Google has broadened its services of the Android Earthquake Alerts System to Pakistan. The system naturally warns the users in case of an earthquake.
As per the search-engine monster, Pakistan has undergone several earthquakes in the past, chiefly in the western and northern regions of the country.
A statement released by Google explained that, with the expansion of the earthquake alerts system, Android users in Pakistan may receive automatic early warning alerts that could help them be prepared for an emergency.
The system is a free, Android-based feature that can detect earthquakes happening around the world and send out alerts to people. This is extremely helpful and important, as it can potentially save lives.
How does it work?
The system uses the sensors equipped in Android smartphones to detect seismic activities. This allows for people to be alerted in two ways, either by search or directly on their Android devices. The system provides near-instant information to Google Search, helping to improve safety and awareness during times of earthquakes.
When users search “earthquake” or “earthquake near me,” they would get relevant results including helpful resources on due action after an earthquake. Users also have an option to disable these alerts in their device’s settings.
To browse the settings, the user has to go to, Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake Alerts.
What type of alerts does it show?
According to the details, it shows two types of alerts, depending upon the intensity and magnitude of the earthquake:
- The “Be Aware” message is displayed when an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 or an intensity level of 3 or 4 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale occurs. Users will receive a notification which will include the earthquake’s epicenter.
- “Take Action” is an alert that appears on your screen when there is an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 or higher, or an intensity level of 5 or more on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. Your phone will make a loud sound when this alert appears.
Where was this system initially launched?
It was first introduced in Greece and New Zealand. Currently, it is available in several countries including Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Turkey, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States of America.
