Weathernews has added a new app feature that displays a real-time countdown of the number of seconds until shaking is expected to reach the user's current location when an Earthquake Early Warning is issued. As a member feature, the app displays how many seconds remain until the shaking arrives in an on-screen pop-up, in addition to the existing estimated seismic intensity display.
Weathernews Inc. announced that it has added a countdown feature to its Weathernews weather information app update, calculating and displaying in real time the number of seconds remaining until shaking is expected to reach the user's current location when an Earthquake Early Warning is issued.
In addition to the existing estimated seismic intensity display, information showing how many seconds remain before shaking reaches the user's location is displayed in a pop-up on the app screen, allowing users to check it even while viewing a screen other than the earthquake information screen.
The company said the feature is intended to encourage users to evacuate early and support specific preparations, such as taking shelter under a desk.
The app also provides notification features, including earthquake and tsunami alarms, free of charge. Notifications are sent when an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of lower 5 or higher occurs or tsunami information is issued.