By Ramesh Gurung • Frontline • Sep 07, 2025 16:16 PM • 20 views
London, 7 September 2025 – Tens of millions of mobile phones across the UK rang out with a loud siren and vibration on Sunday afternoon as the government tested its nationwide emergency alert system.
The alert, sent at 3:00 PM, appeared on 4G and 5G devices and lasted about 10 seconds. It carried a message reassuring the public that it was only a test.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones called the trial a “success,” saying it demonstrated the system’s ability to help keep the country safe “24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
However, some users reported delays, distorted messages, or not receiving the alert at all. Phones switched off, in airplane mode, or running outdated software were excluded.
The test caused brief pauses at sporting and cultural events, while road safety officials warned drivers not to check their phones while the alarm sounded.
Charities also raised concerns that the sudden alert could endanger victims of domestic abuse who keep hidden phones. Authorities advised such individuals to disable the alerts in device settings if necessary.
This was the latest trial of the UK Emergency Alerts Service, designed to warn the public of life-threatening emergencies such as severe weather, flooding, or terrorist incidents.
A piercing siren rang out across the country. Phones lit up, buzzed, and wailed in unison. Hark Bahadur Gurung said "I was awake while I was sleeping worked last night". Many people accross UK who were not aware about emergency test were caught by surprise. Some stopped in their tracks, others looked around in confusion, and a few laughed nervously at the sudden noise.
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