New Delhi:After the massive earthquake in Venezuela, Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System is being discussed a lot. Many people on social media have claimed that they had received a warning on their Android phones just seconds before feeling the strong tremors of the earthquake. Along with this, such alerts can prove to be very important at the time of disaster, because even a few seconds of time can give people a chance to reach a safe place.
Some screenshots shared on social media platform X show the alert received before the earthquake. Along with this, information like possible intensity and distance from the epicenter of the earthquake was also given. However, Google says that this system does not predict earthquakes, rather it only alerts people in advance by recognizing the initial movement within the earth.
Actually, Android Earthquake Alerts System works with the help of motion sensor and accelerometer present in the smartphone. When an earthquake occurs, P-waves (Primary Waves) emerge first. These waves do not cause much damage and arrive before the destructive S-waves (Secondary Waves). The phone’s sensors catch these initial signals and the system immediately starts sending alerts to nearby users.
This is the reason why many times people get warning a few seconds before the ground shakes violently. Even though this time may be very short, it can prove to be very valuable in an emergency.
If you also want to use this feature, then your phone should have Android 5.0 or above version. Along with this, it is necessary to have internet and location service on. For this, go to the settings of the phone. "Safety & Emergency" Or "Location" in section "Earthquake Alerts" The option can be activated.
Experts say that technology cannot prevent natural disasters, but it can definitely reduce the damage by giving timely warning. This is why such alert systems can play an even more important role in the safety of people in the future.
