16-hour-long heavy rains wreak havoc in Balochistan

A 16-hour-long spell of heavy rain battered Balochistan on Tuesday, leaving Gwadar, Jiwani, Sarbandan and other parts of the province flooded.

According to the rescue officials, flood water entered residential areas and submerged several houses and shops. Flash floods rendered hundreds of people homeless. 

A devastating spell of rain started on Monday, leading to losses of properties of fishermen in Gwadar, where fishing boats collapsed and broke due to torrential rains.

Ormara, Pasni, Jewani and Sarbandan were cut off from Gawadar as the link roads were washed away in the floodwaters.

According to the officials, a portion of the coastal highway linking Gwadar port with Karachi and other areas was washed away due to heavy rains.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has predicted more rain in the province and declared a state of emergency in rain-hit areas.

Due to the torrential downpours, the board of education in Balochistan postponed the matriculation exams until further notification. 

The caretaker Balochistan chief minister, Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki, said the rain and flood water hide the roads, creating hurdles in rescue operations. However, the PMDA has been attempting to make all efforts to release the people from a devastating situation.

“We have directed the authorities to ensure the provision of clean drinking water and rescue victims as soon as possible,” the interim CM said.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said Gwadar has received a record-breaking rain of 183mm of rain in the last two days.

Talking to a private news channel, Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz said  Gawadar has witnessed unusual rains as the downpours in the winter season are not usually intense.