Google launches Android Earthquake Alerts in Bangladesh

Google has recently launched the Android Earthquake Alerts System, an earthquake sensor feature for Android phones, in Bangladesh.

How it works

Android Earthquake Alerts System enables users to detect earthquakes around the world and send alerts to others. It can also sense nearby earthquakes using sensors in Android smartphones, utilising accelerometers to pinpoint seismic activities. 

The signals from the sensors are sent to detection servers along with a coarse location of where the incident occurs. Information received from many phones is then processed by the server to confirm the imminence of the earthquake and its magnitude level.

The feature also provides users with fast and easy-to-access information derived from Google Search. Whenever someone types "earthquakes", "earthquake near me" or similar phrases in Google Search, relevant results and helpful resources will be available instantly.

There are two ways alerts can be sent - via a Search option and by directly sending an alert on the user's Android device.

There will also be tips available on what to do during and after an earthquake has taken place. Users close to an epicentre can also find crowdsourced feedback and a special alert card whenever they search for earthquakes near them.

How to use it

The feature is completely free to use.

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

Earthquake alerts

Android smartphones display two types of earthquake alerts, depending on the magnitude and the intensity. Those who do not want to receive such alerts can also turn them off in their respective smartphone's device settings. 

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.

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, the US and Uzbekistan.

Instant notifications regarding earthquakes have made a positive impact in places such as Los Angeles and the Philippines.