The Hindu: Page 04
Syllabus: GS 3: Disaster and Disaster Management
Practice Question for Mains: Discuss the causes and consequences of cloudbursts, with a focus on their impact in mountainous regions. What measures can be taken to improve forecasting and mitigation efforts to reduce loss of life and infrastructure damage in vulnerable areas?
In Himachal Pradesh, four people have died and 49 are missing due to cloudbursts in Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu districts, causing severe flooding and damage.
- Torrential rain has swollen rivers, resulting in flash floods and infrastructure damage.
- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has mobilized rescue efforts with support from the Army and Air Force.
About cloudburst:
- A cloudburst is a sudden, intense rainfall event that results in a rapid discharge of rain over a small area, often causing flash floods.
Cloudburst are Different from Rainfall:
- Rain is condensed water falling from a cloud while cloudburst is a sudden heavy rainstorm.
- Rain over 100mm per hour is categorised as a cloudburst.
- The cloudburst is a natural phenomenon, but occurs quite unexpectedly, very abruptly, and rather drenching.
Characteristics:
- Typically occurs in mountainous or hilly regions.
- Short duration but with extremely high rainfall intensity.
Causes:
- Topographic effects: Orographic lifting where moist air is forced upwards by mountains.
- Atmospheric instability: Rapid cooling of air that leads to condensation and heavy rainfall.
- Localised weather phenomena such as thunderstorms.
Consequences of Cloudbursts:
- Flash floods: Sudden rise in water levels leading to immediate flooding.
- Landslides: Saturation of soil can trigger landslides in hilly areas.
- Property damage: Destruction of infrastructure, homes, and roads.
- Loss of life and injury: Risk to human lives and livestock.
Forecasting of Cloudbursts
- The India Meteorological Department forecasts rainfall events well in advance, but it does not predict the quantum of rainfall — in fact, no meteorological agency does.
- The forecasts can be about light, heavy, or very heavy rainfall, but weather scientists do not predict exactly how much rain is likely to fall at any given place.
- Also, the forecasts are for a relatively large geographical area, usually a region, a state, a meteorological sub-division, or at best a district.
- The forecasts get more and more uncertain for smaller areas.
- Theoretically, it is not impossible to forecast rainfall over a very small area as well.
- It requires a very dense network of weather instruments, and computing capabilities that seem unfeasible with current technologies.
- As a result, specific cloudburst events cannot be forecast.
Preparedness and Mitigation Measures
• Implementation of weather forecasting tools and satellite monitoring to predict cloudbursts.
• Dissemination of alerts through local media, mobile apps, and community networks.
• Public education on recognizing cloudburst signs and immediate response actions.
• Conducting community drills and workshops on emergency preparedness.
- Infrastructure Development:
• Construction of rainwater harvesting systems and drainage channels to manage sudden runoff.
• Strengthening of embankments and riverbanks to prevent flooding.
• Building resilient infrastructure that can withstand sudden weather changes.
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Ques : Consider the following statements regarding Cloudbursts in India.
I. Cloudbursts take place when an air mass with high humidity is stuck at a place.
II. Cloudburst leads top flash floods that cause damage to human beings and also property.
III. In India, cloudbursts are seen in Jammu and Kashmir, Himacahal Pradesh, Uttarakhand.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
a) Both I and III
b) Only II
c) Both I and II
d) All I, II and III
Ans: d)
