Technical Glitches Mar Regional Warntag Tests Across Germany

While most warning systems performed effectively, issues with sirens and mobile alerts revealed gaps in preparedness.

Bavaria experienced a significant technical glitch where sirens in three counties, including Coburg, Kronach, and Lichtenfels, failed to stop after the scheduled alert, prompting emergency manual shutdowns and repeat tests the same evening.
A programming error caused sirens in parts of Bavaria to continue sounding for up to 45 minutes, highlighting the need for further system refinements and investments in siren infrastructure.
In Hessen and other participating states, a failure in the Modulares Warnsystem disrupted the activation of warning apps, though other channels like sirens and Cell Broadcast alerts ensured public reach.
The Warntag aimed to test the effectiveness of a multi-channel warning system, including sirens, mobile apps, Cell Broadcast, and public displays, with some states introducing a new continuous tone for 'all-clear' signals.
Officials emphasized the importance of these tests for identifying system weaknesses, with ongoing efforts to expand and modernize warning infrastructure, particularly in regions like Bavaria, which faces a significant siren shortage.