complement the government’s efforts in earthquake alerts, enhancing safety and preparedness for natural disasters. In India, Google has collaborated with the NDMA to provide valuable safety information on floods and cyclones through Google Search and Maps. This partnership extends to bringing the Android Earthquake Alerts system to India.