A cloud burst is an intense, highly localized precipitation phenomenon characterized by extremely high rainfall rates, typically on the order of several centimeters per hour, occurring over a small spatial scale and short duration. It is usually associated with deep convective clouds, strong updrafts, and rapid condensation of large quantities of atmospheric moisture, often in orographic or monsoonal settings. The resulting precipitation can exceed the infiltration capacity of soils and the drainage capacity of channels, producing flash floods, rapid surface runoff, and geomorphologically significant erosion. Cloud bursts are important in hydrometeorology and disaster risk assessment due to their extreme intensity and limited predictability at fine spatial and temporal scales.
A new algorithmic framework that can predict flooding could help save lives and reduce the devastation as climate change drives more intense and unpredictable rainfall.
Earth Sciences
Dec 1, 2025
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On August 5, a cloudburst near the Kheer Ganga river triggered a flash flood that tore through Dharali, a village in the Indian Himalayas. Within minutes, the river swelled with water, mud and debris, sweeping away homes, ...
Earth Sciences
Aug 27, 2025
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24
Parts of Hong Kong were brought to a standstill by flooding caused by heavy rains on Tuesday, after the highest-tier rainstorm warning was issued for the fourth time in eight days.
Environment
Aug 5, 2025
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43
Beijing issued its highest alert for rainstorms on Monday, days after deadly deluges swept parts of the Chinese capital and triggered a rare apology from under-prepared officials.
Environment
Aug 4, 2025
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At least three people were killed and more than 1,000 evacuated Thursday after South Korea was hit by torrential rains, officials said, with one region pummeled by the most rainfall per hour since full records began.
Environment
Jul 17, 2025
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60
The deluge that surged through Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend devastated the hill country and shocked the world with its intensity and loss of life.
Environment
Jul 9, 2025
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33
As the Texas flooding death toll reached 95 on July 6—at least 27 of them children—and Tropical Storm Chantal prompted dozens of water rescues in North Carolina, some Floridians were reminded of the disastrous "rain bomb" ...
Environment
Jul 8, 2025
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Heavy rain continues to fall across the Hunter and Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Rivers are bursting their banks and spreading over floodplains, leaving many areas on flood watch. And now, this emergency is heading ...
Environment
May 22, 2025
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