Pakistan: Heavy monsoon rains claim 19 lives in Balochistan

Balochistan [Pakistan], August 20 : As of Monday, the ongoing monsoon rains have inflicted significant damage in Balochistan, leading to the deaths of at least 19 people, injuring 11 others, and affecting over 3,000 individuals, as reported by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), according to Dawn News.

Although the monsoon rains from June to September help alleviate the summer heat and are crucial for replenishing water supplies and supporting agriculture, they can also trigger severe weather-related disasters. Climate change is believed to be increasing the frequency and intensity of these events.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that between July 1 and August 17, rain-related incidents across the country resulted in 195 deaths and 362 injuries, with 2,293 homes sustaining damage.

Today's data from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) indicates that since July 1, there have been 19 deaths, 11 injuries, and 3,031 people affected in Balochistan, with 433 houses either partially or completely destroyed.

PDMA official Yunus Mengal stated that 16 districts in Balochistan have been affected by the recent rains, and relief efforts are ongoing. Mengal highlighted that Balochistan has experienced two severe monsoon events since July 1, as reported by Dawn News.

In response to the disaster, the provincial government has declared an emergency in several union councils across the districts of Kalat, Ziarat, Awaran, Kachhi, Loralai, Sohbatpur, and Lasbela.

Kalat recorded the highest rainfall at over 48 millimeters, followed by Usta Muhammad with 34 mm, and Sibbi with 21 mm. Quetta and Khuzdar each recorded 10 mm of rain, while Zhob and Chaman recorded 9 mm.

Baloch Deputy Commissioner Farida Tareen from Sohbatpur reported that the Judair River overflowed, flooding the area and damaging rice fields.

Balochistan's National Highway Authority General Manager Agha Inayatullah confirmed that all national highways in northern Balochistan remain open, with the authority and contractors working tirelessly to repair flood damage and maintain road access.

During the summer of 2022, Pakistan experienced one of its most severe flooding disasters, caused by heavy rainfall. Government reports indicate that the floods led to the deaths of 1,700 people, affected 33 million individuals, and caused widespread damage to homes and agricultural land.

The provinces of Sindh and Balochistan were the hardest hit, with Balochistan alone reporting 336 fatalities, damage to or destruction of 426,897 homes, and the loss of 1,230 square kilometers (304,000 acres) of crops. Additionally, around half a million livestock perished, according to Dawn.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed deep sadness over the loss of life and property due to the recent heavy rains and floods, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Highlighting the challenges Pakistan faces due to climate change, he urged people to take precautions during the rainy season.

Senate Deputy Chairman Senator Syed Saidal Khan expressed sorrow over the devastation caused by the rains, describing it as deeply upsetting and expressing solidarity with the victims during their time of mourning. He prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and emphasized the need to accelerate rescue and relief efforts. He also called on philanthropists to assist those affected by the disaster.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman expressed regret over the fatalities from rain-related incidents, lamenting that Pakistan is once again facing the severe impacts of climate change.

She noted that the unusually intense monsoon rains have caused significant destruction and warned that the monsoon period is expected to continue until August 25, urging all relevant agencies to remain vigilant to prevent further damage.