QUETTA: Ongoing torrential rains since three days have wreaked havoc in Balochistan, raising death toll to 58, breaking nine dams and inundating hundreds of villages and low-lying areas, according to a report on Saturday.
According to the report, so far, 58 people, including 22 women and 24 children, have lost lives in rains and flooding while hundreds of animal, particularly sheep heads, have perished.
Tangi Dam in Qila Saifullah has been broken, inundating several adjoining areas. Many roads connecting Pak-Afghan village have been sagged. A dam in Kan Mehitar Zai developed a breach. Furthermore, seven dams in Pishin, Muslim Bagh, Qila Abdullah and Zhob have torn apart.
The administration has warned that the continuous spell of rain in Toba Achakzai might break down a dam over there. Almost 50% apple trees have been washed away in the flashfloods in the area. The local administration is actively engaged in rescue efforts in in Kohlu, the worst-hit area of Balochistan. The administration is distributing free tents, food and other articles among the rain and flood affectees.
Pakistan Navy continues relief operations in remote coastal areas of Balochistan affected by recent rains and floods. According to Pakistan Navy, in Windar dozens of people trapped in the floodwaters were evacuated. Pakistan Navy is also providing rations and other necessities of life in the affected areas. The Pakistan Navy set up medical camps in different areas where people were provided treatment and medical facilities.
Pakistan Navy personnel also assisted locals in cleaning standing water in different areas. The spokesperson of Pakistan Navy said we are striving to provide all possible assistance to the people of the coastal areas in this hour of need. On the directions of CM Balochistan and Minister Zia Langove, DG PDMA has continued relief activities for the flood affectees in Quetta.
Balochistan government has issued an alert in the hospitals in light of the rain-related incidents. The monsoon rains in Balochistan are likely continue after July 9 and the local government has issued an alert in the hospitals in light of the rain-related incidents.
The government has also issued orders for the cancellation of Eid holidays for the health department staff immediately and directives have been issued for them to report to their respective departments.
Earlier, a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo was held to review of rain and flood situation in the province and relief activities. Provincial Minister for Health Syed Ehsan Shah, Advisor on Home Affairs and PPDMA Mir Zia Langau, Chief Secretary Abdul Aziz Aqeeli were also present in the meeting.