Torrential rains and thundershowers triggered flash floods over Batote region of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday late afternoon. The inclement weather has claimed life of one child, while two children are still missing.
Three children were trying to cross Chakwa Nullah (rivulet) when gushing water washed them away. Rescue operations are underway but heavy rains are hindering the process.
Batote-Kishtawar highway has also been blocked due to the flood water.
According to Skymet, heavy rains were due to the passage of Western Disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir. The system has been affecting the weather of the hilly states since Wednesday.
In span of last 24 hours from 8:30 am on Wednesday, Batote had already witnessed 72 mm of rain. This activity continued on Thursday as well, especially during the afternoon hours.
According to Mahesh Palawat, Chief Meteorologist, Skymet Weather, "These weather systems sometimes lead to development of thunderclouds that results in intense rains of around 50-60 mm for one or one and half hour in the hilly region. Due to this, water from higher reaches gets channelised to lower areas leading to flooding of the rivuets. This is what has happened in Batote as well."
Not only Batote but other parts of the state have also recorded rain and thundershowers.
Further, the Western Disturbance is expected to clear away the region after 24 hours but remnants of the system will continue giving rain over the state.
Image credit: Aninews
