Premonsoon Rainfall and Severe Flash Flood over Northern Thailand in Early May 2001
Muntana Brikshavana (1), Chamnong Kaeochada (2)
(1) Director of Climatological Division, Thai Meteorological Department
(2) Meteorologist, Climatological Division, Thai Meteorological Department
Abnormally heavy rains over Wang Chin district in the northern part of Thailand in early May 2001 caused the worst flash flood in decades. The properties and lives in 37 villages were afflicted. Thirty-four individuals lost their lives and 58 others were injured. According to those severe damages, the weather situation was recognized and the weather charts, synoptic and upper air, and satellite images etc. were subsequently analyzed. The result of the analysis showed that major cause of heavy rains was the low pressure cell forming over the Andaman Sea. The low pressure system strengthened and moved northward through the Gulf of Martaban and Myanmar. It moved farther inland to dominate northern part of Thailand on 3 May and later dissipated. This produced exceptionally heavy rainfall of 285.5 mm at Wang Chin, which was very much above normal. It has become a new daily maximum rainfall record of Wang Chin district since 1976.
Submittal Information
Name :
Date :
Ms Muntana Brikshavana
09-Jul-01-19:26:59
Organization :
Theme :
Director of Climatology Division, Meteorological Department
