'Extremely Severe Alert' message leaves residents confused and alarmed
Bhubaneswar: Several city residents were left confused and alarmed after receiving an “Extremely Severe Alert” message, accompanied by a loud buzzer sound, on their mobile phones on Saturday, with many suspecting it to be a technical problem in their devices or cyberattack.
However, they later realised that the message was part of a country-wide trial run of an instant disaster alerting service conducted by the Department of Telecommunications under ministry of communications in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority under the ministry of home affairs.
“India launches Cell Broadcast System (CBS) 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,” read the message that came during the trial run.
The CBS, launched in Delhi in the presence of Union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, is a telecom-enabled public warning system that enables authorities to broadcast simultaneous, geo-targeted alerts to mobile devices within a defined area, said the official sources.
The alert was delivered simultaneously in English and Odia to ensure wider reach and better comprehension among users in Odisha.
Soon after receiving the message, several mobile phone users shared screenshots of the alert on social media platforms, triggering widespread discussion and curiosity. Many appreciated the initiative once its purpose became clear. “I got the message at 11.43am. I thought my phone was under a cyberattack, but later I got relieved after reading the alert message,” said Ajay Barik, a resident of Damana.
The test message was issued to evaluate the effectiveness of the govt’s emergency alert system, which is designed to warn citizens during natural disasters and other critical emergencies. “The flash message will pop up on the phone screen with an alert tone and stop the functioning of other mobile apps immediately during that time. A person does not need data, talk time, SMS balance or any specific telecom company to get this message. People can get the message in their regional languages, apart from English and Hindi. If needed, it can be sent to the mobile phone users of a particular area,” said Kamal Lochan Mishra, executive director, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, who was in Delhi on Saturday for the launch.
Officials said such trial runs are essential to assess the readiness of communication networks and ensure alerts reach citizens promptly during actual emergencies to minimise loss of life and property during cyclones, floods and other calamities.
However, they later realised that the message was part of a country-wide trial run of an instant disaster alerting service conducted by the Department of Telecommunications under ministry of communications in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority under the ministry of home affairs.
“India launches Cell Broadcast System (CBS) 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,” read the message that came during the trial run.
The CBS, launched in Delhi in the presence of Union communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, is a telecom-enabled public warning system that enables authorities to broadcast simultaneous, geo-targeted alerts to mobile devices within a defined area, said the official sources.
The alert was delivered simultaneously in English and Odia to ensure wider reach and better comprehension among users in Odisha.
Soon after receiving the message, several mobile phone users shared screenshots of the alert on social media platforms, triggering widespread discussion and curiosity. Many appreciated the initiative once its purpose became clear. “I got the message at 11.43am. I thought my phone was under a cyberattack, but later I got relieved after reading the alert message,” said Ajay Barik, a resident of Damana.
The test message was issued to evaluate the effectiveness of the govt’s emergency alert system, which is designed to warn citizens during natural disasters and other critical emergencies. “The flash message will pop up on the phone screen with an alert tone and stop the functioning of other mobile apps immediately during that time. A person does not need data, talk time, SMS balance or any specific telecom company to get this message. People can get the message in their regional languages, apart from English and Hindi. If needed, it can be sent to the mobile phone users of a particular area,” said Kamal Lochan Mishra, executive director, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, who was in Delhi on Saturday for the launch.
Officials said such trial runs are essential to assess the readiness of communication networks and ensure alerts reach citizens promptly during actual emergencies to minimise loss of life and property during cyclones, floods and other calamities.
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