Flood Impact on Cellular Electromagnetic Propagation

In May 2023 the Emilia Romagna Italian region was plagued by floods, submerging lands and cities for days. In those critical days a massive georeferenced user’s cellular phone received power measurement campaign was activated on TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile) 4G Radio Access Cellular Network. In particular, MDT (Minimization of Drive Test) international standard by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Program), were activated on all the TIM 4G Radio Base station of the region. The MDT measurements record generated by users living or crossing the flooded areas were collected, to statistically analyze the coverage modifications between the May flood and (previous) normal situations in the same areas. Results show variations of mobile phone received power due to water and mud on the ground about 3 dB with respect to dry reference situation. Extensive radio propagation numerical simulations have been conducted to deeply investigate the key electromagnetic absorption and reflection phenomena. By comparing these simulations with MDT field measurements, it is possible to significantly enhance cellular network planning criteria and adapt radio configurations more effectively. The discussion explores a potential civil protection application for flood monitoring aimed at alerting the population, utilizing globally standardized cellular network measurements.