A catastrophic cloudburst struck Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, unleashing flash floods that ravaged high-altitude villages like Dharali. Cloudbursts, among the most destructive natural disasters in the Indian Himalayas, deliver intense rainfall over a small area in a short time.

The India Meteorological Department defines a cloudburst as rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters per hour, accompanied by strong winds and lightning, over 20-30 square kilometers. A 2023 study from IIT Jammu and the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, describes it as 100-250 millimeters per hour over roughly one square kilometer.

The Indian Himalayas, particularly Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, are highly susceptible to such extreme weather, worsened by climate change. These events, common during the monsoon season, cause widespread destruction—collapsing homes, disrupting traffic, and claiming lives through flash floods and landslides.

Uttarkashi, at 1,160 meters above sea level, lies in a vulnerable zone where densely populated Himalayan valleys face frequent cloudbursts. The 2023 study notes Uttarakhand experiences more severe and frequent cloudbursts compared to other Himalayan regions, impacting communities significantly.

Recent incidents highlight the growing threat. On July 26, heavy rains in Rudraprayag triggered landslides, blocking the Kedarnath trekking route and prompting the evacuation of over 1,600 Chardham pilgrims. On June 29, a cloudburst at Silai Band damaged a hotel construction site, leaving eight to nine workers missing.

Experts urge robust policies and disaster management strategies from national and global organizations to mitigate the rising risks of these devastating events in the Himalayas.

Also Read: PM Modi Mourns Uttarkashi Cloudburst Tragedy

Also Read: Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Homes Swept Away in Flash Floods