Many smartphone users received an “emergency alert” on Oct 10, 2023, with a loud beep. The notification was a test message sent by the department of telecommunications to check the new emergency alert system developed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The message informed recipients that it was a test and that no action was required. This had been done a few weeks prior in September 2023 too. “This is a sample testing message sent through the Cell Broadcasting System by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. Please ignore this message, as no action is required from your end. This message has been sent to the TEST Pan-India Emergency Alert System being implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority. It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies. Timestamp: 10-10-2023 11:30 AM 11” the flash message read.
The NDMA is using this test to assess the effectiveness of the alert system and identify any potential problems. The alert was transmitted through the Cell Broadcasting System (CBS), which allows mobile operators to send text messages to all phones in a specified area.
The test involved sending emergency alerts to a random selection of smartphones throughout India. Upon receipt, users’ phones emitted a loud beep and displayed a flash message that conveyed “emergency alert: severe.” The message was transmitted twice, once in English and once in Hindi, with a brief time lapse. It explicitly informed recipients that it was merely a test and required no action on their part.
It’s worth noting that CBS is a technology that enables mobile operators to send text messages to all phones within a specified area, regardless of the mobile network they are on. This feature makes it an ideal tool for disseminating emergency alerts.
The NDMA is conducting these tests to ensure that the alert system functions smoothly and can effectively reach the populace in the event of a genuine emergency. These tests also serve the purpose of identifying areas where improvements may be necessary.
