News Desk: Torrential rains combined with strong winds, thunder, and hail have created emergency-like conditions in more than 30 districts of Balochistan during the last 24 hours. The sudden downpour has led to flash flooding, damaged roads and homes, and caused major disruptions in communication and transportation.
Heavy rainfall lashed several areas including Quetta, Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbela, Hub, Gwadar, Qila Abdullah, Zhob, Harnai, Loralai, Kohlu, Mastung, Sherani, and Ziarat on Wednesday, turning low-lying zones into waterlogged patches and triggering fast-moving floods in seasonal streams.
Young Girl Loses Life to Lightning
Tragedy struck in Dhadhar town when a 12-year-old girl was fatally struck by lightning. The bolt also damaged a local electricity transformer, adding to the power-related problems in the area.
In many places, mobile networks and internet services went down, cutting off communication between remote regions and the rest of the province.
In Kachhi district, surging waters from the Nari River and nearby hill torrents flooded Ghazi village. Eight houses were completely washed away while ten others suffered serious damage. Local crops were also ruined, forcing families to seek higher ground independently.
Timely Rescues Save Lives
Rescue teams remained active across the province. In Qila Abdullah district, authorities successfully pulled 15 passengers, including women and children, from a stranded mini-coach trapped in rising floodwaters. Two more vehicles were rescued from the Machka stream. Thankfully, no one was injured in these incidents.
A supply truck was also swept away near Gulistan, but all occupants remained safe.
Roads Closed, Travel Restrictions Enforced
Major routes, including the Quetta-Chaman highway, have been badly affected by high water levels. Several roads linking Harnai to Quetta, Sibi, and Punjab are now impassable. Passenger vehicles have been left stranded in seasonal rivers in Pishin and Toba Achakzai.
Local administrations have banned all vehicle movement near nullahs and streams. Section 144 is already in effect in vulnerable districts, and police have been instructed to stay on high alert.
Weather Alert Extended
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning, stating that heavy rainfall, windstorms, and hail may continue across Balochistan until April 3, 2026. Northeastern and central districts, including Zhob, Sherani, Sibi, Kohlu, Qila Abdullah, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Lasbela, face the highest risk of further flash flooding in hill torrents.
Officials have also cautioned that gusty winds and lightning could damage weak infrastructure such as electricity poles, billboards, and solar panels.
Government on High Alert
In response to the situation, Deputy Commissioner of Kachhi district chaired an emergency meeting with all concerned departments. A detailed contingency plan was prepared focusing on evacuation of low-lying areas, constant monitoring of embankments, and keeping rescue teams and equipment ready around the clock.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has strongly advised residents to stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying zones and to avoid all non-essential travel until the weather improves.
Authorities continue to monitor water levels in dams and streams while appealing to the public to remain cautious and follow official instructions to prevent further loss of life and property.
