Shillong, July 24: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is set to introduce Cell Broadcasts as the second phase of its Common Alerting Protocol System (CAPS) by the end of this year. This system will deliver messages or alerts to mobile phones in specific areas, irrespective of the telecom traffic load.
Cell Broadcasts will deliver geo-targeted and geo-fenced alerts to mobile phones in a defined locality. Even if the phones are on silent mode, they will automatically sound out alerts. Unlike SMS alerts, Cell Broadcasts are not affected by telecom traffic load, ensuring smooth and immediate dissemination of information.
The NDMA plans to issue all ‘red alerts’ through Cell Broadcasts, and once mobile phones in India become compatible with signals from the NavIC system (Indian GPS), alerts can be sent directly without relying on telecom players.
As per IANS, the first phase of the CAPS involved sending disaster precautionary alerts as SMS to cell phone users in specific areas. During the cyclone in Gujarat, around 32 million SMS alerts were issued, contributing to increased caution among people and preventing loss of life. SMS alerts were also sent to mobile users in Tamil Nadu during the Covid-19 period.
The NDMA officials participated in the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group meeting to address global challenges posed by disasters and climate emergencies. The meeting aimed to draft a Communique with shared commitments and key recommendations on priority areas in disaster risk reduction.