Google puts tsunami alert on home page

March 11, 2011

Fishermen prepare their boats in the port of Talcahuano, 500 km south of Santiago

Enlarge

Fishermen prepare their boats in the port of Talcahuano, 500 km south of Santiago, as a preventine measure. Google put a tsunami alert on its famously spartan home page on Friday following the massive earthquake in Japan.

Google put a tsunami alert on its famously spartan home page on Friday following the massive earthquake in Japan.

"Tsunami Alert for New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and others," said the message placed below the box. "Waves expected over the next few hours, caused by 8.9 earthquake in Japan."

Google frequently makes mapping, communications and other online tools available after but a news alert message on the Internet giant's home page is unusual.

Google launched a crisis response page following the earthquake at .com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html.

It includes a "person finder" in English and Japanese which allows users to ask for information or provide information about individuals. It was tracking around 5,300 records at 1400 GMT.

The page also included emergency phone numbers and links to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and online disaster message boards in Japan.

It also featured videos of the quake submitted to Google-owned and a real-time feed of Twitter updates about the disaster.

(c) 2011 AFP


Rank 5 /5 (3 votes)
Relevant PhysicsForums posts

More news stories

SpotterRF debuts Radar Backpack Kit (w/ Video)

(Phys.org) -- SpotterRF has announced a special radar backpack kit designed to enhance situational awareness for soldiers on the ground. The company says its special radar is designed for warfighters as part ...

Technology / Hi Tech & Innovation

created 15 hours ago | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 12 | with audio podcast report

Probability of contamination from severe nuclear reactor accidents is higher than expected: study

Catastrophic nuclear accidents such as the core meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukushima are more likely to happen than previously assumed. Based on the operating hours of all civil nuclear reactors and the number ...

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created May 22, 2012 | popularity 3.6 / 5 (21) | comments 52 | with audio podcast

Delphi gasoline-injection engine technique rivals hybrid's edge

(Phys.org) -- Running a diesel like engine on gasoline is something Delphi is doing in notable fashion. They claim they are on to a promising way to enjoy an engine that gives the vehicle owner high efficiency ...

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created May 21, 2012 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (18) | comments 37 | with audio podcast report

HyperSolar shows dirty water no barrier to power world

(Phys.org) -- The Santa Barbara, California, company, HyperSolar, is set to transparently share the ups and downs of its research experiences toward the company’s ultimate vision, successfully producing ...

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created May 24, 2012 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (15) | comments 17 | with audio podcast report

Tesla to launch electric sedan in US on June 22

Tesla Motors said Tuesday it would begin deliveries of "the world's first premium electric sedan" on June 22, slightly ahead of schedule.

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created May 22, 2012 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (11) | comments 18


Dell tablet leak: 10.1-inch display, two-battery choice

(Phys.org) -- Headline after headline talks about vendors’ tablets in the wings as likely number-one contenders for the iPad. Such claims have justifiably been taken with a grain of salt, considering ...

Scientist: Evolution debate will soon be history

(AP) -- Richard Leakey predicts skepticism over evolution will soon be history. Not that the avowed atheist has any doubts himself.

SpaceX capsule has 'new car' smell, astronauts say (Update)

SpaceX's Dragon cargo vessel smells like a new car, said astronauts at the International Space Station after opening the hatches Saturday following the spacecraft's landmark mission to the orbiting lab.

Thousands of shellfish found dead in Peru

Thousands of crustaceans were found dead off the coast of Lima following the mystery mass death of dolphins and pelicans, the Peruvian Navy said Friday.

Astronomers seize last chance in lifetime for Venus Transit

Astronomers are gearing for one the rarest events in the Solar System: an alignment of Earth, Venus and the Sun that will not be seen for another 105 years.

Australia hails surprise super-telescope decision

Australia has hailed a surprise decision giving it a role in a radio telescope project aimed at revolutionising astronomy, vowing to draw on its decades of experience in space science.