File Photo: People gathered at dam washed away by floods in Noshki Balochistan: Photo taken from social media

Manan Mandokhail:

QUETTA: Balochistan ministers have said the government was well-prepared to cope with the next predicted monsoon rainfall in the province. Balochistan received 500 percent more rain as compared to the past, Muhammad Khan Lehri, the Balochistan Irrigation Minister said.

Addressing a press conference along with other ministers, he said only 12 dams were washed away in flood out of a total of 1020 dams constructed in the province. “We have ordered an inquiry of the breaching of 12 dams in the province”, Mr.Lehri said.

Health minister Balochistan, Syed Ehsan Shah, Home Minister Balochistan, Mir Ziaullah Langove and others were also present on the occasion.

PDMA provides foodstuff to 25,000 families: Minister

Home Minister Balochistan, Mir Ziaullah Langove said the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has provided one month’s foodstuff to over 25,000 families in flood-affected areas of the province. Addressing a press conference on Friday in Quetta, he said rescue teams have evacuated thousands of stranded families to safer places in Lasbela, Jhal Magsi, Killa Abdullah, Kech and other parts of Balochistan.

“Despite meager resources, we provided support to every flood-affected person”, Mr. Lango said. He reiterated that flash floods unleashed by heavy rainfall have claimed 166 lives across the province. Over 1,000 people have sustained injuries in floods-related incidents.

“This cycle of rains has come after 30 years in Balochistan”

“This cycle of rains has come after 30 years in Balochistan”, Syed Ehsan Shah said. He said the province has suffered a lot in terms of human losses and financial losses. Mr. Shah stated that floods have washed away highways, and small roads and delay and check dams.

The health minister stated that the department has established free medical camps in various parts of Balochistan to provide medical treatment to the patients. He said thousands of patients have been treated in free medical camps in Balochistan.

Syed Ehsan Shah appreciated the Pakistan Army for launching rescue and relief operations in various parts of the province. He however expressed concern over the martyrdom of Commander 12 Corps, Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Ali  and other military officers. “Military officers sacrificed their lives while supporting the people of Balochistan”, he said.

Balochistan Home Minister, Mir Ziaullah Langove said flash floods unleashed by torrential rains inflicted heavy financial losses in Quetta and other parts of the province. Rains played havoc in various parts of the province.

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Quetta Voice is an English Daily covering all unfolding political, economic and social issues relating to Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province in terms of area. QV's main focus is on stories related to education, promotion of quality education and publishing reports about out of school children in the province. QV has also a vigilant eye on health, climate change and other key sectors.