As a result of the underestimation, , the system’s most urgent notification, were sent. This warning is designed to override phone settings and wake users during emergencies. During the devastating 2023 Turkey earthquake, many users reported not receiving alerts despite having Google’s system enabled.
The Google Seismic Warning System, designed to provide life-saving seconds of warning, failed to activate for many in Turkey. Meanwhile, around 500,000 people received a much less urgent ‘Be Aware’ alert, which doesn’t override silent or Do Not Disturb modes and is meant for milder shaking.
Considering that nearly 10 million people lived within a 98-mile radius of the epicenter, experts and the public have criticized the vast shortfall in urgent alerts. The failure was especially alarming, as the quake struck at 4:17 a.m. when most people were asleep.
