Google’s Android Earthquake Alert System launched in India: here’s how it works

Published On: September 28, 2023

Highlights

The system utilises sensors within Android smartphones to detect and estimate earthquake activity.
It also aims to minimise damage by delivering real-time alerts about the seismic activity to users.
Google’s Android Earthquake Alert System is already in use in numerous countries across the globe.

India has experienced some of the biggest earthquakes in the past century. It’s reported that over half of India’s territory is susceptible to destructive earthquakes. Google has introduced a new earthquake alert system in India that aims to minimise damage by delivering real-time alerts about seismic activity to users.

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Android Earthquake Alert System details

Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System utilises sensors within smartphones to detect and estimate earthquake activity.
This system is already in use in numerous countries globally, offering early warnings to people when earthquake tremors are detected.
Google has now unveiled the Android Earthquake Alerts System in India in partnership with India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The Android Earthquake Alerts System is being introduced to all Android users in India with version 5 and above over the next week.
The system also offers information through Google Search when users search for queries like “Earthquake near me,” including details about local seismic events and safety measures.

It is worth mentioning that Android has two types of notifications for earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher:

Be Aware Alert: This notification is for light shaking. It gives you more details when you tap on it. It’s sent to users who will feel Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) 3 and 4 shaking.
Take Action Alert: This notification is for moderate to heavy shaking. It aims to grab your attention so you can protect yourself. It’s sent to users who will experience MMI 5+ shaking. This alert breaks through Do Not Disturb settings, turns on your screen, and makes a loud sound.

How to use the Android Earthquake Alert System

To get alerts, users need have Android 5 and above and an active Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Go to your device’s Settings and enable both Android Earthquake Alerts and location settings.
This helps Google know your device’s location and send alerts if there’s a potential earthquake in your area.
In your device’s Settings, find the Safety & emergency option. Then, select Earthquake Alerts and switch on the toggle.
The Earthquake Alert System on your Android device will be activated, and you will receive earthquake updates as needed.
Users who prefer not to receive these alerts can disable Earthquake Alerts in their device settings.