KARACHI: Google is launching the “Android Earthquake Alerts System” in Pakistan which will send automatic early warning alerts that help people be ready for an emergency.
It is a “no-cost, helpful” feature that senses earthquakes around the world and alerts people, using sensors in Android smartphones.
The system uses accelerometers in active Android smartphones to detect seismic actions. It alarms people in two ways — via Search and directly on the Android mobile device itself.
The system offers near-instant information to Google Search. When people look up “earthquake” or “earthquake near me,” they will find appropriate results, along with supportive resources on what to do after an earthquake.
Users who do not desire to receive these alerts can turn this off in device settings.
It was first introduced in New Zealand and Greece and is now accessible 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 shows two types of alerts, liable 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 warning is sent along with the distance of the earthquake’s epicenter.
The alert uses the phone’s existing 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 formulate for potential heavy shaking, full-screen instructions 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.