Cloudburst Confusion: Disagreement Hinders Accurate Disaster Response

News reports often mention cloudbursts causing heavy rain and damage in the Himalayas.

However, the weather department and disaster management teams disagree on what counts as a cloudburst.

The weather department says it’s when over 100 mm of rain falls in an hour.

Disaster management teams often rely on their staff's judgment.

Experts worry this confusion makes it harder to prepare for disasters and could let authorities avoid responsibility.

Improving monitoring and creating a single, clear definition is needed.