Pakistanis can now get earthquake alerts on Android phones

KARACHI: Google is launching the “Android Earthquake Alerts System” in Pakistan which will send automatic early warning alerts that help people be prepared for an emergency.

It is a “no-cost, helpful” feature that detects earthquakes around the world and alerts people, using sensors in Android smartphones.

The system uses accelerometers in active Android smartphones to detect seismic activities. It alerts people in two ways — via Search and directly on the Android mobile device itself.

The system provides near-instant information to Google Search. When people look up “earthquake” or “earthquake near me,” they will find relevant results, along with helpful resources on what to do after an earthquake.

Users who do not wish to receive these alerts can turn this off in device settings.

It was first introduced in New Zealand and Greece and is now available in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Philippines, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States of America and Uzbekistan.

How earthquake alert system works

On mobile devices, the Android Earthquake Alerts System displays two types of alerts, depending on the magnitude and intensity of the earthquake.

Be Aware alerts people when earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 occur, or an intensity level of 3 or 4 on the MMI scale. The notification is sent along with the distance of the earthquake's epicenter.

The alert uses the phone’s current volume, vibration, and Do Not Disturb settings.

Take Action is a full-screen alert for earthquakes with a magnitude higher than 4.5, or an intensity level of 5 and above on the MMI scale. To help people prepare for potential heavy shaking, full-screen instructions are shown and the phone plays a loud sound.

How to activate Android Earthquake Alerts System

To check on your Android device if the alerts are on, simply go to Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake Alerts.