Uttarakhand to Test Earthquake Warning Sirens at 11 AM on the 9th of Every Month

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan directs Disaster Management Department to ensure regular testing of the earthquake early warning system

State has 169 sensors and 112 sirens; test alerts will also be sent through the Bhudev mobile app

Dehradun: Uttarakhand will sound its earthquake warning sirens at 11 AM on the 9th of every month as part of a new initiative to raise public awareness and regularly test the state’s earthquake early warning system. The siren will not indicate an actual earthquake. Instead, it will be used to check the functioning of the installed sensors and sirens and familiarise residents with the warning signals.

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has directed the Disaster Management Department to implement the arrangement. During a meeting held on Wednesday evening, he discussed the implementation strategy with Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman.

The Chief Secretary noted that Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to earthquakes, with large parts of the state falling under Seismic Zones IV and V. He stressed the importance of public awareness, preparedness and timely warnings, directing officials to ensure regular testing of the sensors and sirens so that the system can function effectively during an actual emergency.

He also instructed the department to install additional sensors and sirens wherever required. Regular testing will help identify technical faults in time and ensure that the warning system is operational when needed.

Monthly Testing of Sirens and Warning System

The siren test scheduled for 11 AM on the 9th of every month will assess the operational status of the warning infrastructure installed across the state. If technical issues are detected at any location, corrective action will be taken promptly.

The exercise will also help residents recognise the sound of the earthquake warning siren. Familiarity with the alert will make it easier for people to understand the warning during an actual earthquake and take appropriate precautions.

Uttarakhand Has 169 Sensors and 112 Sirens

According to Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, Uttarakhand currently has 169 sensors and 112 sirens installed under its earthquake early warning system. The sensors monitor seismic activity, while warnings are disseminated through the designated system.

He said a proposal to install additional sensors is under process under the project being implemented with the support of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. The additional infrastructure is expected to strengthen seismic monitoring and improve the system’s overall capabilities.

Early Warning System Activated During October 6 Earthquake

Suman said an earthquake occurred near Tharali in Chamoli district at around 10:23 PM on October 6, 2026. Its magnitude was reported as 4.9 on the Richter scale, with the epicentre at a depth of approximately 13 kilometres.

According to the secretary, the earthquake early warning system operated with the support of IIT Roorkee provided an alert before the seismic waves reached the general public. Residents received warning signals through the Bhudev mobile app and installed sirens.

He said the incident highlighted the importance of the early warning system. Even a few seconds of advance warning during an earthquake can give people valuable time to move to safer locations, switch off gas and electrical appliances where safe to do so, and take other necessary precautions.

Public to Become Familiar with Earthquake Warning Signals

The monthly siren test is also intended to familiarise residents with the sound of an earthquake warning. Many people may not know what the warning siren sounds like during an emergency. Regular testing at a fixed time will help them recognise the signal and respond more appropriately during an actual earthquake.

The secretary emphasised that the initiative is not intended to create fear but to make people more aware, alert and prepared for emergencies.

Test Alerts to Be Sent Through the Bhudev App

Along with the monthly siren test, users of the Bhudev mobile app will receive a test alert on their phones at 11 AM on the 9th of every month. The alert will include vibration and a beep-beep sound.

The Disaster Management Department has urged residents to install or update the latest version of the Bhudev app and grant it the required location permission so that relevant earthquake warnings can reach their phones in time.

USDMA Issues Advisory for Residents

The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority has appealed to residents not to panic when the siren sounds at 11 AM on the 9th of each month. The sound will indicate a scheduled test of the earthquake early warning system, not the occurrence of an actual earthquake.

The authority has advised residents to:

• Install or update the latest versions of the Bhudev and Sachet mobile apps.
• Grant the required location permissions to both apps to facilitate the receipt of alerts.
• Familiarise themselves with the siren sound so they can recognise it during an actual emergency.
• Remain calm during the scheduled monthly test.
• Inform family members, children, senior citizens and neighbours about the testing arrangement.
• Learn earthquake safety practices and participate in mock drills whenever required.

Through this initiative, Uttarakhand aims to strengthen the reliability of its earthquake early warning infrastructure while improving public awareness and preparedness for seismic emergencies.