Communication when floodwater rises
Flooding is the UK's most common natural disaster. When rivers burst their banks and mobile networks fail, MeshCore keeps you connected with family and neighbours.
Why communication fails during floods
The UK faces increasing flood risk. Over 5 million properties in England are at risk of flooding, according to Environment Agency data. Climate change is intensifying rainfall events, making severe flooding more frequent and less predictable.
When floodwater arrives, communication infrastructure is among the first casualties. Mobile masts lose power, exchange buildings flood, fibre cables are damaged. Suddenly, the phones and internet that families depend on simply stop working – precisely when communication matters most.
MeshCore provides emergency messaging using LoRa radio on the licence-free 868 MHz band. No internet required, no mobile network needed, no mains power necessary. Messages travel directly between devices, keeping families and communities connected through the worst conditions. LocalMesh is a community project. Coverage depends on volunteer participation and varies by location. Not a replacement for emergency services – always dial 999 in emergencies.
How flooding disrupts communication
Understanding why phones fail during floods helps explain why alternatives matter:
🌊 Equipment flooded
Telephone exchanges, mobile mast base stations, and street cabinets sit at ground level. Rising water enters these installations, causing short circuits and equipment failure across entire areas.
⚡ Power failure
Electricity substations flood and are switched off for safety. Mobile masts have battery backup lasting only 4-8 hours. After that, they go silent – taking mobile coverage with them.
📡 Network overload
Even where infrastructure survives, everyone calls simultaneously. Networks designed for normal usage cannot handle the surge. Calls fail, texts queue, WhatsApp messages hang unsent.
🔌 Physical damage
Floodwater carries debris that damages cables, poles, and junction boxes. Underground cables can be displaced or severed. Repairs take days or weeks after waters recede.
⚠️ Flood communication reality
During Storm Dennis (2020), mobile coverage failed across large areas of South Wales and the Midlands. During the 2015 Cumbria floods, some communities were without phone or internet for over a week. The Environment Agency warns that climate change will make these events more frequent. Having backup communication is no longer optional for flood-risk areas.
Flooding in the UK: a growing threat
Britain has a long history of devastating floods. The 1953 North Sea flood killed 307 people along the east coast. More recently, the winter 2013-14 floods saw the Somerset Levels submerged for months, the Boxing Day 2015 floods devastated communities across northern England, and Storm Dennis in 2020 caused record river levels across Wales and the Midlands.
Each flood event demonstrates the same pattern: communication networks fail at the critical moment. Families are separated without contact. Vulnerable residents cannot call for help. Emergency coordination becomes chaotic without reliable messaging.
The response has evolved – flood defences improve, warning systems advance – but personal communication backup remains largely unaddressed. MeshCore fills this gap with technology that works independently of vulnerable infrastructure.
MeshCore: communication that survives flooding
MeshCore uses LoRa radio to send text messages without any infrastructure dependency. When floods knock out mobile networks and internet, MeshCore continues working.
🌊 Waterproof communication
While your broadband router floods and mobile masts lose power, your MeshCore device keeps working from battery. Keep it charged and accessible – it becomes your communication lifeline.
📍 Share your location
GPS-equipped devices broadcast your coordinates. Essential during evacuations when families are separated or when emergency responders need to locate people in flooded areas.
🔗 Mesh network routing
Messages hop between devices across the network. Even if direct communication is blocked by terrain or flooding, messages find alternative routes through other MeshCore users.
🔋 Days of operation
LoRa devices run for days to weeks on a single charge. When the power is out and you cannot charge your phone, MeshCore keeps you connected throughout the emergency.
Why MeshCore matters during floods
Coordinate evacuation
Message family about evacuation plans, share meeting points, confirm everyone is safe – all without needing mobile coverage.
Check on vulnerable neighbours
Confirm elderly or mobility-impaired neighbours are safe and have what they need. A simple welfare check message can save lives.
Works without infrastructure
No mobile mast, no internet router, no landline required. Radio signals travel directly between devices regardless of infrastructure status.
Survives power outages
Battery-powered devices run for days. Your communication does not depend on mains electricity – the first thing lost during floods.
GPS location sharing
Share your coordinates with family so they know exactly where you are during chaotic evacuations or displacement.
No ongoing costs
One-time purchase from £50. No subscriptions. Emergency preparedness that does not require monthly payments.
Real flood scenarios
How MeshCore helps when floodwater arrives:
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Early warning: "River level rising fast. Environment Agency issued severe flood warning for our area. Start moving valuables upstairs."
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Family separation: "Water blocking the road home. I'm safe at work. Children collected from school by grandparents. Everyone accounted for."
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Evacuation coordination: "Council advising evacuation. Meeting at the leisure centre. Bringing supplies and the dog. Can you collect Mum?"
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Welfare check: "Checking on Mrs. Patterson at number 14. She lives alone and her phone is dead. Can someone on Elm Road try to reach her?"
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Resource sharing: "We have spare bottled water and blankets. Anyone on higher ground who needs supplies, let us know."
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Situation update: "Water receding on Bridge Street. Main road still impassable. Power company says restoration expected tomorrow."
Communication options during floods
| Method | Works during floods? | Range | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone | ✗ | - | £15-40/month |
| WhatsApp/broadband | ✗ | - | £25-50/month |
| Satellite messenger | ✓ | Global | £300+ device, £15-50/month |
| MeshCore | ✓ | UK-wide via mesh network | From £50, £0/month |
Flood communication questions
Will MeshCore work if my area floods?
Yes, provided your device is charged and not submerged. Keep it accessible and above potential water levels. The LoRa radio works independently of flooded infrastructure. Coverage depends on other MeshCore users in your area.
How do I prepare my MeshCore for flood season?
Keep the device charged. Store it with your emergency kit above expected flood levels. Test it regularly with family and neighbours. Ensure everyone knows how to use it before an emergency.
Can I use it to call for help during a flood?
MeshCore sends text messages, not voice calls. You can message family, neighbours, or anyone on the mesh network. For life-threatening emergencies, always try 999 first. MeshCore supplements but does not replace emergency services.
What if there are no other MeshCore users nearby?
The network works best with multiple users. Encourage neighbours in your flood-risk area to get devices. Community repeaters extend coverage. Check the LocalMesh coverage map for your area.
Is my area at flood risk?
Check the Environment Agency flood risk maps at gov.uk. Over 5 million properties in England face some level of flood risk. If you are in a flood-risk area, communication backup is essential.
How much does flood-ready communication cost?
A MeshCore device costs from £50 – a one-time purchase with no monthly fees. Compare this to satellite phones (£300+ plus subscriptions) or the cost of being completely cut off during a flood emergency.
Prepare before the water rises
Floods strike fast and communication fails when you need it most. MeshCore provides independent emergency messaging that works without mobile networks, internet, or mains power. For flood-risk households, it can be a critical part of emergency preparedness. LocalMesh is a community project. Coverage depends on volunteer participation and varies by location. Not a replacement for emergency services – always dial 999 in emergencies.
Get your household flood-ready with backup communication.