Govt imposes emergency in many union councils of Kalat, Ziarat, Awaran, Kachhi, Loralai, Sohbatpur and Lasbela
\n islamabad
\nAt least 19 people were killed, 11 injured, and over 3,000 were affected as the ongoing monsoon rains, which began on July 1, continued to wreak havoc across various parts of Balochistan on Monday, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
\nMonsoon rains across the region from June to September offer respite from the summer heat and are crucial to replenishing water supplies and sustaining agriculture, but also lead to weather-related disasters. Experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity.
\nData from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) shows that from July 1 to August 17, 195 people have been killed and 362 injured across the country due to rain-related incidents, while 2,293 houses have been damaged.
\nPDMA data for today showed that from July 1 till now, 19 people died, 11 were injured, 3,031 were affected and 433 houses were fully or partially destroyed.
\nPDMA official Yunus Mengal told Dawn.com that 16 districts of Balochistan were affected by the recent spell of rain while relief was being provided.
\n\u201cBalochistan has witnessed two dangerous spells of monsoon since July 1,\u201d Mengal said. Balochistan\u2019s provincial government has imposed an emergency in many union councils of the districts of Kalat, Ziarat, Awaran, Kachhi, Loralai, Sohbatpur and Lasbela, declaring them calamity-hit.
\nThe highest rainfall was recorded in Kalat with over 48 millimetres, followed by Usta Muhammad with 34mm, and Sibbi with 21mm. Quetta and Khuzdar recorded 10mm of rain each, while Zhob and Chaman recorded 9mm of rain.
\nSohbatpur\u2019s Deputy Commissioner Farida Tareen said that a river in Judair overflowed due to the rain, inundating the area and destroying rice fields.
\nMeanwhile, Balochistan\u2019s National Highway Authority General Manager Agha Inayatullah clarified that all the national highways in north Balochistan were open for all kinds of traffic, with the authority and contractors \u201cworking round the clock to rectify damages\u201d of the flood water and keep the roads open.
\nBalochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti also announced a cash reward to a vehicle driver for immediately rescuing a family trapped in the flood relay in the Killa Abdullah area.
\nCM Bugti said the driver showed bravery and courage by saving the lives of women and children and setting a fine example of service to the people.
\nHe said that those who served society selflessly were real heroes. He also announced a certificate of appreciation and cash reward to the driver for his act.
\nIn the summer of 2022, Pakistan experienced one of the most devastating floods in the country due to torrential rains, killing 1,700 people, affecting 33 million individuals, and destroying houses and swathes of agricultural land, according to governmental figures.
\nSindh and Balochistan were the most heavily impacted provinces. In Balochistan alone, 336 people lost their lives, 426,897 homes were damaged or destroyed, and 1,230 square kilometres (304,000 acres) of crops were lost. Additionally, approximately half a million livestock were killed.
\nPoliticians react to loss of life
\nSenate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by heavy rains and floods in various parts of the country, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
\nIn a message, he extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, stating that he shared their grief during this difficult time.
\nGilani offered prayers for the swift recovery of those injured and urged the relevant authorities to expedite their relief efforts.
\nHe emphasised that natural disasters were a global challenge, and their negative impacts could only be mitigated through collective efforts.
\nHighlighting the challenges Pakistan faced due to climate change, he advised people to take precautionary measures during the rainy season.
\nSenate Deputy Chairman Senator Syedaal Khan too shared similar sentiments.
\nIn a message, he said that witnessing the devastation caused by the rains was heartbreaking and he stood in solidarity with the victims in their time of grief.
\nHe prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and emphasised the need to accelerate rescue and relief operations. He also called on philanthropists to come forward and support the affected people during this challenging time.
\nPPP Senator Sherry Rehman expressed regret over the deaths from rain-related incidents, saying it was a \u201cpity that Pakistan is once again in the grip of the effects of climate change\u201d.
\n\u201cAbnormal monsoon rains have wreaked havoc once again,\u201d she said.
\n\u201cThis monsoon spell is likely to continue till August 25, so all concerned institutions need to be alert to avoid further losses.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Govt imposes emergency in many union councils of Kalat, Ziarat, Awaran, Kachhi, Loralai, Sohbatpur and Lasbela islamabad At least 19 people were killed, 11 injured, and over 3,000 were affected as the ongoing monsoon rains, which began on July 1, continued to wreak havoc across various parts of Balochistan on Monday, according to the Provincial […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-425895","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n