7 dead in Balochistan rain-related incidents; homes and crops hit

QUETTA: According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 7 people have died, and 4 have been injured in rains and related incidents since March 24.

According to the PDMA, 3 children are among the dead. The deaths occurred in Harnai, Kohlu, Turbat, Jafarabad, Loralai and Kachhi.

A girl lost her life due to lightning in Kachhi, while deaths occurred in other areas due to roof collapse and rain-related accidents.

According to the report, more than 120 houses have been damaged across the province due to heavy rains and flooding. Houses were affected in different areas of Harnai, Kohlu, Turbat, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Gwadar, Kachhi, and Loralai, while crops were also damaged in some districts due to hail and rain.

According to the PDMA, rain was recorded in several districts, including Awaran, Chaman, Barkhan, Daki, Harnai, Kachhi, Kech, Kohlu, Lasbela, and Loralai, while rain was also recorded in Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Sorab, Zhob, Quetta, Ziarat, and Sherani.

Due to heavy rains, a flood situation arose in Harnai, Qila Abdullah, and the surrounding rivers. Flooding was reported in Gulistan, Toba Achakzai, and Bazaar areas of Qila Abdullah, while high water levels were recorded in Machka Stream, Arambi Stream, Baghak Stream, and Gulistan Karez.

Meanwhile, in Kachhi district, a crack appeared in the embankment due to the flood in the Nadi River, which affected several houses and flooded about 400 acres of agricultural land, while more than 50 livestock also died due to floodwater.

Due to the rains, the Harnai-Sanjavi and Harnai-Quetta highways were closed for traffic, while several internal communication roads in Harnai were also affected, causing difficulties for the citizens.

PDMA Balochistan Operations

According to the PDMA, the district administration and rescue teams are busy in relief activities in the affected districts. In Qila Abdullah district, rescue operations were carried out in Gulistan and its surroundings through PDMA machinery under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner and District Police Officer, while the strengthening and rehabilitation work of the people is also underway.

In the Gulistan area, a mini coach carrying 15 women and children was stuck in a flood relay, and the district administration took timely action and safely removed it. In addition, two vehicles stuck at different places in the Machka stream were also rescued.

In Harnai district, the PDMA provided relief materials to a family affected by a house’s roof collapse, while in Kachhi district, the district administration is busy filling the embankment crack with heavy machinery, and the damage is being estimated.

On the instructions of the Relief Commissioner and Director General, PDMA, Jahanzeb Khan Ghorizai, the Provincial Emergency Operation Center has been fully activated, and contact is being maintained with all district disaster management authorities.

According to the PDMA, rescue personnel and relief teams are on high alert and ready to deal with any emergency situation.