Thread: Using Offline Mesh Networks to Strengthen Community Communication During Disasters — A Conceptual Case Study

Natural disasters can damage not only homes, roads and public infrastructure but also communication systems. Mobile towers, electricity networks and internet services may stop working exactly when people need them most. This creates a serious communication gap between affected families, local communities, volunteers and emergency responders. This case study examines Thread, a proposed mobile application designed to create an offline communication network during disasters. Instead of depending completely on mobile towers or internet connectivity, Thread proposes using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct to connect nearby smartphones. Messages could then move from one phone to another through a mesh network. The concept focuses particularly on the first hours and days after a disaster, when communities may have to depend on their own resources before organised assistance reaches them. Thread proposes four main functions: emergency alerts, SOS support, sharing of essential supplies and post-disaster recovery coordination. The case also examines the possible business model for Thread. The application would remain free for community users while government agencies, humanitarian organisations and impact funders could support its development and operation. The study finds that offline communication technology has the potential to strengthen community-level disaster preparedness. However, technological reliability, user adoption, device compatibility, privacy, battery use and institutional partnerships would have to be tested carefully before large-scale implementation.