Google has introduced its earthquake alert system in India through collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Career Service (NCS), using Android smartphones’ accelerometers as mini seismometers for early warnings.
Google mentions in a blog post that its earthquake alert system in India operates by having plugged-in and charging Android phones detect initial tremors and relay this data to a central server.
When multiple phones in the same area detect similar shaking, the server can estimate the earthquake’s epicentre and magnitude, then swiftly send alerts to nearby Android devices.
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Android 5.0 and later supports earthquake alert system
Android users in India with devices running Android 5 or newer will receive the earthquake alert feature in the coming week. To access it, they need Wi-Fi or cellular data connectivity and must ensure that both Android Earthquake Alerts and location settings are enabled. Users who don’t wish to receive these alerts can turn them off in device settings.
For example, when users search for terms like “Earthquake near me,” they will receive relevant safety information. Google’s collaboration with NDMA complements government efforts in providing timely earthquake alerts and safety information.
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How to turn this feature on
To receive alerts, ensure your phone is connected to the internet and has location settings enabled. Next, activate the earthquake alerts setting by following these steps:
- Open your phone’s Settings.
- Select Safety & emergency and then Earthquake alerts. If you don’t find Safety & emergency, go to Location, then Advanced, and finally Earthquake alerts.
- Toggle the Earthquake alerts switch to turn them on or off.
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