Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA: The death toll in rains-related incidents reached 53 on Thursday night as Pak Army, Frontier Corps, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and civil administrations launched a massive rescue and relief operation across Balochistan.
“PDMA has received 53 dead bodies since the start of heavy rainfall in Balochistan”, an officer of the provincial emergency operation cell said. He said 47 people have suffered injuries as a result of heavy rainfall and flash-floods unleashed by rains. The officer revealed that 18 women and 16 children were also among the dead.
Heavy rainfalls have also killed 416 livestock.
Damages assessment underway across Balochistan
Efforts to evacuate victims are the first priority. However, the administration is also assessing the damages so that the relief operations can be expedited – cooked food and tents are being provided to the victims by PDMA, Pakistan Army, and FC, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
In addition, financial assistance is being provided to the bereaved families and rations and necessary financial assistance are also being provided to the affected families according to local traditions.
The passenger train was temporarily halted due to a landslide near Dozan Post in the Machh area yesterday. However, the trains were restored after the railway track was cleared by FC personnel and railway workers.
Casualties were reported from Quetta, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Pishin
Most of the casualties were reported from Quetta, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Pishin, Zhob, Dukki, Kohlu, Harnai, Sibi and Lasbella. Heavy rainfall played havoc in Quetta’s Link Badini Road, Kharotabad, Pashtoonabad, Nawan Killi, Sariab Road and other poor neighborhoods of the city.
Rains have damaged dozens of small bridges and delay and check dams in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. Videos widely shared on social media show dams and bridges being swept away in floods and heavy rainfall.
“We have ordered the concerned deputy commissioners to assess the damages”, Mir Ziaullah Langove, the Balochistan Home Minister said. He said the government was aware of the difficulties of the masses.
Pak Army FC personnel assisting civil administration
Personnel of the Pak Army, Frontier Corps (FC) assisted the PDMA and civil administration during rescue and relief operations throughout the province. Pak Army personnel were seen rescuing the trapped people in Gwadar, Killa Saifullah, and other parts of the province.
Heavy rainfall and floods have left thousands of people homeless in Balochistan. Most people are still in desperate need of support. “Government should practically launch relief operation rather than words”, Fazal ur Rehman, a tribal elder from Pishin said.
He said flash floods unleashed by heavy rainfall have swept away most of the bridges and small dams in the district. “Government should compensate the people for their human and financial losses”, he demanded.
