KARACHI/QUETTA: Three Balochistan districts, Lasbela, Jhal Magsi, and Kech, were in a critical situation in the wake of flash floods, provincial government spokesperson Farah Azeem Shah said.

“There is intense rainfall in these districts,” she said at the Aaj News morning show. “Helicopters of chief minister, army, navy and Mi-17 helicopter have already been added to the rescue and relief operations. Where the land route is not accessible we are reaching via helicopter, however, the weather is making it difficult. We are late at some places. But we are reaching everywhere.”

Farah, who was appointed provincial government spokesperson on March 3, 2022, had joined the Aaj Pakistan to speak on the prevailing situation in the province.

At least 111 people died and 10,000 houses were destroyed in heavy rains, the provincial government announced on Thursday. He added that 17,500 were rescued by teams from the critical areas.

More than 70 per cent of roads in Lasbela are under water due to torrential rains as the flash floods have broken the dams. Moreover, traffic has been suspended as a part of the Hub river bridge connecting Quetta to Karachi has been washed away in the floodgate

The spokesperson added that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, stakeholders, and volunteers were on-site to provide to dispatch food and non-food items to the people. This was in addition to medical camps and tent villages, however, the government was “facing difficulties” amid unexpected rains.

Farah, the Balochistan Awami Party leader, said the government would review the situation in the three most critical areas, which she mentioned earlier. She put the death toll ranging from 107 to 110, adding that there could be a change in such statistics as the government was under the phase of the rescue.

“Survey after this will tell us the actual number of casualties and damages,” Farah said the NDMA was providing its assistance to Balochistan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also assured of his support to the province.

More rain and thundershower were expected in Quetta, Chaman, Harnai, Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Loralai, Bolan, Kohlu, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Sibbi, Dadu, Sukkur, Larkana and Jaccobabad from July 27 to 31 with occasional gaps, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said in its weather update on Tuesday.

Updates so far

• 6,077 houses completely destroyed
• Farms, gardens at over 200,000 hectares of land and 2,400 solar panels were damaged due to cracks in 16 dams
• Districts of Quetta, Kalat, Naseerabad, Kohlu, Harnai, Pishin, Qilla Saifullah, Panjgur, and Turbat also affected
• Operation under way for rescuing further 2,000 people
• Road opened for heavy traffic in Bolan
• 650km of roads affected because of heavy rains and floods
• Karachi highway closed for heavy traffic

She urged the people to not create hype on social media about Balochistan rain. “For God’s sake, this is the time to stay united. Support the Balochistan government and help the people.”

Farah was of the view that the natural disaster could not be stopped but authorities “could overcome the damages through long-term planning.”

Total rainfall (mm) last 24 hours on July 29 at 8am

Hub-Uthal section opened for traffic

The Hub-Uthal section in Balochistan has been opened for traffic, the National Highway Authority spokesperson said in a statement. Around three excavators were sent on-site to get the job done.

It said that efforts were under way to open the remaining sections up to Bela in Balochistan, adding that land sliding at Wangu Hills was cleared with the help of two excavators and two tractor trolleys.

“A cut near Taunsa on the Indus Highway has been filled and the road has been opened for traffic,” it said. The NHA board has approved the construction of the Hub pull and by-pass.