Cloudbursts and Flash Floods in India: Climate Impact
- TPP
- Jun 28
- 6 min read
In recent years, cloudbursts and flash floods in India have become alarmingly frequent, especially in the fragile ecosystems of Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh. These extreme weather events are intensifying due to changing climate patterns. On June 26, 2025, three more bodies were recovered in Kangra following flash floods triggered by intense cloudbursts, raising the death toll to five. Officials reported at least four such cloudburst events in Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, and Sainj areas of Kullu district. In response to the heightened risk during the active monsoon season, the Himachal Pradesh Police Headquarters issued an advisory warning of potential floods, landslides, and further cloudbursts and flash floods in India, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and real-time monitoring.
But what exactly is a cloudburst, and why do such events wreak so much havoc in hilly regions?
A cloudburst, as defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), is an extreme weather event where unexpected precipitation exceeds 100 mm (10 cm) per hour over an area of 20 to 30 square kilometers. While all cloudbursts involve very heavy rainfall in a short period, not every instance of intense rain is a cloudburst unless it meets this specific threshold. The significance of this distinction lies in both the meteorological precision and the potential destructiveness. Cloudbursts frequently lead to flash floods and landslides, especially in vulnerable hilly areas, where even a short burst of rain can rapidly escalate into a disaster.
Why Cloudbursts and Flash Floods in India Often Strike Hilly Regions
The reasons cloudbursts are more common in mountainous regions stem from a combination of meteorological and topographical factors.
Firstly, wind patterns in these regions are such that low-pressure areas form at high altitudes, attracting moisture-rich clouds.
Secondly, the high elevation of mountains acts as a barrier that compels the air to rise. When moist, saturated air ascends rapidly, it cools and condenses. However, in certain conditions, warm air currents lift raindrops upward rather than allowing them to fall. This causes the droplets to grow larger until they become too heavy and fall suddenly in a violent downpour.
The third factor is the presence of high humidity and moisture in the air, which enhances the rapid condensation process. Thus, the height of the mountains, the prevailing wind direction, and the atmospheric moisture together create ideal conditions for sudden cloudbursts.
Can Cloudbursts Be Predicted?
Scientific studies further illuminate the mechanics of cloudbursts. A 2020 study examining the devastating 2013 Kedarnath flood—which was preceded by a cloudburst—found that such events occur when relative humidity and cloud cover are at maximum levels, while temperatures are low and wind speeds are minimal. These atmospheric conditions allow clouds to form and condense rapidly, leading to sudden, intense rainfall. Importantly, cloudbursts are extremely difficult to predict. While Doppler radar systems can sometimes forecast heavy rainfall up to two hours in advance, their effectiveness is reduced in mountainous terrains where radar signals are often obstructed. Additionally, the highly localized nature of cloudbursts makes immediate detection and early warnings particularly challenging.
What Are Flash Floods?
Flash floods, often caused by cloudbursts, differ from regular floods in their sudden onset and high intensity. While general flooding may result from prolonged rainfall over several days or during specific seasons, flash floods can occur within just six hours of the triggering event, such as a heavy rainstorm or a breach in a natural or man-made dam. The U.S. National Weather Service defines flash floods as floods caused by rainfall that lead to inundation within six hours.
In India, flash floods are closely linked to cloudbursts and are more likely in steep, narrow valleys common to Himalayan terrains. Such topography channels water rapidly, increasing its destructive force. Urban areas, too, are at risk—especially cities like Mumbai and Chennai—because hard surfaces like concrete prevent water from seeping into the ground, increasing surface runoff.
In mountainous regions, flash floods are often accompanied by landslides. These occur when the saturated soil, rocks, or debris on a slope suddenly give way. The geological composition, angle of slope, and deforestation in such areas further increase the likelihood of landslides.
What Is a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?
Another significant hazard in high-altitude regions is the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). These occur when a glacial lake—formed by melting glaciers—is suddenly breached, releasing massive volumes of water, sediment, and debris downstream. GLOFs are particularly dangerous because they can destroy everything in their path, including roads, bridges, agricultural fields, and homes. As global temperatures rise, glacial melt increases, raising the frequency and intensity of GLOFs.
In recognition of the growing threat, the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, emphasizing the urgency of protecting glacier health in a warming world. From this year forward, March 21 will be observed each year as the World Day for Glaciers.
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The State of Climate in Asia: 2024 Report Highlights
The scale and severity of these disasters are closely tied to climate change. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in its State of Climate in Asia 2024 report, highlights how rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are amplifying climate risks. According to the report, Asia experienced its warmest or second warmest year on record in 2024, with average temperatures 1.04°C above the 30-year norm. Notably, Asia is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average. In India, this translated into a series of extreme weather events, including 29 tropical cyclones, prolonged and intense heatwaves, and deadly lightning strikes that killed approximately 1,300 people. The report also noted that over 450 people died during the 2024 heatwaves, where temperatures ranged between 45°C and 50°C for sustained periods.
Another alarming trend reported was the rapid retreat of glaciers. Of the 24 glaciers monitored in the High Mountain Asia region—including the Himalayas, Karakoram, Pamir, and Hindu Kush—23 showed significant mass loss. This not only contributes to rising sea levels but also disrupts regional water cycles and increases the risk of GLOFs. In marine systems, the report revealed a record extent of marine heatwaves in 2024, covering nearly 15 million square kilometers. The northern Indian Ocean, along with regions near Japan and the East China and Yellow Seas, experienced particularly intense marine heatwaves.
Why Is India So Vulnerable to Floods?
India remains particularly vulnerable to flooding. According to government data from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India is the second worst flood-affected country globally after Bangladesh. The country accounts for one-fifth of all flood-related deaths worldwide. Nearly 75 percent of India’s rainfall is concentrated within the four-month monsoon period between June and September, leading to heavy river discharge and high flood risks. Around 40 million hectares of land in India are flood-prone, and on average, 18.6 million hectares are affected annually.
In recent years, wildfires have also emerged as a contributing factor to flood risks. Forest fires destroy vegetation that normally helps retain soil and absorb rainfall. As explained by Andrew Hoell, a meteorologist at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), land scorched by wildfire loses its permeability, meaning water can no longer be absorbed effectively. If heavy rain follows, the result is often flash flooding and soil erosion.
Given these complex and interconnected risks, experts like Indian glaciologist Syed Iqbal Hasnain stress the need for a comprehensive disaster management strategy. Such an approach must include real-time monitoring of high-risk zones, development planning that respects ecological sensitivities, and robust mitigation measures to reduce the extent of damage. Effective early warning systems, community-level awareness, and international cooperation are also vital in facing what is clearly a growing and global climate challenge.
As recent events in Himachal Pradesh illustrate, extreme weather phenomena such as cloudbursts, flash floods, and glacial outbursts are no longer isolated or unpredictable occurrences. They are part of a broader pattern of climate instability, driven by rising temperatures and increasingly erratic monsoons. Addressing them will require not only scientific insight and technological innovation but also sustained policy commitment and public engagement at every level.
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Coverage and flow of facts is very simple and to the point