The ongoing spell of monsoon in Balochistan has claimed another eight lives while rendering hundreds homeless in various areas including Lasbela, Killa Abdullah, Muslim Bagh and Barkhan.

This takes the number of people killed in rain-related incidents in the province since June to 182.

According to the Provincial Emergency Situations Agency (PDMA), more than 1,000 people trapped in the flood water have been rescued so far while work to re-open roads is ongoing.

Ration has also been sent to five hundred families in Bela and Killa Abdullah.

Five others drowned in flooding in Uthal and Lasbela. Four of those, including a woman, belonged to the same family.

Three dams in Killa Abdullah have been with at least ten houses flooded, and three deaths reported. The train service between Chaman and Quetta has also been affected due to floodwater in the area. Scores of cattle head have perished and crops and orchards ruined, reported APP.

A vehicle was swept away in the floodplain in the Geeta river in Mach area. The four passengers in the vehicle were rescued, with two said to be in critical condition.

The Linda River road in Uthal has been blocked due to inundation, while the National Highway to Punjab is blocked due to the overturning of ten large vehicles in Bakhan Bawana.

Meanwhile, the highway connecting Karachi to Quetta has been closed for traffic after a part of the road was flooded, with authorities instructed to stop vehicles from taking the route.

The Meteorological Department has indicated the possibility of more rains in North and East Balochistan.

Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Qadoos Bizenjo expressed grave concern over the massive damage in Killa Abdullah, Chaman, Lasbela and Muslim Bagh due to heavy rains.

In a statement, the chief minister directed the immediate rescue of the people trapped in flood water.

The Met department on Friday forecast thunderstorms with a few “heavy” to “very heavy” rainfalls and occasional strong winds in several parts of Balochistan in the next two days.