The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued warnings of continued rain and flooding for several areas in Balochistan over the next 24 to 72 hours. These regions have already experienced significant damages from previous rainfall.
In the last 24 hours, three fatalities, including a child, have been reported due to roof collapses and lightning strikes. Additionally, around 200 homes have suffered damages. Since June 19, the total death toll from the heavy rainfall has reached ten and continues to rise.
NDMA has issued an advisory for Loralai, Qalat, Sibi, Makran, and Naseerabad Division, alerting of potential flood-like conditions due to continued downpour. A similar flood risk has been issued for Dera Ghazi Khan and along the Kabul River.
The NDMA predicts potential rain, storms, and in some areas, heavy rainfall over the next two to three days in a number of districts across Balochistan including Qalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, Kharan, Noshki, Washuk, Mastung, Sibi, Naseerabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, and Qila Saifullah.
In Panjgur, the district administration reports that rainfall over the past three days has caused water levels in the Neewan, Puskol, and Pardan dams in Panjgur to rise, leading to the flooding of villages and residential areas. Sources from The Balochistan Post also reported that some individuals were swept away in a river in Panjgur yesterday, and ground connections between various areas of Panjgur have been severed.
Meanwhile, In the Mashkay Nokjo Shadinzai area of Awaran, local sources reported that 25 members of a single family are missing due to the overflow of a local river. These individuals, including women and children, reportedly went missing on Wednesday afternoon.
These incidents underline the criticality of Balochistan’s situation, currently battling severe rainfall and flooding. The region is preparing for further challenges, highlighting the urgent need for the authorities to draw upon lessons from last year’s similar weather-induced damage, ensuring proactive and efficient responses.