New Earthquake Alarm App Could Help Save Lives During Natural Disasters
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)-- A new way to save lives with the sounding of a quake alarm? Yup, there's an app for that.
Japan is one of just a few locations on earth where dense networks of seismic gear can instantly send out quake alerts to smartphones.
PHOTOS: 2011 Deadly Tsunami Hits Japan After 8.9 Quake
However, a U.S. geological survey last year said motion detectors on electronic devices could sound the alarm in areas that lack these sophisticated seismic networks. But it might not work all the time.
The study found smartphones could be especially effective in quakes of magnitude seven or greater, WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reports.
Researchers at University of Berkeley have developed a quake data collection app dubbed "My Shake," and they told The Oregonian they're hopeful the gizmo could find success in the future as an earthquake alarm.
It's estimated that there are 16 million smartphones in California alone.
A magnitude-8.9 earthquake shook the coast of Northern Japan five years ago, unleashing a massive tsunami. More than 10,000 people were killed in the disaster, in addition to entire villages being destroyed.
