Characteristics of the 2011 Chao Phraya River Flood in Central Thailand

A massive flood, the maximum ever recorded in
Thailand, struck the Chao Phraya River in 2011. The total
rainfall during the 2011 rainy season was 1,439 mm, which
was 143% of the average rainy season rainfall during the
period 1982–2002. Although the gigantic Bhumipol and
Sirikit dams stored approximately 10 billion m3
by early
October, the total flood volume was estimated to be 15
billion m3
. This flood caused tremendous damage, including
813 dead nationwide, seven industrial estates, and 804
companies with inundation damage, and total losses
estimated at 1.36 trillion baht (approximately 3.5 trillion
yen).
The Chao Phraya River watershed has experienced many
floods in the past, and floods on the same scale as the 2011
flood are expected to occur in the future. Therefore, to
prepare of the next flood disaster, it is essential to understand
the characteristics of the 2011 Chao Phraya River Flood.
This paper proposes countermeasures for preventing major
flood damage in the future.