Google introduces flood alerts for users in India

Google introduces flood alerts for users in India

In the wake of the floods that engulfed the Indian state of Tamil Nadu that killed 500 people and displaced nearly 2 million more towards the end of 2015, Google has announced that it will display flood alerts in its apps and sites for users in the country.

The company says it will use data provided by the Central Water Commission (CWC) to allow users to track floods and check river level information for more than 170 areas observed by the agency across India.

Google will now display flood alerts in India along with timelines and tips on staying safe
Google will now display flood alerts in India along with timelines and tips on staying safe

You’ll be able to spot these alerts in search results, Google Now cards, Google Maps and the company’s Public Alerts homepage.

In addition to announcing floods in these apps, Google will also show a map and expected timeline, as well as tips on staying safe. The company has previously issued alerts through its services for cyclones in India, as well ashurricanes in the US in 2014.

Flood alerts now available for India through Google Public Alerts [Google India Blog]