The Government today launched the emergency alert system to disseminate important real-time messages to mobile phone users during emergency situations that may extensively endanger lives and property.

The system employs cell broadcast service technology to disseminate real-time messages to mobile phones connected to mobile networks.

A message is classified as either “Emergency Alert” or “Extreme Emergency Alert” according to the incident’s severity.

During extreme weather that causes extensive infrastructure damage, major public safety incidents or large-scale public health emergency situations, government departments may disseminate messages using the system to remind citizens to take contingency measures immediately.

No personal data will be involved and no additional charges will be levied on mobile service users for receiving such messages.

Mobile phone suppliers are gradually releasing firmware or operating system updates for various phone models to support the system’s operation.

The Government urged members of the public to download and install such updates on their mobile phones.