Google India launches an Earthquake Alerts System for Android phones

In consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Centre (NSC), Google India stated on Wednesday, September 27, that the Android Earthquake Alerts System will be launched. Google states that the launch would provide Android users with automatic early warning signals for earthquakes in their region.

According to Google, all Android smartphones are equipped with tiny accelerometers that can act as mini seismometers — devices used to detect earthquakes. “When a phone is plugged in and charging, it can detect the very beginnings of earthquake shaking. If many phones detect earthquake-like shaking around the same time, our server can use this information to estimate that an earthquake may be happening,” it added.

Google states that its servers can notify neighboring phones of an earthquake once it has been identified, maybe even before tremors start in some places. Every Indian language that Android supports will have access to the alerts.

All users running Android 5 or higher will begin receiving the Android Earthquake Alerts System in the upcoming weeks. To get alerts, users must have Wi-Fi or mobile data access, Android Earthquake alerts activated, and location settings enabled. Users who prefer not to get these alerts may also disable them in the settings.

When users use keyword searches like "Earthquake near me," the system also provides information on nearby seismic events and safety precautions via Google Search.