Question 17GS3GS3

Explain the process involved in the formation of cloudbursts and state their impact. Also, suggest measures to reduce the impact of cloudbursts.

Introduction

A cloudburst is a localised but intense rainfall activity that can cause widespread destruction, especially in hilly regions.

18 words

Main Body

According to IMD, more than 100mm of rain in a hour over an area of 30-40 sq km is called a cloudburst. In India most prone regions are: Himalayan states, Northeastern states, western ghats.

Recent cloudburst: August 2014 - Himachal Pradesh, June 2022 - Arunachal Pradesh. Coastal cities can also be affected as seen in Mumbai, Chennai floods 2018. Impact of cloudburst: 1) Land slide: Due to sudden release of water & saturation of durfain water level. Hilly terrain, Himalayan states are most prone for landslides. Eg: recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, 2024 took 200 lives. 2) Loss of Human life & property: Due to sudden impact & lack of time to respond. Many people lose their life & there is huge loss of property. 3) Spread of communicable disease: Due to flooding of water logging—which acts as breeding ground for various pathogens. There is spread of communicable water borne diseases. Eg: cholera, typhoid, malaria, dengue. 4) Disruption of critical infrastructure: Due to damage to roads, connectivity is hampered. There, rescue operation also suffer. 5) Economic & social disruption: The economic comes to a standstill as people are forced to migrate (food migration)—poor are more susceptible.

Various measures to reduce the impact of cloudbursts as given below: 1) Understanding the vulnerability profile of a geographical area—especially in Himalayan region by meteorological grass—by biological acuitive rocks to demarcate of present the establishment of human communities near it. Seen in case of wayanand landslide. 2) Weather forecasting by IMD: early warning system to prepare for any such calamity to come. 3) Community capacity building: Educating by spreading awareness regarding the most common disaster post in their area, by teaching them what to do. 4) During disaster: prompt rescue by moving them to safer place, participation of local communities. 5) Building rehabilitation shelter, giving financial assistance, help in recovering from the past disaster consequences. 6) Mitigation: Rebuilding infrastructure resilient to disaster—"build back better".

— SAYALI BHIKA PAGAR · AIR 87

320 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

Cloudburst occur naturally & are frequent nowadays due to climate change. Thus, we should train & build resilient measures to tackle future climate challenges effectively by reducing their impact on human life.

32 words

Diagram

Diagram showing formation of cloudbursts with labeled components including: Cumulonimbus cloud formation, Updraft, Downdraft, Air enclosure, Pressure differences, Wind shear, Moist air forced to rise, Instability, Latent period 100 MB, Orographic lift, Causes, Climate change, Thunderstorm

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Topper

SAYALI BHIKA PAGAR

AIR 872023

Subject & Paper

GS3GS3

Topic

Disaster Management

Cloudbursts

Formation and Impact of Cloudbursts

Writing Stats

370

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have access to important policy decisions and upcoming big announcements such as road construction projects before they are notified in the public domain. The Ministry is about to announce a mega road project for which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners to make use of the government land with the minimum land acquisition from private parties. The compensation rate for private parties was also finalized as per government rules. Care was also taken to minimize deforestation. Once the project is announced, it is expected that there will be a huge spurt in real estate prices in and around that area. Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you realign the road in such a way that it comes closer to his 20-acre farmhouse. He also suggests that he would facilitate the purchase of a big plot of land in your wife’s name at the prevailing rate which is very nominal, in and around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to convince you by saying that there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally. He even promises to supplement your savings in case you do not have sufficient funds to buy the land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of agricultural lands has to be acquired, thereby causing a considerable financial burden on the government, and also the displacement of the farmers. As if this is not enough, it will involve cutting down of a large number of trees denuding the area of its green cover. Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what your responsibilities are as a public servant.

20M2018Critically examine