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Reuters
Google has launched a new, free smartphone feature known as Android Earthquake Alerts System, which is available in the Philippines and globally.
The alerts system can detect seismic activity in the area using accelerometers built into active Android smartphones. Device notifications can then provide early warning alerts when an earthquake is detected.
“The launch of the Android Earthquake Alerts System in the Philippines is part of our mission to provide useful products and services to Filipinos,” said Bernadette Nacario, Director of Google Philippines. “Our country, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to natural disasters and this modernization will play an important role in disaster preparedness and risk reduction.”
To confirm the validity of seismic incidents, the device sends a signal to a Google earthquake detection server, along with an approximate location of where the shaking occurred. The server will then take information from multiple phones to analyze if an earthquake is actually occurring, where it is located, and its corresponding strength.
In addition to getting device notification, which people can turn off in settings if they wish, Google Search will also be able to alert people. Since the search engine receives near-instant information from the system, people who search for “earthquake” or “earthquake near me” will receive relevant results, along with helpful resources on what to do after an earthquake.
The Android Earthquake Alerts System displays two types of alerts on mobile devices, depending on the size and intensity of the earthquake.
Be aware to alert people when earthquakes occur with a magnitude of 4.5 on the Richter scale, an intensity level of 3 or 4 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI). The notification comes with the distance of the phone from the epicenter. The alert uses the phone’s current volume, vibration, and Do Not Disturb settings.
Take Action is a more urgent, full-screen alert for earthquakes greater than 4.5, an intensity level of 5 and above on the MMI scale. To help people prepare for possible severe vibration, instructions are displayed in full screen and the phone plays a loud sound.
“Our smartphones are indispensable in moments of crisis. We believe Android devices can help people prepare and stay connected in times of need,” said Ms. Nacario of Google Philippines. “We will continue to partner with government, public safety officials and leading crisis response experts to showcase information best relevant in times of adversity,”
Android Earthquake Alerts System was first introduced in New Zealand and Greece. It is now available in more countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
To see if alerts are turned on on your Android device, go to Settings > Location > Advanced Options > Earthquake Alerts.
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