Android Earthquake Alert System (AEA)

The Android Earthquake Alert System uses smartphone sensors to provide real-time quake warnings, now active in 98 countries globally.

Android Earthquake Alert System (AEA): A Crowdsourced Disaster Warning Tool

Syllabus: Disaster Management, Science & Technology (Prelims)
Source: The Times of India

Context

Google and the University of California, Berkeley’s Seismology Lab released a global performance report of the Android Earthquake Alert (AEA) system, which has now been successfully implemented in 98 countries.

What is the AEA System?

The Android Earthquake Alert System (AEA) is a crowdsourced early warning system that detects earthquakes using the accelerometers in Android smartphones. It provides crucial early alerts before destructive ground shaking begins.

Developed By

Google
In collaboration with UC Berkeley’s Seismology Lab

How It Works

Detection:
- Android phones detect initial P-waves (the fastest seismic waves) using built-in accelerometers.
Crowdsourcing:
- Data from multiple nearby phones is sent to Google servers and verified.
Processing:
- Servers estimate the epicentre, magnitude, and proximity of the earthquake.
Alert Generation:
- Users are notified before the slower, more damaging S-waves arrive—giving 10 to 60 seconds of lead time.

Alert Types

‘BeAware’ – For light tremors
‘TakeAction’ – For stronger quakes (with override alerts even on silent mode)

Performance and Reach

Rolled out in the U.S. in 2020, expanded to 98 countries by 2024
Issued over 790 million alerts
79% of 1.5 lakh users reported the alerts as highly useful
Magnitude estimate error reduced from 0.5 to 0.25 through algorithm updates
Available on all Android smartphones, with user opt-in settings

Significance

Democratises Early Warning Access:
- Extends earthquake warnings from 250 million to 2.5 billion users globally
No Additional Infrastructure Required:
- Uses existing Android phone sensors—cost-effective and scalable
Life-Saving Potential:
- Enables people to evacuate, seek safety, or halt transport systems seconds before shaking

Conclusion

The Android Earthquake Alert System represents a major leap in disaster preparedness, using digital technology to provide real-time, accessible, and low-cost early warnings. It showcases how public-private collaboration and crowdsourced data can transform disaster risk reduction globally—especially in vulnerable and densely populated regions.