QUETTA: Balochistan’s schools will be closed for a week as a result of the widespread damage that the province’s torrential rains have inflicted in Gwadar, Chaman, and other districts, authorities said on Friday.
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.
According to a notification issued by Balochistan’s caretaker government, the schools in Balochistan will remain closed for a week due to inclement weather conditions.
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.
Met Office had earlier informed that a westerly wave is likely to enter in Balochistan and may grip upper parts of the country on 26th February.
