This file photo shows Heng Fa Chuen on Sep 17, 2018 after Typhoon Mangkhut struck. (PARKER ZHENG /CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong government on Thursday launched the emergency alert system (EAS) through which government departments may disseminate important real-time messages to mobile phone users during emergencies that may extensively endanger lives and properties. 

In a press statement, the government said the EAS, which employs cell broadcast service technology, could disseminate real-time messages to mobile phones connected to mobile networks. A message is classified as either "Emergency Alert" or "Extreme Emergency Alert" depending on the severity of the emergency. 

The government said the EAS, which employs cell broadcast service technology, could disseminate real-time messages to mobile phones connected to mobile networks

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During emergency situations, such as extreme weather that causes extensive infrastructure damage, major public safety incidents or large-scale public health emergency situations, government departments may disseminate messages using the system to remind members of the public to immediately take contingency measures, according to the statement.

No personal data will be involved and no additional charges will be levied on mobile service users for receiving EAS messages, it added. 

Currently, mobile phone suppliers of different brands are gradually releasing updates of firmware or operating systems for various mobile phone models to support the operation of EAS. 

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A government spokesman urged members of the public to download and install such updates on their mobile phones as appropriate.

While adopting the EAS, the government would continue to use other existing channels (such as radio, television and social media) to disseminate important information to the public.

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