What is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain.

Theme

T32 Cloudbursts & extreme rainfall

What UPSC asks in this theme

GS1 and GS3 both ask the mechanism of cloudbursts, recent examples, and NDMA measures for the Himalayas (Uttarakhand).

What to cover

• Mechanism: orographic lifting, moisture convergence, sudden release
• Examples: Kedarnath 2013, Himachal and Uttarakhand events
• Mitigation: Doppler radar, early warning, land-use zoning, river-bank regulation

Writing the answer

• Mechanism → recent example → NDMA-based measures

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 3 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.