Gwadar, Kech flood situation reviewed

Relief operations are underway, ensuring safe relocation of affected families to secure shelters

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan on Wednesday led a comprehensive review of the situation resulting from heavy rains in Gwadar and Kech districts, emphasizing coordinated efforts to rescue affected individuals.

Presiding over a high-level meeting, the chief secretary received a briefing from the administration on the damages inflicted by the downpour.

The relentless rainy spell has brought devastation to Gwadar, with flash floods wreaking havoc, inundating several villages as 187 mm of rainfall pounded the area. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) cautioned of further rain-wind/thunderstorms and advised fishermen to exercise caution amidst rough sea conditions.

In response, the chief secretary directed commissioners to maintain vigilance and implement precautionary measures promptly to mitigate potential risks during the anticipated rainfall.

Read Floods and havoc

He urged officials to stockpile essential supplies and dispatched teams to affected areas to extend assistance to affected communities.

Rescue teams are actively engaged in flood-hit regions, providing critical support to stranded individuals. Leave for all department staff has been canceled to address post-downpour challenges, with ration distribution already initiated for 600 families.

Shakeel Qadir stressed swift action to rescue affected populations, recognizing the dire situation exacerbated by incessant rain impacting infrastructure and communication networks in Gwadar.

Collaborating with relevant authorities, relief operations are underway, ensuring the safe relocation of affected families to secure shelters.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 29^th, 2024.