Indian govt sends severe emergency alert to mobile users

The Indian government conducted a test of its emergency alert system today by sending a sample message to multiple smartphones.

Users across the country received a loud beep and a flash that read 'emergency alert: severe'. 

This message is part of a pan-India emergency alert system being implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies.

The flash message was sent around 1:30 PM IST today to subscribers on Jio and BSNL users through the Cell Broadcasting System by the Department of Telecommunication (C-DOT). It informed the recipients that it was a test and no action was required on their end.

According to the Department of Telecommunication's Cell Broadcasting System, similar tests will be conducted periodically in different regions.

It will be done to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of mobile operators' emergency warning broadcast capabilities and cell broadcast systems.