CLOUDBURST: GEOGRAPHY

CLOUDBURST: GEOGRAPHY

NEWS: 3 killed, hundreds relocated, road and air travel disrupted after cloudburst wreaks havoc in J-K

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

A recent cloudburst in Ramban, J&K caused flash floods and destruction, highlighting the growing threat of extreme weather in hilly areas. Such events are triggered by intense localized rainfall due to orographic lift and worsened by poor land use and climate change.

Context: Recent Cloudburst in Ramban, J&K

  • A cloudburst in Ramban tehsil triggered torrential rains, hailstorms, and strong winds, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and agriculture.
  • The region, being mountainous, is especially vulnerable to such intense localized weather events.

Whatis a Cloudburst?

  • A cloudburst is a sudden, extreme rainfall event concentrated in a small geographical area.
  • It typically involves:
  • 10 cm or more rainfall in an hour over an area of ~10 km × 10 km
  • Or 5 cm in 30 minutes over the same area
  • It often leads to flash floods and landslides, especially in hilly terrains.

Mechanism of Cloudbursts: Orographic Lift

  • Cloudbursts are common in mountainous regions due to the orographic effect:
  • Moist, warm air from lowlands is forced to rise when it encounters mountain slopes.
  • As air rises, temperature and pressure drop, causing condensation and dense cloud formation.
  • If clouds can’t disperse their moisture gradually, they release water suddenly and violently, resulting in a cloudburst.
  • The limited absorption capacity of rocky terrains increases surface runoff, aggravating flash flooding.

Impacts of Cloudbursts

  1. Flash Floods
    • Rapid overflow of water overwhelms natural and built drainage systems.
    • Particularly destructive in hilly terrains due to minimal water infiltration.
  1. Landslides
    • Saturated soils lose stability and trigger sudden movement of rocks, debris, and soil.
    • Blocks roads, destroys homes, and isolates communities.
  1. Loss of Life and Livelihoods
    • The suddenness gives little time for evacuation.
    • Damage to agriculture, homes, and livestock severely affects rural and tribal populations.
  1. Damage to Infrastructure
    • Roads, bridges, power lines, water supply lines, and mobile networks are washed away or damaged.
    • Impairs disaster relief and long-term recovery.
  1. Social and Psychological Impact
    • Causes trauma, displacement, and migration.
    • Disrupts education, healthcare, and service delivery in affected areas.

Historical Example

  • 2013 Kedarnath Disaster: A cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, killing thousands and wiping out entire towns in Uttarakhand.
  • Highlighted the urgency of disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in hill regions.

Measures Taken in India

  1. Disaster Management Legal Framework
    • Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides institutional mechanisms at national, state, and district levels.
    • Focus on preparedness, mitigation, and response.
  1. Institutional Support
    • National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) provides capacity-building, research, and training support.
    • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is deployed for rescue operations.
  1. Early Warning and Monitoring Systems
    • India Meteorological Department (IMD):
      • Implements the Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) using multiple forecast models.
      • Issues color-coded weather alerts for rainfall and landslides.
    • Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs):
      • Installed in hill regions for real-time detection of intense cloud systems.
    • Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS):
      • Developed with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to issue warnings.
    • Mobile Alerts & IMD Apps:
      • People receive SMS and app-based alerts for rainfall, storms, and floods.

Way Forward: Proactive and Integrated Disaster Strategy

  1. Scientific Forecasting and Data Sharing
    • Expand real-time weather monitoring networks.
    • Integrate satellite data with AI/ML-based forecasting models.
  1. Infrastructure Resilience
    • Roads, bridges, and buildings must be climate-resilient and able to withstand sudden water surges.
    • Develop stormwater drainage systems, especially in semi-urban and hill towns.
  1. Community-Based Preparedness
    • Local populations should be trained in early evacuation protocols and first aid.
    • Schools and community halls should serve as emergency shelters.
  1. Strict Land Use and Zoning Regulations
    • Ban construction in high-risk zones like riverbanks, steep slopes, and floodplains.
    • Conduct hazard zonation mapping for every hill state.
  1. Climate Change Adaptation
    • Recognize that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events.
    • Integrate climate resilience into all disaster and development planning.

Conclusion
Cloudbursts are becoming more frequent and severe due to changing climate patterns, especially in Himalayan states.
A shift towards scientifically driven, community-empowered, and environmentally sensitive disaster management is essential to reduce risks and protect lives and livelihoods.

 

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-cloudburst-deaths-evacuated-9954625/#:~:text=Three%20people%20were%20killed%20and,and%20caused%20disruptions%20in%20transportation.