GWADAR: A severe storm caused by a cyclone developing in the mighty Arabian Sea has lashed Gwadar and adjoining coastal areas, destroying at least 33 fishing boats and several government buildings — including a school and a mosque — and washing away a pipeline supplying water to the port city.

The fierce sea waves have damaged the main road along the coast of Gwadar.

An official team led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Shahnawaz Nusherwani and including National Party leader Ghaffar Hoat visited affected areas — including Sur Bandar, Pishkan, Guwamz and Jewani — to assess the losses caused by high tide and strong winds.

The team was informed by the local authorities that at least 33 fishing boats had been destroyed and many buildings, including a school and a mosque in Pishkan, had been damaged.

Seawater has intruded into houses in Guwamz, Sur Bandar and Pishkan. However, no casualty has been reported from any coastal town.

The deputy commissioner has said that after assessment of the losses, the government would provide assistance to the affected people.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2014