QUETTA: A fresh spell of rain accompanied by strong winds, thunder and hail has begun across more than 30 districts of Balochistan, triggering flash floods in several areas and causing widespread disruption.
On Wednesday, heavy rainfall was reported in Quetta, Khuzdar, Kalat, Surab, Lasbela, Hub, Kech, Gwadar, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Zhob, Harnai, Loralai, Kohlu, Awaran, Kharan, Mastung, Sherani and Ziarat and other areas, creating flood-like conditions in many localities.
In Sibi and surrounding areas, rain continued late into the night, resulting in a drop in temperature.
In Harnai, a passenger pickup was swept away by floodwater near Babar Kuch, however all three occupants remained safe.
Due to rainfall, low-level flooding was recorded in the Nari River, causing partial damage to a protective embankment near Bakhra Ghulam Bolak.
Deputy Commissioner Sibi, Major (R) Muhammad Ilyas Kabzai, placed the district administration on high alert and initiated strict monitoring of the flood situation. He also visited various parts of Sibi city and nearby areas to review the rainfall conditions.
According to the Meteorological Department, there is a risk of widespread flooding and damage due to heavy rainfall, windstorms and hail in Balochistan until April 3.
The department warned of severe flooding in hill torrents and seasonal streams in northeastern districts including Zhob, Musa Khel, Sherani, Barkhan, Sibi, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Nasirabad, Jhal Magsi, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar and Lasbela.
The Met Office also cautioned that strong winds, hail and lightning may damage weak structures such as electricity poles, billboards and solar panels.
On Wednesday, intermittent rain with strong winds and thunder continued in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Noshki, Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, Kharan, Chagai and Dalbandin, while some areas received heavy rainfall and hail.
In Qila Abdullah district, intense rain and strong winds caused high-level flooding in streams.
According to the deputy commissioner, water flow increased dangerously in Machka, Arambi, Baghak and Gulistan Kareez.
In Gulistan, a mini-coach carrying 15 passengers including women and children got stuck in floodwater but was safely rescued.
Two more vehicles were also rescued from Machka stream. The district administration confirmed that no casualties were reported and all individuals remained safe.
Authorities imposed a complete ban on all types of vehicle movement in streams and directed police to remain on high alert.
Section 144 is already in force in the district. Flood conditions remained in several areas including Bazaar, Habibzai, Abdul Rehmanzai, Gulistan, Arambi and Toba Achakzai late into Wednesday night, while water levels in dams and streams were continuously monitored.
Meanwhile, in Kachhi district, a breach in the Nari River embankment caused damage to crops and houses in the Balochani area.
In Harnai, rain continued for the third consecutive day, affecting mud houses. In Babu Mohalla, the roof of a room collapsed, burying livestock under debris, though no human casualties were reported.
Due to flooding and hill torrents, Harnai’s road links with other parts of the country were cut off, and highways connecting Harnai with Punjab, Quetta and Sibi remained closed.
During this time, a double-cabin pickup was swept away, but all passengers jumped out and saved their lives.
In Kachhi, an important meeting regarding possible flood emergency situations was held at the DC Office under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Mumtaz Ali Khetran.
Heads of departments including Communications and Works, MMD, Education, Local Government, Health, Police and Irrigation attended.
The meeting reviewed potential threats and flood conditions caused by recent rains, and a comprehensive action plan was finalized with clear responsibilities assigned to all departments.
The deputy commissioner directed all departments to remain on round-the-clock alert, ensure emergency preparedness, keep machinery and resources ready for rescue and relief operations, identify low-lying areas and prepare evacuation plans, and ensure continuous monitoring of protective embankments.
Authorities have appealed to the public to stay away from streams and low-lying areas and avoid unnecessary travel to prevent loss of life and property.
