All Android and some iOS users in Delhi-NCR received a sample emergency alert notification on Tuesday, with the same message flashing on their mobile phones' screens exactly 10 minutes apart in English and Hindi. The notification was accompanied by a continuous vibration and a siren ringtone. The header of the notifications read: "Emergency alert: Extreme". The first alert, which was in English, was received at 11:30 am. Two more alerts were received later within an hour.
"This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent through Cell Broadcasting System by 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 National Disaster Management Authority. It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies. Timestamp: 10-10-2023 11:30 AM 11," the notification read.
Earlier, on Sunday, an SMS from the central government was received by several telecom users in Delhi-NCR at around 01:45 pm about a possible upcoming round of testing of the national emergency alert systems. The testing would be carried out by the Department of Telecommunications in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the SMS informed.
"Important Notice: You may receive a test message on your mobile about an emergency situation with a different sound and vibration. Please do not panic, this message does not indicate a true emergency. This message is being sent by Department of Telecommunications, Government of India in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority as part of a planned trial process," the SMS read.