Disaster Alert (PDC Global) icon
Disaster Alert (PDC Global): Comprehensive Review of Emergency Notification System

by Pacific Disaster Center

4.2
IOSNews
Disaster Alert provides real-time global hazard monitoring with 18 natural disaster types. The free iOS app delivers customized alerts and impact assessments for travelers and residents in high-risk areas worldwide.

Detailed Review

Disaster Alert, developed by the Pacific Disaster Center, represents a significant advancement in public safety technology by providing near real-time monitoring of 18 different natural hazards globally. Built on the robust DisasterAWARE platform, the application serves as a critical early warning system that transcends geographical boundaries, offering universal access to disaster information regardless of location. The app occupies a unique position in the market as one of the few truly global hazard monitoring tools available to the general public without subscription fees. The application's core functionality centers around its comprehensive hazard tracking system, which includes earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, wildfires, tropical cyclones, and volcanic activity. Users receive near real-time updates through push notifications that can be customized by hazard type and geographic region. The platform incorporates visualized modeled hazard data and estimated impact reports, providing not just alerts but contextual information about potential severity. The system leverages PDC's professional disaster management infrastructure, making sophisticated risk assessment tools accessible to civilian users. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with an intuitive interface featuring color-coded hazard maps and severity indicators. The interactive global map allows for zooming into specific regions while maintaining clear visual hierarchy of active disasters. Real-world usage patterns show two primary behaviors: residents in disaster-prone areas use it for immediate safety alerts, while global citizens monitor worldwide events for situational awareness. The app maintains minimal data usage through efficient notification systems while providing detailed information on demand. User feedback consistently highlights the app's reliability and comprehensive coverage. PinkLight32000 (January 8, 2024) noted the app provides 'peace of mind living in a volatile part of the world,' while climate4u (November 21, 2024) praised its 'accurate in-depth info on natural catastrophes.' Multiple reviewers including lgl22724 (December 20, 2021) mentioned the educational value of tracking global disaster patterns. The 4.18/5 rating reflects widespread satisfaction with occasional concerns about notification frequency controls. The application's primary strength lies in its professional-grade data sourcing and global coverage, though some users might find the constant stream of worldwide alerts overwhelming without proper customization. Battery impact remains minimal due to efficient background processes, and the absence of monetization ensures unbiased information delivery. Ideal use cases include emergency preparedness for international travelers, disaster response coordination for relief workers, and situational awareness for journalists covering global events.

Key Features

  • Real-time global hazard monitoring covering 18 disaster types including earthquakes, tsunamis and wildfires with professional-grade data accuracy
  • Customizable push notifications allowing users to select specific hazard types and geographic regions for personalized alert systems
  • Interactive visualized hazard maps with color-coded severity indicators and zoom functionality for detailed regional assessment
  • Estimated impact reports providing contextual information about potential damage scope and population affected calculations
  • Offline capability for accessing previously downloaded hazard data during connectivity outages in emergency situations

Why Users Love It

Professional-grade global coverage
Customizable alert system

Perfect for: Global travelers, disaster-prone area residents, emergency responders

Screenshots

Disaster Alert (PDC Global) screenshot 1Disaster Alert (PDC Global) screenshot 2Disaster Alert (PDC Global) screenshot 3Disaster Alert (PDC Global) screenshot 4Disaster Alert (PDC Global) screenshot 5Disaster Alert (PDC Global) screenshot 6

User Reviews

adehghan88
Jun 4, 2019

This is really useful to keep aware of whats going on. Beautiful maps too. Really useful This is really useful to keep aware of whats going on. Beautiful maps too.

PinkLight32000
Jan 8, 2024

Living in a volatile part of the world, this app keeps my mind peaceful. Many thanks for your quick responses to disasters. Peace of mind Living in a volatile part of the world, this app keeps my mind peaceful. Many thanks for your quick responses to disasters.

coltsman1
Jul 16, 2019

Fantastic App. I highly recommend it. Must have. A+ Awesome Fantastic App. I highly recommend it. Must have. A+

Lucky Nat pro
Jul 15, 2019

Excellent app keeps me up to speed with what’s going on around the world 👍 Excellent app keeps me up to speed with what’s going on around the world

Momoffivecrazykids
Jul 9, 2019

yo you can’t go to the map very much but if you had the bell on it alerts you for any disaster happening Best yo you can’t go to the map very much but if you had the bell on it alerts you for any disaster happening

App Details

Developer

Pacific Disaster Center

Platform

ios

Rating

4.2

Last Updated

9/7/2025