Viral photos of emergency alerts on iPhones: All you need to know
Photos of emergency alert on iPhones go viral: After Android users received government emergency test alerts in August and earlier this month, Apple iPhone users have reported receiving similar messages. These alerts flash on the lockscreen and contain a generic test message to inform users of the emergency alert system's functionality. Some users have shared screenshots on social media, while others have not received any such notifications.
The message reads: "Emergency Alert: This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent using Cell Broadcast by Deptt of Telecom, Govt of India to TEST Emergency Alert System of NDMA. No action is required at your end. 29/09/2023 12:59 PM." According to the screenshots, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) sent the message at 12:59 pm on the given date. The government is implementing these alerts to enhance disaster preparedness for events like earthquakes, tsunamis, and flash floods.
#India testing Emergency Alerts ???? on various mobile carriers #iOS #iphone #Apple pic.twitter.com/p5vD0hUruj — ColdfireDesignStudio (@coldfiredesigns) September 29, 2023
Some users commended the initiative on social media, praising @ndmaindia, @DoT_India, and @TRAI for utilising mobile features during emergencies. However, some were puzzled by the sudden alerts received by their family members simultaneously.
The rollout of these alerts on iOS devices has been highly anticipated, especially after Android users experienced similar alerts in the past. Setting up the alert on iPhones is relatively straightforward. Users can navigate to Notifications in Settings, scroll to the bottom, and toggle the Government Alerts on or off. However, this option is currently unavailable on iPhones used in India, even after the latest software update.
Apple Support previously informed that if the option is not visible, it may not be available for the user's country or region at that time. Nevertheless, recent developments suggest that the feature will soon be available on all iPhones.
Notably, several Android phones have received similar alerts in the past, accompanied by a loud beep and an "emergency alert: severe" flash.
Sources at the National Disaster Management Authority indicated that the alert system would be rolled out soon, with plans to expand it to television, radio, and other platforms. This expansion aims to ensure swift and widespread dissemination of urgent disaster alerts, enhancing citizen preparedness for severe weather events.
- With inputs from agencies
