Heavy rainfall in Balochistan, including Quetta, over the past four days has not only caused damage to several houses, but also resulted in the deaths of four people.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported on Sunday that one person died in a road accident in Turbat, a woman died in Lasbela due to lightning, and two children died in Khuzdar after their house was struck by lightning.
According to official sources, dozens of houses in Panjgur district were also damaged due to the rainfall, and citizens were shifted to safer areas by the PDMA and district officials.
They said more than 20 districts of Balochistan were currently under the grip of monsoon rains, with the PDMA having already issued alerts and deployed teams.
According to them, 23 districts of Balochistan received rain during the last 24 hours, while more rainfall was expected in at least 11 districts during the next 24 hours.
Due to the monsoon rains, the most damage was caused in Turbat area of Kech district as well as adjoining areas where many houses collapsed.
According to Balochistan Highway Authority, the Quetta-Sukkur highway has been temporarily reopened for light traffic after a bridge near Bolan washed away, and heavy machinery had reached the site to create an alternative path.
The sources clarified that only small vehicles would be allowed to pass, adding that cargo vehicles would only be allowed once the bridge had been restored “on a permanent basis”.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo expressed his condolences over the loss of life and offered his sympathies for the bereaved families.
“I pray that the ongoing rain spell will be beneficial. All related departments should monitor the situation while remaining alert,” he said.
The chief minister further directed authorities to complete preparations to deal with any resulting emergency situation in the affected areas.
Bizenjo also said that the control rooms should be kept active day and night for emergency situations.
