Learning from Kishtwar/Michail cloud burst tragedy

By Puran Chand Sharma

Recent cloudburst tragedy that struck in Kishtwar/Michail (Chishoti) during the course of the MICHAIL MATA YATRA, which is undertaken by the deeply devoted people from across J&K, has taken a toll of more than 80 people, and reportedly, many more are missing. Of course, apparently, it seems to be a natural tragedy, but in the ongoing circumstances and the prevalent conditions, contributory negligence of human beings at the helm of affairs and the religious tourists do have their share of responsibility in the wake of the ADMINISTRATION having issued red and orange alerts, along with warnings, not to proceed for the Michail Mata Yatra in the prevailing scenario of inclement weather. However, the hardcore devotees relentlessly stuck to their religious pursuit. Accordingly, this article is aimed at analyzing the pros and cons of this terrific tragedy, which has ruined a huge number of families.

Nature is both a giver and a destroyer. While it sustains, it also tests humanity with its unpredictable forces. One such phenomenon is the cloudburst.

Cloudburst — A Natural Phenomenon or Man-Made?

Apparently, the root cause of the deadly tragedy is certainly the CLOUD BURST, which rarely happens in this area. Experts in this case say that a cloudburst occurs when a large amount of water is suddenly released from clouds in a very short time, often within a small geographical area. Technically, it is defined as rainfall exceeding 100 mm (4 inches) per hour over a localized area.

SIGNIFICANT CAUSES of cloudbursts are narrated as:

• OROGRAPHIC EFFECT: When moisture-laden air rises quickly over mountains, such as in the Himalayas, it cools rapidly and condenses, leading to sudden, intense rainfall.
• THUNDERCLOUD FORMATION: Strong convection currents lift warm, moist air high into the atmosphere, where it condenses into heavy rain.
• ATMOSPHERIC INSTABILITY: Caused when different temperature and pressure layers interact violently.
• HUMAN-INDUCED FACTORS: While a cloudburst itself is not man-made, human activities can increase the frequency and severity of floods triggered by cloudbursts, as follows:

• DEFORESTATION: Reduces natural water absorption, which increases the possibility of flash floods.
• UNPLANNED URBANIZATION: Concrete surfaces prevent water infiltration, leading to severe waterlogging.
• CLIMATE CHANGE: Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall events.
• POLLUTION: Across the globe, multiple types of pollution are caused by excessive human activity, exploiting the bounties of nature for personal use and other insignificant chores.
• ROLE OF FORESTS AND MOUNTAINS: Forests act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater and releasing it slowly into rivers. They stabilize slopes, reduce erosion, and regulate the water cycle. When forests are destroyed for roads, hotels, or agriculture, the land loses its resilience against sudden rains. Mountains, particularly the Himalayas, are geologically young and fragile. Excessive human intervention, by way of tunneling, mining, hydropower projects, and rampant deforestation, weakens their stability. As a result, a cloudburst that may have been manageable in a healthy ecosystem turns into a disaster in the present scenario.

Real-Life Examples and Impact

In this context, and as a matter of greater priority and importance, we can learn a lot and enrich ourselves to save nature and ward off severe dangers of massive destruction of property and loss of valuable human lives from a few earlier tragedies of catastrophic nature, such as:

• LEH, LADAKH (2010): A devastating cloudburst killed over 200 people and displaced thousands.
• KEDARNATH, UTTARAKHAND (2013): Sudden torrential rains led to flash floods and landslides, killing thousands of pilgrims.
• HIMACHAL PRADESH & UTTARAKHAND (2023): Multiple cloudbursts triggered landslides and floods, highlighting the growing vulnerability of Himalayan states.
• JAMMU & KASHMIR: In 2021–22, several cloudbursts happened in J&K, particularly in Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Kishtwar, causing flash floods that destroyed houses, bridges, and crops, while dozens of people were killed in this catastrophe.

Adverse Impact of Cloudbursts

These incidents underline and highlight the fact that cloudbursts are becoming more frequent due to changing climate patterns and increasing human interference.

• IMPACT ON NATURE: Cloudbursts trigger landslides that bury villages and roads. They also cause soil erosion, which leads to loss of fertile land, and river siltation, altering river courses and increasing flood risks downstream.
• IMPACT ON HUMANS:

• There is large-scale loss of lives due to sudden flash floods.
• Homes, infrastructure, and agricultural fields suffer huge destruction.
• Collapse of roads, bridges, and communication networks isolates communities.
• Society suffers huge psychological trauma and displacement of populations.
  • ON WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY:
• Habitat destruction leads to the death of animals and birds.
• Reduction in species diversity occurs due to frequent ecological disturbances.
• The growing human population expands into ecologically fragile regions, increasing vulnerability and multiplying the effects of disasters.

Lessons Learnt and Role of Administration

1. SCIENTIFIC MEASURES:

• Focus on developing early warning systems using weather radars and satellites.
• Mobile alert systems for vulnerable populations.
• Appropriate investment in advanced meteorological research must be done on priority.
  2. ECOLOGICAL MEASURES:
• Large-scale reforestation and preservation of natural forests are the dire needs of the hour.
• Restricting reckless construction in mountain regions must be accorded topmost priority.
• Promotion of eco-friendly tourism practices must be suitably encouraged.
  3. ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES:
• Disaster preparedness through mock drills and rescue training.
• Strict land-use laws to prevent construction in flood-prone areas.
• Strengthening drainage systems and flood-control infrastructure.
  4. PUBLIC AWARENESS:
• Creating awareness among communities on disaster response by educating them properly about such disasters and their management.
• Encouraging sustainable lifestyles.
• Aligning strong religious beliefs with environmental responsibility, as many people in India treat nature as sacred.

Conclusion

Cloudbursts are primarily natural phenomena, but their catastrophic impact is magnified by human negligence. Deforestation, unregulated construction, and population pressure have made fragile mountain ecosystems vulnerable to disaster. The burning need of the hour is a balanced approach — respecting and restoring nature, restricting reckless and unbridled development, and investing in disaster preparedness. Scientific innovations combined with traditional wisdom can help reduce the impact of such calamities.

Mahatma Gandhi once said:
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.”

If humanity learns this lesson, cloudbursts will remain natural events — not recurring tragedies.

(The Author is President, Ved Mandir, Amphala)