A loud alarm coupled with a flashing screen startled the nation in the early morning of Thursday. The incident left many worried; however, it was only a test alert sent nationwide as part of an official emergency communication drill.
According to media sources, on February 20 at 11:58 AM, this type of alert came to both iPhone and Android phones. This message was sent through a joint initiative of the National Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Telecommunications.
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The notification stated that the TEST Cell broadcast message had been sent as part of a joint initiative of the National Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Telecommunications. It added that the exercise was being conducted to test the system for disseminating alerts. It was clearly mentioned that during testing, mobile users may receive this message multiple times. Mobile users do not need to do anything about it.
Why the emergency alert was sent
This method is used to provide security-related notifications or guidelines. C-DOT is developing this technology. This method is used to alert citizens in specific areas during natural disasters. It is also used to give warnings about weather-related alerts, cyclones, earthquakes, and similar events.
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How cell broadcast technology works
Through this method, messages can be sent to mobiles of citizens within specific geographical boundaries. This technology is used to send messages during emergencies without putting excessive pressure on telecom networks.
This system has been tested by sending such messages across the country before. Before this system becomes operational nationwide, the entire process is progressing through step-by-step testing. Once it becomes fully operational, such emergency messages can be sent in multiple Indian languages.
