Rain emergency: Balochistan govt closes schools for two days

QUETTA: The government of Balochistan has declared a two-day closure for schools (Monday and Tuesday) in response to a rain and urban flooding emergency.

The decision came after torrential rains hit the province, prompting a declaration of emergency by Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti. A meeting was convened, chaired by Bugti and attended by officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Divisional Commissioners. The Chief Minister expressed dismay over the inadequate handling of public complaints during the crisis.

The Meteorological Office had forecast rainfall in over 25 districts of Balochistan on the third day of the wet spell, resulting in casualties including 10 deaths due to lightning strikes, roof collapses, and other rain-related incidents.

Read more: More rains predicted across the country

PDMA reported that 15 houses were damaged in Pishin due to the rainfall. Road closures caused by flash floods in Hanna Orak and Chashma Achozai have been resolved, according to PDMA. Additionally, water flow at Pinjra Pull point in Bolan Pass has been managed.

Tourists have been advised by the disaster management authority to refrain from unnecessary travel. PDMA also reported successful rescue operations for vehicles stranded in flooding at Chashma Achozai and the rescue of dozens of people in Pishin.

Tragic incidents were reported in various parts of Balochistan, including lightning strikes causing the deaths of one man and two children in Quetta, Chaman Chagai, Nushki, Dera Bugti, Sorab, Kohlu, and Khuzdar.

Low-lying areas in Quetta experienced flooding due to heavy rainfall, with reports of rain in Mastung, Kalat, Nushki, Pishin, Kharan, Qila Abdullah, and Kachhi. Additionally, a dust storm hit Kalat, reducing visibility in the area. PDMA confirmed the deaths of two children due to a thunderbolt in Sorab district.”