Emergency communication during floods
During a flood, phone and internet networks fail first. With MeshCore you stay in contact with family and neighbors – independent of infrastructure
Why emergency communication during floods is crucial
The Netherlands is a water country. A large part of our country lies below sea level. Dikes, pumping stations, and water barriers protect us from floods. But what if things go wrong? The North Sea Flood of 1953 showed how devastating water can be. But even smaller floods due to extreme weather are becoming more frequent.
During a flood, communication is under pressure. Phone networks fail, internet stops working, power supply is gone. Precisely when you need to communicate most urgently with your loved ones, you become isolated. Where is my family? Are they safe? Do they need to evacuate?
Traditional communication methods like GSM, internet, and landline telephony are vulnerable to floods. MeshCore emergency communication does work – even during water disasters. LocalMesh helps people in the Netherlands prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Why communication fails during floods
During a flood, critical infrastructure becomes damaged. These are the main reasons why your phone and internet fail:
💧 Water Damage to Cell Towers
Mobile cell towers are often located in low-lying areas. During floods, electronics, power supply, and cables suffer water damage. The towers fail.
⚡ Power Outages
Floods cause major power outages. Cell towers have battery reserves for 4-8 hours, after which the network is completely down.
📡 Damaged Cables
Internet and telephony run through underground cables. Water, mud, and floating debris damage this infrastructure. Connections are lost.
🌊 Network Overload
When a flood threatens, thousands of people try to call and message simultaneously. The network becomes overloaded and crashes – even before physical infrastructure is damaged.
⚠️ Life-Threatening Situations
Without communication, you don't know when to evacuate, where emergency shelters are, or if your family is safe. Communication can be life-saving during floods. Don't wait until it's too late.
Lessons from the North Sea Flood of 1953
In the night of January 31 to February 1, 1953, disaster struck. A severe northwestern storm combined with spring tide caused dikes to breach in Zeeland, South Holland, and North Brabant. 1,836 people died, 72,000 had to evacuate.
One of the biggest problems was the lack of communication. Phone lines failed due to water damage, radio broadcasts were disrupted, emergency services couldn't reach each other. People didn't know they needed to evacuate. Families were separated without knowing if their loved ones were safe.
Since then, much has improved in water management and warning systems. But our communication infrastructure is still vulnerable to water. With modern technology like MeshCore, we can communicate reliably during floods – without depending on vulnerable infrastructure.
MeshCore: Emergency communication that withstands water
MeshCore is a decentralized mesh network that works via LoRa radio technology. It requires no internet, mobile networks, power supply, or central infrastructure. Perfect for emergency communication during floods.
🌊 Water-Resistant
LoRa radio devices can be made waterproof (IP67/IP68 enclosures). They continue working in humid conditions and even after submersion.
🔋 Battery Lasts for Days
One battery charge lasts days to weeks. You're not dependent on power supply that fails first during floods.
📡 Range via Repeaters
Messages hop via repeaters. Even if some devices are underwater, the network automatically finds an alternative route.
🏘️ Neighborhood Organizes
Communicate with neighbors, coordinate evacuation, share information about water levels and safe routes. Together you're stronger.
Why MeshCore is perfect during floods
Works Without Infrastructure
No cell towers, no cables, no power supply needed. When everything is underwater, MeshCore still works.
Independent of Power
Battery lasts for days. No problem when the power grid is down due to flooding.
Easy to Carry
Small and portable. Put it in your bug-out bag if you need to evacuate. Stay connected on the go.
Share GPS Location
Share your exact location with family and emergency responders. Crucial during evacuations in flood zones.
Send Emergency Messages
Ask for help, warn others of danger, coordinate rescue operations with neighbors.
Affordable
From €50 for a LoRa radio device. No subscription, no monthly costs. One-time investment in safety.
Practical situations during floods
How MeshCore emergency communication helps in concrete flood scenarios:
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✓
Coordinate evacuation: "Water is rising fast. Gather at the school on the hill. Bring medications and documents."
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✓
Reach family: "Are you safe? Where are you now? We're in the attic, water is 1 meter high."
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✓
Request help: "We're stuck on the roof. GPS coordinates: 51.9225, 4.4792. Call emergency services."
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✓
Warn neighborhood: "Dike at Meesloot is under pressure. Evacuate now eastward. Water is coming fast!"
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✓
Share info: "Route via Main Street is flooded. Take Mill Road. It's still dry there."
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✓
Report safety: "We safely arrived at the shelter in South Sports Hall. We're doing well."
Communication options during floods
| Communication Method | Works During Flood? | Range | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phone | ✗ | - | €20-50/month |
| Internet / WhatsApp | ✗ | - | €30-60/month |
| Satellite Phone | ✓ | Worldwide | €500+ one-time, €50-200/month |
| MeshCore | ✓ | ~1km direct, further via repeaters | €50+ one-time, €0/month |
Frequently asked questions about emergency communication during floods
Does MeshCore really work when everything is underwater?
Yes, provided your device is waterproof (IP67/IP68 enclosure) and stays above water or dries quickly. LoRa radio signals don't go through water, but do through air. Devices in attics, on heights, and dry spots form the network.
What is the signal range during floods?
Direct range is ~1km in urban areas, up to 10+ km in open areas. During floods, there are fewer obstacles (cars, walls), so range can even be better. Via repeaters, messages reach much further.
Can I call 112 emergency services via MeshCore?
No, MeshCore has no integration with 112 or emergency services. However, you can reach other MeshCore users who might have contact with emergency services, or you can share location and emergency info with your network.
Do I need to keep my phone dry?
You only use your phone to type messages (via Bluetooth with the LoRa device). If your phone gets wet, the LoRa device itself still works. Some devices have built-in displays, so you don't need a phone at all.
How many people in the Netherlands have MeshCore?
The network in the Netherlands is growing rapidly. Especially in risk areas like Zeeland, South Holland, and North Brabant, the number of users is increasing. The more people participate, the stronger the network during emergencies.
Is this the same as Meshtastic?
MeshCore is built on Meshtastic technology, but is a specific community and network configuration. LocalMesh focuses specifically on the Netherlands and emergency communication scenarios.
Prepare for water disasters with reliable communication
Floods are unpredictable. Communication is life-saving. MeshCore provides reliable emergency communication that works when everything else fails. Independent, affordable, effective.
Become part of the growing emergency network in the Netherlands. Protect yourself and your family.