UPSC 2024 Mains GS1 Model Answer - What is the phenomenon of cloudbursts? Explain
SuperKalam
Feb, 2025
•1 min read
What is the phenomenon of cloudbursts? Explain.Approach
Introduction
Cloudbursts refer to the occurrence of over 100 mm of rainfall per hour over a small area, often leading to flash floods. They frequently occur in mountainous regions and are a growing concern due to climate change. For example, the 2013 Uttarakhand cloudburst led to thousands of deaths and severe property damage.
Body
Causes:
- Orographic lifting: Moist air is forced to ascend due to mountains, leading to heavy rainfall.
- Atmospheric instability: Low-pressure systems enhance the likelihood of cloudbursts.
- Convective activity: Strong upward movements of warm, moist air create cumulonimbus clouds.
Effects:
- Flash floods: Sudden water influx overwhelms rivers and infrastructure.
- Landslides: In mountainous areas like Uttarakhand, intense rainfall triggers landslides.
- Damage to infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and buildings are severely affected.
Conclusion:
Investment in early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, like the Copenhagen Master Plan, and community awareness can mitigate the disastrous impacts of cloudbursts and improve preparedness across vulnerable regions in India.
Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam
✅ Now that you have gone through the model answer, try practicing and writing it in your own words and evaluate it instantly with SuperKalam here - Evaluate Mains Answer instantly
✅ Download Model Answer PDF for complete UPSC Mains 2024 GS1 Paper with analysis here - Download GS1 Model Answer
