Published in South Express on 20.9.25

Cloudbursts are unpredictable events that occur within just a few seconds. A cloudburst refers to a sudden and heavy rainfall in a localized area. This phenomenon typically happens when warm, moisture-laden air rapidly rises, often due to local topography such as mountains or convection. This rapid ascent leads to intense condensation, resulting in a significant amount of rainfall over a short period. The recent cloudbursts in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand and Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir have created havoc and taken a heavy toll. The question is whether the cloudbursts are natural or manmade. It is not a new phenomenon. The 2013 cloudburst in Kedarnath is still fresh in memory. In fact, cloudbursts occur especially in mountainous regions like the Himalayas or Western Ghats, not in plains.

Now, the common question is whether the frequent cloudbursts are unnatural. While cloudbursts are natural, the frequency is high due to anthropogenic activities. The atmospheric heat is amplified more than the average warmth. This, in turn, increases the rainfall intensity.  Climate change is affecting the monsoon patterns, resulting in flooding and devastation. Losses due to cloudbursts are huge when constructions are in flood-prone zones. In the name of promoting eco-tourism, ruthless construction and infrastructure development activities take place in the hills. So, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of cloudbursts by raising atmospheric moisture levels and destabilizing local weather systems.

In the Himalayas, the mountains are steep and tall. The valleys are narrow and bowl-shaped. Clouds become trapped in this area and cannot move out, leading to a literal explosion. Valleys are often crowded due to mushrooming ecotourism spots. This is the main reason for significant human losses. The visuals on TV channels paint a gloomy picture. We saw many multi-storeyed buildings that collapsed like a house of cards. There were alarming scenes of structures buried under mud and slush. We are all aware that man’s greed is endless. Acting without regard for the ground realities or conveniently ignoring nature’s course will only lead to disaster, if not today, then tomorrow. Immediate Government intervention is necessary to stop congestion in hill areas. Allowing such construction must be minimal, and after a proper study of environmental impacts.