Heavy rain, snowfall: Emergency declared in Balochistan

QUETTA: Emergency was imposed in seven districts of Balochistan on Sunday after a spell of heavy rain and snowfall across the province. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) declared emergency in Mastung, Qila Abdullah, Kech, Ziarat, Harnai, and Pishin districts.

Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan visited the PDMA and was briefed on the current weather situation. Talking to the media, he said a high alert had been issued to the commissioners and deputy commissioners.

Jam Kamal said some highways were closed due to heavy snowfall which have been reopened, adding that the Balochistan government was utilising all the resources in view of the snowfall, media reports say.

The met office had forecast chances of rain with occasional gusty winds in Karachi on Sunday. Moreover, snowfall blocked the highway fromMehtarzai to Zhob and several vehicles have stranded.

Director General PDMA said work was underway to open the highway for traffic. The met office has forecast widespread rain and snowfall in Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, Mastung, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sibbi, Loralai, Chaghi, Nokkundi, Makran, Kharan, Panjgur, Kech and Gwadar. Heavy fall is expected in Gwadar, Awaran, Kech, Panjgur, Quetta, Turbat, Mastung and Kalat districts during the period.

Heavy falls may generate flash flooding in districts of Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, Kalat, Quetta and Awaran during Saturday (Night) and Sunday. Heavy snowfall is also expected in districts of Quetta, Harnai, Ziarat, Qila Abdullah and Pishin during the period, the weather department said.

Meanwhile, at least 10 people, including three women and three children, were killed in separate incidents after the roof of the houses caved in due to heavy snowfall in Balochistan. As per the details, at least six persons of a family, including women and children, were killed in a roof collapse due to heavy snow that occurred in Shahab Zai area. The locals and rescue team rushed to the spot and shifted the ill-fated family to a nearby hospital.