Detecting climate adaptation with mobile network data in Bangladesh

Anomalies in communication, mobility and consumption patterns during cyclone Mahasen

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 August 2016
Country:
Bangladesh
Document Type:
Journal Article
Theme:
Climate and Environment, Humanitarian Disasters and Emergencies, Infrastructure
Authors:
Lu, X, Wrathall, D, Sundsoy, P.R.

Abstract

Large-scale data from digital infrastructure, like mobile phone networks, provides rich information on the behavior of millions of people in areas affected by climate stress. Using anonymized data on mobility and calling behavior from 5.1 million Grameenphone users in Barisal Division and Chittagong District, Bangladesh, we investigate the effect of Cyclone Mahasen, which struck Barisal and Chittagong in May 2013. We characterize spatiotemporal patterns and anomalies in calling frequency, mobile recharges, and population movements before, during and after the cyclone.

Citation

Lu, X., Wrathall, D.J., Sundsøy, P.R. et al. Climatic Change (2016) 138: 505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-016-1753-7

Detecting climate adaptation with mobile network data in Bangladesh: anomalies in communication, mobility and consumption patterns during cyclone Mahasen

Published 1 August 2016
Contents