System Overload Leads to National Exam Failure

The first nationwide emergency warning test since reunification, coordinated by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), took place on a specified date. However, the test alarm was delivered late via the MoWaS warning system.

Countless local authorities initiated local test alarms before the scheduled time, overloading the system. This simultaneous triggering of multiple warning messages led to the unforeseen delay in the delivery of the test alarm.

At noon, the Federal Office announced the delay, confirming that the test alarm was indeed delivered half an hour later than scheduled. Photos from the dts news agency show smartphone users receiving the test alarm at 11:30 AM.

Many warning apps, including "Nina" and "Katwarn", triggered late or not at all during the test alarm. This incident is being considered a "phenomenon" by the Federal Office, providing important insights for the expansion of the MoWaS warning system.

To address the issue of overloading the system due to simultaneous local test alarms, the BBK is responsible for coordinating the involved parties at the federal and state levels. This incident has highlighted the necessity for further coordination to ensure the smooth delivery of future test alarms.

The agreed concept for the test alarm was for a pure triggering by the federal government via MoWaS. The late delivery of the test alarm has underscored the need for improvements in the MoWaS system to handle such unexpected situations in the future.

The incident has provided valuable lessons that will aid in the expansion and improvement of the MoWaS warning system, ensuring the safety and preparedness of the nation in times of emergency.