Cloudbursts in Pakistan: What They Are and Why They’re So Destructive
The summer 2025 monsoon brought
devastating cloudbursts in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). In
mid-August, sudden downpours dumped over 150 millimeters of rain in one hour in the Buner district. The result was deadly flash floods and landslides that killed
hundreds and destroyed entire villages. Nationwide, nearly 700 people have died
in rain-related floods this season.
In this article, we explain:
- What a cloudburst is
- The science behind cloudbursts
- The recent impacts in Pakistan
- Why are they so destructive
What Is a Cloudburst?
A cloudburst is an extremely intense
and sudden rainstorm. It is defined as:
- Rainfall of 100 millimeters (about 4 inches) or more in
one hour
- Localized to a small area (20–30 km²)
- Rain that falls all at once, rather than gradually
Unlike normal heavy rain, a
cloudburst is like a “rain bomb”, dumping several days’ worth of rainfall in
just minutes. This is what makes it so destructive.
The Science Behind Cloudbursts
Cloudbursts form due to a
combination of weather patterns and geography:
1. Warm, Moist Air
During the monsoon, warm, humid air
rises from the Arabian Sea and condenses into tall storm clouds.
2. Mountain Effect
When these moist winds hit the
mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Himalayas, or the Hindu Kush, they are pushed
upward quickly. The mountains act like barriers, trapping the clouds in place.
3. Super-Saturation
The clouds become super-saturated,
holding far more water than normal. Strong upward winds delay the rainfall,
building pressure inside the cloud.
4. Sudden Collapse
When the cloud can no longer hold
the water, it bursts, releasing a massive downpour in minutes. This sudden collapse
creates flash floods, landslides, and destruction.
Recent Impacts of Cloudbursts in Pakistan
Flash Floods and Landslides
In Buner district, KP, a powerful
cloudburst swept away entire villages. Over 30 houses were destroyed, and
massive boulders and mudslides crashed into homes. Within minutes, streams
turned into raging floods.
Human Toll
The monsoon season has claimed over
650 lives across Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was hit the hardest, with hundreds
of deaths in just a few days. In one tragic incident, more than 200 people in
Buner lost their lives due to a single cloudburst-triggered flood.
Property and Economic Damage
- Nearly 1,000 homes destroyed in KP
- Roads and bridges were washed away, isolating entire towns
- Power and mobile networks collapsed in affected areas
- Families lost all belongings, crops, and livestock
Relief Efforts and Warnings
The government has set up relief
camps and rescue operations, but officials warn that more cloudbursts and heavy
rain are expected in late August and September. Because of their sudden nature,
cloudbursts are very difficult to predict.
Why Cloudbursts Are So Dangerous
Cloudbursts are among the most
destructive weather events because:
- They strike suddenly without warning
- They cause instant flooding and landslides
- They destroy infrastructure, homes, and farmland
- They cause high casualties in a very short time
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