Emergency Alert! Severe: Why Do Smartphone Users in India Receive This Message From Govt?

By: Suraj

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Updated on: 18-Aug-2023

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The message stated, "This is a TEST MESSAGE sent through the Cell Broadcasting System by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. Please disregard this message, as no action is needed from your side. This message is part of the Pan-India Emergency Alert System testing implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority. Its purpose is to enhance public safety and provide timely emergency alerts."

This flash message was transmitted via the Cell Broadcasting System under the Department of Telecommunication (C-DOT) around 1:35 pm. After receiving this alert message, many users tweeted about it on Twitter and discussed it further with their internet community. Here are some of the screenshots of the tweet shared by some of the users.

According to C-DOT's Cell Broadcasting System, the routine assessments of mobile phone operation and CBS's emergency warning capabilities will be executed in different parts of the country. The government aims to strengthen its capabilities to identify and inform people about calamities like earthquakes and tsunamis with the help of NDMA. A similar alert trial also happened last month across the country.

Is It Similar to Amber Alert?

The text sent to mobile users may seem similar to that of Amber Alerts, but it's not completely the same. The message contains an "Emergency Alert System," the government aims to provide timely alerts to mobile users about natural calamities or other critical situations and ensure enhanced public safety.

On the other hand, the Amber Alert is typically used in North America, including the United States and Canada. It focuses on locating missing children, specifically cases of child abduction. Law enforcement agencies send these message alerts to gather helpful information about the child, suspect, and other details.

While both alerts aim to inform the country's people about critical information, India's "Emergency Alert System" is a little broader and covers a variety of emergencies. In contrast, the Amber Alert is specifically focused on locating missing children.