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.