Bhubaneswar: Several Android and iOS users across Odisha on Wednesday heard a loud beep as an emergency alert flashed on their screens.
“This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent through Cell Broadcasting System by Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. Please ignore this message as no action is required from your end. This message has been sent to test Pan-India Emergency Alert System being implemented by National Disaster Management Authority. It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies. Timestamp: 25-10-2023 12:13 AM 11,” the message read.
The loud alarm kept beeping till the user pressed OK.
The alert clearly labeled as a “SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE” was sent by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) of the Indian government, as a part of a test of the country’s new emergency alert system, which is being deployed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). It was delivered in both English and Odia.
Speaking to the media, DoT Deputy Director General BB Pandey said that Cell Broadcast Alert System is being tested to provide real-time disaster alerts to citizens for scenarios like Tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, heavy rainfall and lightning. “The alert message was sent to all mobile numbers of 4 service providers. While 99.99% users received the message, the remaining 0.1% cases are being looked into and would be rectified,” he said.
He further said that the system is being developed to alert public and for better preparedness in case of natural disasters. “The loud deep will come handy if the phone is just lying anywhere inside the house or in a bag. We may implement the system in a full-fledged manner from next month,” he said.
There is nothing to panic about this alert message, he said, while clarifying that this is no cyber fraud.
Also Read: Received An ‘Emergency Alert’ On Mobile Phone? Here’s What The Notification Means
Notably, the DoT, in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority, has been conducting the Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBS) testing to enhance emergency communication during disasters. This initiative was launched by the government in July, and similar tests broadcast were conducted on October 10 and September 15.
