Balochistan: Emergency declared in Makran, Lasbela after heavy rainfall

QUETTA: Authorities declared emergency in Makran and Lasbela districts of Balochistan after incessant rainfall and flooding in rivers and nullahs in the province, ARY News reported on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner Lasbela in a statement said that two dead bodies have been found in Hub while four others swept away by the floodwater are still missing in the district.

The floodwater entered in various populated areas after flooding in seasonal rivers and drains in Bela and Uthal districts. The emergency workers have shifted around 70 people to safe places after flooding.

The downpour continued in Awaran district of Balochistan and the relief workers were facing difficulties to access the area after disruption of the communication links, Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Balochistan said.

The heavy rainfall has also damaged Mallar Band in Awaran, the deputy commissioner of the district said.

The Chief Minister of Balochistan has directed the administration to use helicopters for rescue and relief activities in the area.

The Chief Minister of Balochistan has directed the administration to use helicopters for rescue and relief activities in the area.

Heavy rains have damaged several roads and bridges in Makran region. A portion of M-8 Motorway near Hoshab swept away by the rainwater, while a bridge of Karachi to Gwadar Coastal Highway was also partially damaged due to rainfall.

Balochistan’s Home Minister Zia Langove visited the office of the PDMA. The officials of the disaster management body briefed the minister about the situation after heavy rainfall across the province.

Moreover, the mercury dropped in Chaman district in northern Balochistan after intermittent rainfall.

Provincial home minister after the PDMA briefing said that a village of district Lasbela was affected in the rainfall and rescue work has been underway for rescue of 60 people trapped in the disaster affected village.

Moreover, relief supplies have bee dispatched for 200 affected families of Lasbela district, home minister Zia Langove said.

A spokesman of armed forces has said that four helicopters of Pakistan Army will participate in relief operations from Thursday morning.