Some significant aspect of cloudburst with especial reference to devastating landslides at Bastari, Naulra and Didihat region, Pithoragarh district, Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand

In recent times extreme rainfall events as cloudbursts are dominant phenomenon trigger large scale mass movement and flash floods in the Himalayan region. Cloudburst is a natural and common phenomenon in the Himalaya, especially in Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Cloudburst and associated disaster affect thousands of people every year and cause loss of life, property, livelihood, infrastructure and environment. Slope failure incidences took place at many places in Pithoragarh district on 1st July 2016 amid heavy rainfall. According to District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) and local persons, 160 mm rainfall recorded within 4 - 5 hours in Didihat area. Bastari, Naulra (Kumalgaon) and Didihat were amongst the worst affected regions. Total 160 families of 15 villages with Didihat town are affected in Thal, Munsiyari and Didihat tehsils of Pithoragarh district, 24 persons were killed in this incidence. Due to torrential rainfall Thal - Munsiyari road was cut-off and dozens of vehicles remained stranded on both sides. Since the area is tectonically active, heavy localized precipitation and anthropogenic activities play a major role in triggering landslides and flash floods. Changing pattern of rainfall that it makes heavy localized precipitation or cloudburst all the more common in this region is a cause of concern for the state government, meteorologists and other researchers. The present study focuses on some significant aspect of cloudburst and associated hazards in Uttarakhand Himalaya.