Loud beeps on cell phones spark alarm as govt tests disaster alerting service
The Indian government conducted a trial of its mobile-based disaster alert system, causing loud beeps on cell phones across the country. The alert, labeled 'Extremely severe alert,' was a test message using indigenous cell broadcast technology. No public action was required, and authorities assured citizens the alert was part of planned nationwide testing.
- ▪The government sent a test disaster alert to mobile phones with a loud beep and a message stating it was a trial.
- ▪The alert system uses Cell Broadcast technology based on the UN-recommended Common Alerting Protocol.
- ▪The Department of Telecommunications and the National Disaster Management Authority are jointly managing the system.
- ▪A similar nationwide test of the emergency alert system was conducted in February 2026.
- ▪The public may receive multiple test messages in English, Hindi, and regional languages during the trial phase.
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Loud beeps on cell phones spark alarm as govt tests disaster alerting serviceTrial emergency alerts were received on phones today. As people checked their phones, a message starting with the words ‘Extremely severe alert’ flashed.Updated on: May 02, 2026 12:10 PM ISTBy HT News DeskShare viaCopy link Did your phone go off with a loud beep after an emergency alert today? The government's instant disaster alerting service sparked alarm on Saturday morning as a loud sound echoed through multiple mobile phones, confusing people as to what had happened.A testing alert of a disaster alert service by the government.
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