Nuclear power plant emergency test planned

The States of Alderney said the test for Flamanville would take place on Thursday

Messages for emergency systems linked to a nuclear power plant near the Channel Islands are set to be sent out during a test.

The States of Alderney said officials in the French department of Manche would be doing the test for Flamanville nuclear power plant on Thursday.

It said the test was part of measures to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of emergency communication systems if a nuclear incident happened.

People within 20km (12.4 miles) of the power plant whose phone is connected to French mobile communication networks might get an alert which would be clearly marked as a test and require no action, the States said.

The test could also include activation of sirens, radio broadcasts and other public alert systems, the States added.

"The objective is to verify the operational readiness of the alert system and to ensure that residents and visitors in the area can be promptly informed in case of a real emergency," a States spokesperson said.