Linkages between extreme wet spells and flooding in Southeast Asia

Daily rainfall data from two urban regions in Southeast Asia are analysed to study the distribution of wet spell and the linkage of extreme wet spell with flood occurrences. The analysis is carried out using 37 years of data from Malaysia and 35 years of data from Singapore. A total number of nine statistical indicators of wet spell are studied. At the annual scale, Singapore has a greater number of wet spells and a higher percentage of rainy days as compared to Malaysia. However, both cities have similar number of extreme wet spells. Analysis of the length and accumulation of wet spells shows that Singapore is drier than Malaysia during the prevailing monsoons of Maritime Continent, especially during the Northeast monsoon period. This study also reveals that the longer duration and higher accumulation of rainfall during the extreme wet spell of Malaysia is correlated with flooding events there. In a nutshell, comprehensive rainfall data analysis were carried out and definite linkage is found between extreme wet spells and flood occurrence in this study. The results from this study would serve as a useful reference for an extended evaluation of rainfall and flooding research in the study area.Bachelor of Engineering (Civil