On October 15, Google announced the expansion of its earthquake alert service for Android phones, which extends to more than 200 countries and regions, including the Dominican Republic. The tool, which relies on devices’ vibration sensors, aims to inform users before they feel the strongest shaking, allowing them to take protective measures.
How detection and notification work
The accelerometers built into mobile phones record movements that may indicate an earthquake. When multiple devices detect compatible vibrations, the information is sent to Google’s servers. There it is analyzed and the location and magnitude of the quake are estimated. Based on this analysis, the system sends notifications to users who are in potentially affected areas.
Alerts are presented in three severity levels:
- Attention – Minor tremors.
- Prepare – Stronger shaking.
- Take action – Moderate or intense movement, with full-screen display.
Coverage expansion and statistics
Since its launch in 2021, the service has sent more than a billion alerts to mobile devices worldwide. The new expansion raises the number of covered territories from 98 to over 200, adding countries such as Panama and Guatemala. Coverage includes the Dominican Republic, a country located in a seismic zone, where citizen preparedness and rapid access to information are critical for reducing risk.
Improvements and limitations
Google says it will soon add additional information to the “Prepare” type alerts. However, the system does not detect every earthquake, and notifications may arrive before, during, or after the shaking begins, depending on the event’s characteristics and the user’s location.
Enable the feature on Android devices
For Dominican users, activation is straightforward. In the phone’s settings, they should go to Security & emergency and look for the Earthquake alerts option. On some models, the option is found within the location settings.
Relevance for the Dominican Republic
The system provides an additional warning that complements official seismic monitoring systems and the guidance of civil protection agencies. It does not replace those systems, but it contributes to prevention and can be vital for reducing the risk of injuries and property damage.
Source credits: deultimominuto.com
Note generated automatically from the sources cited in the text. Found an error? Email us at [email protected] and we'll fix it.
