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List Of Deadliest Cloud Bursts In India:  A Cloudburst is a sudden and severe weather event that can be life-threatening at times. Cloudbursts are intense and lead to heavy rains in a very short period. Many times these cloudbursts come along with natural calamities like hailstorms and thunderstorms, creating flood conditions, which all result in life-threatening casualties to lives and properties. Over the years, India has witnessed some of the most brutal cloudbursts with the most shattering losses. These Cloudbursts usually occur in the mountain areas and cause flash floods, landslides and extensive damage up there. To learn more about India’s cloudburst history, here is a list of the deadliest cloudbursts faced by India that left an indelible mark over time, as per IMD data.

List Of Deadliest Cloudbursts In India:

1. September 1908, Great Musi flood
2. July 2005, Mumbai cloudburst
3. August 2012, Uttarkashi flash floods
4. June 2013, Kedarnath, Uttarkashi (as part of the larger North India Floods)
5. July 2016, Cloudburst in Singhali (Pithoragarh & Chamoli)
6. July 2021, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
7. February 2021, Tapovan-Vishnugad disaster
8. July 2022, Amarnath cloudburst
9. August 2025, Dharali village (Harsil/Gangotri region)

Which Are The Deadliest Cloudbursts In India:

1. September 1908, Great Musi Flood, Hyderabad

A life-shattering cloudburst in Hyderabad that took place on September 28, 1908, caused the Musi River to rise to 60 feet, affecting the extensive areas of the city. As per media reports, more than 15,000 lives were lost, and 50,000 houses were destroyed, which makes this natural calamity one of the worst nightmares Indians go through.

2. July 2005, Mumbai Cloudburst

On July 26 of 2005, Mumbai was drenched in the record-breaking 944 mm of rain in 24 hours, led by a cloudburst. This brutal event caused more than 1,000 fatalities. Almost everything collapsed, from transport and electricity to communication networks. This reminded the nation of billions to be prepared for the worst of weather conditions.

Also Read: 10 Worst Floods In India's History That Shook The Nation

3. August 2012, Flash Floods at Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi is probably the most cloudburst-prone place in India. During August 2012, heavy cloudbursts were the reason for deadly flash floods in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. More than 30 people died in the casualties in the villages of Bhatwari and Sangam Chatti.

4. June 2013, Kedarnath and North India Floods

In mid-June 2013, a series of cloudbursts attacked Uttarakhand and neighbouring areas, causing India's worst flash floods and landslides after the 2004 tsunami. The brutal incident claimed more than 6,000 lives. Kedarnath was almost destroyed except for the temple, and thousands of pilgrims became stranded.

5. July 2016, Singhali (Pithoragarh and Chamoli)

The cloudburst of Singhali (Pithoragarh and Chamoli) on July 1in 2016showcased the brutality of nature. Cloudbursts and torrential rains in Chamoli and Singhali (Pithoragarh) districts cause severe flash floods and landslides, destroying houses in several villages and, as per media reports, killing at least 30 people. The damage reached the people residing in the Himalayan terrain, which was vulnerable to the cloudburst.

6. July 202, Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Chamoli district also experienced another intense cloudburst in July 2021, as floods destroyed homes, roads, and public infrastructure. Multiple fatalities and evacuations took place that year here.

7. February 2021, Tapovan-Vishnugad Disaster

A Chamoli glacier burst sent a shockwave to the entire world. The event caused a huge flash flood on February 7, 2021. The deadliest event caused at least 200 labourers to be dead or missing at the Tapovan-Vishnugad and Rishiganga hydel projects.

Also Read: List Of 10 Flood-Prone Areas In India

8. July 2022, Amarnath Cloudburst

During the 2022 Amarnath Yatra, there was a cloudburst in the surroundings of the sacred shrine, causing flash floods in tented pilgrimage camps. At least 15 individuals lost their lives, and dozens more were missing as floodwaters reached camp facilities.

9 August 2025 – Dharali Village Cloudburst

On August 5, 2025, a devastating incident of Dharali Village Cloudburst, initially assumed to be a cloudburst, but the data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has disputed that the flood was triggered by a glacial lake outburst at Dharali village, Uttarkashi. The incident destroyed more than 50 structures, washed away bridges and houses, and news was reported that as many as 70 people were missing.

All these tragedies of brutal cloudbursts in India remind us of the danger posed by natural disasters in both Himalayan and urban areas. The incident also highlights the increasing necessity for climate resilience and preparedness in India.