International Emergency Alert System: An Introduction to Global-Scale EWSs

Most countries worldwide have emergency warning systems (EWSs). However, in times of multi-national disasters, these systems may not be able to work effectively. Information gaps may exist and could increase fatalities. Therefore, an international emergency alert system is needed.

The global-scale emergency warning system is not only useful for informing other countries about incoming disasters, such as tsunamis and extreme weather. However, it is also ideal for multi-national coordination and disaster management improvement.

International Emergency Alert System: What is it?

An international emergency warning system is a regional or global emergency alert system aiming to protect everyone from disasters, such as tsunamis, hazardous weather events, and earthquakes. This system will disseminate alerts directly to the public or the national governments in the region.

1. Key Operations

The international EWS conducts various works. First, the system typically collects data from areas of its operations. After that, the international EWS will identify and forecast disaster risks based on the data.

When the system identifies an immediate hazard, it will send emergency alerts to people in the affected areas. Therefore, they can evacuate their location and save their lives and belongings.

However, this system may only notify authorities if the hazard is not urgent or if there is a potential natural disaster in the future. Consequently, authorities can develop a plan to mitigate this disaster risk and reduce its impact.

When a natural catastrophe occurs, the worldwide emergency alert system will coordinate the nearest countries to assist the affected country in recovering from the disaster. Therefore, this system not only provides emergency alerts but also coordination for disaster recovery.

2. Aims and Management

An international emergency alert system is typically managed by a combination of international organizations, such as the UN and the European Commission. These organizations will manage all the aspects of this system.

Moreover, global-scale emergency warning systems focus on different purposes. Some of them mainly work for detecting various natural disasters and providing warnings of varied natural hazards.

Meanwhile, some others only offer seismic-related warnings, such as tsunami and earthquake warnings. Another mainly works on detecting disease outbreaks and providing health-related alerts.

3. International Emergency Alert Dissemination

An international emergency warning system employs various methods for disseminating alerts and sharing information. Below are common methods used in global-scale emergency alert systems.

• Cell Broadcast: Most international EWSs are based on cell broadcast. Therefore, they can disseminate targeted alerts to mobile devices in specific locations. This technology allows the system to rapidly distribute warnings, even when the network is congested.

• Websites: Some global-scale EWSs share information via their websites. This information may cover earthquake information, tsunami warnings, disaster-affected maps, and other warning messages or disaster risk reports.

• Satellite Broadcasting: International emergency alert systems also adopt satellite infrastructure for disseminating warnings. This method is ideal for disaster-affected areas with damaged terrestrial infrastructures.

Global Emergency Alert System Examples

Currently, several international emergency warning systems are working for the safety of people. Many of them serve specific regions, such as Europe and the Asia Pacific. However, others offer disaster information and disaster alerts for global citizens. Below are examples of international EWSs.

1. GDACS (Global Disaster Alert Coordination System)

GDACS is a platform for the coordination of the UN and the European Commission. The framework of this platform covers disaster managers and disaster information systems. 

Moreover, the objective of GDACS is to fill the coordination and information gaps in the early stage after a major hazard occurs. This platform gets data from international organizations. After that, it leverages JRC tools and algorithms to identify the disaster and estimate its impact.

The users of GDACS are governments from various countries and disaster response organizations.  In total, this platform has over 19,000 enlisted users. 

They will receive immediate notifications after a sudden disaster. Moreover, they can access restricted online platforms for cooperation and real-time information.

2. Early Warnings for All

Early Warnings for All is a global-scale emergency alert system launched by the UN in 2022. This system aims to protect all people on Earth, reduce the impact of disasters on the economy, and decrease mortality caused by disasters.

This system has four essential pillars to support countries in setting up and managing effective multi-disaster early warning systems. Moreover, this system collaborates with international organizations in providing the supports. What are the pillars of Early Warnings for All?

• Disaster-Risk Knowledge: This pillar is under the management of UNDRR. This organization helps countries collect systemic data and assess disaster risks.

• Detection, Monitoring, and Forecasting: In this pillar, WMO led the detection, monitoring, and forecasting of natural disasters.

• Alert Dissemination: ITU is the responsible organization in alert dissemination and communication in Early Warnings for All.

• Preparedness and Response Capabilities: IFRC is responsible for supporting countries in preparing for and responding to disasters.

The international emergency alert system is an advanced system that provides disaster detection and warnings for global citizens. It typically employs cell broadcast technology for alert dissemination. A similar technology is available on smsbroadcaster.com. National governments must also consider this technology when building up emergency warning systems.