Gwadar flights operation suspended due to torrential rains

KARACHI: The flights’ operation at Gwadar International Airport was stopped on Wednesday after persistent heavy rains, lashing different parts of Balochistan since yesterday, flooded the airport as well as other parts of the port city.

The 16-hour continuous rain in Balochistan’s coastal district of Gwadar has disrupted routine life. The roads and houses have been submerged in rainwater.

Sensing the severity of the situation, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has suspended the flight operation at Gwadar airport to ensure the safety of the passengers and the airplanes.

According to the spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the water level reached six inches at the apron and other parts of the airport, which necessitated the closure of the flights’ operation.

The spokesman further said that all airlines had been informed about the decision.

PMD predicts rainfall, thunderstorm from tomorrow

On the other hand, residents of the city continue to face difficulties as not only low-lying but other areas of the city too were flooded till last reports came in.

Rainstorms have brought routine life to a halt as several homes have been destroyed while boats anchored at the port have also been broken.

The district administration has declared a state of emergency in rain-hit areas of Gwadar while paramilitary forces have been called in to help the district administration in rescue and relief operations.

Met officials said the coastal district received over 160mm rainfall in 12 hours.

Flood waters entered residential and commercial areas and roads of Gwadar town were presenting a pond-like situation.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast rains, thunder and hailstorms in most parts of the country and snowfall in hilly areas, starting February 29 till March 2, under a new westerly wave.