Several residents of Bhubaneswar were left confused and alarmed after receiving an 'Extremely Severe Alert' message on their mobile phones on Saturday. The alert, accompanied by a loud buzzer sound, led many to suspect a technical glitch or even a cyberattack. However, it was later clarified that the message was part of a nationwide trial of an instant disaster alerting service.
The trial was conducted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The message read: 'India launches Cell Broadcast System (CBS) using indigenous technology for instant disaster alerting service for its citizens. Alert citizens, safe nation. No action is required by the public upon receipt of this message. This is a test message.'
The Cell Broadcast System, launched in Delhi in the presence of Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, is a telecom-enabled public warning system. It allows authorities to broadcast simultaneous, geo-targeted alerts to mobile devices within a defined area, according to official sources. The alert was delivered in both English and Odia to ensure wider reach and comprehension among users in Odisha.
Soon after receiving the message, many mobile phone users shared screenshots on social media, sparking widespread discussion and curiosity. Many appreciated the initiative once its purpose became clear. 'I got the message at 11.43am. I thought my phone was under a cyberattack, but later I got relieved after reading the alert message,' said Ajay Barik, a resident of Damana.
The test message was issued to evaluate the effectiveness of the government's emergency alert system, designed to warn citizens during natural disasters and other critical emergencies. 'The flash message will pop up on the phone screen with an alert tone and stop the functioning of other mobile apps immediately during that time. A person does not need data, talk time, SMS balance or any specific telecom company to get this message. People can get the message in their regional languages, apart from English and Hindi. If needed, it can be sent to the mobile phone users of a particular area,' said Kamal Lochan Mishra, Executive Director of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, who was in Delhi on Saturday for the launch.
Officials emphasized that such trial runs are essential to assess the readiness of communication networks and ensure alerts reach citizens promptly during actual emergencies. This helps minimize loss of life and property during cyclones, floods, and other calamities.
