QUETTA: In response to relentless heavy downpours, the Balochistan government has declared an “urban flood emergency” here citing the recent deluge as cause for concern. The announcement comes amidst a spate of severe weather conditions that have gripped various parts of the country, claiming a total of 39 lives, with 12 fatalities reported on Sunday alone.
Throughout Balochistan, incessant rains have battered regions such as Makran, exacerbating the toll of casualties to 10 within the province. Tragically, the latest fatalities include two individuals, including a woman, who succumbed to a lightning strike and a roof collapse incident in the Kech district.
Acting swiftly, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) invoked Section 3 of the Balochistan Natural Calamity (Prevention and Relief) Act, formalising the imposition of an “urban flood emergency” through a notification dated April 14. Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti convened an emergency online meeting with divisional commissioners and PDMA officials to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts.
During the meeting, CM Bugti commended the PDMA’s proactive measures and emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting affected communities. However, he acknowledged public grievances regarding drainage issues and instructed authorities to allocate necessary resources to address these concerns promptly.
Asserting the government’s responsibility to provide relief and assistance to citizens, CM Bugti directed field officers to expedite efforts to remove encroachments obstructing water channels. Overnight rescue operations spearheaded by PDMA teams in Hina Orak, Gahi Khan Chowk, and Inskum Road underscored the government’s proactive stance in mitigating the impact of the deluge.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Balochistan government announced the suspension of holidays for all Quetta staff and officers. Additionally, all public and private schools across the province have been ordered to remain closed on Monday and Tuesday, as per a directive issued by the provincial education department.