A dam break analysis has been carried out by scientists from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to aid the emergency response efforts following the failure of a dam at the under construction Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Power Project in Laos on 23 July.
Extensive flooding occurred downstream following the collapse of the dam, located in Attapeu Province. Thirty-nine people were reported to have been killed and thousands were displaced.
In a statement the JRC said it has followed the situation since the beginning of the event with the creation of situation maps and analysis reports for the European Commission's Emergency Response and Coordination Centre (ERCC), in collaboration with UN services and under the framework of the GDACS initiative (Global Disasters Alerts and Coordination System).
JRC scientists carried out a dam break analysis, with the numerical simulation of the water discharge from the dam, propagation along the downstream valleys and inundation of the flatter areas.
The scientists identified the areas most affected and the propagation dynamic of the released wave.
By comparing this with radar satellite images provided by UNOSAT, scientists could confirm the quality of their estimations, despite the fact that distinguishing between monsoon/tropical storm rainfall contribution and dam break contribution is not easy.
Their analysis shows that the most affected locations were hit after seven hours from the break.
The estimated water height was about 5-10m and therefore consistent with images of people at the top of their buildings.
A first report on the event was published on 25th July. An updated version of the report, containing the simulation results was published on 30th July.
The JRC analysis of the event was performed using the computer code HyFlux2, developed to analyse tsunamis, storm surges from tropical cyclones and, occasionally, dam break events.
The role of the JRC in the Emergency Management is characterised by the development of situation maps, dedicated analyses and production of emergency reports in case of important events, in support to the ERCC.
The ERCC has shared the JRC analysis with the international disaster management community through the relevant coordination and information channels.
The ERCC, operating within the European Commission's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, was set up to support a coordinated and quicker response to disasters both inside and outside Europe, using resources from the countries participating in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
In this particular case, the ERCC requested an analysis of the event that was occurring in Laos and within six hours the JRC produced the first report.
