University of Twente Student Theses
Crisis response for extreme flooding. Using a hydraulic model to support crisis response
Mank, M.H.A. (2023) Crisis response for extreme flooding. Using a hydraulic model to support crisis response.
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| Abstract: | In 2011 the worst flooding in Thailand’s recent history devastated the central plains of the country, inundating 69 out of 77 provinces with a total area of 4.381 km2 which is 9,1% of the entire country (Thailand Development Research Institute 2013). Despite the severity of the consequences this flood only registered on the magnitude of roughly an once every 10-20 years event. (Gale and Saunders 2013). With precipitation events becoming more extreme due to climate change, floods are becoming more severe. This is also the case for the Chao Phraya river basin in central Thailand. The varied hydrology of this river further increases the chance of floods in the region. Despite the risks a lot of people live along the river and this amount is only increasing as developers keep building more homes. Such a new development is planned for a small island in the Chao Phraya river. The developments on this island must be thoroughly protected against floods, especially extreme floods. To achieve this, insight is needed into extreme floods. This was the first step of the Thesis and the focus was on a T1000 flood event. A hydraulic model was used to gain the lacking insight by simulating extreme flood events in the region of the developments. These model simulations provided an understanding of the severity of extreme floods by determining aspects like water depth, flood extent and flow velocity. The design masterplan of the planned development was implemented in the hydraulic model such that the impact of a T1000 flood on the developments was found. Consequently, sufficient flood protection measures were made for the design masterplan to protect the developments against a extreme flood. However, despite sufficient protection the impact of an extreme flood calls for an extensive crisis response plan. This was the second step of this Thesis. With a clear picture of the consequences of an extreme flood, a fitting crisis response plan was drafted. This plan was not solely based on the hydraulic model results, but was also supported by literature research about the current flood response in Thailand. This was done to ensure the proposed crisis response plan will actually be implemented and residents will follow it when an extreme flood occurs. The 2 main strategies that were found to be viable courses of action were staying on the study island or evacuating the island. The benefits and drawbacks of both option were discussed and the best course of action for crisis response in case of a T1000 flood event was found to be surviving the flood on the study island itself. Both literature research and the hydraulic model simulations supported this course of action. Lastly, the proposed crisis response plan was laid along side the design masterplan of the development for the study island. All the additions and adjustments to the design masterplan required to implement the proposed crisis response strategy were elaborated upon. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Programme: | Civil Engineering BSc (56952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/96245 |
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