Thread: Android’s earthquake warning system proved effective in the Philippines yesterday

This seems like a really good idea. Rolling out everywhere this year.

Last month, Google rolled out the Android Earthquake Alerts System to seven more countries ahead of a global launch over the next year. The Philippines is one of those places with earthquake warnings enabled, and Android users yesterday benefited from such a heads-up.

According to the US Geological Survey, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Tingloy, Philippines yesterday in the early morning hours. Reuters reported how shaking “lasted nearly a minute” and awoke some.

Others were made aware of the approaching earthquake a few seconds before shaking started by the blaring of their Android phones. The success of the system was captured by a thread on Reddit today and many reports on Twitter shortly after the event.

Android earthquake system gave warning in the Philippines - 9to5Google

^It was 0430 AM. Doubt many saw the warning. I'm about 20 miles from the epicenter, and I slept through it.

Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton

Doubt many saw the warning.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

started by the blaring of their Android phones.

That might have woken you up though?

^Doubt it. And what does a ten second warning get you? Time to pull a pillow over your head?

Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton

And what does a ten second warning get you? Time to pull a pillow over your head?

That's what I was wondering... perhaps a chance to move away from windows and get into a braced position?

^Maybe. I've been in dozens here, including some huge ones in '91 after Pinatubo blew. I really believe that if you live in a well-built house as I do, your best bet is to go back to sleep.