It’s funny how technology shapes the way we get information during disasters, wars and other times of great trial. During the Gulf War in 1991, we all marvelled at the convenience of CNN, which brought the action to us in a way that had been unthinkable before. When the Northridge Earthquake happened in 1994, I was watching the live feeds from Japan as I called my mother to make sure she was alright, finding out about the quake before she did despite being on the other side of the world. During the terrible events of the past month, I’ve been watching CNN again, but this time it’s been on my iPad while shopping — that’s quite a change. Another innovation that’s made itself useful during the current crisis has been Earthquake alarm apps for iPhone and Android phones like Yurekuru (iTunes Japan link), which alert you a few seconds before a quake arrives. The entire staff of J-List runs these apps on their phones, and right before a quake hits a great cacophony of beeps and whistles sounds from every corner of the office.
Presenting the age of Earthquake warning apps.
