The beep that didn't register

When the heavens opened up like never before last Thursday, many mobile users actually received an SMS from the Government of Gujarat stating that due to floods in the Vishwamitri river, people should move to higher and safer areas.

Considering that a large chunk of citizens today own mobile handsets, this was perhaps a great way to reach out to the community at large with an emergency warning.

Sadly, the government didn't count on two things: A whole lot of mobile users can't read SMSes in English. Secondly, there were many who could, but did not take the warning seriously.

emily | 9:38 PM | News, Buzz |
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