Balochistan Pummelled by Heavy Rains and Flash Floods; High Alert Issued Until April 3
By Bilal Haider :
A relentless spell of heavy rain, thunder, and hail has devastated more than 30 districts across Balochistan over the last 24 hours, leaving a trail of destruction and at least one fatality. The provincial capital and surrounding regions, including Khuzdar, Gwadar, and Qila Abdullah, have been transformed into flood zones as seasonal streams and hill torrents overflowed, severing critical infrastructure and isolating entire communities.
Casualties and Structural Damage
Tragedy struck Dhadhar city early Wednesday when a 12-year-old girl was killed by a lightning strike. The surge also severely damaged a local electricity transformer, contributing to the widespread power and communication outages currently affecting the province. In Kachhi district, the Nari River breached its banks, inundating Ghazi village and destroying eight houses. Residents were forced to evacuate to higher ground as floodwaters threatened ten additional structures and decimated local crops.
The heavy rainfall has also taken a toll on traditional mud houses in Harnai, where roof collapses have been reported. While no human lives were lost in these specific incidents, local livestock was buried under the debris.
Rescue Operations and Highway Closures
Emergency teams have been working around the clock to rescue stranded commuters. In Qila Abdullah, a mini-coach carrying 15 passengers, including women and children, was pulled from surging floodwaters. Similar successful rescues were conducted in the Machka stream and near Babar Kuch in Sibi, where a passenger pickup was swept away by a sudden surge.
However, the provincial transport network remains paralyzed:
- Quetta-Chaman Highway: Traffic has been heavily disrupted by high-level flood surges.
- Harnai Link Roads: Road connections to Punjab, Quetta, and Sibi are completely severed due to surging hill torrents.
- Pishin and Toba Achakzai: Passenger vehicles remain stranded in seasonal rivers, prompting authorities to impose a total ban on vehicle movement in affected streams.
Emergency Measures and Weather Forecast
In response to the escalating crisis, the district administration in Qila Abdullah has enforced Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings, and placed the police on high alert. Kachhi Deputy Commissioner Mumtaz Ali Khetran chaired an emergency session to coordinate a multi-departmental response, focusing on the evacuation of low-lying areas and the continuous monitoring of embankments.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the Meteorological Department have warned that the severe weather—including windstorms and hail—is expected to persist until April 3. Officials have identified northeastern districts, including Zhob, Sibi, and Lasbela, as being at high risk for severe flooding. The public is urgently advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay clear of seasonal streams and weak structures such as billboards and electricity poles, which remain vulnerable to strong winds and lightning.
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