QUETTA: The northern and central districts of Balochistan on Monday received heavy rains with thunderstorms, disrupting normal life and affecting traffic flow on the highway linking the province with other parts of the country.

The downpour flooded seasonal streams and water in rivers was flowing high due to rains in catchment areas.

Officials said that Zhob, Loralai, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Sibi, Harnai, Sanjavi, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Jhal Magsi, Kachhi, Bolan and several other areas have received heavy rains for the last 24 hours with small intervals.

The water flow in seasonal streams of Ziarat, Harnai, Chaman and Khanozai has increased due to flash floods.

According to reports, rivers in Zhob and Sherani districts were also flowing in high flood state.

The Nari Gaj and Bolan rivers were also carrying excessive water flows as their catchment areas in Ziarat and Harnai received heavy rainfall.

Officials said the Suleman mountain range has been receiving heavy rains from Sunday evening. There are also reports of landslides in the area, affecting traffic flow on Quetta-Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan Highway.

Local administrations of Zhob and Sherani have said that all arrangements have been made to launch rescue and relief operations if the situation gets worse.

“At present, 20 out of 35 districts of Balochistan have been receiving heavy rains for the last 24 hours,” Provincial Disaster Manag­e­ment Authority (PDMA) officials said, adding that the situation is under control in areas which are receiving rains.

Heavy rains brought relief to the people of Sibi town and its surrounding areas, who have been braving temperatures of 45 to 48 Celsius for the last two weeks.

PDMA officials said that no major loss of property and human has been reported from any area of Balochistan so far.

The Met Office has warned people to avoid unnecessary travel as heavy rains will continue for the next three to four days.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2024