Delhi: 4.0 magnitude earthquake jolted Delhi-NCR on Monday at around 5:36 am. A wave of panic swept through Noida and its neighboring areas as strong tremors were felt. The 4.0 magnitude quake may not have been the most powerful, but it was enough to rattle residents, many of whom could feel their homes shiver ever so slightly. While, one can’t predict the time of these natural occurrence, technology has made it easier for us to stay alert.
An Era Of Digital Preparedness
These days, our smartphones are companions in all facets of life, offering assistance and ensuring conveniences that were previously unimaginable. In the digital age where a smartphone can practically guess what you’re going to search for next, it’s only fitting that we now look to apps to alert us before the next disaster strikes. These apps promise to give a head start, precious seconds to prioritize our safety and find secure spots.
MyShake
The MyShake app, emerging from the innovative minds at UC Berkeley Seismology Lab, is gaining traction as a proactive tool in earthquake-prone regions. The app utilizes your device’s sensors to pick up on primary seismic waves before they make landfall, dispatching alerts based on your GPS location. This gives users an invaluable window of opportunity to take protective measures before the ground beneath them shifts too violently.
Earthquake Alert!
Developed by Earthquake Alert LLC, this app taps into real-time data from the United States Geological Survey. It displays the magnitude of an earthquake on the Richter scale and offers a dynamic map with customizable notifications. For those living in areas like Noida or other parts of India, this app provides prompt updates and helps keep users informed during seismic events.
Image credit: Earthquake
EMSC LastQuake
From the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre comes the EMSC LastQuake app. Operating across Europe and Asia, it provides instant updates on earthquakes in these regions. With the power to generate real-time crowd-sourced data, the app empowers users to share their firsthand experiences and, in turn, receive quicker alerts based on a collective pool of information.
Google’s Built-In Early Warning System
In addition to these apps, Android devices come equipped with a Google-built earthquake detection and warning system. Once seismic activity is detected in an area, Google swiftly sends alerts, enabling locals to seek safer grounds. This system further underscores how technology is progressively shaping a more responsive and prepared society.
As tremors of varying intensities become a part of the new normal, it is comforting to know that somewhere between the algorithms and sensors lies the potential for saving lives. In embracing these solutions, we may not be able to predict every quake, but we stand equipped to face them with a bit more confidence and a little less fear.
