Google’s earthquake early warning system failed to alert 10 million people in Turkey before the devastating 2023 quake, leaving them with only a few seconds of warning to seek safety. The system, which uses Android devices to detect shaking, was supposed to send out warnings to those within a 98-mile radius of the epicenter. However, it only sent out 469 “Take Action” warnings, designed for more severe shaking, and did not reach millions who lived outside that area.
The failure has raised concerns about the reliability of the system and its ability to provide timely warnings in emergency situations. Google initially told users it had performed well after an investigation in 2023 but has since admitted that it underestimated the strength of the earthquakes.
The system is designed to be a “global safety net” for countries without other warning systems, but critics argue that it should have been more effective in this case. The failure has also raised questions about the reliance on technology in emergency situations and whether it can be relied upon in critical moments.
Google says it continues to improve the system based on what it learns from each earthquake, but experts are urging for greater transparency about its performance. The company has pushed out alerts in 98 countries using the Android Earthquake Alerts (AEA) system, which is used by over 70% of phones in Turkey.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77v2kx304go