An ‘Extremely Severe Alert’ test notification was broadcast across Bahrain yesterday as part of national efforts to enhance emergency preparedness and response.
The alert included the message, “This is a test call. No action is needed,” and several individuals reported receiving it twice – once in English and once in Arabic.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa explained that the alerts form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen civil protection measures and enhance public safety.
He made the remarks during a meeting of the Civil Defence Council attended by senior ministers, including Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani, Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, Oil and Environment Minister Dr Mohammed Bin Daina, Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Yasser Humaidan, Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed, Information Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi, Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, and Sustainable Development Minister Noor Al Khulaif were also present.
The council reviewed the latest developments of the Wireless Emergency Alerts project, which aims to provide early warnings in emergency situations.
Gen Shaikh Rashid outlined the strategic pillars related to emergency preparedness and response, emphasising national readiness and co-ordination among relevant sectors to ensure the safety of the public.
“The project provides essential information to citizens and residents before, during and after emergencies, representing a qualitative shift in warning mechanisms and public communication during such situations,” said Gen Shaikh Rashid. “It also ensures comprehensive coverage and the receipt of all emergency alerts by all citizens and residents within a standardised timeframe.”
The council also reviewed all necessary procedures and implementation mechanisms for activating the service in the coming period, following the completion of infrastructure and operational works.
Gen Shaikh Rashid stressed the importance of implementing the system through a phased pilot operation.
“The Wireless Emergency Alerts project is an integral part of the government’s broader framework to adopt international best practices in civil protection and emergency management,” he said.
“It demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and residents, and developing a digital infrastructure capable of responding effectively to diverse emergency scenarios.
He added that “developing early warning systems and ensuring that alerts reach all segments of society through multiple channels is central to comprehensive community awareness efforts. It also supports the provision of up‑to‑date risk information and facilitates the exchange of critical data among the relevant entities.”
In June, warning sirens echoed across Bahrain as part of a nationwide test of the kingdom’s emergency alert system, with officials confirming the move was aimed at enhancing national preparedness for potential disasters.
The Interior Ministry stressed that the exercise was strictly a routine test designed to assess the effectiveness and readiness of the siren network.
Later that month, warning sirens sounded following the detection of unidentified objects in Bahrain airspace. Later it was confirmed that the objects were heading out of the national airspace.
For more information and to prepare for emergencies, citizens are urged to visit the Interior Ministry’s portal, the National Civil Protection Platform (ncpp.gov.bh). The portal is accessible to all citizens and residents.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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