Rains, floods death toll reaches 111

It rained 500% more than at any time over the past 30 years, claims CS

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Secretary Abdul Aziz Aqili on Thursday said that flash floods continue to claim precious human lives across the province, pushing up the total death toll to 111.

“The provincial government is facing a huge challenge to cope with this mass emergency on hand,” he said during a press briefing at Civil Secretariat.

Chairman NHA Khurram Agha and DG PDMA Naseer Nasar were also present.

Sharing details about the damages caused by rain and the relief operation launched in the calamity-hit areas, he said that 10 districts of the province were worst hit by the monsoon rain as, during the current spell, it rained 500 per cent more than it was recorded during the last 30 years.

About colossal damages caused to property, infrastructure and livestock, the chief secretary said that rain and floods have damaged over 10,000 houses, and destroyed 6,700.

It caused damages to at least six main bridges, approximately 565 km of road while 712 heads of cattle were killed.

Rains also damaged 197,930 acre agricultural land.

The CS noted that even before the monsoon due to the forecast of rains, the vacations of the staff of all the concerned institutions had been cancelled.

As many as 17,500 people who were stranded were rescued while the federal government and the provincial government announced Rs10 million in compensation for heirs of the dead.

Compensation will also be given to those whose property and livestock have been damaged.

“Meetings are being held with the deputy commissioners of these districts on a daily basis,” he said, adding that four relief camps have been set up in different areas.

To provide them immediate relief, 10,645 tents and other goods have been given to the victims.

Abdul Aziz, however, clarified that the provincial government and Pakistan Army helicopters are on standby but not being used due to bad weather.

He noted that section 144 has been implemented in the province.

Heavy traffic between Quetta and Karachi is suspended as travellers are being requested to avoid unnecessary travel for at least ten days.

The CS expressing satisfaction over the response of district administration said that deputy commissioners of all districts are doing relief work.

“If any officer shows negligence, action will be taken against him,” he observed.

It may be recalled that heavy downpour started on June 13 and played havoc in parts of the province.

Labella, Khuzdar Jhal Magsi and its surrounding areas are the worst hit districts.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2022.