Heard a loud beep on your phone along with 'emergency alert'? Here's what it means
‘Emergency alert: Severe’: India on Thursday tested its emergency alert system by sending a test flash to a number of smartphones. Users reported hearing a loud beep and seeing an 'emergency alert: severe' flash on their phones.
"This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent through the 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 National Disaster Management Authority. It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies," the flash message said.
At 1:35 p.m. today, the message was delivered to all Android phones.
Such tests will be conducted on a regular basis in different regions to assess the efficiency and efficacy of mobile operators' and cell broadcast systems' emergency warning broadcast capabilities, according to the Cell Broadcasting System by the Department of Telecommunication.
The government works together with the National Disaster Management Authority to improve preparedness for disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and flash floods.
On July 20, phone owners in India received a similar test message.