Torrential rains wreak havoc in Balochistan cities

Torrential rains lashed the Balochistan coastal cities causing flash flooding while Makran Division was affected the most where walls of various houses collapsed or either submerged by rainwater, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

Dozens of residential structures have been collapsed in Quetta, Qila Abdullah and in other districts due to heavy rain. 

The first-ever significant rain spell of the winter lashed a number of Balochistan cities especially along the coastal belt. Rainwater completely submerged many houses in Qila Abdullah and Gwadar.

Rescue and civic authorities along with Pakistan Army and Frontier Constabulary have carried out rescue and relief operations to assist the trapped citizens of Balochistan. The troops and relief authorities shifted the locals to safer places while work has also been started to restore link roads in these areas.

Earlier, an emergency was declared in several parts of Balochistan on Wednesday after torrential rains flooded houses and inundated connecting roads, particularly in the coastal belt of the province, where Pakistan Armed forces troops were called out to help the civilian administration in a massive rescue operation.

Soldiers joined the Gwadar district administration for help, as dozens of mud houses collapsed, while floodwaters entered settlements and alleys and roads turned into pools after heavy rains pummelled the coastal district, the military said.

On the other hand, heavy snowfall in Kan Mehtarzai and Ziarat made the roads in these areas unpassable, suspending traffic on the national highway. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said that the highway was reopened late on Wednesday.

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According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) the worst-affected areas included Old Town Gwadar, Sorbandar and Pashukan and the army was using small and large machines in Gwadar city and its neighbourhoods to drain water from the inundated streets.

“Relief operations are under way in Gwadar, Sorbandar and the areas adjacent to East Bay Expressway,” the ISPR said.

 “The Pakistan Army continued its relief operations in collaboration with the civil administration and ensured the provision of rations, tents and beds among the people.” Similarly, the FC Balochistan carried out relief activities in the flood-affected of Kech district.

Reporter Rizwan Saeed