What is a cloudburst, and why does it occur?

How much damage did it cause in Pakistan? (Ishraq A. Hashmi)

In recent days, serious effects of cloudbursts have been revealed in different parts of Pakistan.

Cloudburst: A Rare and Powerful Weather Phenomenon

A cloudburst is a rare and powerful weather event in which more than 200 millimeters of rainfall occurs within an hour. Known as the "bursting of clouds," this phenomenon usually takes place in mountainous regions, accompanied by intense thunder and lightning, creating the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Scientifically, the wave of hot air between the earth and the clouds prevents the clouds from retaining moisture for long. When the pressure becomes insufficient, the water is suddenly released in large volumes, resulting in a cloudburst.

Climate change has intensified this process, as shifting weather patterns and increased humidity have made such events more frequent and destructive.

Devastating Cloudbursts in Pakistan This Year

During this monsoon season, several regions of Pakistan—Chakwal, Hyderabad, Gilgit, and Chilas—have witnessed the catastrophic impacts of cloudbursts.

• In Chakwal, one cloudburst caused 423 millimeters of rainfall.
• In Hyderabad, almost 70% of the city’s streets were submerged.
• In Chilas (Gilgit), flash floods on the Babusar Highway claimed the lives of 19 tourists and swept away several vehicles.

The Tragedy in Buner and Swabi

Recently, another terrifying cloudburst struck the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to media reports, in Buner, over 150 millimeters of rain within an hour caused destructive floods that wiped entire villages off the map. So far, at least 320 deaths have been reported—207 in Buner alone and many more across other districts.

Rescue operations are ongoing in the affected areas, and authorities have pledged to relocate families living in high-risk zones to safer locations.

Meanwhile, in Dalori Gadoon, Swabi, a cloudburst followed by landslides wrote another tragic chapter: 12 houses were destroyed and 15 people lost their lives.

Coping with Cloudbursts

Climate analysts attribute cloudbursts primarily to climate change, since warmer air holds more moisture, making these rainfalls heavier and deadlier. Predicting such events in advance is nearly impossible.

Experts recommend measures such as avoiding construction near waterways, restoring safe passage routes, improving drainage systems, and promoting afforestation to reduce the risks.

Climate Disasters and Challenges Ahead

Cloudbursts are becoming an increasing reality in Pakistan’s climate landscape, with their intensity fueled by climate change, poor infrastructure, and unplanned construction.

The tragedies in Buner and Swabi have left hundreds dead, entire areas erased, and rescue organizations stretched to their limits. In such circumstances, the government and public institutions urgently need to take serious and practical measures to prevent future devastation of this scale.