A fresh spell of monsoon rains wreaked havoc in Balochistan, killing five more people due to rains in Panjgur and Mastung, after which the death toll due to monsoon rains in the province has exceeded 37 since June 7. Flood lanes have damaged gardens, standing crops, and highways in the new series of monsoon rains that started Wednesday. Due to the rains, the district Awaran Jhao road is closed while the traffic is also suspended on the M8-motorway highway from Khuzdar to Jhal Magsi. A new series of rains has started in more than 20 districts of Balochistan, including Kohlu, Sibi, Zhob, Bolan, and Jhal Magsi. Even in Quetta, after only half an hour of rain, drains boiled and rain water entered many houses.

The Meteorological Department has predicted more rains in 25 districts of the province including Quetta till August 31, while the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that the rains may cause flooding and landslides in local rivers. According to the Meteorological Department, heavy and light rains are expected in Kohlu, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Zhob, Sherani, Quetta, Sibi, Nasirabad, Jafarabad, Jhal Magsi, Lasbela, and Kalat area. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) report, 37 people died in various incidents as a result of monsoon rains in the province from June 7 till now. More than 13,808 houses were partially damaged. Seven bridges collapsed in the province, while 43 highways and standing crops on 58,800 hectares were affected.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan