Centre launches indigenous real-time SMS-based emergency alert system
India has launched an indigenous Cell Broadcast emergency alert system to deliver real-time disaster warnings for earthquakes, tsunamis, gas leaks and more
The Centre on Saturday (May 2) formally launched the indigenous Cell Broadcast emergency alert system, which will be used to send emergency SMS alerts in case of severe natural calamities or incidents like gas leaks. Millions of mobile users received such an SMS alert marked "Extremely Severe Alert.”
Nationwide rollout
A government statement said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has successfully operationalised the Integrated Alert System (SACHET), developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications.
It further stated that the system is based on the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), as recommended by the International Telecommunication Union. It 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.
Scale of alerts
The system has been extensively utilised by disaster management authorities, enabling the dissemination of over 134 billion SMS alerts to date, in more than 19 Indian languages during natural disasters, weather warnings, and cyclonic events.
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“To further strengthen alert dissemination in time-critical situations, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, lightning strikes, and man-made emergencies like gas leaks or chemical hazards, Cell Broadcast (CB) technology has been introduced alongside SMS,” read the statement.
How cell broadcast works
“In a Cell Broadcast System, alerts are transmitted to all mobile devices within a defined geographic area simultaneously, ensuring near real-time delivery of the alerts. C-DOT has been entrusted with the indigenous development and implementation of this Cell Broadcast-based public emergency alert system,” it added.
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The statement issued on April 30 further stated that message will be sent to mobile handsets in all capital cities of India along with Delhi and NCR as a launch exercise. The messages will be sent in English, Hindi and the regional language.
“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,” stated the message.