The impact of flash flooding along the banks of the river Sutlej in Himachal Pradesh, triggered by the breach of the landslide that blocked Pareechu, was analyzed in terms of extent and depth of flooding, population affected and property losses.  Three potential scenarios based on different depths of the breach including the worst-case of full breach of 60 meters were analyzed.

“Due to the hilly terrain conditions and the valley shape along the Sutlej, the flood extents are not expected to go far from the river channel but flood depths are expected to be very high.  In the worst-case scenario flood extents up to 1.2 km and flood depths up to 20 m with averages of ½ km and 10 m respectively are expected”, said RMSI chief hydrologist Dr. Murthy Bachu.

As per Adityam Krovvidi, Head of Risk Management Services at RMSI, the risk analysis is based on an internally sponsored study involving development of a flood model applying international best practices and the following impacts could be expected in the event of a flood caused by the worst-case.

• The flood damage is expected even at far off places like Rampur that is 230 km away from the lake. The flood depth on the banks at this place is estimated to be about 5 m.
• About 5 lakh  people are likely to be affected.
• Property worth Rs. 60 crores is estimated to be at risk.

The study used Census 2001 data, published information on the lake and other available in-house data. RMSI has conducted similar studies in the past for 2002 Hong Kong typhoon, 2002 US hurricane, 2001 Gujarat earthquake and 1999 Orissa cyclone.

For more details, please contact:

Adityam Krovvidi
Head of Risk Management Services, RMSI
+ 98 1060 6367
+ 91 120 251 1102, 251 2101
Adiyam.Kroviddi@rmsi.com

About RMSI

RMSI is a global IT services company providing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), risk modeling solutions and software application services to clients worldwide.

Originating in Silicon Valley in 1992, the company was founded and is managed by alumni from Stanford University. Today, RMSI's resource base comprises over 600 software, data and technology specialists. The company is part of one of the UK's largest listed companies, the Daily Mail and General Trust plc. The combination of technical, financial, and human resource strengths, coupled with domain knowledge in many vertical markets, makes RMSI a unique global solution provider.

RMSI's core competency lies in full-service GIS and spatial solutions. This is well supported by strong complementary competencies in application software services and natural hazard risk management. The ability to offer complete solutions, comprising data, software and engineering under one roof, is a key differentiator for the company. RMSI provides solutions to clients in industries ranging from telecommunications, land and property, and geology to engineering, mining and the government sector.