Google SOS Alerts added to search results and maps

Google has begun rounding up information about unfolding natural disasters, terrorism and other crises within its Search and Maps tools.
Visitors will be shown updates from authorities, news articles, emergency telephone numbers and other useful information in a single place.
The SOS Alerts facility can also be set to trigger mobile notifications to those nearby to affected locations.
However, Google is still seeking partners to improve the service.
The initiative builds on earlier emergency response efforts from the US firm, including its Person Finder and Crisis Map tools.
But this time, rather than requiring users to go to special sections of its site, SOS Alerts attempts to bring key information about incidents directly into two of Google's most used services.
Foreign phrases
When activated, the Maps tool reveals, among other things, areas that should be avoided, which roads have been closed and places users can seek refuge.
Data gathered from the firm's crowdsourced Waze mapping platform also makes it possible to see where traffic jams, accidents and other problems have been reported by the public.
The level of detail shown within the Search tool depends on whether the person carrying out the query is close to the incident.
If nearby, they are presented with links to official alerts, tweets from first responders, and useful short phrases in the local language.

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-40716015