What is a cloudburst? Causes, consequences, and ways to survive

Nature is sometimes peaceful, sometimes terrifying. One of its terrifying forms is a cloudburst. On a calm afternoon, the sky suddenly darkens with torrential rain, but this is no ordinary rain. It sweeps away everything within minutes, creating mudslides and landslides. But what is a cloudburst? Why is it so destructive? And is there any way to escape this wrath of nature?

This article will discuss the science behind cloudbursts, their terrible consequences, and their relationship with global climate change. We will also know how to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones during this awful natural disaster.

What is a Cloudburst?

In simple terms, a cloudburst is a very heavy rainfall in a very small area in a short period. Imagine that there was a huge water balloon somewhere in the sky, and suddenly someone popped the balloon with a pin. Just as all the water in the balloon falls in one place at once, so too does a cloudburst.

In meteorologists’ words, if a specific area (usually between 10 and 20 square kilometers) receives 100 millimeters or more of rainfall in an hour, then that event is called a cloudburst. This amount of rain is many times more than normal rain. The amount of rain that normally takes days or weeks to fall falls in just a few minutes or an hour in a cloudburst.

Why and how do cloudbursts occur? The science behind it

The process of cloudbursts is quite complex and requires a combination of several natural conditions. Let’s try to understand the matter step by step.

1. Presence of large amounts of water vapor

The main ingredient of any rain is water vapor. For dangerous rain like cloudbursts, an unusual amount of water vapor must be stored in a certain part of the atmosphere. Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air, so warm and humid weather is the first condition.

2. Atmospheric instability and strong upward air flow (Updraft)

Not only must water vapor be present, but that vapor must rise quickly. When warm and humid air near the surface starts rising very soon for some reason, a type of vertical air flow (Updraft) is formed. The stronger this upward flow, the greater the possibility of a cloudburst.

3. Trigger mechanism: The role of mountains

Mountains are the biggest catalyst or ‘trigger’ of cloudbursts. This process is called ‘orographic lift’.

• When warm air filled with water vapor flows over the surface of the Earth and encounters an obstacle such as a high mountain or ridge, the air is forced to rise rapidly over the hill.

• At the top, the atmospheric pressure and temperature are both low. As a result, the air cools rapidly, and its water vapor holding capacity decreases.
• This excess water vapor condenses into tiny water droplets, forming huge, towering cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds are known for thunderstorms and storms.
• Due to the strong upward airflow, these water droplets cannot fall; instead, they float inside the cloud and merge to form large water droplets.
• At some point, the water droplets become so heavy that the upward airflow can no longer hold them. Then, a large amount of water accumulated in the cloud falls almost simultaneously on a small area quickly. This is how cloudbursts are created.

Question: Do cloudbursts only occur in mountainous areas?

Cloudbursts generally occur more frequently in mountainous areas because mountains play a key role in the ‘orographic lift‘ process. This phenomenon is often seen in large mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, Alps, and Rockies.

However, this does not mean cloudbursts are impossible on flat land. Sometimes, due to extreme instability in the atmosphere, strong upward air currents can form even in flat areas, which can locally create cloudburst-like conditions. However, this is relatively rare.

Terrible consequences of cloudbursts: Why is it so destructive?

The situation that develops after a cloudburst is difficult to describe in words. Its consequences are multifaceted and devastating.

Flash Floods

This is the most immediate and deadly consequence of a cloudburst. In mountainous regions, valleys and gorges are very narrow. When a large amount of water quickly falls on a small area, the water rushes down at high speed through narrow channels or rivers. This stream of water washes away everything in its path—rocks, trees, houses, bridges. Its speed is so high that people do not even have a chance to escape.

Landslides

Excessive rainfall makes the soil in the mountains soft and unstable. The bonds between the soil particles loosen. As a result, a part of the mountain, including large chunks of soil, rocks, and trees, collapses and comes down. These landslides block roads, bury houses, and even block the river course.

Destruction of infrastructure

The force of the Harappa Ban’s water currents and landslides is so great that they can easily destroy concrete bridges, roads, embankments, and houses. Communication systems are completely cut off, making rescue operations difficult.

Loss of human life and livelihoods

Cloudbursts cause the greatest loss of human life. Many people die as victims of the Harappa Ban or landslides. Those who survive lose their homes, farmland, and livestock. A region’s economy can be set back for many years.

Environmental impact

Cloudbursts have a serious impact on the local ecosystem. They wash away the topsoil, making future agriculture or forestry difficult. Large amounts of mud, sand, and debris are mixed into river water, degrading water quality and endangering the lives of aquatic animals.

The relationship between climate change and cloudbursts

In recent years, extreme weather events such as cloudbursts have occurred more frequently worldwide. Scientists largely attribute this to climate change.

• Warmer atmosphere, more water vapor: The average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere is increasing due to global warming. We already know that warmer air can hold more water vapor. Studies have shown that for every 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature, the atmosphere can hold about 7% more water vapor. This means that more ‘fuel’ or water vapor is now available to form clouds than before.

• Increase in extreme weather: Due to climate change, weather patterns are becoming more erratic and extreme. As a result, the frequency of events such as heavy rains in a short period is increasing.

Question: Are cloudbursts increasing due to climate change?

Yes, scientists firmly believe that there is a relationship. Although it is difficult to say that any specific cloudburst event directly results from climate change, the overall trend of increasing the number and intensity of such events points to climate change. The excess energy and moisture in the atmosphere are creating an ideal environment for catastrophic situations like cloudbursts.

Is it possible to predict cloudbursts?

Forecasting cloudbursts is one of the biggest challenges for meteorologists. The main reasons for this are:

• Highly spatial: They occur over very small areas, making them difficult for typical weather models to accurately predict.
• Rapid formation: Cloudbursts form quickly and complete their life cycle within a few hours.

However, technology is not standing still. Using Doppler radar and weather satellites, meteorologists can monitor the formation of clouds and the amount of water vapor in them in a specific area. If a large cumulonimbus cloud is seen to form very quickly in a small area, it is possible to issue a short-term warning called ‘nowcasting’.

These technologies are not readily available everywhere, especially in remote mountainous areas. Therefore, more research and investment are needed to improve forecasting capabilities.

Some notable cloudburst incidents around the world

There have been many cloudburst incidents in history that have left deep scars on people.

• Kedarnath, India (2013): A cloudburst in the Indian state of Uttarakhand caused a landslide that killed more than 5,000 people. It was one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.

• Leh, India (2010): A cloudburst in the Leh region of Ladakh caused extensive damage to the city and killed about 250 people.

• European floods, Germany and Belgium (2021): Floods caused by extreme rainfall killed more than 200 people in Germany and Belgium. Although they were not directly called cloudbursts, they were caused by extremely high rainfall in a short period of time.

• Pakistan floods (2010 and 2022): Pakistan often experiences severe flooding caused by cloudbursts or extreme rainfall in mountainous areas.

These incidents remind us that cloudbursts are not a problem in any specific country but a global crisis.

How to stay safe from cloudbursts: What can we do?

Although humans cannot stop cloudbursts, proper precautions and preparation can significantly reduce damage.

Pre-disaster preparation

• Be aware: If you live or travel in a mountainous or flood-prone area, always be mindful of the weather forecast. Be extra careful, especially during the rainy season.
• Identify vulnerable areas: Know which places are very close to rivers or canals, or which hillsides are vulnerable to landslides.
• Have an emergency kit ready: Pack a bag with dry food, water, first aid equipment, flashlight, batteries, and emergency documents.
• Safe shelter plan: Decide where you will take shelter in a disaster. It can be a high place or a government shelter.

During a disaster

• Move to higher ground quickly: If there is a threat of flash floods or a warning is issued, move to a higher and safer place without delay.
• Stay away from rivers and streams: Do not go near rivers under any circumstances. Even if the water flow seems calm, it can become dangerous instantly.
• Do not drive: Do not try to drive through floodwaters. Even six inches of water can take away control of a vehicle, and one foot can wash it away.
• Do not listen to rumors: Trust only information from government agencies or reliable news outlets.

After a disaster

• Wait to be safe: Stay in a shelter or safe place until authorities declare the area safe.
• Beware of damaged buildings: Ensure safety before entering a damaged house or structure.
• Drink clean water: Floodwater can be contaminated. So always drink boiled or purified water.

Conclusion

Cloudbursts are an extreme and destructive form of nature. They remind us how helpless humans are to nature. However, with the advancement of science and technology, we are getting to know the reasons behind them better. Since such incidents will likely increase due to climate change, our only way out is awareness, preparation, and collective efforts.

We can only deal with the horrors of natural disasters like cloudbursts and gift a safe world to future generations through proper knowledge, effective forecasting systems, and sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyles.