Google has widened its Android Earthquake Alerts System from 98 to nearly 200 countries and regions, while adding richer details to warnings so people can act faster in the seconds before strong shaking arrives.
Google has announced a major expansion of its Android Earthquake Alerts System, taking the service from 98 countries and regions to well over 200. Panama and Guatemala are among the new locations to receive coverage. The company also said the system has delivered more than one billion alerts since it launched in 2021, which Google describes as the world’s largest mobile-based earthquake detection network.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai drew attention to the milestone in a post on X, saying the technology has already helped people at critical moments. He noted that the system has sent over a billion alerts in the past few years and is now growing to cover nearly 200 countries and regions.
Pichai pointed to this year’s earthquakes in Venezuela as an example. According to him, millions of people located away from the epicentre received warnings and were able to take cover before the shaking reached them. He said he was proud of how the technology can help in moments that truly matter.
More detail, three alert levels
Alongside the geographic expansion, Google is upgrading its “Be Ready” alert with more context. Over the coming months, users will see a map showing the radius of detected shaking, an estimate of the earthquake’s magnitude, recommended safety actions and a button to open further information as it becomes available.
Android users in supported regions can receive one of three alert types, depending on the intensity of shaking expected. “Be Aware” is meant for light shaking. “Be Ready” gives advance notice of stronger shaking and encourages people to prepare. The top-tier “Take Action” alert fills the entire screen and offers immediate safety guidance for moderate to heavy shaking.
Seconds that can save lives
Google stressed that even a few seconds of warning can make a decisive difference during an earthquake, giving people time to drop, take cover and protect themselves. The system works by using mobile devices to help detect seismic activity and send warnings before strong shaking reaches users.
The company said its safety-focused products play an important role during natural disasters, and that the latest expansion is intended to put potentially life-saving information in the hands of more people when they need it most.
