QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani on Sunday directed the provincial disaster management authority and other organisations to intensify relief operations in rain-hit areas of Gwadar and Pasni and submit an assessment report within three days about losses caused by the high tides that lashed the Makran coast.

A relief package would be announced for the people affected by the rains and cyclone, the chief minister said in a tweet, promising help and assistance to the people living on Gwadar coast.

Residents of Gwadar and Pasni as well as fishermen suffered huge losses as roughly over three dozen fishing vessels were destroyed after high tides whipped up by cyclone Shaheen lashed Makran coast.

The chief minister asked the Gwadar administration and PDMA officials to assess the damage in the areas and submit a report. “A financial package will be arranged to compensate victims and their families,” he added.

Seeks report within three days to assess losses; vows to announce relief package for affected people of Gwadar, Pasni

While posting photos of some newly built dams, he tweeted: “Sawar dam Gwader and shadi kor dam Pasni... The current rains have benefitted all dams made in Gwader and this really benefits the local communities.... 4 more dams are under construction and inshallah one day the coast shall have a good sufficient source of water.”

The chief minister termed the completion of a vocational institute project an important milestone for Balochistan in general and Gwadar in particular. “Inshallah this institute shall pave the way forward for skill development and empowerment of Balochistan youth in achieving their goals,” he tweeted.

Responding to a tweet by Senator Khuda Babar Baloch regarding power supply, CM Alyani stated: “Dear senator… the picture is not that dark as you are showing it. Emense development is under way and alot of works are going in whole of Gwadar. Including water, dams, education, infrastructure, skill development, health facilities, jobs, sports, colleges and more.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated: “Heavy winds, rains and thunderstorm hit coastal areas of Balochistan yesterday, causing urban flooding in low-lying areas of Gwadar old town.

“Stagnant water accumulated, posing extreme problems for local population of Gwadar. Army troops immediately assisted civil administration in rescue and relief efforts, including dewatering of various areas and shifting people stranded in water through boats.

“Rescue efforts along Coastal Highway, Pasni and Jiwani are also being conducted, including traffic management at locations where infrastructure is damaged due to hill torrents. Pakistan Coast Guards successfully conducted rescue operations of stranded and capsized civil launches/ boats in collaboration with local fishermen. Troops in Jiwani, Paishukan and small jetties are assisting the locals in moving their boats to safer locations.”

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2021