India Tests Nationwide Disaster Alert System to Enhance Emergency Preparedness
‘Extremely Severe’ alert buzzes phones: Govt tests nation-wide disaster alerting service
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
On Saturday, the Indian government tested a new disaster alert system that sends real-time warnings directly to citizens' mobile phones. The bilingual alert, issued in both English and Hindi, aims to improve disaster preparedness and ensure timely communication during emergencies across all 36 States and Union Territories of India.
- 01The alert system is designed to send real-time emergency warnings to mobile users.
- 02It operates using cell broadcast technology, ensuring messages reach users without congestion.
- 03The system is part of the government's initiative to enhance disaster preparedness.
- 04It is based on the Common Alerting Protocol recommended by the International Telecommunication Union.
- 05The trial run was conducted across all 36 States and Union Territories of India.
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On Saturday, many mobile users in India received a loud alert stating “Extremely Severe,” which initially caused panic before clarifying it was a test of a new disaster alert system. Developed using indigenous technology, this system aims to send real-time emergency warnings directly to citizens' mobile phones during natural disasters and public safety threats. The bilingual message, issued in English and Hindi, reassured users that no action was required, emphasizing the government's commitment to disaster preparedness with the slogan, “Alert citizens, safe nation.”
The new system, which operates on cell broadcast technology, is designed to deliver alerts to all mobile devices within a specific geographic area simultaneously, ensuring quick and effective communication without congestion. This initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), enhancing mobile-based disaster communication across the country. Currently, the system is operational in all 36 States and Union Territories of India and utilizes the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) as recommended by the International Telecommunication Union.
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This alert system will enhance the government's ability to communicate critical information during emergencies, potentially saving lives and improving public safety.
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