Google is expanding its Android Earthquake Alerts System today from 98 countries and regions to more than 200, adding Panama and Guatemala among the newly supported locations. The expansion more than doubles its geographic coverage, while improvements to its Be Ready warnings are due in the coming months. Google says it has delivered more than one billion alerts since the system launched in 2021.
Android users in supported regions can receive three types of warning, depending on the shaking expected. Be Aware warns of a nearby earthquake when light shaking is estimated, while Be Ready prompts users to prepare for stronger shaking. Take Action fills the screen with safety instructions when shaking is expected to be moderate to heavy.
Read more: Google Expands Android Scam Alerts and Call Safeguards
The updated Be Ready warning will show a map marking the radius of detected shaking and an estimate of the earthquake’s magnitude, Google says. It will also offer instructions for responding and a button through which users can get further earthquake information as it becomes available.
Google previously added support for earthquake warnings on Wear OS watches operating without a paired phone through Google Play Services version 26.07, released February 23. That earlier update’s changelog described the capability, though its appearance there did not establish widespread availability at the time.
