Earthquake Sirens to Sound Across Uttarakhand at 11 AM on October 9; Public Advised Not to Panic
Test to assess earthquake early warning system and raise public awareness
Uttarakhand currently has 169 sensors and 112 sirens; Bhudev app users will also receive test alerts
Dehradun: Earthquake warning sirens will sound across Uttarakhand at 11 AM on Friday, October 9, as part of a scheduled test of the state’s earthquake early warning system and an initiative to raise public awareness about earthquake preparedness. The siren is part of a planned exercise and does not indicate an actual earthquake.
During the test, users of the Bhudev mobile app will also receive a test alert, vibration and a beep-beep sound on their mobile phones. Authorities have urged residents not to panic or mistake the scheduled alert for a real earthquake warning.
Users had also received an alert on the Bhudev app on Thursday regarding the upcoming siren test.
169 Sensors and 112 Sirens Installed
Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, said that 169 sensors and 112 sirens are currently installed in the state under the earthquake early warning system.
The sirens will be activated on October 9 to assess the functioning of the system. If any technical issues are detected with the sirens or related equipment, they will be addressed promptly to ensure that the system functions effectively during an actual emergency.
Suman said the regular testing exercise would familiarise residents with the sound of the sirens. This would help people recognise the alert during a real earthquake and respond with appropriate precautions rather than panic.
Number of Sensors and Sirens to Be Doubled
Suman said efforts are underway to strengthen the state’s earthquake early warning system. Under the proposed expansion, the number of sensors and sirens will be doubled, with installations being planned at intervals of approximately 5 to 10 kilometres.
A proposal to install additional sensors with the support of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) and the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) is also under consideration. The expansion is expected to improve the monitoring of seismic activity and enhance the state’s warning capabilities.
Keep the Bhudev App Updated
The secretary urged residents to ensure that the latest version of the Bhudev mobile app is installed on their phones and that the app has location permission enabled at all times.
During the scheduled test, app users will receive a test warning message, vibration and a beep-beep sound. Keeping the app updated and its location permission enabled can help users receive alerts when required during an actual earthquake.
He emphasised that public awareness and preparedness are essential alongside an early warning system. Familiarity with the siren and alert mechanisms can help residents respond more appropriately during an emergency.
USDMA Issues Public Advisory
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority has appealed to residents not to panic when the sirens sound at 11 AM on the ninth of every month. The monthly exercise is intended to test the earthquake early warning system and familiarise the public with the alert.
The authority has advised residents to:
- Install or update the latest version of the Bhudev mobile app.
- Keep location permission enabled for the app.
- Familiarise themselves with the sound of the warning sirens.
- Remain calm during scheduled tests and avoid spreading or believing rumours.
- Inform family members, children, senior citizens and neighbours about the testing exercise.
- Learn earthquake safety procedures and participate in mock drills when required.
The authority said the initiative is intended to make people more aware, alert and prepared for earthquakes, rather than cause alarm. Regular testing will also help identify technical issues and improve the effectiveness of the state’s earthquake early warning system.
