In an unyielding downpour, Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan, already grappling with floods, experienced heavy rains on Sunday, causing widespread disruption and halting traffic. The heavy rainfall in Gawadar turned main roads, streets, and adjacent districts into waterlogged pathways.
Kech bore the brunt of the deluge, resulting in traffic suspensions and blockages on connecting roads.
Over the past 24 hours, the Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded 21 millimetres of rainfall in Gwadar. It also included 10mm in Turbat and 2mm in Ormara, Turbat, and Jiwani.
Weather Forecasts
According to weather forecasts, ongoing rain and thunderstorms, with isolated showers, are predicted in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Panjgur, Kharan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Awaran districts today.
The Met Office issued a warning of potential flash flooding in the local nullahs of Gwadar, Kech, Turbat, and Panjgur. It cautioned that snowfall may disrupt traffic in northern Balochistan until March 13.
Chagai, Noshki, Washuk, Mastung, Sibbi, Nasirabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Kila Abdullah, and Kila Saifullah will also expectedly witness similar weather conditions. According to the Met department, hill snowfall may persist until March 13, .
Concurrently, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Balochistan has issued an alert, urging residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions amid adverse weather conditions.
Rescue and Aid
Simultaneously, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Pakistan, has initiated an emergency relief convoy to assist the flood victims in Gwadar.
This humanitarian endeavor involves the dispatch of five containers carrying 9,000 food packages and 9,000 shelters. It totals 875 tonnes, from Islamabad to the rain-affected areas of Gwadar.
A departure ceremony took place at the Jinnah Stadium, Sports Complex, Islamabad. The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, the Saudi Ambassador, and officials from NDMA attended the ceremony.
The NDMA has closely coordinated with PDMA Balochistan. It ensured seamless collaboration with local authorities. This objective is to facilitate inter-provincial transit and secure the necessary clearances to ensure the unimpeded delivery of crucial aid.
Upon arrival, the consignment will be handed over to PDMA Balochistan and the local administration for the equitable distribution of relief items to the rain-affected communities in Gwadar.
This collaborative effort underscores NDMA’s commitment to coordinating with national and international partners. The purpose is to provide immediate assistance in times of crisis. This also reflects a shared dedication to alleviating the hardships faced by those in dire need.