Continuous heavy rains triggered widespread flooding across 25 districts, leading to an official emergency declaration and intensified rescue efforts

The Balochistan government has officially declared a rain and urban flood emergency across 25 districts as persistent heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc in the region. This declaration follows three days of intense downpours that have led to significant flooding, disrupting daily life and causing extensive property damage.

In the wake of the flooding, the provincial authorities have cancelled all leave for staff in relevant public departments to facilitate immediate rescue and relief operations. “The situation is critical, and our priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens,” stated Shahid Rind, a spokesman for the Balochistan government, during a press conference in Quetta.

The emergency measures include an extension of the Eid holidays for educational institutions in the affected areas, as announced by the education department. This decision aims to ensure the safety of students and faculty amidst the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the province’s sewerage systems, which have been overwhelmed by the floodwaters. During a high-level meeting, which included commissioners and officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), CM Bugti directed immediate actions to prevent further emergencies.

In Quetta, the Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat reported that the city had received an unprecedented 156mm of rainfall over the past three days. This deluge has led to the sacking of over 200 employees from various departments due to negligence in managing the crisis, particularly concerning the city’s water drainage systems.

The flooding has also prompted an anti-encroachment drive to clear blockages in the city’s 82 nullahs (drainage channels), which are crucial for diverting rainwater away from populated areas. “These nullahs, originally 40 feet wide, have been reduced to just 20 feet due to illegal encroachments, exacerbating the flooding issues,” explained Shafqaat.

Despite a brief respite from the rain in Quetta on Monday, the aftermath of the previous night’s downpour continued to affect the city. Major roads, including Jinnah Road and Zarghoon Road, remained submerged, severely disrupting traffic and pedestrian movement. The Hanna Valley and Nawan Killi areas were among the worst hit, with several mud houses damaged and link roads washed away.

The Met Office has issued a warning for another spell of heavy rains starting April 17, expected to impact additional areas including Gwadar, Washuk, and Panjgur. In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been tasked by the Prime Minister to coordinate with provincial disaster management authorities to ensure timely distribution of relief materials to the affected populations.

As the region braces for more rain, the combined efforts of local and national agencies are focused on mitigating the impact of this severe weather event and providing necessary aid to those in distress.