A severe drought-like situation has forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes in Balochistan’s Noshki district, DawnNewsTV reported on Friday.

According to a letter written by Noshki Deputy Commissioner Razzaq Sasoli to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the drought-like situation has affected more than 33,000 people in various parts of the district.

“Of these 33,000, more than 23,000 people have been severely affected,” Sasoli said.

The deputy commissioner has mentioned that residents of Dak, Anam Bostan, and Kishingi union councils have been among those severely affected by the situation. Moreover, some families have shifted to the suburbs of Noshki city after migrating from the affected areas.

There has been less than sufficient rainfall in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan for quite a few years.

"Shortage of water is a serious issue which impacts our economy and also creates law and order problem,” Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal said.

The Noshki deputy commissioner said thousands of livestock have been affected by the drought, which has also badly affected the agricultural sector. Moreover, Karez, an ancient irrigation system found in various areas of Balochistan, has also dried up.

Balochistan Home Minister Saleem Khosa, while taking notice of the adverse situation, has directed the PDMA to expedite efforts for the rehabilitation of affected people. Subsequently, the PDMA dispatched tents, blankets and food provisions for the affected families.

A large number of school going children have also abandoned their education as the drought forced them to migrate from their native places.