Patna: A loud, siren-like alert sounded on millions of mobile phones across India on Saturday morning, startling users and prompting confusion before authorities confirmed it was part of a nationwide test of an emergency warning system.
At 11.45am, mobile devices simultaneously emitted a high-pitched alarm, followed by a message displayed in Hindi and English. In many cases, the notification was also read aloud once the sound stopped. While some people reacted with alarm, others expressed uncertainty over the origin and purpose of the alert.
Officials later clarified that the message had been issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as part of a planned trial, urging the public not to panic.
The exercise was intended to evaluate the effectiveness of a Cell Broadcast-based alert system designed to deliver urgent information during disasters and other emergencies. The technology allows authorities to send messages instantly to all active mobile phones within a defined geographical area, without requiring individual phone numbers.
According to officials, the test message was transmitted across india, and was disseminated in multiple languages, including Hindi, English and several regional languages. The message clearly stated that it was a test and that no action was required.
The government had issued an advisory two days earlier warning users about the exercise and asking them not to be alarmed by the sudden alert.
The system forms part of a broader effort to strengthen disaster preparedness through real-time communication. Developed domestically by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the platform—known as ‘SACHET’—uses the Common Alerting Protocol to integrate with telecom networks.
Authorities say the system has now been deployed across all 36 states and union territories, and is expected to play a critical role in delivering timely warnings during natural disasters, extreme weather events and other emergencies.
