If your mobile phone recently flashed an emergency alert or played a loud warning tone, it was part of a government test and does not require any action.
The Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications is conducting trials of a new emergency alert system that sends warnings directly to mobile phones in specific locations. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and is integrated with the SACHET platform developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics.
The system uses Cell Broadcast technology instead of conventional SMS. This allows alerts to be sent simultaneously to all mobile phones within a defined geographical area. Officials said the approach improves speed and reach while reducing the risk of telecom network congestion during emergencies.
The technology has been introduced alongside existing SMS-based alerts to strengthen emergency communication during earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes, gas leaks and other hazards. The government said the system has been developed domestically, with C-DOT leading its design and implementation as part of a wider push to build indigenous telecom infrastructure.
Testing is currently underway across the country to assess the system’s efficiency and reliability before formal rollout. During this phase, users in different regions may receive test alerts in English, Hindi and regional languages. Authorities said some users may receive more than one alert as multiple mobile towers and telecom networks are being evaluated.
No action is required from recipients of these test messages.
The alerts will only appear on devices where Cell Broadcast test notifications are enabled. Users can manage these settings through their phone’s safety and emergency alert options. Once testing is completed and the system is formally launched, it will automatically issue warnings during real emergencies to people in affected areas within seconds.
