Vajiram and Ravi Student Portal

Approach:

Introduction: Give a brief explanation about Cloud Burst.

body : explain the cause and effect of Cloud burst along with mitigation strategy suggest by NDMA .

conclusion : Give an adequate way forward along with describe the critical step .

answer :

Cloud bursts, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), are brief but intense periods of heavy rainfall that occur when a large amount of rainwater is released from a convective cloud in a short span of time. They are typically associated with thunderstorms and can lead to flash floods, landslides, and other forms of water-related disasters.

Causes of Cloud Burst:

1. Atmospheric instability: Rapid temperature and pressure changes within the atmosphere can create conditions that lead to the rapid formation and growth of convective clouds.

• example : In June 2013 , the himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India experience devastating cloud burst and heavy rainfall . The rapid temperature is contributed and pressure change in the atmosphere contribute to the intensity of the rainfall .

1. Orographic lifting: When moist air is forced to ascend over mountains, it cools and condenses, forming clouds that can release large amounts of rain.

• example : The Western Ghats in India often experience cloud burst due to orographic lifting . During the monsoon season , moist air from the Arabian Sea is lift as it encounter the mountain , lead to heavy rainfall and landslide in region like the Konkan coast of Maharashtra .

1. high humidity : Regions is provide with high humidity provide the necessary moisture for cloud formation and heavy precipitation .

• Example: The northeastern states of India, such as Assam and Meghalaya, receive heavy rainfall and cloud bursts due to their high humidity levels. The moist air from the Bay of Bengal brings significant moisture content, resulting in intense downpours and flash floods.

1. Convergence of air masses: The collision of warm, moist air with cooler, denser air can trigger the rapid upward movement of warm air, resulting in intense rainfall.

• Example: The northern plains of India, particularly during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, experience cloud bursts when the southwest monsoon winds meet the warmer air masses over the region. This convergence triggers heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in areas like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

1. Atmospheric disturbances: Low-pressure systems and other weather disturbances can lead to the rapid development of convective clouds and heavy rain.

• Example: The state of Odisha in India is vulnerable to cloud bursts and heavy rainfall during cyclonic events. Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal can bring intense rain and wind, causing flooding and landslides. The cyclone-induced cloud bursts were evident during Cyclone Fani in 2019.

Effects of Cloud Burst:

1. Flash floods: The sudden and intense rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, leading to rapid flooding in low-lying areas.

• Example is are : The Mumbai floods is are of July 2005 are a notable case of flash flood cause by cloud burst . intense rainfall is overwhelmed within a short period overwhelm the city ‘s drainage system , lead to widespread flooding and disruption of transportation . Many part of the city were submerge , cause significant damage and loss of life .

1. landslide : The excessive moisture can saturate the soil , trigger landslide on steep slope .

• Example: In August 2018, the state of Kerala in India experienced severe landslides triggered by heavy rainfall and cloud bursts. The districts of Idukki and Wayanad were particularly affected, with hillsides becoming saturated and leading to landslides that destroyed homes and infrastructure.

1. Property damage: Floodwaters can damage infrastructure, buildings, and vehicles, causing significant economic losses.

• example : The cloud is burst burst and subsequent flash flood in Leh , Ladakh , in August 2010 cause substantial damage to property and infrastructure . building , road , bridge , and communication network were destroy or severely affect , lead to economic loss and disruption .

1. Loss of life: Cloud bursts can result in casualties due to flooding, landslides, and other related disasters.

• Example is resulted : The cloud burst and flooding that occur in Uttarakhand in June 2013 result in a tragic loss of life . The rapid and intense rainfall is triggered trigger landslide , flash flood , and the collapse of building , lead to the death of thousand of people .

1. Disruption of transportation: Flooded roads and disrupted transportation networks can impede the movement of people and goods.

• Example: The cloud bursts during the monsoon season often disrupt transportation networks in many parts of India. Roads, highways, and rail tracks can become submerged or washed away, hindering the movement of people and goods. This was evident during the cloud burst-induced flooding in Mumbai in 2005.

1. Environmental impact: Erosion, sediment deposition, and changes in river courses can harm the ecosystem.

• Example: The cloud burst-related floods in Jammu and Kashmir in September 2014 not only caused loss of life and property but also had a significant environmental impact. Sediment deposition, changes in river courses, and erosion affected the fragile ecosystem of the region.

NDMA Guidelines for Effective Mitigation of the Impact of Cloud Bursts:

1. Early warning systems: Establish and enhance meteorological monitoring and forecasting systems to predict and alert authorities about potential cloud bursts.
2. Disaster preparedness: Develop and communicate emergency plans to communities in vulnerable areas, ensuring they know evacuation routes and safe locations.
3. Infrastructure improvement: Design and maintain drainage systems, embankments, and other infrastructure to handle heavy rainfall and prevent flooding.
4. land – use planning : implement regulation to prevent construction in high – risk area and promote sustainable land use to minimize the impact of cloud burst .
5. Community engagement: Raise awareness about cloud bursts and their risks among local communities, encouraging them to take preventive measures.
6. capacity building : train local authority , emergency responder , and citizen in disaster management technique specific to cloud burst .
7. research and innovation : invest in research to well understand cloud burst and develop advanced technology for early detection and response .

Moving forward, addressing the challenges posed by cloud bursts requires a multifaceted approach. Enhancing meteorological monitoring and forecasting systems, strengthening disaster preparedness plans, and investing in resilient infrastructure are critical steps. Additionally, promoting sustainable land-use practices, raising community awareness, and fostering research collaboration will contribute to effective mitigation efforts.