A mobile wireless system and method are described for distributing emergency alert messages to mobile wireless devices in multiple languages. The emergency alert system receives an alert message including a geographic area identification, and a text alert. The emergency alert system renders one or more translations of the text alert from the text alert. The one or more translated versions of the text alert are provided in particular foreign languages based upon designated foreign languages corresponding to the geographic area identification. The emergency alert system transmits the text alert and one or more translated text alerts commercial mobile wireless service provider networks for broadcasting the text alert and the translated text alert(s) via mobile wireless transmitters having a coverage area falling within a region corresponding to the geographic area identification.