TNI Bureau: Most of the mobile users in Odisha were both shocked and panicked after receiving an “Emergency Alert” message on their phones. While some received the message in English, others got it in Odia.

The message as sent by the Department of Telecommunication of Government of India. However, the department advised the receivers not to panic as it was a sample testing message which required no action.

“Emergency alert: Extreme. This is a sample testing message sent through cell broadcasting system by Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. Please ignore this message this message as no action is required from your end. This message has been sent to test Pan-India Emergency Alert System being implemented by National Disaster Management Authority. It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergency. Timestamp: 25-10-2023 12.32PM 31,” read the message.

Why Telecommunication Department sent the message?

• The Telecom Department sent the message to test Pan-India Emergency Alert System implemented by National Disaster Management Authority with an aim of enhancing public safety and providing timely alerts during emergencies like Tsunami, Cyclone, Flash Flood, Earthquake, etc.

• The Department has been conducting the Cell Broadcast Alert System testing in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority to enhance emergency communication during the disasters.

• The Department has clarified that people need not to have confusion when they receive simulated emergency alerts labeled as a “SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE” on their mobile devices during the testing period of the Cell Broadcast Alert System.