Finance
As many as 99% of mobile phone customers in Odisha received test emergency alert messages and an emergency tone from the government today via the ‘Cell Broadcast Alert System,’ while the remaining 1% of cases are being investigated, according to Deputy Director General (DDG), Telecom BB Pandey.
DDG Pandey told a press conference here that the ‘Cell Boadcast Alert System’ seeks to offer real-time disaster notifications to citizens for scenarios such as tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, and more across networks of cell phone service providers.
However, Pandey stated that there is no reason to be concerned because this was a test message.
He said the notice was part of a test of the country’s new emergency alert system, which the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) through the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)of the states.
What the alert text said:
“This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent through the Cell Broadcasting System by Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. Please ignore this message as no action is required from your end. This message has been sent to the 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,” read the flash message received by several smartphone users.
