Assam Earthquake: A 5.1 magnitude earthquake strikes Assam; can your smartphone alert you in time?

A strong earthquake was felt in Assam this morning. Its magnitude was measured at 5.1 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the Morigaon district of Assam. The tremors were felt at approximately 4:17 AM, causing many people to rush out of their homes in panic. Receiving timely information during natural disasters like earthquakes is crucial for the safety of lives and property. Google's Android Earthquake Alerts System is a powerful technology in this regard. This article will explain what it is and how you can activate it on your phone.

What is Google's Android Earthquake Alerts System?
This system uses the accelerometer (a small sensor) present in your Android smartphone. When the phone is stationary and charging, this sensor can detect the initial seismic waves (P-waves) of an earthquake. When multiple phones in the same area detect such vibrations simultaneously, Google's servers analyze the data. They then send alerts to people in the affected area a few seconds before the main earthquake tremors arrive.

How to turn on earthquake alerts on your smartphone?
If you are an Android user, you can turn on the earthquake alert feature by following these steps. This feature works on Android 5.0 and all subsequent versions.

Step 1: Go to your phone's Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on the Safety & Emergency option. (If this is not visible, go to Location and click on Advanced.)
Step 3: Here, you will find the Earthquake Alerts option; click on it.
Step 4: Now turn on the 'Earthquake Alerts' button.
Step 5: Ensure that your phone's location settings and internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) are always on.

Sachet App: The Indian Government's Official Initiative
In addition to Google, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of the Government of India has launched the 'Sachet' app. This app sends real-time alerts not only for earthquakes but also for other disasters like floods and cyclones. This app is available in 12 regional languages. It also provides you with the necessary instructions based on your location.

Important Information
Please note that currently, no technology in the world can accurately predict earthquakes several hours or days in advance. These alert systems only detect the initial waves generated after an earthquake begins, giving you a few precious seconds to move to a safe place.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.