Earthquakes are one of the most catastrophic natural disasters, and they can strike without warning. So, it’s critical to be prepared and stay informed about seismic activity in your area. Fortunately, there are numerous apps for earthquake alerts and tracking on iPhone to keep you updated. Here, I will discuss the best apps for earthquake alerts on iPhone and iPad.
1. QuakeFeed – Editor’s choice
QuakeFeed is a data-backed app for monitoring and receiving notifications. You can see a list of recent earthquakes worldwide on the home screen, categorized by date. You may sort them by depth, distance, or magnitude. Additionally, it allows you to set region-specific alerts for nearby earthquakes.Â
These warnings are from USGS, EMSC, and NRC data, making them prompt and accurate. To help you visualize the earthquakes, the app even includes a map with several layers. The USA Earthquake Risk Map shows all danger zones. You may also monitor hurricanes, volcanoes, and wildfires in the premium version. The best part is the app is privacy-focused.
Pros
- Privacy focused
- No ad tracking
- Historical earthquake data
- Population Density Map and new Night Map
Cons
- Lots of ads in the free version
- Gives errors while accessing Location services
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $1.99)
2. My Earthquake Alerts & Feed – Free to use
My Earthquake Alerts is the best free earthquake app for iPhone to monitor and receive alerts. For accurate information, it uses data from several seismic networks, including the USGS and the EMSC. Besides, the app has a user-friendly interface with a live earthquake map that detects and tracks seismic activities worldwide.
Also, the list lets you view the intensity and timings of all recent earthquakes in your region. You may set custom earthquake notifications and determine the precise position, depth, and distance from you. The extensive search function shows you earthquake history back to 1970.
Pros
- Customizable
- Tracks local mild earthquakes below 1.0
- Can set preferences for alerts
Cons
- Gives alerts for only one location
Price: Free
3. Earthquake – Multi-lingual app for iPhone
Earthquake offers the most recent global statistics from several government sources. Additionally, it sends alerts for earthquakes and tsunamis. You can set up four alerts depending on location and/or magnitude. The map is detailed and interactive to illustrate the magnitude and age of the earthquake.
Moreover, the map layers include tectonic plate borders, volcanoes, nuclear power plants, population density, etc. Besides, the earthquake timeline shows essential information about an occurrence. You may also search past events by date, location, or reporting agency, share on social media, and export data to Google Earth.
The best part is there are no display ads. Moreover, its home screen widget keeps you updated on the latest seismic data. I like to use the app on my Apple Watch to stay informed.
Pros
- Lots of filters to sort earthquake events
- Multiple seismic network resources
- Several language support
- Support for Siri Shortcuts, 3D Touch, Haptic Feedback, and dark mode
Cons
- Widgets need improvement
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $3.99)
4. Earthquake+ Alerts, Map & Info – Most accurate alerts
The Earthquake+ app is data-rich and sourced from 24 global data resources for earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activities. Also, you get insights into tectonic plates and faults, seismic stations, and volcanoes. Besides, it shows focal mechanisms and moment tensors. The app includes allows you to set timely seismic activity push alerts.
What I love the most about the app is that you can customize the app, including alerts, filters, lists, and maps, and search earthquakes by location. Additionally, the today widget show earthquake summary data. You can share warning notifications via SMS, Email, Facebook, and Twitter. The interface is well suited for iPad and compatible with Apple Watch.
Pros
- 24 global data sources
- Volcanic activity information
- Integrate with social media accounts
Cons
- The UI for iPhone needs improvement
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $2.49)
5. EarthQuake+ – Get tsunami details
EarthQuake+ provides official tsunami warnings along with earthquake alerts and tracking on your iPhone. You may filter notifications based on continent, nation, state, city, and magnitude. Also, the map has different annotations to understand earthquake events better.
Timeline of the event sorts occurrence based on date. You may also get a detailed view of each earthquake. Besides, the reverse geocoding names of sites are derived automatically from their geographical coordinates. So you can get alerts for precise locations even if the name is unavailable.
Pros
- Beautiful dark mode
- Advanced filters for notifications
- Get information on the map
Cons
- Slow real-time data update
- Doesn’t provide regular notifications
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $2.99)
6. LastQuake – Designed by seismologists
LastQuake is the official earthquake warning app of the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC). It alerts people and collects testimonials in real-time when an earthquake hits. After crowdsourcing information, it evaluates earthquake impacts. You may modify the notifications based on severity or location and set voice alerts.
Also, you will get help for seismic risk reduction by providing tips for post-earthquake safety. The SMS notification service enables victims to alert others. Besides, the community feature gives access to earthquake eyewitnesses’ comments, photographs, and videos. You may share the alerts on your social media accounts. And all this information and alerts are free!
Pros
- Ad-free
- Post-earthquake safety tips
- SMS service to notify others
Cons
- Notifications only for severe earthquakes
- Can track one region
- The UI is not good
Price: Free
7. Earthquake Network – Real-time user reports
Earthquake Network offers early earthquake warnings for a majority of nations. You will get real-time updates if you are near the earthquake epicenter. Also, you may report an earthquake. Additionally, the app notifies you if your smartphone’s accelerometer detects an earthquake and alerts others.
It uses these real-time users’ reports and 21 seismic network data for accurate alerts. Since it is not technically possible to alert all users quickly, it may take up to 10 seconds if you are far from the epicenter. You may also join the priority lists to get quick notifications immediately.
Pros
- Report earthquakes
- Real-time user data
- 21 seismic networks
Cons
- Real-time alerts for priority list subscribers
Price: $1.99 (In-app purchases start from $0.49)
8. Earthquake Alert by Earthquick – Receive facts on iPhone
Earthquick has an interactive map and recent earthquake lists to update you on worldwide occurrences. You may select specific locations and preferences to get real-time earthquake alerts. Moreover, the flat-style interface graphics are impressive. Besides, you will get informed on earthquake-prone areas and earthquake frequencies.
The fact cards help gather knowledge on past earthquake events. But sometimes, the app doesn’t alert beforehand or send notifications after the shock. So, it must work on real-time data accuracy and reliability.
Pros
- Create a watchlist to track multiple locations
- Fact cards
- Good graphics
Cons
- Buggy data retrieval
- Often app crashes
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $0.99)
9. MyShake – Official earthquake alert app of the California government
If you live in California, Oregon, and Washington, the MyShake app is ideal for getting earthquake early warning notifications. It’s backed up by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The app sends warnings for earthquakes with estimated magnitudes of 4.5 and above, not for mild quakes.
Also, you can set a default alert location and configure personalized notifications. Besides, the suggested safety precautions help to prepare for an earthquake. Moreover, you may share your experience on the app after a quake. The app supports multiple languages like English, Spanish, Chinese, etc.
Pros
- Part of the California Earthquake Early Warning System
- Only for severe disasters
- Expert safety tips
Cons
- Laggy interface
- Drains battery fast
Price: Free
Stay safe, fellows!
Earthquakes are unpredictable and can cause significant damage and loss of life. However, with the help of the best earthquake alert apps for iPhone and iPad, you can stay informed and prepared for seismic activity in your area. So, whether you live in an earthquake-prone area or are traveling to one, having it on your iPhone is essential. Also, ensure you have an emergency kit and a rescue plan.
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