The Balochistan government has announced an “urban flood emergency” in Quetta following heavy downpours that have battered the region, resulting in a staggering 39 fatalities. The recent deaths, totaling 12 on Sunday alone, have deeply impacted several provinces including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan.
In Balochistan, the relentless rains have wreaked havoc in parts of Makran and other regions, with the death toll rising to 10 in the province. Tragically, two more lives, including that of a woman, were claimed by a lightning strike and a roof collapse incident in the Kech district.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a notification on April 14, invoking an “urban flood emergency” under Section 3 of the Balochistan Natural Calamity (Prevention and Relief Act) to address the crisis.
In response to the unfolding disaster, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti held a virtual meeting with divisional commissioners and PDMA officials. During the meeting, officials provided updates on the rain situation and highlighted the ongoing rescue and relief operations conducted by the authority’s control room.
Expressing satisfaction with the PDMA’s efforts, Chief Minister Bugti emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the people of the province during these challenging times. However, he also expressed concern over public complaints regarding inadequate water drainage systems, directing field officers to address these issues promptly.
PDMA spokesperson Younus Mengal reported overnight rescue operations in various areas, including Hina Orak, Ghai Khan Chowk, and Inscum Road, led by PDMA officers Faisal Tariq and Faisal Panizai.
To manage the crisis, the Balochistan government has suspended holidays for all Quetta staff and officers. Additionally, all public and private schools across the province will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday, as per a notification from the provincial education department.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted continued cloudy weather in most districts, with predictions of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds in several areas including Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Zhob, and others.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting in Islamabad to address the situation, directing the National Disaster Management Authority to collaborate with provinces. He extended condolences for the lives lost and urged for coordinated efforts to ensure timely relief supplies reach affected areas.
Damage and Disruption Across Balochistan
The devastating impact of the rains has been particularly severe in coastal towns such as Pasni, Kech, and Panjgur, along with the port city of Gwadar. Houses and infrastructure have suffered heavy losses, and transportation networks, including the coastal highway, have been disrupted, cutting off access to many areas.
The power supply has been significantly affected, with reports of electric pylons uprooted in Pasni and Panjgur, leading to prolonged outages in Quetta and surrounding areas. Gas supply disruptions and low pressure have also been reported in various parts of the province.
Normal life and traffic have been severely impacted across Makran and other regions of northern, central, and southern Balochistan, with reports of around 25 districts affected by incessant rains.
The coastal town of Pasni, in particular, has been described as resembling a “big lake” due to flash floods inundating human settlements and commercial areas. Noor Ahmed Kalmati, chairman of Pasni Municipal Committee, described the scene as “dozens of mud houses and boundary walls collapsed” during the intense four-hour downpour.
In Kech district, scores of houses have been damaged, and crucial link roads washed away, isolating areas like Turbat from essential services. The situation remains dire as authorities and residents grapple with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
