PDMA reports casualties due to heavy rains in Balochistan

Intermittent heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Balochistan, particularly affecting Quetta and Gwadar. The downpour has led to flooding in these regions, disrupting daily life and causing significant damage. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that the relentless rain over the past two days has submerged low-lying areas, resulting in the suspension of traffic on key roads.

In Gwadar, the highways have been washed away, cutting off ground connectivity with Karachi and other parts of Sindh. The Coastal Highway between Gwadar and Karachi has been blocked near Princes of Hope, halting traffic movement. Similarly, Quetta has been experiencing continuous rainfall, leading to water entering houses and the closure of highways and linked roads.

Other areas such as Turbat, Panjgur, Noshki, Pishin, and Chaman have also been severely affected by the heavy rainfall. Flash flooding in streams and nullahs has been reported in Ziarat, Pasni, Ormara, Jiwani, and Jhal Magsi, causing further damage to settlements and infrastructure.

The Meteorology Department has forecasted heavy rains in Sindh and Punjab over the next few days, with additional rainfall expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The recent weather patterns have been attributed to climate change, with precipitation levels in April exceeding historical averages by a significant margin.

Tragically, the heavy rains have resulted in multiple casualties, with at least 65 people losing their lives in lightning strikes and rain-related incidents across the country. The situation remains critical, with further rain predicted in the coming days, underscoring the urgent need for disaster preparedness and mitigation measures.