Current Affairs 21th April 2025

 

Cloudbursts are sudden and intense rainfall events that can release a staggering amount of water in a short duration, leading to catastrophic consequences. Defined by the India Meteorological Department, a cloudburst occurs when there is more than 100 mm of rain in one hour over a small geographical area (20 to 30 square kilometers). Characteristics include being associated with cumulonimbus clouds, which can grow up to 12-15 km in height. They are not indicative of clouds exploding but are defined by the torrential downpour. Cloudbursts can lead to flash floods and landslides, particularly in hilly terrains. Formation and Causes “The formation of cloudbursts is predominantly influenced by the rapid uplift of moist air, leading to condensation and cloud formation. Orographic Lifting: When moist air encounters mountains, it is forced upward, cooling and condensing to form clouds. Moisture Convergence: During monsoon, winds bring in moisture-rich air that converges over land, significantly increasing the potential for cloudbursts. Tall cumulonimbus clouds can develop rapidly, with moisture updrafts occurring at speeds of 60 to 120 km/h, resulting in a cloudburst within as little as 30 minutes Regions Most Affected Cloudbursts predominantly impact rugged terrains, especially: Himalayas: Known for steep inclines and rapid weather changes. Western Ghats: Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season leads to frequent cloudbursts. Northeastern India: A region prone to intense weather phenomena due to its geography and climate. Historical data shows that cloudbursts in these regions have caused significant loss of life and property, necessitating urgent disaster management strategies Detection and Forecasting Challenges Detecting cloudbursts remains a formidable challenge due to the limitations of current technology. Satellite Limitations: While satellites can monitor large-scale weather systems, their resolution often misses localized cloudburst events. Doppler Weather Radars: Essential for tracking moving cloud droplets, yet expensive to deploy widely. Long-term Monitoring: Implementing automatic rain gauges in cloudburst-prone areas is crucial for early warning systems. As climate change intensifies weather patterns, the frequency and magnitude of cloudbursts are expected to rise, emphasizing the need for improved forecasting methods. FAQs

 

A cloudburst is a sudden and intense rainfall event, defined by over 100 mm of rain in an hour over a small area.

 

They are formed through the rapid uplift of moist air, leading to condensation and heavy rainfall.

 

Rugged terrains like the Himalayas and Western Ghats in India are particularly vulnerable.