(Feature Image:- Locals walk across a damaged road following flash floods due to cloudburst in the Naginar area of Faqir Gujri, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Saturday, July 22, 2023. Photo: PTI/S. Irfan)
This article is about ‘cloudburst’ incidents that have taken place in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakah in North West Himalayan states and in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in North East Himalayan states during south west monsoon 2023 season. SANDRP has earlier published detailed analysis on ‘cloudburst’ incidents in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh states in SW Monsoon 2023.
JAMMU & KASHMIR
MAY 2023
May 2; Anantnag Asia’s largest trout fish farm, the Kokernag fish farm suffered heavy loss after flush flood following a cloud burst in Bindoo Zalangam forest area. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0by4sa9jSo (2 May 2023) Heavy rains triggered flashfloods in the Kokernag area affecting the famous Mughal Garden and Trout Fish Farming Project, officials said. SDM Kokernag Sarib Sahran said that sudden heavy rains caused small flashfloods in the Kokernag garden. http://risingkashmir.com/flashfloods-strike-kokernag-garden-trout-fish-farming-project (3 May 2023) A cloudburst caused massive damage to residential and government buildings in the Kokernag area. Two houses were washed away while extensive damage was caused to the trout fish hatchery, the largest in Kashmir. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/features/cloudburst-in-kokernag-104587 (9 Jul 2015)
May 3; Kulgam: Cloudburst triggers flash-flood Flash flood triggered by a cloudburst occurred in upper reaches of Lammar Hallan in south Kashmir’s Kulgam dist on May 3. “A cloudburst may have occurred in the upper reaches of the Lammar-Hallan area in Devsar Tehsil, causing overflow in the down streams and minor flash floods in the Hallan,” Tehsildar Devsar Shakeel Ahmad said.
Locals revealed that panic gripped the area when a local school was submerged due to flash floods. “As the water began to enter the school rooms due to the heavy rainfall and hailstorm, we immediately evacuated the students and relocated them to safer locations. Water entered some rooms and might have caused minor damage to school infrastructure,” a teacher at the school said, adding that all the students were safe and sound. http://risingkashmir.com/cloudburst-triggers-flash-flood-in-kulgam-villages-7642f00a-c854-424e-b7fb-979405f6dab6 (4 May 2023)
May 6; Pulwama: Couple among 4 killed in cloudburst, lighting A senior police officer said that there was cloudburst incident at Bujbagh area of Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, resulting in the death of two persons namely Hilal Ahmed Hanji (25) and his wife Rozia Jan (25). Separately, officials said that two persons died when lightning struck them at a high-altitude meadow land in Mujpathri area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district. https://gulistannewstv.com/couple-among-4-killed-in-cloudburst-lighting-incidents-in-kashmir/ (6 May 2023)
JULY 2023
July 7; Kulgam: This report claims a ‘cloudburst’ incident in Kulgam district, provides no details. https://www.amarujala.com/jammu/jammu-kashmir-weather-news-cloud-burst-in-kulgam-one-dead-rain-continues-in-many-districts-including-poonch-a-2023-07-07 (07 July 2023)
July 19; Kupwara: Flash floods cause widespread damage Flash floods on July 19 caused heavy damage to Jumagund road as about 6 culverts were washed in Zurhama area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Locals said that cloud burst in Gujjar Pati Zurhama caused flash floods resulting in damage to Jumagand road. About 40 water pipes were washed away causing immense hardships for over 10,000 people. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/flash-floods-cause-widespread-damage-in-kupwara/ (19 July 2023)
District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan on July 19 afternoon conducted an emergency tour of the flood-affected Zurhama area of Kupwara to get first-hand appraisal. The flash floods triggered by cloud bursts and heavy rains have caused damage to KPDCL infrastructure. http://risingkashmir.com/cloud-bursts-heavy-rains-trigger-floods-in-zurhama-jumgund-areas-of-kupwara (20 July 2023)
July 22; Srinagar: A cloudburst hit the Faqir Gujri neighbourhood of Srinagar, causing widespread damage to roads, water and power supply lines, and people’s homes. https://www.helpinghandsjk.com/news/cloudburst-victims-in-faqir-gujri-get-a-visit-from-a-group-from-the-apni-party/ (23 July 2023) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1l61DdAL7M (22 July 2023)
July 22; Kulgam: Cloudburst creates panic in villages. An official said that there has been a sudden downflow of water in many areas of Damhal Hanjipora due to cloudburst on July 22 in upper reaches while no loss of human life has been reported so far. “Water gushed into residential houses, apple orchards, caused damage to the boundary walls of a Higher Secondary and Middle School in Khurbatpora while inundating the roads as well,” he said. He said the affected area include Tangmarg, Korel, Chogalpora, Kurbatpora, Chachmulla and Jaibal area of Damhal Hanjipora. https://thekashmirimages.com/2023/07/22/flash-floods-caused-by-cloudburst-creates-panic-in-kulgam-villages/ (22 July 2023)
Flash floods and cloudbursts have been reported from several places in Kulgam, including Manzgam, DH Pora, Chachamulla, and Korel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r30EzQzZBM (22 July 2023) Flash Floods, triggered possibly by a cloudburst, hit Korel area of Kulgam district. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m-FhdnFRP8 (22 July 2023)
July 22; Doda: Cloudburst washes away road stretch A powerful cloudburst that struck Kota Nullah in Doda district on July 22 washed away a stretch of Thaleela – Chirala link road and created a flood like situation. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/chenab-valley/cloudburst-washes-away-roadstretch-in-jks-doda/ (22 July 2023) On July 22, a cloud burst caused flash floods in Bangla Nallah in Chirala Tehsil of Doda district. A truck driver, Raj Singh s/o Romal Singh from Udhampur, was caught in the disaster. Thankfully, he was rescued by the combined efforts of the police and local residents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbTO5YzCmqs (22 July 2023)
July 23; Kupwara: Woman dies in cloudburst triggered flash flood A woman died in flash floods triggered by multiple cloudbursts in the Lolab area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on July 23. Multiple cloudbursts were reported in the Lolab, Batpora, Trumnaad, Zarhama, and Hyhama areas of Kupwara district. Locals said the cloud burst in Batpora-Hyhama caused flash floods that damaged various roads in the Hyhama area. Official sources said that the flash floods caused large-scale damage to standing crops and partially damaged a school building at Batpora-Hyhama. One bridge connecting Batpora was also damaged. Reports also said that almost three PHE schemes, PDD transformers, Low Tension (LT), High Tension (HT) electric poles were damaged and washed away. http://brighterkashmir.com/woman-dies-in-cloudburst-triggered-flash-flood-in-kupwara (24 July 2023)
Kupwara chief agriculture officer Gurdeep Singh said a cloudburst may have affected 5 to 10 % of crops in Keran. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/flash-floods-in-kupwara-damage-agricultural-fields-orchards-101690182308134.html (24 July 2023)
Reports said that flash floods were witnessed in Zirhama, Lolab and other adjacent areas damaging standing crops, orchards and road stretches. The worst area however has been Hayhama belt where the flash floods besides damaging vegetation and orchards have also caused damage to residential houses especially at Shatpora, Batpora, Chalgund. Some vehicles were buried underneath the ravaging flash floods. The DDC later visited Krusan, Shalgund, Brunut Takia Khurhama and other areas of Lolab and took firsthand appraisal of flood situation due to flash floods triggered by Nallah Khurhama. https://kashmirreader.com/2023/07/24/flash-floods-hit-kupwara-farmlands-inundated-vehicles-swept-away/ (24 July 2023)
July 28; Doda: Bridge washed away due to flash floods A massive flash flood triggered by a cloudburst washed a foot bridge away in Kaljugasar village of block Changa of sub division Gandoh in Doda district on July 28, near Himachal Pradesh border.
Several villages were cut off due to the drowning of concrete footbridges. As the bridge washed away and debris accumulated, hundreds of locals were stranded. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/front-page-2/doda-cloudburst-bridge-washed-away-due-to-flash-floods-over-dozen-villages-cut-off/ (28 July 2023)
July 28; Ganderbal: Cloudburst triggers flash floods Flash Floods triggered by a cloudburst that hit Gujar Pati Prang area of Kangan in Ganderbal disrict on 29 July caused damage to seven residential houses, Mosque and two Govt schools besides damaging hundred Kanals of agriculture and horticulture fields. Water entered the nearby residential houses, Mosque and Government schools at Panzindara. Water in its route replenished seven houses with mud, suffocated a hydel power canal, impaired one Masjid, a lift water project and two primary schools. http://risingkashmir.com/cloudburst-triggers-flash-floods-in-prang-area-of-kangan-f18c0000-659a-4f29-8012-f1a915056f96 (30 July 2023)
Following a devastating cloudburst that struck Ganderbal village, the residents of several downtown areas in Srinagar, including Zakura, Soura, Anchar, Nawa Kadal, Umerabad, and adjoining regions, have been facing acute water shortages, with taps running dry for 24 hours. http://risingkashmir.com/cloudburst-in-ganderbal-village-leads-to-water-scarcity-in-srinagars-downtown-areas-9bda32cc-2d92-4672-841c-f2e8d75dee19 (31 July 2023)
LADAKH
July 9; Leh: 450-year-old-building collapses A 450 year-old building collapsed in the Kharyouk area of Leh city in the union territory of Ladakh due to incessant rainfall on July 9. Leh recorded 14.5 mm of rainfall in 9 hours. The flash floods also led to waterlogging. As per the statement by locals, there was a cloud burst in 2010, “But the damage was not so much. However, this time a lot of damage has been done to the old buildings”. https://www.ptcnews.tv/nation/ladakh-flash-floods-450-year-old-building-collapses-in-leh-727744
July 21; Leh & Kargil: Massive damage to roads In Leh, the flash floods hit upper Leh area due to which the water inundated the main market of the Leh town & nearby areas. Several roads got damaged, many places including the main market place were waterlogged. In Kargil district, flash floods occurred in several areas of Drass, Chikthan & Sankoo causing damage to roads, houses & farms. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/front-page/massive-damage-caused-to-roads-in-kargil-leh; https://www.greaterkashmir.com/ladakh/massive-damage-caused-to-roads-in-kargil-leh/ (22 Jul 2023)
Over a dozen houses and shops suffered partial damage after cloudburst triggered flashfloods in Leh town late on July 22, 2023 night. The floodwater even inundated some markets in Leh town and also washed away parked vehicles. No loss of life was reported from Leh or adjacent areas. Locals said that flash flood brought muck and boulders to the markets and residential areas.
Locals said more damage was witnessed in Skampari and upper Leh. The heavy rains also caused damage to Leh-Nubra road at Khardong and Khalsar villages. Standing agriculture crops were also damaged. Tourists could be seen helping locals in the rescue operations.
President, municipal committee, Leh, Dr Namgail said that the govt teams are collecting details about damages caused by flash floods. He said that they have reports of two houses getting completely damaged, many houses and shops got partially damaged. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/cloudburst-in-leh-town-triggers-flash-floods-causes-damage-to-houses-and-shops-no-loss-of-life-reported-101690049273530.html (23 July 2023)
A day after the flashfloods and torrential rainfall LG Brigadier BD Mishra (retd) has issued orders to start immediate recruitment of personnel for the State Disaster Response Force on fast-track. An official said the administration had also ordered formation of two committees for Leh and Kargil with the chief engineer of the Border Roads Organisation’s projects as the nodal officer.
Officials were asked to clear the nullahs and water channels of the boulders, sludge and other blockage. Anti-encroachment drives along the water channels have also been ordered. The administration will also conduct a hydrological survey along with the long-term mapping of Leh town to control the haphazard construction along water channels. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/after-cloudburst-ladakh-orders-hiring-of-disaster-response-staff-528371; https://ladakh.nic.in/flash-flood-due-to-heavy-rainfall-leaves-trail-of-destruction-in-leh-town-cec-mp-dc-leh-assess-flood-affected-areas-initiate-relief-operations/; https://ladakh.nic.in/adc-kargil-visits-flood-affected-areas-of-drass-directs-concerned-officials-to-assess-damage-remain-alert/ (24 July 2023)
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
July 21; West Kameng: Floods damage houses, properties in Dirang Heavy floods have caused significant damage to houses and properties in Dirang circle. Three iron hanging bridges in Dhirme (Nyukmadung village) and one each in Zangdorong and Saskarong, near the hydel of the hydropower department, have been washed away. Numerous kutcha houses were swept away & several other houses in Rajapa Colony, near Yeshi garage suffered partial damage.
Cloudbursts over West Kameng and Tawang districts on July 21 damaged machines and vehicles belonging to the Patel Engineering firm. An unprecedented cloudburst over Sela triggered massive landslides, leaving properties worth lakhs of rupees of the firm deployed in the Sela tunnel project damaged. Three ‘miller trucks’, two excavators, and at least four labourers’ camps of the Patel Engineering deployed in the Sela tunnel project have been damaged or washed away. It is learnt that at least 6 kms of the approach road from Senge Point to T Tunnel has been severely damaged. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/07/24/floods-damage-houses-properties-in-dirang/ (24 July 2023)
“The cloudburst occurred at around 2240 hours near Sela Tunnel site, Baisakhi, resulting in a heavy downpour, and a major devastation took place along the Miyong River in Dirang sub-division. A total of 10 kutcha houses and 4 bridges were washed away in 4 different locations of Dirang,” district disaster management officer in-charge Mindu Yangzom said. https://thekashmirhorizon.com/2023/07/24/4-bridges-10-houses-washed-away-as-cloudburst-triggers-flash-flood-in-arunachals-dirang-subdivision/; https://www.eastmojo.com/arunachal-pradesh/2023/07/24/arunachal-cloudburst-flash-floods-cause-massive-damage-in-west-kameng/ (24 July 2023)
July 29; The passengers of a vehicle escaped when a sudden burst of water caused by heavy rainfall washed away their vehicle in the Ribi Korong area of the Pasighat-Yingkiong road in Arunachal Pradesh on July 29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ2tKga0Ua4 (29 July 2023) Dave Petley writes on the incident: A very lucky escape in a debris flow It is reported to have been about 16 km from Pashighat. https://blogs.agu.org/landslideblog/2023/08/03/arunachal-pradesh-1/ (03 Aug. 2023)
Sept. 16; Shi-Yomi: Hydel stations damaged in cloudburst A sudden cloudburst in Lhallung village in Shi-Yomi district in the wee hours of Sept. 16 reportedly triggered a devastating flood, causing significant damages.
At least two hydel stations have been severely affected, disrupting the electricity supply to Mechukha township and its adjoining areas. The floodwater also ravaged agricultural fields, standing crops, houses, water supply, and livestock. However, no loss of human life was reported. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/09/17/hydel-stations-crops-houses-damaged-in-cloudburst/; https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/cloudburst-damages-power-stations-houses-in-arunachal/; https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/video/arunachal-cloudburst-triggers-devastating-flood-in-mechukha-hydel-stations-crops-and-houses-damaged-679155-2023-09-16 (16 Sept. 2023)
SIKKIM
April 19; Gangtok: Water supply to Gangtok suffered water crisis for a week. The disruption was caused by the damage to the pipeline supplying drinking water from Rateychu due to a cloud burst on April 19. The Rateychu water supply pipelines are the sole source of water for Gangtok. https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/sikkim-gangtok-water-supply-to-resume-from-april-25-after-five-days-of-disruption-547945-2023-04-24 (24 April 2023)
June 16; Pakyong: This video report claims flash flood and landslide in Pakyong following a cloud burst. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCk9ZFwq9cU (16 June 2023)
Oct. 3; Pakyong: Greenfield airport damaged by incessant rainfall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il3gE5IP6aM (5 Oct. 2023) Protection wall of Pakyong Airport damaged due to heavy rainfall induced landslide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jaHmfHODLM (5 Oct. 2023) The wall had been showing sludge for days before, but the same has now been aggravated following Oct. 3’s cloudburst. https://hubnetwork.in/sikkims-pakyong-airport-under-threat-walls-damaged-by-incessant-rainfall/ (5 Oct. 2023)
SOME RELEVANT REPORTS
15 cloudburst incidents reported in July: MeT Quoting Deputy Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad KNO reported that 15 cloudbursts have been reported in July alone. “It will be premature to speak whether such incidents have witnessed an upward trend,” he said.
Several areas of J&K a few days ago were hit by flash floods triggered by the cloudburst incidents, which led to the damage of roads, some walls of the govt run schools in Kulgam, and minor damage to the roads in Zirhama village in Kupwara. A few cloudburst incidents were also reported in Katra recently leading to the cloudburst. https://kashmirlife.net/15-cloudburst-incidents-reported-in-jk-in-july-met-323397/ (24 July 2023)
Cloudbursts & Flash Floods By Faizan Arif Cloudburst events in remote and sparsely populated hilly regions may often go unnoticed until the media reports casualties and damages. Counting cloudbursts accurately presents a significant challenge. This weather phenomenon typically occurs over a very small area, making the detection difficult for satellites and radars.
In the last 20 days, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have encountered over two dozen potential cloudbursts, inflicting considerable damage to infrastructure, orchards, and crops, and tragically resulting in casualties due to flash floods. The convergence of a Western Disturbance with monsoon winds led to moderate to extremely heavy rainfall in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh between July 7 and July 12.
On July 16, Drabgam Pulwama and nearby villages were hit by flash floods.
On July 19, Panjthirthi in Kathua faced severe flooding, resulting in the submergence of villages and damage to buildings, leading to the loss of eight lives due to floods and landslides in Kathua district. The same day, a cloudburst struck Reasi, as confirmed by the IMD’s ARG station. In the late afternoon on the same day, flash floods struck Zurhama Kupwara, causing damage to infrastructure, including washing away of a road completely.
On July 21, heavy rainfall in Ganderbal dist, particularly in Kangan Tehsil, caused flash floods in Khanan village and mudslides/landslides in the area, with media reports suggesting a cloudburst in the upper regions as the cause. On the night of July 21, a flash flood affected areas near Leh’s main bazaar, leading to water entering houses and causing significant damage to roads and infrastructure. A day before this, Khalsar village in Nubra valley also experienced flash floods.
Early morning of July 22, a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Bangla Nallah in Chirala Tehsil of Doda district, while multiple locations in Kulgam, including Manzgam, DH Pora, Chachamulla, and Korel, were hit by flash floods triggered possibly by cloudbursts in the late afternoon, resulting in damage to houses in residential areas, crops, and orchards.
On July 23, flash floods struck several villages in the upper reaches of Kupwara, including Trumnard Batpora in Haihama, and caused vehicles to be submerged. Additionally, a tragic incident in the Kalaroos area led to the death of a woman who was swept away by the floodwaters.
During the last seven days, there were a dozen more incidents of flash floods and cloudbursts reported in various areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including a cloudburst in the Faqir Gujri area of Srinagar and flash floods in Gundmachar, Khurhama, and Shalagund areas of Kupwara.
Even though we lack specific data on cloudburst figures, as mentioned earlier, it is essential to consider the warming atmosphere’s effects. The warmer climate has the potential to hold more moisture, leading to increased rainfall over certain regions. Notably, the IPCC sixth assessment report supports this view, indicating a global increase in extreme rainfall events and projecting further escalation in the near future, given the warming atmosphere. As a result, the atmosphere’s instability has amplified, creating the likelihood of more cloudbursts and intense showers in the times ahead. https://kashmirobserver.net/2023/07/26/cloudbursts-and-flash-floods/ (26 Jul 2023)
Is climate change making cloudbursts more frequent? By Aijaz Hussain & Sibi Arasu On July 22, a cloudburst followed by flashfloods hit nearly a dozen villages in Kulgam, filling homes with mud and washing away some cattle. A day before, on July 21 night, another cloudburst in the neighboring arid, cold desert region of Ladakh triggered flashfloods and inundated parts of its major town, Leh. The floodwaters entered the town’s main market, damaging shops, sweeping away vehicles and leaving its streets a muddy mess.
Last year, a cloudburst triggered flash floods during an annual Hindu pilgrimage to a Himalayan Mountain cave in southern Kashmir, leaving at least 16 people dead. In 2010, dozens of villages and the main town of Leh in Ladakh were hit by the worst floods in its recent history. Homes and farm fields were devastated and over 250 people were killed.
Cloudbursts are a common occurrence in Himalayan regions but experts are alarmed by the increase in extreme weather-related events. Experts say the frequency of such events has been increasing in recent years partly due to climate change. They say damage caused by cloudbursts is also increasing because of unplanned development in mountain regions. Experts say excessive deforestation and unplanned developments should be avoided in climate-vulnerable regions such as the Himalayas. https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/cloudbursts-climate-change-making-frequent-101644362 (26 July 2023)
Cloudbursts & damaged river embankments Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat In the last decade, instances of cloudbursts have increased in the Kashmir valley and parts of Jammu especially in Chenab and Pir Panjal regions. Frequent cloudburst during summer rains is very dangerous and is causing flash floods. One of the many reasons for the increased risks of such cloudbursts and flash floods is river bed mining which has weakened embankments of these streams which has in turn increased chances of flooding and waterlogging in surrounding apple farms. Only a few days back, there was a massive flash flood in Romshi and Shali Ganga streams. Many local residents got trapped along with animals.
We cannot stop cloudbursts and flash floods from taking place as they are natural disasters but the Govt can definitely make sure these floods don’t cause destruction of life and properties. By allowing JCB and L&T cranes to excavate riverbed material from our streams and constant movement of huge trucks, tractor trolley, dumpers and tippers, the embankments of streams like Romshi, Rambiara, Doodh Ganga, Shali Ganga, Vaishav have been considerably weakened. https://kashmirobserver.net/2023/07/17/cloudbursts-and-damaged-river-embankments/ (17 Jul 2023)
Protecting Amarnath Yatra from extreme weather The escalating occurrence of severe weather incidents presents formidable challenges to this sacred journey. Regrettably, in 2015, the Amarnath Yatra witnessed the loss of three lives due to a sudden cloudburst at the Baltal base camp. Similarly, last year saw the tragic consequences of another cloudburst near the Amarnath Holy Cave, leading to the unfortunate demise of at least 15 individuals. While these incidents were deeply saddening, people raised concerns about the performance of the IMD, alleging lapses in weather prediction and timely cautionary measures. https://kashmirobserver.net/2023/08/09/imds-race-against-time-protecting-amarnath-yatra-from-escalating-extreme-weather/ (9 August 2023)
Ladakh Vulnerability to Flash Floods: Adaptation and Mitigation Measures This article by Col Ravinder Singh also lists 15 cloudburst incidents that have occurred in Ladakh since 2005. The complex relationship between climate change and the increasing frequency of flash floods in Ladakh unveils a stark reality that demands urgent attention. As global temperatures rise and glaciers recede in response to a changing climate, Ladakh’s delicate ecological equilibrium is disrupted, triggering a cascade of events that culminate in devastating flash floods. The melting of glaciers accelerated by a warming climate, releases torrents of water that surge through valleys and riverbeds with unprecedented force.
Altered precipitation patterns further exacerbate the situation, delivering intense bursts of rainfall that the region’s arid terrain is ill-equipped to absorb. This combination of factors, driven by anthropogenic influences, transforms the serene landscape into a theatre of calamity, where once-dormant streams rage into destructive forces of nature. The consequences reverberate across Ladakh’s communities, eroding lives, infrastructure and livelihoods in their wake. The Ladakh region has experienced a series of devastating flash floods since 2005.
Cloudburst Monitoring and Prediction: The timely prediction of cloudbursts holds immense importance in safeguarding lives and valuable assets. This objective can be accomplished by implementing advanced weather radar systems, which effectively identify and track cloudbursts in real time, thus furnishing precise and timely alerts. Additionally, creating a network of weather stations throughout Ladakh to gather microclimate data empowers accurate cloudburst predictions and flash flood risk assessments.
Community Preparedness and Education: It involves empowering the community to participate in cloudburst response which is a pivotal aspect in attaining resilience against disasters. Collaboration with local populations to create customised disaster preparedness plans considering the abrupt occurrence of cloudbursts and flash floods and regular awareness drives need to be conducted to educate residents about cloudbursts, their potential consequences, and essential emergency measures.
Early Warning Systems: Flash floods are a quick onset type of disaster, offering minimal response time. To address this, there is a need to integrate meteorological information, satellite imagery, and local observations into an all-encompassing early warning mechanism. This system should predict cloudbursts and initiate alerts. These notifications can then be swiftly broadcasted via SMS, mobile applications and other communication channels to promptly warn residents, facilitating immediate responses and evacuation measures. (Col Ravinder Singh) https://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/Ladakhs-Vulnerability-to-Flash-Floods-RSingh-200923 (18 Sep 2023)
HEP projects increasing disasters The 2022 compilation report by SANDRP shows that hydropower projects act as force multipliers when cloud bursts happen close to them. In 2021, at least 11 hydropower projects (4 each in Uttarakhand & Himachal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one in Ladakh) had faced cloud burst-induced deluge and damages in lesser or greater degrees. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/urbanisation/himalayan-plunder-how-hydropower-projects-in-the-hills-have-increased-disasters-there-87660 (3 April 2023)
Study This paper examines the environmental and economic impact of cloudburst-triggered debris flow and flash flood in four villages of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand Himalaya. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358845712_Environmental_and_economic_impact_of_cloudburst-triggered_debris_flows_and_flash_floods_in_Uttarakhand_Himalaya_a_case_study (15 Feb. 2022)
Compiled by Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)
SANDRP 