Explorer

Your Smartphone Can Warn You During An Earthquake, But Only If This Alert Is Turned On

After strong tremors shook Kolkata, many rushed to check their phones. Most didn’t know a hidden alert feature could warn them early.

Show Quick Read
Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

A strong earthquake shook many parts of Kolkata and nearby areas today. People in several districts felt the ground shake, and many said their buildings moved for a few seconds. The quake came from Bangladesh, close to the town of Tungi, around 10:38 am. Some places even reported small aftershocks. 

Due to this, many people started checking their phones to see if they got earthquake alerts. These alerts are very helpful because they warn users a few seconds before strong shaking, so they can stay safe.

How Earthquake Smartphone Alerts Work

Smartphones today come with tiny motion sensors inside them. These sensors can feel sudden movements, like the vibrations caused by an earthquake. 

When many phones in one area detect the same shaking, the information is sent to a central server. This server quickly checks the data and sends an alert to users nearby.

This alert gives people a short warning, which can help them move to a safer place. Even a few seconds can save lives.

How To Turn On Earthquake Alerts On Android:

  • Open Settings
  • Go to Safety & Emergency
  • Turn on Earthquake Alerts

How To Turn On Earthquake Alerts On iPhone:

  • Open Settings
  • Tap Notifications
  • Scroll and enable Emergency Alerts

Extra Alerts With MyShake App:

  • Free on both Android and iPhone
  • Follow the setup steps
  • Allow location access
  • Sends alerts for quakes of magnitude 4.5 and above

Google also sends two types of alerts:

  • Be Aware Alerts: For small shaking
  • Take Action Alerts: For strong shaking, tell people to protect themselves

Why These Earthquake Alert Update Features Matter

The Kolkata earthquake reminded many people how important phone alerts are. These alerts cannot predict earthquakes, but they warn people quickly when shaking begins somewhere nearby.

This gives everyone a chance to react, like moving away from windows, hiding under a table, or stepping outside safely.

As more people keep these alerts turned on, communities become safer. Phone-based earthquake systems are simple, automatic, and work even when people are busy, making them one of the easiest ways to stay prepared.

About the author Annie Sharma

Annie Sharma is a technology journalist at ABP Live English, focused on breaking down complex tech stories into clear, reader-friendly narratives. Gaining hands-on experience in digital storytelling and news writing with leading publications, Annie believes technology should feel accessible rather than overwhelming, and follows a clear, reader-first approach in her work.

For tips and queries, you can reach out to her at annies@abpnetwork.com.

Read
Advertisement

Top Headlines

‘Op Sindoor Earns Praise In Pakistan’: Baloch Activist Shows Open Support For India
‘We Stand With India’: Baloch Activist Sends Open Letter To Jaishankar From Pakistan
Govt Revokes GRAP Stage 3 Curbs In Delhi As Air Quality Improves, Lower Level Curbs To Continue
Govt Revokes GRAP Stage 3 Curbs In Delhi As Air Quality Improves, Lower Level Curbs To Continue
Indore Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs To 15 After Drinking Polluted Water; E. coli Found In Samples
Indore Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs To 15 After Drinking Polluted Water; E. coli Found In Samples
'People Drinking Poison, Not Water': Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP In Indore Water Deaths
'People Drinking Poison, Not Water': Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP In Indore Water Deaths
Advertisement

Videos

Indore Water Crisis: Contaminated Supply Causes Deaths, Authorities Face Severe Negligence Questions
Indore Water Crisis: Madhya Pradesh Govt Faces Probe Over Indore Water Deaths
Breaking: Jaipur Chomu Bulldozer Action Sends Strong Message Against Illegal Constructions
Indore Water Crisis: Cholera Bacteria Found in Narmada Supply, Several Dead
Breaking: Property Row Turns Fatal in Ghaziabad as Sons Hire Shooters to Kill Father
Advertisement

Photo Gallery

25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement
Embed widget