What is a cloudburst ?

A cloudburst is defined as a sudden, aggressive, and copious rainfall event occurring over a small geographical area [1]. These events are characterized by their brief duration, typically lasting only a few minutes to a couple of hours, yet they deliver an extreme volume of precipitation [1]. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cloudburst is specifically identified when rainfall exceeds 100 mm per hour over a localized region. Physically, they are often associated with cumulonimbus clouds and intense updrafts that suspend large amounts of water; when these updrafts weaken, the water descends all at once with catastrophic force. This localized intensity distinguishes cloudbursts from general monsoon rains, often leading to flash floods and landslides in mountainous terrains like the Himalayas [1].

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > cloudburst > p. 70