Rain torrents go on rampage in Balochistan, kill 14

• Heavy to light rains intermittently continued for the second day in Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunhwa and northwestern upper parts of the country

At least 14 people were killed and dozens wounded as torrential rains wreaked havoc in Balochistan, rescuers and officials said on Friday, as heavy to light rains intermittently continued for the second day in Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunhwa and northwestern upper parts of the country.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the late-winter wet spell was likely to persist till Sunday.

“A low pressure area lies over north Balochistan and its adjoining areas. Westerly wave is affecting upper and central parts of the country and likely to persist till Sunday,” the PMD said.

Over the past several days, Balochistan has been reeling from crippling rains. Heavy floods in seasonal nullahs have the road network as days long rainfall crippled life in the province.

Pishin Deputy Commissioner Wahid Kakar said that five people, including an elderly person, died while three members of a family, including a woman, were injured when the roof of a house caved in due in Haramzai area of the district. The bodies and the injured were retrieved and shifted to a hospital, he added.

In Sherani district, five members of a family, including three minor girls, died when the roof of their thatched house collapsed in Shana Ponga area. Levies officials said local tribesmen reached the site of the accident and recovered the bodies from the rubble.

In Loralai area, the roof a school caved in, wounding four girl students.

Separately, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in a statement said that three people died in Chaghai and Mastung districts.

Reportedly, many low-lying areas were submerged and several link roads washed away by the torrents of rain. Rescuers said several houses were also damaged as heavy rains continued lashing parts of the province.

A flood-like situation occurred after a breach in Jhal Magsi’s dyke whereas the drains in surrounding areas of Chaman and Zhob overflowed after the heavy rainfall.

Rains also lashed Makran, Sibi and Dalbandin areas, while in Quetta torrential rains caused cracks in houses in Muslim Town area.

“Heavy rainfall has affected dozens of houses in Muslim Town area and adjoining villages,” said Quetta’s Deputy Mayor Younas Lehri, adding that due to damages to the houses, residents were feeling unsafe while some of them had already been moved to safer places.

Meanwhile the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) put the PDMA on alert and advised it to tackle the emerging situation as efficiently as possible.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri also directed the PDMA and deputy commissioners to step up their efforts and ensure safety of the citizens.