Stay alert: Quake warning app demand surges in earthquake-rattled Taiwan

TAIPEI — Earthquake-warning smartphone apps have surged in popularity in Taiwan due to high demand from people eager to get a few extra seconds to take cover after more than 1,300 aftershocks rattled the island in April following a large temblor.

Taiwan's east coast was struck by a 7.2-magnitude quake on April 3, killing 17 people.

The frequent aftershocks since then — including more than 200 tremors in a 24-hour period starting on April 22 — have unnerved many.

While the Taiwan government has an automated quake-warning system, sent in the form of a text message accompanied by a loud alert meant to sound a few seconds before the shaking starts, its effectiveness can be patchy. In the capital Taipei, it did not sound before the April 3 quake, prompting criticism of the system.

That, and the rising demand to stay more informed about forthcoming earthquakes, have led to a surge in popularity in privately developed quake-warning apps.

"What we offer is customised earthquake early warning. You get to set your own threshold," said Disaster Prevention Information Platform co-founder Kuo Chen-yu, 20, whose users jumped to nearly 370,000 from around 3,000 in recent weeks.

Another co-founder Lin Ruei said the app, which was launched in 2022, tracks fast-moving seismic waves from more than 130 seismic sensors the team installed across the island to give users early warnings. For instance, he said, the app could give users in more populated western Taiwan a warning of up to 30 seconds for a quake from the remote eastern coast.

"Some people might feel quite panicked with just an earthquake of intensity two... they can download our app," said the 17-year-old student.

"If you get a 10-second early warning and you move to a secure spot,