Ziarat Valley covered in white sheet of snow

Bizenjo orders action over rain-related complaints

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo on Monday took notice of the public’s rain-related complaints.

He instructed Administrator QMC, WASA and Commissioner Quetta to take timely action and get all the drainages cleaned up.

"Sariab Road, Spini Road, Imdad Chowk and other areas of the city should be cleared of sewage and rainwater," Bizenjo said.

He directed for an immediate solution to the problems and difficulties faced by the citizens as it is the responsibility of the government department.

"The work should be started by sending the maintenance staff with the necessary equipment to the affected areas," the CM added. "Videos and pictures of the work carried out should be sent to me. The staff of QMC and WASA should be fully alert and help the citizens.”

The chief minister warned the departments concerned that no negligence in drainage and sanitation measures will be tolerated.

The provincial chief executive ordered the PDMA director general to submit a report over the situation arising out of the continuous rains in different parts of the province and devastation caused in the northern areas.

According to sources, the district administration remained alert in the snow-covered areas.

The Balochistan chief minister assured that his government is fully prepared to deal with any kind of emergency.

"PDMA should ensure availability of tents, blankets and food items in the affected districts," Bizenjo said. "Necessary staff should be deployed to maintain the flow of traffic on the highways.”

A new cycle of rains has begun in different parts of Balochistan including Quetta. Ziarat experienced snowfall which attracted a number of tourists.

The Met department has forecast more heavy rains and storms in the coming days.

The weather has become colder due to rains in most parts of Balochistan including Quetta. Snowfall is also continuing in the mountains of Quetta, Ziarat and Kan Mehtarzai.

The temperature in Quetta was recorded at three degrees Celsius, Kalat minus two degrees Celsius and Ziarat minus 4 degrees Celsius.

Snowfall in Ziarat

According to details, Ziarat Valley was covered in a white sheet of snow.

The severity of the cold also increased due to the snowfall and the lives of people living there has been badly affected due to the severe cold.

Locals of the area said gas supply was completely suspended due to snowfall.

The Met department has forecasted heavy rains and strong winds in coastal areas of Balochistan till January 6. Fishermen have also been asked not to go into the sea.

A notification by the Fisheries Department stated that fishing boats should not face the sea for four days and should be parked at safe places to avoid any damage.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2022.