Millions of Indians received an unexpected alert on their phones in early May 2026 — not because of an actual emergency, but as part of a nationwide trial of a new disaster warning system. The test was conducted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to evaluate the system’s performance before a formal rollout.
The alerts are powered by India’s Integrated Alert System, SACHET, developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the R&D arm of the DoT. SACHET is already operational across all 36 states and Union Territories and has previously relied on geo-targeted SMS alerts during cyclones and extreme weather events. The new addition is cell broadcast technology, which sends a single message simultaneously to all phones connected to a mobile tower in a specific area.
Unlike SMS, cell broadcast does not require phone numbers or prior registration, meaning anyone physically present in an affected area — including visitors — can receive the alert. Messages arrive with a distinct sound and vibration and remain visible on screen. The system is built on the Common Alerting Protocol recommended by the International Telecommunication Union and supports delivery in multiple Indian languages.
Once fully deployed, the system will be used to warn the public about earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning strikes, gas leaks, and chemical hazards. Similar systems are already in use in Japan, the United States, and several European countries.
During the current trial phase, users may receive multiple test messages in English, Hindi, and regional languages as different telecom networks and towers are assessed. Officials confirmed these are test messages only and no action is required from the public.
The system’s ability to reach millions of people within seconds — even on congested networks — could significantly improve the speed and reach of emergency communications across India.
Source: Inc42 Media