Mobile users across India received an emergency alert on Tuesday morning. The message, accompanied by an emergency tone, was sent at approximately 11:35 AM to Android and iPhone devices. However, there is no need for panic, as this alert was part of a crucial test for the nation's new emergency alert system, orchestrated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The test involved sending emergency alerts to a random selection of smartphones throughout India. Upon receipt, users' phones emitted a loud beep and displayed a flash message that conveyed "emergency alert: severe." The message was transmitted twice, once in English and once in Hindi, with a brief time lapse.
The NDMA explained that the purpose of this alert was to evaluate the effectiveness of the newly implemented system and to pinpoint any potential issues. The alert was transmitted through the Cell Broadcasting System (CBS) between 11:30 PM and 11:44 PM IST. It explicitly informed recipients that it was merely a test and required no action on their part.
The flash message read, "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: 10-10-2023 11:30 AM 11."
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