ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraq’s interior ministry on Sunday announced the launch of the first phase of a nationwide emergency alert system that sends location-based alerts in cases of natural disasters, severe weather conditions, or security incidents.

 “We have launched the first phase of emergency alerts, disaster warning messages, and citizen notifications in situations they may face related to public safety, natural disasters, severe weather conditions, heavy rainfall, earthquakes, [or] ongoing security situations,” Director of the Central Response and Control (911) Raed Abdul Karim told state media.

With the necessary software now completed, the service will be available on smartphones, enabling direct alerts to be sent to specific areas where the emergency has occurred.

The system aims to notify citizens, guide them to safe locations, inform them of safety measures, and enable them to quickly request assistance from relevant authorities, Karim said.

One of the features of the program is a distress request service for people with special needs, known as SOS Home, which uses sensors and alarm devices for disabled individuals unable to use smartphones.

 “This allows them to obtain authorization to request assistance directly from specialized officers and personnel.”

The service is currently free of charge but requires prior registration, with the official saying additional features will be introduced gradually as part of the ministry’s broader digital transformation efforts.

Baghdad has been ramping up efforts to boost digitalization across government institutions, particularly in administrative services and banking, with the Central Bank introducing policies to expand digital payments and modernize the financial sector.

“This is the least we can offer within the digital transformation the ministry is pursuing to ensure security, safety, and protection for citizens across Iraq,” the official noted.