How cloud bursts occurs? What are its consequences? Suggest measures for the disaster risk reduction and management due to cloud burst. [250 Words] (15)
Cloudbursts occur when a large amount of moisture is concentrated in a small area and released in a short period.
Several factors can cause this:
- Orographic lifting: Moist air pushed to rise over mountains cools and condenses, generating rain or snow.
- Convergence: When two air masses with different temperatures and moisture content converge, the air rises, causing condensation and heavy rainfall.
- Upper-level disturbances: Troughs and jet streams in the high atmosphere can cause cloud formation and severe rain.
Effects of Cloudbursts
- Flash flood: Cloudbursts generate flash floods, which have quick water level surges and powerful currents. Flash floods can kill and damage property and infrastructure.
- Landslides: Landslides can result from cloudburst-induced torrential rainfall. Landslides can bury people and cattle and damage houses, highways, and infrastructure.
- Mudflow: Mudflows can also result from cloudbursts. Large stones and trees in mudflows can destroy buildings and automobiles more than landslides.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
- Early warning systems: Early warning systems allow communities to evacuate before cloudbursts.
- Land-use planning: Avoiding building in cloudburst-prone locations like steep slopes and flood plains can protect property and infrastructure.
- Conservation of forests: Forests regulate water flow and avoid soil erosion. Protecting forests and planting new trees helps reduce cloudburst damage.
- Development of infrastructure: Dams, reservoirs, and drainage systems can reduce flash floods and safeguard populations.
- Community preparedness: Informing communities about cloudburst threats and educating them to respond to emergencies can save lives and property.
- Emergency reaction plans: Well-developed emergency response plans can help communities respond swiftly and efficiently to cloudbursts.
Communities can increase resilience and lessen cloudburst risk by taking these steps.