Torrential rains claim 11 lives in Balochistan

Officials predict more rains across country in August

QUETTA/ LAHORE:

Torrential rains and flash floods unleashed by heavy rainfall claimed 11 lives during the last week in various districts of Balochistan.

The deaths, which include six men, three women, and two children, were reported from Zhob, Khuzdar, Jhal Magsi, Pashin, Dera Bugti, Qila Saifullah, Nasirabad, and Awaran districts.

According to the officials of the provincial body, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), rains have pummelled several districts of the province for the last 15 days due to which many houses were washed away, leaving many homeless in Kharan, Washik and Naseerabad.

To help rehabilitate the damaged houses and infrastructure, the chief minister of Balochistan has approved the provision of Rs150 million as a relief fund to the deputy commissioners of all districts to enable timely help to the people.

Deputy Director PDM Muhammad Faisal told The Express Tribune that on an emergency basis, the rescue teams of the disaster management authority have rescued 40 families in Kharan and 7 people trapped in floodwaters in Harnai with the help of local relief forces.

The officials say the rain-related damages this year have been comparatively lesser than last year. However, they anticipate more damage if the rains persist.

Due to the recent monsoon rains, the Quetta-Karachi-Sindh-Malani highway has been closed for the past week after the Panjara bridge in the Bolan district was washed away by floodwaters. While Fort Mandu, Harnai, and Sanjawi Road have been restored to traffic after landslides.

Light, heavy rains predicted

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) predicted light and heavy rains in various cities of Punjab from the first week of August with several upper cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Sahiwal, and Sialkot likely to experience rainfall.

The PDMA spokesperson warned that over the next 24 hours, there is a possibility of rain in Rawalpindi, Multan, DG Khan, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Sialkot.

It also issued a warning of the potential risk of flooding in the Jhelum River near Mangala between August 4 and 6 and urged residents living near the riverbanks to take necessary precautions.

(with additional input from News Desk)