Ramban, J&K Recent Event: Ramban district experienced heavy rainfall and hail, causing significant damage.
Rainfall Surge: IMD recorded a 575% increase in rainfall (16.9 mm) compared to the normal (2.5 mm) in 24 hours.
Cloudburst Definition: A cloudburst is defined as 10 cm or more of rainfall in one hour over a 10 km x 10 km area, or 5 cm in 30 minutes over the same area.
Orographic Lift: Cloudbursts are frequent in mountainous regions due to orographic lift, where warm, moist air rises, cools, and releases precipitation.
Flash Floods: Sudden inundation from excessive rainwater overwhelming drainage systems, common in hills due to poor water absorption by rocky terrain. Flash floods are often deadly.
Landslides: Movement of rock/debris down a slope when gravity exceeds resistance. Heavy rain increases weight and reduces cohesion, increasing landslide risk. Can cause fatalities, disrupt transportation and block rivers.
Forecasting Challenges: Cloudbursts are difficult to forecast due to their localized nature.
Cloudburst Causes sudden condensation of moisture-laden clouds, enhanced by topography.
