Saturday, 03 August 2024 | Vinod Chamoli | NEW TEHRI
The cloudburst experienced in the Jakhnyali area of Ghansali in Tehri district on July 31 was similar to the incident witnessed 10 years ago during July. According to experts, Ghansali is vulnerable to disasters and that climate change, geographical conditions and high mountains contribute to incidents of cloudburst during the monsoon in this region.
The Himalayan peaks are known to prevent monsoon clouds from advancing further. Experts point out that the Ghansali area appears to be vulnerable to cloudbursts due to factors like the rising temperatures caused by climate change and the high mountains above valleys.
HNB Garhwal University Swami Ram Teerth campus geology professor DS Bagdi said that there are high mountains towards the east and north east of Ghansali. When rain-bearing clouds meet an obstacle, they tend to burst due to rapid condensation. HNB Garhwal University head of physics department, RC Ramola sudden heavy rain is likely when clouds gather above a valley. A cloudburst is said to have occurred if there is 100 millimetres of rain in a 20-30 square kilometre area within one hour, he said.
