MOBILE PHONE USERS IN ODISHA RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERT

Bhubaneswar (25/10/2023): Several mobile phone users on Wednesday heard a long beep and received an emergency alert. The flash message read, "This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent through Cell Broadcasting System by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India.

Please ignore 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 the National Disaster Management Authority.

It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies." The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced that it was a part of testing of the Cell Broadcast Alert System to enhance emergency communication during disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority. These tests will be performed from time to time in various regions across the country.

This will be used by the government to deliver emergency alerts, such as severe weather warnings like Tsunamis, flash floods, earthquakes, public safety messages, evacuation notices and critical information.

There is nothing to panic, said Telecom Deputy DG Bijay Bhusan Pandey.