India today tested its emergency alert system by sending a test flash to several smartphones. Users heard a loud beep on their phone and an ’emergency alert: serious’ flash.
“This is a SAMPLE TEST MESSAGE sent over the Cell Broadcasting System by the Ministry of Telecommunications, Government of India. Ignore this message as no action is required on your part. This message has been sent to the TEST Pan-India Emergency Alert System which is implemented by National Disaster Management Authority. The aim is to improve public safety and provide timely warnings during emergencies,” the flash message said.
The message arrived on all Android phones today at 12:19 p.m.
Such tests will be conducted from time to time in different regions to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency alert broadcasting capabilities of mobile operators and mobile broadcasting systems, the Cell Broadcasting System of the Ministry of Telecommunications said.
The government is working with the National Disaster Management Authority to better prepare for disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and flash floods.
Phone users in India had received similar test alerts on July 20 and August 17.
