PDC Weekly Global Flood Survey: June 28, 2012
PDC Global Hazards Atlas centered on the Americas displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards, 3 day precipitation accumulation and the storm forecast positions, segments and winds for Tropical Storm Debby
The good and bad of rainfall! Over the last week we have seen the United States (Florida and parts of Georgia) receive upwards of 20 inches of rain caused by Tropical Storm Debby. The extensive rainfall has caused major flooding—adversely impacting agriculture, destroying homes and causing sink holes (Reuters). Other parts of the U.S. are begging for rainfall, like Colorado where the Waldo Canyon Fire has destroyed hundreds of homes. A half-inch of rain recently fell on the Bear Creek Fire in Alaska, advancing firefighting efforts by weakening the fire. Firefighters in Colorado would like some of that support from the weather.
The relationship between rain and fire is a complex one. A wet spring season helps grow brush that my become fire fuel in the fall. A long period without rain, can dry whatever vegetation is present, increasing its fire fuel potential. The High Park Fire in northern Colorado is a good example of this!
To learn more about floods, wildfires and tropical cyclones, check out the PDC’s Natural Hazards webpage! Want to know what hazards are occurring around the world or near you? Then, don’t forget to download the free Disaster Alert mobile app available for your iOS or Android devices!
This week we will take a closer look at recent flooding events in Bangladesh and China.
Precipitation & Flooding: Bangladesh
PDC Global Hazards Atlas centered on Bangladesh displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards and accumulated rainfall for the past 3 days
Days of heavy rainfall have severely impacted Bangladesh resulting in floods and landslides. At least 70 people were reported killed and 200,000 stranded. The majority of deaths were caused by landslides. (AlertNet)
The latest forecast for Bangladesh shows areas of continued precipitation.
Precipitation & Flooding: China
PDC Global Hazards Atlas centered on southern China displaying PDC Integrated Active Hazards, 3 day precipitation accumulation, TAOS model estimated wind impacts and the storm forecast positions, segments and winds for Tropical Cyclone Doksuri
Many areas across eastern, southern and central China have been impacted by intense rainfall resulting in severe flooding and landslides. At least eight people were reported dead and eight million affected. Further rainfall was anticipated to occur across southern and southwestern China this week. Meanwhile, the current path of Tropical Cyclone Doksuri takes it to southern China where it may produce additional heavy rainfall and flooding. (RSOE EDIS)
The latest forecast for China shows areas of continued precipitation.
Looking Ahead
PDC is currently monitoring flooding events in: Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, China, England, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Scotland, Uganda and United States.