Google expands disaster response technology for earthquakes and floods

Google has announced advancements in its crisis response technologies, coinciding with International ShakeOut Day. The company has expanded its Android Earthquake Alerts System to more than 200 countries and regions, utilizing smartphone accelerometers to detect seismic vibrations. The system identifies P-waves to provide warnings before more destructive S-waves arrive, having already sent over 1 billion alerts since its launch.

In addition to earthquake detection, Google is enhancing its flood and cyclone forecasting capabilities. Its flood modeling provides up to seven days of notice for riverine flooding and up to 24 hours for flash floods, covering over 2 billion people across 150 countries. For cyclones, the WeatherNext tool offers forecasts up to 15 days in advance.

To combat wildfires, Google provides near real-time fire boundary maps in 34 countries. The company is also developing FireSat, a satellite constellation designed to detect and track fires the size of a classroom within 20 minutes of ignition.