Bhopal gas accident: a numerical simulation of the gas dispersion event

An account of the Bhopal Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas accident is given. A numerical modelling approach is presented that provides the prevailing flow and dispersion at the time of the infamous gas accident. The meteorological model produces a low wind speed stable surface layer capped by a 250-m-high nocturnal inversion. The results compared well with the available observations. Further analysis indicates that the MIC vapours dispersed in the form of marginally heavy gas clouds. Also, the presence of two large lakes in Bhopal modified the flow pattern near the surface which resulted in the transport of MIC into the city area of Bhopal.