Schools to remain close in Balochistan amid severe floods

QUETTA: Summer vacations in schools and other educational institutes in Balochistan areas falling under summer zone have been extended till August 14, ARY NEWS reported.

The schools in summer zone were to open today, however, a notification issued from the provincial education ministry said that the vacations were extended owing to floods and heavy rainfall.

“The school will now open on August 14,” the notification issued by secretary secondary education Balochistan said.

It is pertinent to mention here that torrential rains and flash floods continued to wreak havoc in different parts of Balochistan, pushing up the death toll to 136, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Monday.

According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 136 people – including 33 women and 47 children – were killed in torrential rains and flash floods across Balochistan.

The deaths occurred in Bolan, Quetta, Zhob, Dukki, Khuzdar, Kohlu, Kech, Mastung, Harnai, Qila Saifullah and Sibi. A total of 13,535 houses were collapsed or partially damaged due to the ongoing heavy rains and floods.

The report further stated that six highways covering 640 kilometers have also been severely affected in the rains and flood. Almost 16 bridges were collapsed across the province due to heavy rains and flood.

The PDMA added that over 23,000 livestock have also died in rain-related accidents. Meanwhile, large-scale relief and rehabilitation operations are underway in all affected areas of the province.