Google expands Android earthquake alerts system to Pakistan

SAN FRANCISCO: Google on Tuesday announced that it was launching its Android Earthquake Alerts System in Pakistan. In a statement, the search giant said the Android Earthquake Alerts System is a “no-cost, helpful Android feature that detects earthquakes around the world and alerts people”.

According to Google, it uses the sensors in Android smartphones. “The system uses accelerometers in active Android smartphones to detect seismic activities,” it said, adding that people are alerted in two ways — via search and directly on the Android mobile device itself. “The system provides near-instant information to Google Search,” the statement says.

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 said that Pakistan has experienced several earthquakes in the past especially in the northern and western parts of the country. “With the expansion of this earthquake alerts system, Android users in Pakistan may receive automatic early warning alerts that help them be prepared for an emergency.”

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 epicentre. 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.

The Android Earthquake Alerts System was first introduced in New Zealand and Greece. It is available now in more countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Philippines, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States of America and Uzbekistan.