Balochistan has been ravaged by the incessant rains in the past few days, leading to numerous rain-related incidents in several cities. At least 10 reservoirs were breached in different districts throughout Balochistan due to the heavy downpour and flash floods. The authorities have issued an alert for people to stay away from the dams.
Dams in Balochistan come under immense pressure due to water torrents gushing down from the nearby mountainous areas in northern Balochistan. The Tal Dam in the Hoshab area of district Kech was breached after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods on Saturday. The water entered the civilian settlements and damaged houses and orchards.
According to officials, no loss of life was reported but a vast stretch of land in Hoshab was inundated. The affected families were rescued and shifted to safe locations, the officials said.
There are also reports that dams in Qila Saifullah, Harnai, Toba Achakzai, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Pishin and Muslim Bagh districts also developed breaches. Sources say that four dams gave way in the Toba Achakzai a.ea alone, adding that Khushdil Khan Dam in Pishin district is also under threat as it has been continuously receiving water from the catchment areas. The dam has not developed any breach and is still intact.
The Mirani Dam in Turbat, Ankra Dam in Gwadar and the Shadi Kur Dam in Pasni have been filled by receiving floodwater travelling through the seasonal channels.
Chief Minister Balochistan, Qudduz Bizenjo, has ordered the irrigation department to continuously monitor the situation of the dams and deploy machinery and staff for prompt action in case of a breach. Bizenjo has also ordered the chief secretary to look into the use of “substandard material” in the construction of the dams that were washed away.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has issued another warning that the monsoon rains would continue for a few more days in northern, central and southern Balochistan which would lead to flooding in rivers and streams.