GWADAR: Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Balochistan’s coastal city of Gwadar as relief and rescue efforts were under way on Friday after it received more than 180 millimetres of rain in the past two days.
On Thursday, the Balochistan government declared a state of emergency and pronounced Gwadar a calamity-hit area following severe damage caused by heavy rains.
The downpour, lasting 30 hours, led to flash floods and extensive inundation across Gwadar, Makran, and the northern and central regions of Balochistan, disrupting normal life and traffic.
Reports indicated Gwadar had received approximately 180 millimeters of rainfall over the past 48 hours, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recording 60mm in the last 24 hours alone.
Jiwani experienced the highest rainfall at 72mm, followed by Kalat with 53mm, Khuzdar with 34mm, Sibbi with 30mm, Dalbandin with 21mm, and Turbat with 20mm.
Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Jahanzeb Khan, described the situation in Gwadar as concerning, attributing it to the city’s receipt of 187mm of rainfall over the previous two days.
He stated efforts were underway to drain the accumulated rainwater, with the PDMA, Pakistan Army, Navy, and district administration engaged in relief and rescue operations alongside other institutions.
Khan reported the evacuation of flooded homes’ occupants to safe locations and cautioned that rain was forecasted to persist for the next 48 hours. District authorities were instructed to remain vigilant, with constant communication maintained via the PDMA control room in Quetta.
According to the PMD’s weather forecast, widespread heavy rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms, with heavy snowfall in mountainous areas, were anticipated in numerous districts. Isolated hailstorms were also probable. The forecast for the following day indicated mainly dry weather in most districts, with isolated instances of rain and snowfall expected in specific regions.
