New tests of the BG-Alert system for the distribution of messages to warn the population about emergencies and disasters are due on Tuesday.
There will be such in the regions of Burgas, Sliven, Stara Zagora and Yambol. There, between 12:00 and 12:30, phones will receive a message containing text in Bulgarian and English.
The test message will be received no matter what mode the phones are in and what mobile operator they are on. People will be able to turn off the alert when they receive it. The message itself will indicate that it is a test.
In the event of an actual event, the warning message that citizens will receive will include a link to the BG-Alert website, where additional information will be provided.
By the end of the week, tests of the system will be conducted in 9 more areas. On Wednesday, there will be tests in Blagoevgrad, Kyustendil, Pernik, Sofia and Sofia region. On Thursday, in Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Smolyan and Haskovo.
A nationwide test is to be held on November 29.
The system is expected to be officially operational early next year.
The purpose of the tests is to verify the functioning of the system and for the population to gain an idea of the messages and their accompanying behavior on mobile devices.
