Many mobile phone users across India received an “Extremely Severe Alert” notification on their devices on Saturday, May 2, as part of a nationwide test of the Government of India’s new Cell Broadcast emergency warning system.
"Extremely Severe Alerts! India, launches Cell Broadcast using indigenous technology, for instant disaster alerting service for its citizens. Alert citizens, safe nation. No action is required by the public upon receipt of this message. This is a test message.-Government of India," the message reads, which was received at around 11. 45 AM on Saturday.
Two alert messages were received by citizens on their mobile phones. The first message was received at around 11.43 AM and the second was received at around 11.56 AM on Saturday.
Department of Telecommunications (DoT India) on X (formerly Twitter) has already informed users about "Alert Message" on phones. DoT India argue user to "do not panic".
"This is part of the testing of the Emergency Alert System, so that accurate information can be received on time during disasters. During testing, this message may appear repeatedly. Ignore it; you do not need to do anything." DoT India in a post on X.
The alert message informed citizens that India has launched a Cell Broadcast service using indigenous technology for instant disaster alerts. The message also clarified that no action was required from the public, as it was only a test notification.
Several users reported receiving loud warning sounds and pop-up notifications on their smartphones, even when devices were set to silent mode. The Cell Broadcast system has been developed in coordination with the Government of India, telecom service providers and disaster management authorities.