DISASTER ALERT SYSTEMS: SACHET and Cell Broadcast

Current Context: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) implemented the SACHET SMS alert system nationwide and is now testing the Cell Broadcast (CB) system.

SACHET (SMS Alerts):

• Uses geo-targeting to send SMS warnings for disasters (cyclones, floods, storms).
• Developed by C-DOT using the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP).
• Operational across all 36 States/UTs.

Cell Broadcast (CB) Alerts:

• Broadcasts urgent alerts to mobile phones in affected areas instantly.
• Supports multi-language emergency warnings.
• Better suited for tsunamis, earthquakes, lightning, gas leaks.