QUETTA: The provincial capital and many other parts of Balochistan received heavy rains and the first snowfall of the season on Thursday.

With the rain and snowfall, the temperature dropped and residents faced problems as there was low gas pressure and the power supply was badly affected. Several grid stations tripped soon, following the rain and snowfall. Heavy snowfall was reported from Ziarat Valley, Khanozai, Muslim Bagh, Sanjavi and some parts of Qila Abdullah district.

“Entire Ziarat was blanketed by snow as the valley received around one feet of snow,” Hashim Kakar, a resident of Ziarat, said, adding that snowfall continued in the area. People from Quetta and other areas rushed to Ziarat to enjoy snowfall.

Vehicular traffic between Sanjavi and Ziarat was suspended due to heavy snowfall. The local administration sent teams to clear the road and restore traffic. According to reports, Kalat, Nasirabad, Sibi, Harnai and Chagai district also received rains.

Gas and power supply was also disrupted in Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat, and Mastung.

The Met Office predicted more rain and snowfall in Quetta, Ziarat and other areas of northern and central Balochistan in the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, Provincial Home Minister and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Langove said that in view of the locusts’ attack and winter rains, they were prepared to meet any emergency situation and the masses would be provided with timely relief.

He directed PDMA officials to inform the people of Quetta and other parts of the province about preventive measures.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2019