Google failed to warn 10 million of Turkey earthquake severity

The system works on Android devices, which make up more than 70% of the phones in Turkey.

More than 55,000 people died when two major earthquakes hit south-east Turkey on 6 February 2023, more than 100,000 were injured. Many were asleep in buildings that collapsed around them when the tremors hit.

Google's early warning system was in place and live on the day of the quakes – however it underestimated how strong the earthquakes were.

"We continue to improve the system based on what we learn in each earthquake", a Google spokesperson said.

Google's system, is able to detect shaking from a vast number of mobile phones that use the Android operating system.

Because earthquakes move relatively slowly through the earth, a warning can then be sent out.

Google's most serious warning is called "Take Action", which sets off a loud alarm on a user's phone - overriding a Do Not Disturb setting - and covering their screen.

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