Gwadar declared calamity-hit amidst torrential rains

GWADAR: In the wake of relentless downpours, Gwadar has been declared a calamity-hit zone, grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains that have inundated the city and neighbouring areas.

The deluge, accompanied by hailstorms, has wreaked havoc on the region, causing protective bunds of fields in Negur to rupture, raising concerns of potential flooding in Gwadar city.

Caraetaker Minister for Information Jan Achakzai confirmed that the caretaker chief minister has approved the declaration of Gwadar as a disaster-stricken area in response to the dire situation.

Despite efforts to mitigate the crisis, large swathes of Gwadar remain submerged, exacerbating the plight of residents.

With water levels rising knee-high in homes and no respite from the relentless rainfall, affected citizens lament the lack of assistance, citing hunger, thirst, and sleepless nights for the past three days.

Meanwhile, relief operations led by the Pakistan army are under way, with focus on providing aid and distributing rations to those affected.

In Nokundi, Levies personnel have been deployed to rescue stranded vehicles in marshy terrain, while supplies including food, water, and blankets are being distributed to impacted communities.

The havoc caused by the rains extends beyond Gwadar, with Quetta witnessing submerged roads and several districts, including Mastung, Qalat, Chaghi, Chaman, Qilla Abdullah, and Pishin, facing flooding in rivers and streams.

With a recorded rainfall of 183 millimeters over the past two days and forecasts indicating further precipitation, the situation remains critical in Gwadar and surrounding regions as authorities and rescue teams intensify efforts to address the escalating crisis.