Mobile phone users receive ‘Emergency Alert’ messages with a loud beep in Odisha
Many mobile phone users across Odisha are receiving an emergency alert message with a loud beep from the Indian government on Wednesday.
Many mobile phone users across Odisha are receiving an emergency alert from the Indian government on Wednesday. The emergency alert message has started arriving across Android and iPhone devices emitting a loud beep sound in the morning. The message was sent two times and in two languages: once in English and once in Odia. However, there is nothing to be afraid of as this is part of a test of a new emergency alert system by the Indian government. The new emergency alert system is being deployed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
This is not the first time this type of message was spotted and as earlier in other regions the mobile phone users have also received these type of alert texts.
NDMA sends these emergency alerts to random smartphones across a specific area across India. It causes the users’ phones to emit a loud beep and display a flash message that reads, “emergency alert: Extreme.” The government also sends a prompt asking whether the user wants to keep receiving the alert with Yes and No options.
According to NDMA, the alert was part of a test to check if the alert system is working properly and to identify any potential problems. The message was sent through the Cell Broadcasting System (CBS). The message recipients people not to panic saying it was a test and that no action was required.
The message reads, “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.”
Notably, CBS is a technology that allows mobile operators to send text messages to all phones in a specific area. The message will reach all mobile phones even if they are on different network. These tests are being conducted to ensure that the alert system can used to reach people in the event of a real emergency. The tests also help the NDMA to identify any areas where the system needs to be improved.
A few weeks ago, a similar flash message was sent to many users of the country. The Department of Telecommunications Cell Broadcasting System (DoT CBS) has announced that they plan to conduct similar tests in various regions in phases.
