Within the framework of the digital transformation that state institutions are witnessing, Syria has begun activating a national early warning system. This system relies on sending short text messages (SMS) to alert citizens urgently, with the aim of enhancing society’s preparedness to face various risks and disasters.
This measure comes as part of a broader trend towards using data analysis and technical tools to support the public safety system, and shifting from delayed response to proactive warning.
These risks include extreme weather and climate conditions, as well as other threats that may require early alert.
Last Wednesday morning, citizens received messages related to the weather situation in each governorate or region separately, and the messages included advice and instructions to enhance public safety and reduce the possibility of exposure to harm or loss.
This geographical specification reflects a technical trend aimed at delivering a precise and targeted message, rather than a general alert that may not apply to all regions.
The early warning system relies on four basic stages: It begins with collecting data related to potential risks from various sources such as meteorology and field reports. Then, this data is analyzed by the competent authorities to assess the level of risk and determine its geographical scope.
In the third stage, appropriate warning messages are issued and sent to citizens via the SMS service, before moving to the (fourth) response stage, which aims to enable individuals and concerned parties to take early precautionary measures to reduce human and material losses.
This sequence reflects a systematic move from dealing with disaster as it occurs to focusing on tribal preparedness, an approach that is considered a cornerstone of global disaster risk reduction strategies.
From a technical standpoint, relying on SMS is a practical and effective option due to the widespread availability of mobile phones and the lack of need for an Internet connection to receive the alert.
This feature becomes more important in emergency situations in which data networks or Internet services may be affected. (aitnews)
