Centre To Test 'Cell Broadcast Alert System' In Kerala On October 31 (Image: Twitter/@DoT_India)
Several mobile users in India received an emergency alert from the central government on October 12. The Centre introduced this “Cell Broadcast Alert System” to improve emergency communication during disasters and to ensure the safety of citizens. Mobile users in Kerala will receive a similar alert tomorrow, October 31. People will be receiving this alert in the form of a flash message and an emergency tone across iPhone and Android devices.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) earlier itself informed that they will test this “Emergency Alert” in various states in the coming days. Notably, the current alerts are part of the planned testing process, and they do not indicate an actual emergency. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also said that the alert was part of the testing to evaluate the functioning of the warning system and to identify any potential issues. NDMA will also examine the alert system”s ability to reach people in real emergencies. The Department of Telecommunications developed this initiative in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority.
Testing of Cell broadcast Alert system is taking place for Diaster Management preparedness. As part of this endeavor, tests are being conducted in different states across India, with Punjab being the next state on the testing schedule for 29th Sept,2023.https://t.co/C3vk80pe4m pic.twitter.com/rfnGOpT5qb
— DoT India (@DoT_India) September 28, 2023
“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,” reads the alert message. To avoid confusion among the public, every test alert will indicate that it is a “Test Message”.
With the Cell Broadcast Alert System, the Centre sends critical messages for disaster management to all mobile devices within a designated geographical area, irrespective of whether the recipients are residents or visitors. It should be noted that this alert system is mainly used to deliver emergency alerts, such as severe weather warnings, public safety messages, evacuation notices, and other critical information.
