India launches disaster alert system; users from across the country get test message

In a bid to strengthen our disaster response, India launched its mobile-based disaster communication systems on Saturday.

Users from across the country received an urgent-sounding government alert on their mobile phones titled, 'Extremely Severe Alert'.

The message, however, read, "India, launches Cell Broadcast 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. Government of India."

In collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, the National Disaster Management Authority or NDMA launched this system in order to ensure citizens are made aware of emergency situations like natural disasters

Soon after the alert, Department of Telecommunications took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "A step forward in strengthening how we communicate during critical situations.

"The Department of Telecommunications, in coordination with key national agencies, is set to launch an advanced public alerting framework aimed at enabling timely communication during critical situations.

"This initiative reflects a continued commitment to building a more responsive and resilient communication ecosystem for citizens across the country."

The Integrated Alert System or SACHET  was developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics, known as C-DOT. This system is currently operational across all 36 States and Union Territories of India and delivers disaster and emergency related alerts via SMS to mobile users within geo-targeted areas.