Introduction:
- A cloudburst is a sudden, intense rainfall event, usually localized to a small area, where large volumes of rain fall in a short duration, often causing flash floods.
Body:
What is a Cloudburst?
- Cloudbursts typically occur when moist air currents are rapidly lifted upwards due to mountainous terrain or weather disturbances. As the air rises, it cools and condenses quickly, releasing enormous amounts of rain.
- A cloudburst is defined as rainfall exceeding 100 mm per hour over a small area, leading to overwhelming water runoff.
Causes and Impact:
- Orographic lifting: In hilly regions, moist air rises rapidly along mountain slopes, increasing the likelihood of cloudbursts.
- Cloudbursts cause flash floods, landslides, and damage to infrastructure, especially in vulnerable areas like the Himalayas in India.
Conclusion:
- Cloudbursts are hazardous due to their suddenness and intensity, often resulting in severe local flooding, posing risks to life and property. They are difficult to predict and manage effectively.
