• Flash floods inundate low-lying areas, forcing families to relocate
• Farmers urge govt to conduct damage survey and provide relief

GWADAR/KHUZDAR: Heavy monsoon rains, accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms, lashed parts of Panjgur and Khuzdar districts, damaging agricultural land, standing crops, solar-powered irrigation systems and houses, officials and residents said on Friday.

The heavy downpour, which continued for the past 24 hours, wreaked havoc on agricultural fields and infrastructure, damaging fertile land, solar irrigation systems and crops ready for harvest. The destruction has dealt a major blow to farmers, many of whom rely entirely on agriculture for their livelihoods in Gichk tehsil and other parts of Panjgur district.

“The sudden downpour has caused significant losses across several farming areas, disrupting agricultural activities and raising serious concerns about the economic impact on growers,” Chairman of Gichk Tehsil Hafiz Zahid Hussain said.

Expressing concern over the situation, he urged the provincial government to provide immediate relief to affected farmers.

Mr Hussain regretted that despite the widespread damage caused by the rains, the district administration had yet to begin a formal survey of the affected areas, delaying the assessment of losses and the provision of relief.

He said the affected people should not be left to face the crisis alone and called on the relevant departments to fulfil their responsibilities by taking prompt and effective measures.

“The recent rains have caused severe hardship for farmers and local residents, and urgent government intervention is needed to reduce their suffering,” he added.

Powerful storm

Meanwhile, a powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain and hail also hit Naal and adjoining areas of Khuzdar district, including Dhal, Chanal and Kambi, causing extensive losses to the farming community.

The hailstorm severely damaged fruit orchards and standing crops, while solar panels installed to operate agricultural tube wells were damaged at several locations.

Farmers said the destruction of solar-powered irrigation systems had further aggravated their difficulties, as most agricultural activities in the area depend on solar energy.

Affected growers described the losses as devastating, saying they were facing serious financial hardship and were uncertain how they would recover from the setback.

According to local administration officials, heavy rain also damaged several mud houses after flash floodwater entered low-lying settlements, forcing residents to move to safer places.

Officials said rescue teams had reached the affected areas and were providing relief to displaced families.

Residents and affected farmers urged the provincial government to take immediate notice of the widespread destruction and provide timely compensation and relief, warning that further delays would deepen their economic hardship.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2026