Heavy rain wreaks havoc in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan

Heavy rain wreaks havoc in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan on Tuesday.

While heavy snowfall occurred in Ziarat and Sanjawi on Tuesday night, leading to a drop in temperatures.

The relentless downpour, which began on Saturday evening, left the train service between Pakistan and Iran suspended and communication networks throughout Balochistan were severely impacted.

In Quetta, the heavy rains impacted the city’s drainage and sewerage systems, making the situation worse for the residents.

Districts of Khuzdar, Kalat, Mastung, Lasbela, Awaran, Chagai, Noshki, Washuk, Sibi, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah and Qila Saifullah are also grappling with the adverse effects of the rain causing flash flooding.

The recent spell of heavy rains and snowfall in various districts, including the capital city of Balochistan has caused widespread disruption triggering a state of emergency declared by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

As reported, relief efforts are currently underway in the affected districts, with the delivery of essential supplies such as food, tents, and other relief materials to assist those affected by the adverse weather conditions.

The bad weather at the start of the holy month of Ramadan has brought significant challenges for residents of Baluchistan including shortages of gas and electricity.

In Kech, heavy rains suspended traffic and blocked connecting roads.

Makran, Pasni, Ormara, Gwadar and other coastal towns also received rain.

More rain-wind/thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills are predicted for Quetta and most parts of Balochistan on Wednesday as well.

While Quetta’s minimum temperature is likely to remain between -05 to -03 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

The recent spell of heavy rains and snowfall has so far claimed nine lives due to accidents and incidents including roof collapses.

The casualties were reported across multiple districts, including Quetta, Kharan, Kech, Barkhan, Chaman, and Pishin.

According to PDMA, relentless rains and snowfall lashed several districts of Baluchistan from February 27 to March 12, causing significant damage to residential structures.

A total of 259 houses were destroyed, while 1040 suffered partial damage during this period, PDMA stated.

Additionally, the heavy downpour led to the destruction of 80 fishing boats.

The MET Office has predicted rain-wind/thunderstorms with snowfall over hills in Quetta, Chamman, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Turbat, Nokkundi, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Chagi, Panjgur, Washuk, Dalbandin, Kharan and Gawadar over the next 24 hours.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Sunday announced that 21 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in Gwadar over the last 24 hours, 10mm in Turbat and 2mm in Ormara, Turbat and Jiwani.