Rain, urban flood emergency declared in Balochistan
The Balochistan government on Monday declared rain and flood emergency due to continuous heavy rains which battered different districts of Balochistan, killing and injuring several people across the province.
The areas which witnessed heavy rains include Kohlu, Musa Khel, Zhob, Sherani, Mastung, Nushki.
Meanwhile, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Ziarat, Mastung, Muslim Bagh, Kan Mehtarzai and Kalat saw hailstorms accompanied by strong winds which has caused destruction to trees, gardens and solar panels. Torrential rains and hailstorms also disrupted land connectivity, affecting the communication system of rural areas of Sinjawi, Pishin, Toba Kakari, Shelabagh, Qila Abdullah and Pishin, due to which the citizens are facing severe problems.
In Pasni’s ward no 5, the roof of a house collapsed due to rain, injuring six people including four children. The rescue personnel took out the injured from the debris and shifted them to the hospital.
In Karkh, a 13-year-old girl lost her life after she was buried under the debris due to the roof collapse while three others were wounded in the incident.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted more intermittent rains in Balochistan this week.
“Westerly winds will enter the western areas of Balochistan on the night of April 16 and will spread to the upper regions of the country on April 18,” it added.
The PMD said that there is a chance of rain in Gwadar, Naseerabad, Sibi, Kohlu, Harnaya, Mastung, Barkhan from April 16 to 19. Meanwhile, there is a risk of flooding in strong water drain on April 17 to 18 due to rains.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind gave a briefing on the situation, saying that seven people have lost their lives due to rains so far.
Rind said that the schools have been closed for two days keeping in view the situation, adding that the holidays of all officers and staff concerned have been cancelled. The spokesperson said that the government was responding to the complaints and action against encroachment on drains is ongoing.
Meanwhile, member of Balochistan Assembly Wali Muhammad said that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) was working in the current situation and work was being done in affected areas. SCHOOLS TO REMAIN CLOSED FOR TWO MORE DAYS AMID TORRENTIAL RAINS IN BALOCHISTAN: Amid torrential rains continuing for the last three days, Balochistan government has announced closure of schools in the province for two more days. Secondary Education Secretary Saleh Nasir has issued a notification in this regard, directing authorities to shut the schools on April 15 and 16 due to rains and emergency conditions.
It may be recalled that educational institutions were to start their academic activities from today (Monday).
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted more rains with stormy winds for Quetta, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Zhob, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Sibi, Loralai, Ziarat and Qalat. The Met Office said that overcast conditions will prevail in most parts of the province.
Meanwhie, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued guidelines for publicin view of casualties caused by rains and lightning in various parts of Balochistan.
At least eight people have so far died due to the lightening in parts of the Balochistan as heavy rains has started lashing almost all districts of the province since third day of Eid.
PDMA in a statement issued here on Sunday said, lightning usually strikes open and elevated places, urging people to take precautionary measures.
“People must avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms and do not keep shiny objects under open sky. One must keep itself away from the iron objects including vehicles, poles, besides avoiding from plains, beaches and other open areas, PDMA said. PDMA stressed that use of mobile phone game, landline phone, computer, laptop in open be also avoided. “Do not travel on motorcycle, cycle, etc. during thunderstorms,” PDMA further added.