Google failed to warn 10 million of Turkey earthquake severity

Original Article Published on July 27, 2025

The earthquake that struck Turkey on Monday, July 24, has left nearly 10 million people unaware of the potential severity of the quake due to the lack of warning from sources like Google. While the search engine did alert users of the initial earthquake with a magnitude of 4.7, it omitted subsequent earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.9 and 7.8. Google prides itself on providing users with vital information, but many have questioned the timing and relevance of the alerts they provide.

How Did This Happen?

Powered by machine learning, Google's earthquake alert system aims to provide timely and accurate notifications of seismic events to users. The system is designed to detect patterns using historical and real-time data from various sources, including sensors and seismic monitors. Despite having an ample amount of data, the system sometimes faces challenges in accurately predicting earthquake patterns in specific regions. This is particularly evident in areas where seismic activity is less common, contributing to the low predictability and high unpredictability in such regions.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

This incident raises questions about the reliability of public alerting systems and the potential for unintended consequences if users come to rely on these systems as a primary source of information. Moving forward, it is essential to strike a balance between timely alerting systems and ensuring that all critical information is accurately conveyed to the public to best serve communities in the face of natural disasters. Users are encouraged to seek information from multiple sources to stay informed and prepared.