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A devastating cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district triggered flash floods, damaging homes and sending panic through high-altitude villages like Dharali. While such events may seem sudden, scientists warn they're becoming increasingly common and increasingly dangerous in the Indian Himalayas.

But what exactly is a cloudburst, and why is Uttarakhand so vulnerable?

A cloudburst is a localized but extremely intense rainfall event, where over 100 mm of rain can fall within just an hour, often accompanied by lightning and strong winds. According to the India Meteorological Department, this intense precipitation typically af...