Balochistan rain death toll reaches 53

Train operations suspended due to damaged railway tracks

LAHORE/QUETTA:

The death toll in rain-related incidents reached 53 on Thursday night as 10 more people lost their lives, while Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the civil administrations launched a massive rescue and relief operation across Balochistan.

"We have received 53 dead bodies since the start of heavy rainfall in Balochistan," an officer of the provincial emergency operation cell said. He said 47 people suffered injuries as a result of heavy rainfall and flash floods unleashed by rains. The officer revealed that 18 women and 16 children were among the dead.

Most of the casualties were reported from Quetta, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Pishin, Zhob, Dukki, Kohlu, Harnai, Sibi and Lasbella. Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc on Quetta's Link Badini Road, in Kharotabad, Pashtoonabad, Nawan Killi, Sariab Road and other poor neighbourhoods of the city.

Rains damaged dozens of small bridges in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. Videos widely shared on social media showed dams and bridges being swept away in floods.

"We have ordered the deputy commissioners concerned to assess the damages," Mir Ziaullah Langove, the Balochistan home minister, said. He said the government was aware of the difficulties of the masses.

Army and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel assisted the PDMA and civil administration during rescue and relief operations throughout the province. Pakistan Army personnel were seen rescuing people trapped in Gwadar, Killa Saifullah, and other parts of the province.

Heavy rainfall and floods have left thousands of people homeless in Balochistan. Most people are still in desperate need of support. "The government should practically launch relief operation instead of using just words," Fazalur Rehman, a tribal elder from Pishin, said.

He said flash floods unleashed by heavy rainfall have swept away most of the bridges and small dams in the district. "The government should compensate the people for their human and financial losses," he demanded.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rains across the country on Eidul Azha, warning that there is a major possibility of flooding in low-lying areas and landslides.