Cloudburst triggers devastation in Balgran, Muzaffarabad: Death toll rises to four

Rain has caused devastation in the suburban area of Balgran, the capital of Azad Kashmir, Muzaffarabad. Several areas of Neelum Valley were affected yesterday due to a cloudburst. The death toll from the cloudburst has risen to four.

According to details, heavy rain and the cloudburst have affected Balgran as well as several areas of Neelum Valley, while many connecting roads are closed. The number of people who lost their lives in the cloudburst has reached four, and the funeral prayers for the deceased will be held today.

The highway connecting Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley has been restored; however, due to the poor condition of the road, the administration has advised travelers to proceed with caution. Relief items are being provided to the displaced persons.

A cloudburst is a sudden and intense rainfall event that occurs over a small geographic area in a short period of time, often leading to flash floods and significant damage. It typically involves rainfall rates exceeding 100 millimeters (about 4 inches) per hour.

Cloudbursts occur when warm air rapidly rises into the atmosphere, carrying moisture with it. As this air cools at higher altitudes, the moisture condenses quickly into heavy rainclouds. If the clouds become too saturated and cannot hold the moisture any longer, they release it all at once in a powerful downpour. This phenomenon is most common in mountainous or hilly regions where air currents and topography enhance rapid uplift of moist air.