23 Aug CLOUDBURSTS- A THREAT
CONTEXT: In this season of the monsoon rainfall HILLY STATES have witnessed the consistent incidences of the cloudbusting phenomenon. These led to consequent flash floods and landslides in those regions leading to discontinuity in regular mode of life.
IN-DEPTH
India being a monsoonal country and a land with diverse topography has also occurences of the various climatic phenomenon. The cloudbursts is one such major issue, particularly in the hilly and mountainous states where its occurrence is most frequent and common in the rainy season.
WHAT ARE CLOUDBURSTS?
Cloudbursts, as defined by the IMD, is so intense rainfall in any region which is 10cm or above in an hour and over a spread of 10km * 10 km. This definition makes the identification of it easier. However, in many regions, due to lack of gauging and measuring mechanism sometimes only higher rainfall can be termed as cloudbursts. But we need to consider that it essentially involves a high rainfall in a short time and also a localized phenomenon.
THE REASONS FOR ITS OCCURRENCE ?
The cloudbursts is, as mentioned , a localized phenomenon and hence effective reasons to generalize are difficult. But, still most commonly it occurs when over in the region has high cloud cover and high relative humidity. However the cloud failed to condensate timely and gathered more humidity. When those clouds get uplifted by the mountain or any obstruction, it leads to condensation immediately. This led to intense rain in a very short time as happened in a well known cloudburst event in 2013 in Kedarnath.
WHERE DO THEY OCCUR ?
In India, the occurrence of it is so common in the hilly region as it offers upliftment and condensation. States as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir union territory are more proned to it. Some incidents in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya also noted. The Himalayan states are, thus more prone to it than other mountainous region as conditions of high relative humidity and mighty height of the Himalayas makes it possible to happen.
WHAT ARE THE AFTER RESULTS?
Cloudbursts as severe climatic condition and hence leads to after ripple effects as
- Flash floods
- Landslides
- Mudslides
- Mass movements
Which lead to significant impact on socio-economic activities of the region as road blockage, death toll (Kedarnath, Himachal Pradesh), migration and rehabilitation etc.
ARE THEY PREDICTABLE ?
Cloudbursts are difficult to predict well in advance like monsoon forecasting. As it is mainly driven by localized conditions, predictions require many data inputs and detailed analysis.
DOES IT INVOLVE ANY ROLE OF CLIMATE CHANGE?
According to Down to Earth, as like any other climatic phenomenon, the occurrence of the cloudbursts also has a role of climate change. The Oceans are warming more which boosts the moisture content of the clouds and their potential for intense rain. Thus, climate change has direct and indirect bearing on this phenomenon.
PREVENTION AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Well in advance weather forecasting is the best strategy to deal with. Use of local weather data collection and analysis is needed. Doppler radar can be an effective information provider.
Identifying the possible hotspots and zone of frequent occurrences can help to manage the disaster. The management strategy as given by NDMA plan and formulation of local disaster management committee to deal with such localised disasters must be ensured.
Cloudburst as a climatic extremity has a huge impact on the development and stability of the hilly region. Effective weather forecasting and prevention and mitigation strategies can avoid significant damage led by cloudbursts.
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