Uruguay implements mobile phone early warning system

The Uruguayan government has decreed the creation of the Mobile Early Warning System (SAT – Móvil) to provide immediate, free, and georeferenced alerts to the population. The system is designed to warn citizens about imminent or occurring adverse events of natural, anthropogenic, or sanitary origins, including floods, severe storms, tornadoes, forest fires, and chemical or biological emergencies.

Additionally, the system will facilitate the dissemination of ‘Alerta Amber Uruguay’ to assist in the rapid localization of missing minors. The National Emergency System (Sinae) will be responsible for issuing general emergency alerts, while the Ministry of the Interior will manage alerts regarding missing children and adolescents.

The initiative aims to leverage the country’s near 100% mobile network penetration to ensure maximum territorial coverage. The system is scheduled to be fully operational nationwide by December 31, 2026.