'Armageddon alert' to be sent to millions of UK mobile phones

A smart phone
-Credit:PA


Millions of mobile phones will let off a loud 10-second siren as the Government tests the UK’s ‘Armageddon alert’ system. The nationwide test was being planned to ensure it's ready for emergencies and no one 'forgets it exists'.

The alert system launched in 2023, and was recently used during Storm Darragh, when more than 3 million people were told to stay indoors. However as other countries 'test it quite regularly', the UK plans to follow suit.

During the test, all 4G and 5G phones within range will emit a siren and vibrate, for up to 10 seconds. The exact date of the test has not yet been announced, but it will be widely publicised.

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According to the Mirror, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, said: “Most countries that have this system test it quite regularly, and so we don't want it just to be once, years ago and then everybody forgets it exists. This should be part of our armoury in warning people about major risks.”

The US, Canada and Japan use similar alerts to warn residents of danger. This includes severe weather events, such as wildfires or severe flooding.

When the test alert comes through, recipients don't need to do anything, other than simply swipe the message away. A previous test message read: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.

“In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”