# Cloudburst defined: 10 cm rain in hour over 20-30 sq km 2026-08-08T12:46:08+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a cloudburst as 10 cm or more of rain falling in an hour over an area of 20-30 sq km. The Hindu reports that the term is frequently misused by officials and media to describe any sudden heavy rainfall that causes destruction, which can distract from poor planning and crumbling infrastructure. Cloudbursts typically happen when strong updrafts in thunderstorms hold large amounts of water high in the atmosphere. Experts caution that not every intense downpour qualifies, and mislabelling can shift blame away from development failures. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: cloudburst, IMD, infrastructure, urban planning, weather Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/cloudburst-defined-10-cm-rain-in-hour-over-20-30-sq-km/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/cloudburst-defined-10-cm-rain-in-hour-over-20-30-sq-km/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.