21 dead as heavy rains wreak havoc in Balochistan, Punjab

LAHORE: Heavy rainfall across the weekend has wreaked havoc in Punjab and Balochistan. A state of emergency has been declared in Balochistan while 21 people have lost their lives in Punjab.

According to Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the most number of deaths occurred in South Punjab due to thunderbolts and heavy rains.

On April 13 rainfall, the deaths reported in six districts of Punjab including nine people in Rahim Yar Khan were mainly caused due to thunderbolts.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has directed citizens to follow the safety precautions during rain.

Earlier, heavy rains wreaked havoc in Balochistan’s Pasni in Gwadar, bringing life to a halt as water completely submerged roads, streets and houses.

Leaves of all concerned officers and other employees have been cancelled as the government of Balochistan, in view of stormy rains lashing different parts of the province for the last several days, has imposed a rain and urban flood emergency,.

The bridge in Dab Khanzai area was washed away by floodwaters, severing connection between Pishin Bazaar and Barshor and Toba Kakrri.

On the other hand, several vehicles were left stranded in Pishin after heavy rains in and around the city inundated not only low-lying areas but also flooded roads.

In Quetta, there has been continuous heavy rainfall for ten hours, effecting areas including Qambrani Road and Ghausabad.

More rains predicted across the country

In the absence of rescue services, the motorists were left with no other choice but to pull these vehicles out on their own.

On the other hand, the PDMA has predicted that the downpour lashing different parts of Balochistan since April 12 will continue for the next few days.

The spokesman for the Authority has said that so far seven people have died in incidents of lightning and destruction of homes in the province. “The fatalities have been reported from Sorab, Dera Bugti, Pishin, Loralai and Kech,” he has informed.

Similarly, he has said, partial damage has been caused to seven homes in Gwadar and Pasni after they were inundated by water following devastating rains.

The authorities have declared emergency in these areas due to urban flooding.

SCHOOLS TO REMAIN CLOSED IN BALOCHISTAN

According to the spokesman for the provincial government, all government and private schools will remain closed in rain-hit districts of the province today as well as tomorrow.

Web Desk