Venezuela earthquakes kill 164, spur Android alert activation

Two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026, leaving at least 164 dead and 971 injured, according to interim president Delcy Rodríguez Source: elcolombiano. The first quake registered magnitude 7.2, followed by a 7.5 tremor—the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900 Source: elcolombiano. The hardest-hit area was La Guaira state, where buildings collapsed and power outages were widespread Source: elcolombiano.

The Google alert system

In the wake of the disaster, attention turned to the Android Earthquake Alerts System, which uses phone accelerometers to detect seismic vibrations Source: clarin. When multiple devices in an area register similar shaking, Google processes the data and sends warnings—a notification for minor tremors or a full-screen alert for stronger ones Source: clarin. The system does not predict earthquakes but can provide crucial seconds of advance notice before destructive waves arrive Source: clarin.

How to activate

Users can enable the alerts in under a minute: go to Settings → Security & Emergency → Earthquake Alerts Source: clarin. Google recommends keeping location services on, allowing emergency notifications, and disabling power-saving modes to avoid delays Source: clarin. The feature is available on most Android devices with updated software .