Using data from cell phone networks to measure rainfall in data scarce context

Recent research in Europe and Africa has shown that the attenuation of the electromagnetic signal between cell phone towers which is caused by rainfall can be used for measuring precipitation and are especially useful in areas where few or no radars or rain gauges are available.

The objective of this work is to modify the algorithm elaborated in other countries in order to make it applicable to the Caribbean context and integrate the obtained information with the measured data from the weather stations.

This data shall then be used in the lending operations for designing risk reduction measures such as early warning systems, flood mitigation measures, design of bridges, culverts and drainage systems etc.