Patna: Emergency alerts accompanied by siren sounds rang simultaneously on crores of mobile phones across Bihar on Saturday as part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen disaster response.The alerts began around 11.45am in Patna and other areas. The mobile-based disaster communication system, launched to deliver real-time warnings, triggered the messages. Officials said the alert was issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) as part of a planned trial and urged people not to panic.Chandrashekhar Singh, secretary of the disaster management department, said, “To deal with any emergency situation, the govt of India has created an indigenous platform through which messages are sent along with a siren-type alert sound for emergency situations and disasters. A trial run of this system was conducted today.”Singh said states have also been directed to conduct blackout and air strike-related drills in the third week of May. “We have received directions to conduct exercises related to blackout and air strike-related drills in the third week of May, which we are planning accordingly. This is a preparedness measure to handle any emergency situation at the national level and even specific areas,” he said.Highlighting its effectiveness, he added, “As it happens in other countries — whenever such a situation arises, everyone can be alerted immediately. If the situation is in a specific area, that area can also be alerted specifically.”The department is planning a blackout drill in six districts, including Patna, Purnea and Katihar. “The blackout exercise…is being planned again…so that people remain alert,” Singh said.JD(U) MLA Shyam Rajak said, “The purpose is to ensure that accurate and reliable information can be delivered promptly…people need not be frightened; it was just a test.”
