In August 2023, Lily Berry experienced a 5.1-magnitude earthquake while home alone, receiving an alert from Android's early-warning system. This system, which detects seismic activity through smartphone accelerometers, alerts users before shaking occurs, providing crucial seconds for safety. A recent study shows this method rivals traditional seismic networks in effectiveness, having successfully detected over 1,000 earthquakes since 2021. The concept originated during a Google hackathon in 2015, demonstrating the remarkable advancements in utilizing smartphone technology for natural disaster preparedness.
One of the key advantages of this system is its ability to detect seismic activity and provide warnings even in regions where traditional ground sensors are scarce.
The early warning system has already alerted millions of users, adding a crucial layer of safety by providing alerts seconds before the shaking reaches them.
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