2022 · GS Paper 3 · Q8 · 10 marks
Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.
In short
A cloudburst occurs when moist monsoon air is forced up steep Himalayan slopes into cumulonimbus clouds whose updrafts hold rain until it falls at once over a small area. Recent examples include the Amarnath flash flood of 8 July 2022 and the Kishtwar cloudburst of July 2021.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 290 words
Orographic lift
Monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea rise abruptly against the Himalaya, cooling into tall cumulonimbus clouds.
Updraft suspension
Strong updrafts hold growing raindrops aloft; when they weaken, the stored water falls at once.
Clash of air masses
A western disturbance meeting the monsoon trough sharpens instability, as in Kedarnath in June 2013.
Valley trapping
Narrow valleys pin the cloud over one catchment, and steep slopes funnel the rain into a torrent.
Where it strikes
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, mostly in July and August; Leh's 2010 cloudburst showed even the cold desert is exposed.
Amarnath, July 2022
A localised burst on 8 July 2022 sent a flash flood through the yatri camp near the cave, killing at least 16 pilgrims.
Kishtwar, July 2021
A cloudburst over Honzar village in Dachhan on 28 July 2021 swept away homes, leaving several dead and many missing.
Rising risk
Warmer air carries more moisture, while deforestation and hill roads cut into fragile slopes add debris to every burst.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.