Rains wreak havoc in Balochistan

Emergency declared as communication networks throughout province severely impacted


Syed Ali Shah March 12, 2024
Commuters drive through rain on a road. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE

QUETTA:

Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, submerging Quetta and triggering a state of emergency declared by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

The downpour has caused widespread disruption, with train services between Pakistan and Iran suspended and communication networks throughout Balochistan severely impacted.

Moreover, the onslaught of the deluge has led to significant challenges for residents, including shortages of gas and electricity, exacerbating the difficulties faced by the populace in their daily lives.

In the wake of the calamity, shopkeepers and ordinary citizens have voiced their struggles amid the chaos. "The incessant rainfall has brought our business to a standstill. With the city flooded, customers are unable to reach our shops," Hassan Ali, a local shop owner, lamented.

Read also: Torrential rains wreak havoc in Gwadar

Another resident, Fatima Bibi, expressed concern over the lack of essential services, stating, "We are grappling with the absence of electricity and gas, making it exceedingly hard to carry out even the simplest of tasks."

The inundation has severely hindered movement for residents, prompting frustration and inconvenience. "Navigating through the flooded streets has become a nightmare. It's nearly impossible to commute, especially for those who rely on public transportation," Abdul Rahman, a commuter stranded by the deluge, said.

Furthermore, the provincial authorities are working tirelessly to restore gas and electricity services suspended by the torrential rains.

“We have tasked our teams to take robust steps to serve the masses and avoid any unwanted situation,” an official from the PDMA department told The Express Tribune.

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