The flights’ operation at Gwadar International Airport was stopped on Wednesday after persistent heavy rains, lashing different parts of Balochistan since Tuesday, flooded the airport as well as other parts of the port city. According to the spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the water level reached six inches at the apron and other parts of the airport, which necessitated the closure of the flights’ operation. The spokesman further said that all airlines had been informed about the decision. On the other hand, residents of the city continue to face difficulties as not only low-lying but other areas of the city too were flooded till last reports came in. Rainwater could not be drained out from the areas like Mulaband and Faqir Colony. Rainstorms have brought routine life to a halt as several homes have been destroyed while boats anchored at the port have also been broken.

Roads and streets have been submerged and according to reports, at least seven were damaged while the downpour left many people out of their shelters and disrupted the power transmission system. Clips showed the coastal town inundated. Locals called upon the authorities concerned to step up relief efforts. The PDMA authorities too rushed to cope with the situation. A rain-producing system entered the country through Balochistan on February 25, under which parts of the province and upper areas were expected to receive downpours and windstorms from February 27. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast rains, thunder and hailstorms in most parts of the country and snowfall in hilly areas, starting February 29 till March 2, under a new westerly wave.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)