Odisha phone users receive emergency alerts with buzzer-like sound; don't panic, says official

Several people on Wednesday heard a loud beep and received an emergency alert on their phones. The flash message read, “This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent through Cell Broadcasting System by the 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 the National Disaster Management Authority. It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies.”

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced that it was a part of testing of the Cell Broadcast Alert System to enhance emergency communication during disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority.

Received An Emergency Alert On Your Phone Today?

Nothing to panic as the 'Cell Broadcast Alert System' is being tested to provide real-time disaster alerts to citizens for scenarios like Tsunamis, earthquakes, and lightning; messages in Odia & English are being sent to people… pic.twitter.com/z15FocQasO

— OTV (@otvnews) October 25, 2023

These tests will be performed from time to time in various regions across the country, reports said. This will be used by the government to deliver emergency alerts, such as severe weather warnings like Tsunamis, Flash floods, earthquakes, public safety messages, evacuation notices, and other critical information.

Elaborating on the new initiative, Telecom Deputy DG, Bijay Bhusan Pandey said, “There is nothing to panic about as the 'Cell Broadcast Alert System' is being tested to provide real-time disaster alerts to citizens for scenarios like Tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, and lightning. The alert message will be sent to people so that they can escape from the place before they are affected by natural disaster.”

“The test is being conducted in association with all Telecom service providers like Airtel, Jio, BSNL, Idea, and others. The testing is now going on. Messages in Odia and English are being sent to people in Odisha from 11 a.m. today as part of the testing,” he added.

The government is working with the National Disaster Management Authority for better preparedness during natural disasters. Phone users in India received similar tests on July 20, August 17, and September 15.