Heavy rains caused mayhem in Gwadar, Makran, and northern and central Balochistan on Wednesday, disrupting regular life and travel.
The 30-hour-long rainfall caused flash floods that submerged most of the districts. The local authority deployed paramilitary personnel to flood-affected districts, where they conducted rescue and relief operations. The Gwadar district government issued a state of emergency in the rain-stricken districts.
Officials stated Gwadar district got over 180 mm of rain over the last two days, interrupting regular life and displacing hundreds of residents. Several dozens of human settlements and business buildings fell when floodwaters penetrated homes, and roadways were severely damaged.
In a video circulated on X, formerly known as Twitter, residents of the area lambasted the administration for unsatisfactory arrangements to cope with flood-like situations and delays in rescue and relief operations.
The Baloch woman protesting against the system is experiencing difficulties due to a lack of assistance during the heavy rains. @AuthorityGwadar
— šàhïr älbâłüßhī ™ (@sahirAlbalushi) February 29, 2024
Where is @MHidayatRehman , the so-called son of #Gwadar #Baloch #Balochistan #rain #system #Protest pic.twitter.com/sZ71BfIF0V
In a post shared on X, Balochistan National Party (BNP) President Akhtar Mengal said, “Urgent action is needed in Gwadar as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc. Government and authorities must prioritize emergency response to ensure the safety and accommodation of all affected residents.”
Urgent action needed in Gwadar as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc. Government and authorities must prioritize emergency response to ensure the safety and accommodation of all affected residents.
— Akhtar Mengal (@sakhtarmengal) February 27, 2024
Traffic between Karachi and Gwadar could not be resumed owing to damage to the coastal highway.
Gwadar's sewerage system was blocked as floodwater entered, and sewage water flowed down highways and streets. There is no water drainage infrastructure in Gwadar, and just a few pumps are running to dewater the inundated regions. The water delivery infrastructure was also severely harmed, and residents faced a lack of drinking water. The Gwadar-Peshkan road has been swept away, as have other dykes in Surbandan, Jewany, Palery, and other locations.
According to authorities, around 280 people, including women and children, were rescued and sent to GDA Rest Houses and China School after their homes collapsed. More than 100 properties had their boundary walls swept away.
Meanwhile, Quetta and many other towns experienced rain and snowfall, flooding human settlements and highways. The overnight rain disrupted electricity and gas supply in Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, Mastung, and Pishin.