LONDON, Sept 7, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Millions of mobile phones across the UK 
blared a siren sound at the same time on Sunday as part of government efforts 
to better prepare for national emergencies.

The nationwide drill caused England's third ODI cricket match against South 
Africa to be paused while kick-off for a rugby league match was pushed back 
to avoid disruption.

At 3:00 pm (1400 GMT), phones and tablets emitted the noise and vibrated for 
about 10 seconds, while users also received a message saying it was just a 
test.

It was only the second test of the country's national emergency alert system 
following the first in 2023.

The government had in recent weeks embarked on a publicity drive to minimise 
any shock caused, including through announcements at rail stations and signs 
on motorways.

It has used the system to issue real warnings to local areas five times in 
the past two years.

In January, some 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland received 
an alert during Storm Eowyn after a red weather warning was issued, meaning 
there was a risk to life.

A 500-kilogramme (1,100-pound) unexploded Second World War bomb found in a 
back garden in southwest England triggered a warning to some 50,000 phones in 
February last year.

The system is designed for use during the most likely emergencies to affect 
Britain where there is the possibility of a loss of life.

Warnings would also be transmitted on television, radio and where appropriate 
by knocking on doors.

Similar alerts are issued in the United States and Japan.

Only devices connected to 4G or 5G networks received Sunday's alert.

It came as officials seek to strengthen the country's resilience amid more 
frequent extreme weather events and concerns around Russia's war in Ukraine.

The government published a "Resilience Action Plan" in July which also cited 
the upheaval of the coronavirus pandemic, US President Donald Trump's tariffs 
and cyber attacks.