Province bathes in new spell of rain

Heavy snowfall cuts off Quetta-Ziarat Highway section

QUETTA: Many parts of the province received torrential rain on Sunday after a new rain system with speedy winds entered Balochistan, while heavy snowfall cut off the Quetta-Ziarat Highway.

Torrential rains that commenced in the provincial capital lasted throughout the day. Many citizens rushed towards picnic points at Hanna Orrak and Kan Mehtarzai with families to enjoy the weather.

Heavy snowfall was reported in Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Toba Achakzai and Toba Kakari that blocked major highways connecting various areas with the provincial capital.

Meanwhile, torrential rain lashed Qilla Abdullah, Chaman, Pishin, Kalat, Mastung, Nushki, Ormara, Panjgur, Barkhan, Gwadar, Lasbela, Zhob, Dalbandin and other cities of western Balochistan.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Saturday had issued a high alert in Balochistan, as more torrential rains and snowfall were forecast.

The Met office advised people to avoid unnecessary travel. Major damage, including casualties, was reported in Balochistan during two spells of rain and snowfall last week. The relief operation is still under way as hundreds of people were rendered homeless.

It is pertinent to mention that around 28,000 people were rescued and provided ration for a month in the wake of flash floods that hit the province earlier this month.

Provincial Minister for Information and Higher Education Zahoor Ahmed Buledi said the provincial government and its machinery remained fully functional during the recent rains.

The minister said in the first phase the provincial government had distributed 8,000 tents, food bags and necessary edibles for distribution in areas hit by flood and rains.