Recent torrential rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir has led to devastation. On April 20, 2025, heavy rain and hail resulted in three fatalities in Ramban tehsil. The India Meteorological Department reported a staggering 575% increase in rainfall, measuring 16.9 mm in just 24 hours. This extreme weather caused building collapses, disrupted transport, and forced hundreds to evacuate. The events were widely reported on social media, denoting terms like flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts.
About Cloudbursts
A cloudburst is defined as intense rainfall exceeding 10 cm per hour over a small area, typically around 10 km x 10 km. These phenomena are prevalent in hilly regions due to orographic lift. Warm air rises along mountain slopes, cools, and releases moisture. When warm air continues to ascend, it builds up rain until it bursts forth in a sudden downpour. Due to their localized nature, cloudbursts are challenging to predict and can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flash floods and landslides.
Flash Floods Explained
Flash floods occur rapidly when heavy rainfall inundates drainage systems. The sudden influx of water causes overflow, particularly in hilly terrains where rocky ground does not absorb water effectively. Unlike river floods, which develop slowly, flash floods can cause immediate and severe loss of life. Their swift onset makes them particularly dangerous for communities situated in vulnerable areas.
The Nature of Landslides
A landslide occurs when gravity causes soil and rock to move down a slope. The British Geological Survey explains that landslides happen when the gravitational force surpasses the resisting forces of the slope. Water plays a critical role, as it adds weight and reduces friction, making slopes more susceptible to failure. Heavy rainfall can accelerate this process, leading to catastrophic landslides that can bury people and infrastructure under debris.
Impact on Communities
The impact of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides on local communities is severe. These events can result in loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of essential services. Evacuations become necessary to protect residents from immediate danger. Recovery from such disasters often requires resources and time, affecting the long-term stability of affected areas.
Preparedness and Mitigation
Effective disaster preparedness is crucial in regions prone to such extreme weather events. This includes improving drainage systems, establishing early warning systems, and educating communities about the risks. Government agencies and local authorities must collaborate to enhance resilience and reduce the impact of future incidents.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the role of orographic lift in the formation of cloudbursts.
- Discuss the implications of flash floods for urban planning in hilly regions.
- What are the causes of landslides? How can they be mitigated in vulnerable areas?
- Critically discuss the impact of climate change on the frequency of extreme weather events.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the role of orographic lift in the formation of cloudbursts.
- Orographic lift occurs when warm, moist air rises over mountains.
- As the air ascends, it cools and condenses, leading to precipitation.
- Cloudbursts are defined as intense rainfall exceeding 10 cm in one hour over a small area.
- The localized nature of cloudbursts makes them difficult to predict and manage.
- Regions with steep terrain are particularly susceptible to cloudbursts due to orographic effects.
2. Discuss the implications of flash floods for urban planning in hilly regions.
- Flash floods can cause rapid inundation, leading to loss of life and property damage.
- Urban planning must incorporate effective drainage systems to handle sudden water influx.
- Land use regulations should consider flood-prone areas to minimize risk.
- Emergency response plans need to be integrated into urban development strategies.
- Community awareness and preparedness programs are essential for reducing vulnerability.
3. What are the causes of landslides? How can they be mitigated in vulnerable areas?
- Landslides are caused by gravity, soil saturation, and loss of friction on slopes.
- Heavy rainfall adds weight to soil and reduces its stability, increasing landslide risk.
- Mitigation strategies include reforestation, slope stabilization, and drainage improvement.
- Monitoring and early warning systems can help predict potential landslide events.
- Community education on landslide risks and preparedness is crucial for safety.
4. Critically discuss the impact of climate change on the frequency of extreme weather events.
- Climate change leads to increased temperatures, affecting atmospheric moisture levels.
- Higher temperatures can intensify rainfall events, increasing the likelihood of cloudbursts.
- Extreme weather patterns, such as droughts and floods, are becoming more frequent and severe.
- Adaptation strategies are necessary to cope with changing weather patterns and their impacts.
- Long-term planning must consider climate resilience to protect vulnerable communities.
