Explained: How a cloudburst triggered deadly flash floods in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
's
Uttarkashi district
has caused flash floods, wreaking havoc in high-altitude villages of Dharali. Here's an explainer on what a cloudburst is.
Counted among the most devastating natural disasters in the Indian Himalayas, a cloudburst causes an enormous amount of rainfall across a limited area within an extremely short span of time.
Productivity Tool
Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide
By Metla Sudha Sekhar
View Program
Finance
Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory
By Dinesh Nagpal
View Program
Finance
Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code
By CA Rahul Gupta
View Program
Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel
By Neil Patel
View Program
Finance
Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading
By Kunal Patel
View Program
Productivity Tool
Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide
By Study at home
View Program
Artificial Intelligence
AI For Business Professionals Batch 2
By Ansh Mehra
View Program
According to the India Meteorological Department, rain falling at a rate of over 100 millimetres an hour with strong winds and lightning across 20-30 square kilometres of area is termed a cloudburst.
However, in a 2023 paper, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Jammu, and National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, define cloudburst as a "sudden downpour of rainfall in a range of 100-250 millimetres an hour in a short span covering a smaller spatial extent similar to one square kilometre". It is published in the International Handbook of Disaster Research.
The Indian Himalayas are considered vulnerable to unusual and extreme weather events, including cloudbursts, extreme precipitation, flash floods, and avalanches, the risk of all of which is said to increase as climate change intensifies.
Live Events
Extreme rainfall events in the region, including districts in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, have been studied to commonly occur during the monsoon season.
This results in widespread damage to property and lives, and potential flash floods and landslides. Houses collapse, traffic is disrupted and human casualties occur on a large scale.
Occurrence of extreme weather events is frequent for locations at elevation 1000-2000 metres, "which are densely populated valley folds of the Himalayas," the 2023 paper says. Uttarkashi is located at about 1,160 metres above sea level.
Further, cloudburst events per unit area are "very high in Uttarakhand", compared to other regions in the Indian Himalayas, with recent events being more severe and impacting more communities, it says.
On July 26, heavy rains lashed Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, causing boulders to slide down a hillside and blocking the trekking route to Kedarnath. Over 1,600 Chardham pilgrims were evacuated to safety.
A sudden cloudburst on June 29 at Silai Band on the Barkot-Yamunotri Marg in Uttarakhand left an under-construction hotel site damaged and eight to nine workers missing, according to officials.
Researchers call for concrete policies, planning and management of cloudburst events by national and global organisations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
4 hours ago
- India Today
Uttarkashi tragedy: Did we not learn anything from the 2013 Kedarnath disaster?
Over the past decade, Uttarakhand has made visible progress in disaster management. From better forecasting tools to quicker mobilisation of response teams, the state has shown a growing commitment to protecting its people and strengthening swift response to the 2025 Uttarkashi tragedy reflects how far disaster response systems have come since the devastating floods in Kedarnath in 2013. But progress, though real, has not been rescue operations are faster, deep-rooted vulnerabilities—especially in hyper-local forecasting and infrastructure readiness, continue to expose remote communities to preventable losses. The Uttarkashi disaster occurred with little advance notice. Weather radars, even the best of them, offer limited foresight, sometimes just an hour or two, before such extreme localised rainfall events. In Dharali, where this tragedy struck, there was no hyper-local warning. That failure, while technically understandable, is not new. It happened in Kedarnath too. However, since 2013, the government has made significant strides toward building a more integrated Early Warning System (EWS).Multiple Doppler radars, expansion of the India Meteorological Department's forecasting infrastructure, and new protocols for inter-agency coordination have been introduced. These steps have laid the groundwork for better response capacity, even if full real-time microscale prediction remains out of reach. Yes, rescue teams did arrive swiftly this time, far quicker than in 2013. Relief operations began within hours, which is commendable. This faster response is the result of improved coordination between central and state agencies, as well as increased pre-positioning of disaster response teams in vulnerable districts during the while response has improved, preparedness still Kedarnath, warnings from the India Meteorological Department were either ignored or poorly acted upon. Uttarkashi's event, a decade later, continues that pattern in a new form, where the lack of hyper-local forecasting meets inadequate infrastructure, and once again, people in remote villages suffer the in the Himalayas do not always begin with the clouds; they often begin with unregulated construction, overburdened riverbanks, and mountains hollowed out by mining. Kedarnath exposed how unchecked development in sensitive zones multiplies zoning maps, controlling hotel construction near rivers, and assessing the environmental feasibility of current and planned hydropower projects should have been the focus of the years that have passed. Instead, hotels still dot the flood-prone zones of Uttarkashi, with little oversight and fewer safety checks. Disasters in the Himalayas do not always begin with the clouds. Photo: PTI The failure of the state's disaster warning and mitigation systems was widely acknowledged following the floods in Kedarnath. Stronger institutional coordination between the National Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Management Authorities, and the India Meteorological Department was these organisations continue to operate roles are still unfilled. Resilient design, community involvement, and early warning infrastructure recommendations have been postponed or softened. Nevertheless, initiatives like Uttarakhand's state-specific action plans and the revisions to the National Disaster Management Plan do represent though the pace does not yet match the urgency, initiatives like the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and investments in satellite-based alerts demonstrate that things are moving in the right today, many remote villages depend on local knowledge—like the sound of rising rivers, the change in winds, or the whistling alerts shared between neighbours—because mobile alerts, sirens, or public announcements either don't reach them or are not trusted. The lack of communication coverage during the Uttarkashi incident, caused by power outages and broken networks, made this vulnerability government has piloted multi-platform alerting systems, including SMS, radio, and loudspeaker integration in high-risk districts, and these are beginning to reach more communities. Still, coverage remains patchy, and public trust in these alerts needs to be strengthened through community engagement. The Himalayas are fragile. This region, formed by the collision of tectonic plates, is geologically young and unstable. The rains are not new, but the damage they cause has been made worse by human intervention. Between 2000 and 2010 alone, nearly 4,000 hectares of forestland were diverted for 2012 and 2013, further tracts were opened up. Debris dumping, unchecked sand extraction, and river channel manipulation have altered watercourses, making floods more was no way to stop the Uttarkashi disaster, but we can reduce the harm it causes. That means reducing exposure by limiting settlements in high-risk zones, protecting river corridors, enforcing building codes, and designing infrastructure that respects water's guidance has improved—revised Central Water Commission rules and stricter environmental clearance procedures are steps forward—but weak enforcement undermines their effect. The 2000 order banning construction within 200 metres of riverbanks is still widely ignored, and court rulings to remove illegal structures have not always been second and growing risk comes from hydropower development. After Kedarnath, experts reviewed projects in the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda basins, yet many small hydropower schemes continue to be approved without cumulative environmental impact diversions and other alterations dry out river stretches and reduce ecological resilience; when floods come, these modifications amplify the damage. Strengthening oversight, insisting on cumulative assessments, and prioritising river health alongside energy needs will make communities safer. Resilient design, community involvement, and early warning infrastructure recommendations have been postponed. Photo: PTI Early warning systems in the Himalayas must move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and become decentralised, layered, and rooted in community action. A single SMS is not enough in poor signal zones; what's needed are overlapping communication tools like radio, sirens, mobile alerts, and trained local volunteers. Pilot efforts in Uttarakhand are trying this hybrid approach, but they must now become standard practice across all vulnerable regions, with local people involved at every even the most precise forecasting cannot offset poor land-use choices—reckless construction, disrupted river courses, and unchecked mining continue to make fragile terrain even more vulnerable. While some improvements have taken place since Kedarnath in 2013, including quicker response and better coordination, events like the Uttarkashi cloudburst remind us that progress needs to be faster and more cannot be controlled, but our decisions around risk, development, and preparedness can still decide how much damage it causes.(This is an authored article. Dr Eilia Jafar is a seasoned expert in disaster management, governance, climate change adaptation, and gender inclusion. The views expressed are her own.)- EndsMust Watch
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Business Standard
Heat, humidity grip Delhi-NCR as monsoon stalls, AQI drops to 'moderate'
The monsoon has once again lost momentum in Delhi-NCR, bringing in a spell of intense heat and humidity, reminding the residents of peak summer. The summer sun, coupled with humid conditions, has left residents struggling as daytime temperatures soar and respite remains out of reach. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the present weather pattern is expected to persist for the next two to three days. Despite intermittent cloud cover and conditions that appear favourable for rain, the region has seen almost no precipitation. Over the past 24 hours, maximum temperatures across Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Greater Noida have hovered between 35 and 36 degrees Celsius. The IMD has not forecast any significant change in this trend in the immediate future. Today's weather forecast for Delhi On Friday, Delhi is set to witness a partly cloudy sky, with a possibility of developments of thunderstorms in the evening or night hours. Very light to light rain may follow. Minimum temperatures range from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius, one to three degrees above normal. South-westerly winds are to prevail in the region, blowing at speeds of up to 22 kmph, gusting up to 30 kmph. Delhi's air quality in 'moderate' category Adding to the discomfort, the city's air quality dipped to the 'moderate' category on Friday morning. The Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 10 am by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), stood at 114. The CPCB classifies AQI levels between 101 and 200 as 'moderate', indicating potential respiratory discomfort for sensitive groups. Lucknow shuts schools amid waterlogging While Delhi faces rising heat, other parts of northern India are grappling with excess rainfall. In Lucknow, all government, government-aided, and private schools from pre-primary to Class 8 are to remain closed on August 8, following heavy rainfall and widespread waterlogging. The closure order, issued by the District Magistrate, covers institutions affiliated with all education boards in both urban and rural areas of the district. Officials cited the continuing rain and a warning from the IMD forecasting further downpours as the basis for the precautionary measure. Several neighbourhoods in the city reported severe waterlogging. Similar conditions were witnessed in other parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi, where rising water levels in the River Ganga led to the inundation of residential areas. Monsoon havoc continues in Himachal In Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon has taken a tragic toll, claiming 202 lives since June 20, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Of these, 108 fatalities resulted from weather-related disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, while 94 deaths were linked to road accidents. The relentless rains have also caused extensive damage to the state's infrastructure. As per the latest update from the SEOC, 452 roads—including two National Highways—remain blocked. In addition, 861 power distribution transformers and 244 water supply schemes are currently disrupted. Districts including Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra have reported widespread destruction to homes, public utilities, roads, and crops. Mandi, the worst-affected district, has recorded 42 rain-related deaths. Since the onset of the monsoon, Himachal Pradesh has experienced 51 landslides, 58 flash floods, and 30 cloudbursts. Rescue and relief operations continue, with assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and local authorities.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
France's biggest wildfire in 75 years engulfs an area larger than Paris as an army of firefighters battle 17,000-hectare blaze
France is facing its largest wildfire since 1949, with flames burning through more than 17,000 hectares — an area larger than Paris — in the Aude region. Authorities said the blaze, which started near the village of Ribaute on Tuesday, has been brought under control but will continue for several more days. More than 2,000 firefighters, 500 firefighting vehicles, gendarmerie and army units remain on the ground. A woman has died, and 13 people, including 11 firefighters, have been injured, with two in critical condition. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program "The fire is contained," Lucie Roesch, secretary general of the Aude prefecture, was quoted as saying by local media. Christian Pouget, the prefect for Aude, said the fire will not be "declared extinguished for several days" and added, "There is still a lot of work to be done." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like With temperatures hitting 95°F, this is the mini air conditioner everyone's buying in the U.S News of the Discovery Undo Aerial support and safety measures Helicopters and planes made 130 water drops on Wednesday to slow the spread of the fire. Authorities have banned access to the burnt forest areas until at least Sunday, citing hazards such as fallen electricity lines. Roads in the affected zone remain dangerous, and residents have been urged not to return home while operations continue. Seventeen temporary accommodation sites have been set up, and villages in the Corbières region remain on high alert. Live Events Scale and cause of the fire Officials say the wildfire is the largest in France in 75 years. French Prime Minister François Bayrou called it a "catastrophe on an unprecedented scale" and linked it to global warming and drought. Environment Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher also connected the blaze to climate change. Authorities said the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, dry vegetation, and hot summer weather. Widespread damage Jacques Piraud, mayor of Jonquières, where several homes were destroyed, said around 80% of the village had burned. "It's dramatic. It's black, the trees are completely charred," he told Le Monde. Satellite images released on Thursday showed burn scars and smoke across the region. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that "all of the nation's resources are mobilised," and urged the public to exercise "the utmost caution." (Inputs from agencies)
