QUETTA: Heavy rains, strong winds and flash floods continued to lash Balochistan on Thursday, killing 11 more people and causing flash floods that washed away at least three dams and rendered hundreds of families homeless, mainly in northern areas of the province.

The death toll in the rain- and flood-related incidents has reached 41 during the last four days, while over 50 people were injured in different areas of the province. The victims also include women and children.

On Thursday, five people, including a woman, who were travelling in a vehicle were swept away by flash floods in Pishin district. Their bodies were recovered by rescue workers and security personnel.

The woman’s body was found in Band Khushdil Khan, which also fills up after receiving heavy rains. A Pishin administration official said hundreds of mud-houses were washed away or badly damaged in Malikyar, Don Khanozai and Sheikhmalzai areas of Pishin as floodwater coming from hilly areas of Burshor lashed the area.

The situation in the Khusnob area of Qila Saifullah also worsened after flash floods and rains destroyed hundreds of houses downstream. Hundreds of families were displaced and were shifted to tents set up by the local administration.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2022